Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of preparations for stabilizing isolated proteins. In particular, the use of such a preparation for stabilizing receptors in biochemical sensors is disclosed. The invention in addition relates to biochemical sensors containing such preparations.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to methods for detecting and quantitating plasma-derived protein and recombinant protein in a sample based on the difference in protein glycosylation, when the plasma protein and the recombinant protein are essentially the same protein.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the T-cell mitogenicity of lectin compositions are provided. In one aspect this is achieved by chemically modifying mitogenic lectin compositions under optimized conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the reduction in T-cell mitogenicity is achieved by removing unmodified subunits chemically modified mixtures. Modified lectin compositions with reduced T-cell mitogenicity are also provided as are uses of the inventive compositions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for measuring a glycan-marker glycoprotein, by which liver disease can be detected with higher accuracy than is possible with conventional methods. Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for examining liver disease, by which liver disease can be detected with higher accuracy than is possible with conventional methods. Disclosed is a method for measuring at least one glycoprotein selected from alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and Mac-2-binding protein (M2BP) contained in a sample collected from a subject, comprising: measuring AGP binding to a first lectin selected from AOL and MAL, when the glycoprotein is AGP; and measuring M2BP binding to a second lectin selected from WFA, BPL, AAL, RCA120, and TJAII, when the glycoprotein is M2BP.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for continuously detecting glucose concentration in a sample, including: (a) providing a biosensor comprising a transducer and a polysaccharide covered on the surface of the transducer; (b) providing a carbohydrate binding protein solution, wherein the carbohydrate binding protein has at least one receptor, and the receptor is capable of binding to the polysaccharide and glucose; (c) mixing a sample and the carbohydrate binding protein solution to form a mixture; (d) contacting the mixture with the biosensor; (e) detecting the amount of carbohydrate binding proteins bound to the polysaccharide by the biosensor, wherein glucose concentration of the sample is inversely proportional to the amount of carbohydrate binding proteins bound to the polysaccharide; and (f) refreshing the surface of the biosensor with a high concentration glucose solution.

Abstract: Provided are methods, test devices, and diagnostic kits for predicting, assessing, and diagnosing the risk of a disease using salivary analysis. The methods comprise providing a whole (unfractionated) saliva sample from a subject; contacting an aliquot of the saliva with two or more lectins under conditions that allow the two or more lectins to bind to a lectin-binding component of the saliva; detecting the amount of bound lectin; and comparing the amount of bound lectin to the amount known to bind a saliva sample from a control patient, to predict the risk of a disease in the subject. Also provided are methods for reducing the risk of a disease and a method for assessing the risk of the disease at a defined level.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to methods for detecting and quantitating plasma-derived protein and recombinant protein in a sample based on the difference in protein glycosylation, when the plasma protein and the recombinant protein are essentially the same protein.

Abstract: Provided are methods, test devices, and diagnostic kits for predicting, assessing, and diagnosing the risk of a disease using salivary analysis. The methods comprise providing a whole (unfractionated) saliva sample from a subject; contacting an aliquot of the saliva with two or more lectins under conditions that allow the two or more lectins to bind to a lectin-binding component of the saliva; detecting the amount of bound lectin; and comparing the amount of bound lectin to the amount known to bind a saliva sample from a control patient, to predict the risk of a disease in the subject. Also provided are methods for reducing the risk of a disease and a method for assessing the risk of the disease at a defined level.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the T-cell mitogenicity of lectin compositions are provided. In one aspect this is achieved by chemically modifying mitogenic lectin compositions under optimized conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the reduction in T-cell mitogenicity is achieved by removing unmodified subunits chemically modified mixtures. Modified lectin compositions with reduced T-cell mitogenicity are also provided as are uses of the inventive compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and kits for use in diagnosing genetically transmitted diseases that are associated with deficiencies in glycosylation of glycoconjugates such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteoglycans. The methods and kits are also useful for monitoring the course of treatment of diseases that are associated with glycosylation disorders.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous fluid, such as whole blood, to test for presence and/or amount of a suspected analyte in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount of the analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes fluid volume control dams to prevent spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical reagent solution that facilitates end-point testing.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring the immune response and predicting clinical outcomes for patients on immunosuppressive drugs (such as transplant patients) are provided. The methods are based on the measurement of an intracellular metabolic marker in lymphocytes (such as ATP) as an indicator of a patient's immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for amplifying the detection signal in surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based flow systems. The signal amplification methods comprise the use of well established marker systems that provide a precipitate. The marker systems include, for example, enzyme and nucleation systems. Enzymes suitable for use as a marker system include peroxidases and phosphatases. The amplification system is useful in any SPR-based detection system including microfluidic systems, e.g., “lab on a chip” systems and the like. The methods can comprise any SPR-based assay format, including typical immunoassay formats. The immunoassay formats can include competitive and sandwich assays. Analyte capture agents can include antibodies, lectins, carbohydrates, polynucleotides, receptor proteins, and the like.

