Abstract: A test module for amplifying and detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the target nucleic acid sequences, an array of electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, and, electrodes positioned for receiving an electrical pulse, the probe-target hybrids being configured to emit a photon of light when excited by current between the electrodes, and, a photosensor for detecting the light emitted by the probes, wherein during use, addition of the fluid to the probes prevents subsequent addition of other fluid to the probes.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for analyzing leukocytes in a blood sample, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a sample of blood, a dialysis section for separating erythrocytes from leukocytes in the blood, and, a microsystems technology (MST) layer for analyzing the leukocytes, wherein, the inlet, the dialysis section and the MST layer are all supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for installation in a test module for analyzing a sample fluid and communicating test results to an external device, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry on the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry having a universal serial bus (USB) device driver for operative control of a USB plug in the test module for communication with the external device.

Abstract: A gene or protein set includes at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and possibly 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 genes or proteins, antibodies or hypervariable portion thereof directed against the proteins encoded by these genes.

Abstract: The use of microfluidic structures enables high throughput screening of protein crystallization. In one embodiment, an integrated combinatoric mixing chip allows for precise metering of reagents to rapidly create a large number of potential crystallization conditions, with possible crystal formations observed on chip. In an alternative embodiment, the microfluidic structures may be utilized to explore phase space conditions of a particular protein crystallizing agent combination, thereby identifying promising conditions and allowing for subsequent focused attempts to obtain crystal growth.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiplexed assay device comprising a reaction chamber and several sets of encoded microcarriers 2 wherein the reaction chamber is a microchannel 1 and wherein the longitudinal movement of the microcarriers 2 is restricted and wherein the microcarriers 2 have a shape in relation to the geometry of the microchannel 1 such that at least two can stand side by side in the microchannel 1 without touching each other and without touching the perimeter of the microchannel 1 and are preferably observable in the reaction chamber. Moreover, the invention provides a method for performing multiplexed assay based on microcarriers 2 that improves mass transfer, simplifies the preparation and the execution of the assay and facilitates readout of biological reactions and identity of microcarriers 2.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object capable of emitting light. The apparatus includes a light source and a waveguide. The waveguide includes a core layer and a first cladding layer. At least one nanowell is formed in at least the first cladding layer. The apparatus further includes a light detector. The light detector can detect a light emitted from a single molecule object contained in the at least one nanowell.

Abstract: A novel approach for fabricating Monolithic Internal micro Pillars (MIPi) made of SU-8 photoresist is described. A microfluidic chip with the internal pillars (a MIPi chip) was used for cell capturing study. The surface of MIPi was coated with specific antibody and then used for capturing cells by affinity binding. An antibody, anti-EGFR, which has high affinity to lung cancer cells, CL1-5, was coated on the micro pillars. The coated MIPi chip specifically captured the cancer cells that were pumped through the MIPi chip. Simulation and experiment was carried out to compare the effect of different geometry of the micro pillars on the cell capturing rate.

Abstract: Methods and devices use in two-color measurement systems. The methods