Abstract: It is intended to provide lectins and a lectin library comprising these lectins which are useful in recognizing differences in carbohydrates on cell surface (for example, sugar chains and cell surface glycoproteins) reflecting extremely subtle differences among cells, etc. and thus distinguishing, identifying or fractionating various cells.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and kits for use in diagnosing genetically transmitted diseases that are associated with deficiencies in glycosylation of glycoconjugates such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteoglycans. The methods and kits are also useful for monitoring the course of treatment of diseases that are associated with glycosylation disorders.

Abstract: A polysaccharide coated carrier having a coating of at least two successive layers of polysaccharide. The first polysaccharide layer spontaneously associates with a second polysaccharide layer and, optionally, the carrier. Each successive layer of polysaccharide spontaneously associates with a preceding layer. Spontaneous association occurs due to the presence of oppositely charged functional groups on each layer of polysaccharide or due to a spontaneous reaction between the functional groups the layers. The carrier may be any surface such as a tube, microtitration plate, bead, particle or the like and is suitable for use in diagnostic or therapeutic methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are sensors for use in testing biological, biochemical, chemical or environmental samples, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying an antibody having a desired property, which comprises using a substance having an affinity to a carbohydrate binding to the antibody; a medicament comprising, as an active ingredient, the antibody purified by the process; and a method for diagnosing or preventing various diseases, which comprises using a substance having an affinity to a carbohydrate binding to an antibody.

Abstract: Separation apparatus and method for separating magnetic and/or magnetically-labeled particles from a test medium. Test medium within a reaction chamber is caused to flow past a collecting surface, and a high-gradient magnetic field is applied to the surface to capture magnetically responsive particles in the test medium. The particles are deflected toward the collection surface by baffles, a spinner, or a sprayer, or are funneled past the surface by a plunger operable to be displaced into close proximity to the surface to provide a narrow flow path for the particle-laden test medium. The particles normally suspended in the medium are separated out of suspension by adhesion to the collection surface. The particles may be resuspended by removal of the surface from the high-gradient field, or removal of the high-gradient field from the surface. The collection surface is a thin-walled non-magnetic material having a plurality of magnetic pole faces positioned therearound.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous fluid, such as whole blood, to test for presence and/or amount of a suspected analyte in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount of the analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes fluid volume control dams to prevent spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical reagent solution that facilitates end-point testing.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous fluid, such as whole blood, to test for presence and/or amount of a suspected analyte in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount of the analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes fluid volume control dams to prevent spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical reagent solution that facilitates end-point testing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles of manufacture inclusive of or in combination with a biological assay material, formed from a material capable of detecting and identifying the presence of one or more particular toxic substances, wherein said toxic substances may comprise a multiplicity of biological materials.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery of reduced valency carbohydrate binding ligands (CBLs) that can be used to to detect or quantitate (i.e., evaluate) carbohydrates in a sample. CBLs can be used with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to evaluate free carbohydrates or those within a carbohydrate containing compound.

Abstract: Provided are methods, and assay kits, and compositions useful for generating an indicator of a disease condition selected from the group consisting of multiple sclerosis (MS), a pro-MS immune response, and a combination thereof. A method for assaying a sample of an individual for an indicator of the disease condition comprises contacting the sample with a combination of two or more affinity ligands, at least one of which comprises a detection reagent; measuring an amount of the detection reagent which is bound to the sample in determining a value of a marker in the sample; wherein a difference in the value of the marker determined in the sample, when compared to the reference value, comprises an indicator of the presence of the disease condition.

Abstract: The invention provides a cDNA which encodes tapasin-like protein. It also provides for the use of the cDNA, protein, and antibody in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of therapies for cancer. The invention further provides vectors and host cells for the production of the protein and transgenic model systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioassay materials useful for the detection of toxic substances and, more particularly, to packaging materials for food and other products, along with methods for their manufacture and use. The invention provides a unique composite material capable of detecting and identifying multiple biological materials within a single package. The biological material identification system is designed for incorporation into existing types of flexible packaging material such as polyvinylchloride or polyolefin films, and its introduction into the existing packaging infrastructure will require little or no change to present systems or procedures.

Abstract: Approaches are described for separating plasma from whole blood samples and include the use of magnetically attractable particles associated with an agglutinating agent. The magnetically attractable particles bind the cellular components in a whole blood sample. Application of a magnetic field gradient to a container with the blood sample and the magnetically attractable particles draws the particles to the surface of the container near the source of the magnetic field gradient. The plasma can be removed and stored or used for monitoring or detecting analytes in the plasma.

Abstract: An increased risk of a fetal chromosomal abnormality, for example, fetal Down syndrome can be detected by separating or discriminating &agr;-fetoproteins present in the body fluid of a pregnant woman, and measuring the proportion of one or more of the &agr;-fetoproteins which have a specific sugar chain structure, relative to the total &agr;-fetoproteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides biologically active linear polypeptides that possess a plurality of biologically active groups, methods employing such peptides to target molecules to cells, and methods employing such peptides for inhibiting the binding of cells to each other.

Abstract: The subject matter of this invention is a method of determining terminal sialic acid residues in human transferrin according to a sandwich principle, which is characterized in that the sample fluid containing the human transferrin is incubated with a first receptor which binds specifically to human transferrin, the thus-formed complex is separated from the sample fluid and incubated with a second receptor which binds specifically to terminal sialic acid residues in human transferrin, the second receptor being bound or able to bind to a marker, and the complex made up of the first receptor, human transferrin and the second receptor is determined with the marker. According to one embodiment, the method of the invention allows the determination of sialic-acid-deficient human transferrin in body fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out mixing in a thin liquid layer, which is arranged between essentially parallel walls at a capillary distance from each other. The mixing is carried out by subjecting the walls to a motion essentially in the plane of the liquid layer, balancing the motion against the capillary force exerted by the walls on the liquid, and selecting the interface between the liquid layer and the surrounding medium so that it functions as an elastic membrane. The invention also concerns a cuvette which is designed for mixing according to the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte, said method comprising the steps of: (a) bringing together in an aqueous medium to form a mixture: (i) the sample; (ii) at least one specific binder for the analyte; (iii) a first binding agent coupled to either (1) exogenous analyte or (2) the specific binder for the analyte; (iv) a support comprising a second binding agent; b) adding an activator to the mixture, wherein the activator binds the first binding agent and the second binding agent of the support to immobilize the first binding agent; c)determining the amount of the analyte in the sample by detecting the immobilized first binding agent, the presence or amount thereof being related to the presence or amount of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous fluid, such as whole blood, to test for presence and/or amount of a suspected analyte in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount of the analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes fluid volume control dams to prevent spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical reagent solution that facilitates end-point testing. The improved test strip comprises (a) an upper support strip having a fluid receiving port and (b) a lower support strip having a color change viewing port and securely sandwiched therebetween (c) a spreading mesh screen for uniformly distributing the fluid, (d) a chemically treated separating layer for removing an undesirable element, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a viscometric method of detecting the presence or absence of an analyte in a solution. The method utilizes a dispersion of a conjugate and a receptor. The conjugate functions as an analog of the analyte, and the receptor can interact with both the analyte and the conjugate to change the viscosity of the dispersion. The test solution is introduced into an aliquot of the dispersion. Equivalent spots of the dispersion and the aliquot containing the analyte within the dispersion are then placed on a substrate such that the spots can spread upon the substrate. The presence of analyte in the test solution is detected by noting a change in the viscosity of the dispersion through a comparison of the spots. To facilitate the method, the invention provides a test kit comprising a conjugate comprising an analog of the analyte, a receptor binding the analog and the analyte, and a substrate upon which spots of liquid can spread.

Abstract: A mass biosensor uses an intermediate avidin layer to facilitate binding of a biotinylated antibody to a measurement surface of the biosensor. The avidin layer can be added by the manufacturer of the biosensor, while the biotinylated layer can be added by the user. This two-phase method of chemically modifying the measurement surface significantly reduces the user time required to customize the measurement surface to render it capable of binding selected compounds. An organosilane coupling agent attached to the surface provides sites to which avidin is bound. Avidin acts as a universal receptor of biotinylated compounds with specific binding affinities. Biotinylated antibodies or other biotinylated compounds are added and bind to the immobilized avidin. Surface adsorption is reduced by washing the modified surface with biotin to block potential sites of weak bond formation, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a carbohydrate in a sample. The method includes providing a low valency carbohydrate binding ligand, providing a glycoconjugate which includes a label, and a carbohydrate moiety, contacting the low valency carbohydrate binding ligand and the glycoconjugate with the sample, determining the extent of binding of the low valency carbohydrate binding ligand with the glycoconjugate, the binding of the low valency carbohydrate binding ligand with the glycoconjugate being correlated with the amount of carbohydrate in the sample.

Abstract: A biosensor in which a carbohydrate or a derivative of a carbohydrate is used to generate a detectable signal by way of the specific binding to a protein, a virus or a cell.

Abstract: A process for selectively immobilizing viral glycoproteins on lectin-coated surfaces for use in solid phase immunoassays is disclosed. This method does not require that the virus or antigen be purified prior to immobilization. This method provides an inexpensive and effective immunoassay method to screen fluids for the presence of viral antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for biotinylating a desired subset of a larger population of proteins, wherein the subset of proteins is first selectively bound to a solid phase, thereby separating it from undesired proteins of the population, and then, still bound to solid phase, it is biotinylated. Unreacted biotin may then be washed from the solid phase, and the biotinylated protein may be uncoupled from the solid phase.

Abstract: Reagents that specifically bind a carbohydrate target wherein sialic acid is linked at the nonreducing terminus of a glycoside to a galactose or galactosamine residue through an .alpha.2-6 linkage are able to inhibit the conversion of human Factor X to human Factor Xa. These reagents (SA/Gal/GalNAc binding reagents) as well as other strategies for inhibiting the conversion of Factor X to Factor Xa are useful in treating thrombosis, inflammation and other conditions associated with excess thrombin activity.

Abstract: Amaranthin, a new lectin isolated from the seeds of Amaranthus caudatus, is purified and characterized. Amaranthin, designated ACA (Amaranthus caudatus agglutinin), has a high affinity for the T-antigen glycoconjugate and variants thereof expressed by proliferating colorectal epithelium. ACA selectively binds glycoconjugates in the lower half of the colonic crypt and is useful as a marker of colonic epithelial cell differentiation in the human colon. ACA also binds to glycoconjugates in neoplastic colonic tissues, and binds to preneoplastic polypoid and flat colonic tissue from patients with familial polyposis coli. ACA is also readily adapted for quantitative measurement of lectin-binding sites. ACA binding assays can thus be used for detecting early stage abnormalities of proliferation and differentiation in normal-appearing preneoplastic colorectal epithelium and to diagnose neoplastic premalignant and malignant colorectal lesions.

Abstract: Provided for use in site-directed chemotherapy are compositions comprising chemotherapeutic agents targeted to either arrested metastatic cells via a cell-surface marker associated with metastasis; or are targeted to type 1 endothelial cells of the tissue comprising the organ site at which metastatic cells arrest such that (a) any arrested metastatic tumor cells are then exposed to the chemotherapeutic agent, and/or (b) the endothelial cells are altered thereby inhibiting the ability of the metastatic tumor cells to arrest, survive or proliferate in that site. Also provided are methods of site-directed chemotherapy of metastatic cells of non-lymphoid tumor origin. Site-directed chemotherapy comprises introducing a therapeutically effective amount of a chemotherapeutic agent directly into a vascular access of the organ having, or suspected of having, arrested metastatic cells thereby concentrating the therapy in the prometastatic territories of the treated organ.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous fluid, such as whole blood, to test for presence and/or amount of a suspected analyte in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount of the analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes fluid volume control dams to prevent spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical reagent solution that facilitates end-point testing. The improved test strip comprises (a) an upper support strip having a fluid receiving port and (b) a lower support strip having a color change viewing port and securely sandwiched therebetween (c) a spreading mesh screen for uniformly distributing the fluid, (d) a chemically treated separating layer for removing an undesirable element, e.g.

Abstract: Gliotoxic factor in the isolated or purified state, characterized in that it possesses toxic activity with respect to human or animal astrocytic cells, having the effect of a cytomorphological disorganization of their network of intermediate filaments and/or a degradation of the proteins of said intermediate filaments and/or cell death, in particular by apoptosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to identification of a new key marker namely 9-O-Acetylated sialoglycoconjugate with the help of a known 9-O acetylsialic acid binding lectin, Achatinin-H useful for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis, by a rapid, accurate haemagglutination assay.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polypeptides possessing part or all of the amino acid sequence or primary structural conformation and one or more of the biological properties of certain galactoside-binding-proteins with apparent molecular weights of 34,000 and 31,000. Genomic DNA, cDNA and manufactured DNA sequences coding for part or all of the sequences of amino acid residues of L-34-gal-lectin and L-31-gal-lectin are incorporated into vectors used to transform a host cell in culture. Also provided are antibodies against L-34-gal-lectin and L-31-gal-lectin and a method for inhibiting mammalian cell metastasis by treating mammalian cells in a living host with antibodies against L-34-gal-lectin or L-31-gal-lectin. A method of determining the metastatic potential of mammalian cells is also provided by which cells in vitro are contacted with antibodies against L-34-gal-lectin or L-31-gal-lectin which are labeled with a detectable probe.

Abstract: An in vitro diagnostic test for analyzing body fluid so as to obtain an indication of the risk of developing insulin dependent diabetes-mellitus (IDDM) is provided. A solid phase containing immobilized pancreatic antigens is contacted with a test sample. The solid phase includes a water insoluble polymer carrier, a lectin attached to the water insoluble polymer, and mammal derived pancreatic proteins. The pancreatic proteins include pancreatic antigens which are reactive to islet cell autoantibodies which are routinely detected in the blood of patients who have recently been diagnosed as having insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). A test sample is incubated with the solid phase containing immobilized pancreatic antigens for a sufficient time to allow a reaction between the immobilized pancreatic antigens and autoantibodies to the pancreatic antigens in the sample to bind the autoantibodies to the solid phase.

Abstract: Two or more analytes having the same action, or having different actions in spite of their similar structures, or two or more analytes having the same action and the same detectable chemical characteristics, in samples derived from living bodies, etc., can be measured rapidly and easily by forming one or more complexes with one or more affinity substances, separating the complexes by using high pressure liquid chromatography, followed by measurement of the amount of an affinity substance or one of the analytes.

Abstract: A solid phase method of detection or assay of the presence or amount in a serum or plasma sample of a target antibody specific to a cell surface antigen. The sample is contacted with an immobilised preparation of cells bearing the antigen and antibody bound thereto is detected or assayed by means of an indicator comprising a binding partner for the antibody bound to labelled latex particles.

Abstract: Red blood cells are removed from whole blood or a fraction thereof by agglutinating whole blood with a mixture of a free agglutinating agent and nucleating particles having agglutinating agent intimately associated therewith to form clusters of red blood cells. High molecular weight polyethylene glycol may be added further to enhance agglutination. The clusters of red blood cells are much larger than the size of individual red blood cells, so that the clusters can easily be filtered through a porous medium. The plasma, which is substantially free of red blood cells, is further passed through a filter that optionally contains an additional agglutinating agent. Flow-delay additives may be provided to retain the fluid sample in contact with a reagent for a predetermined time.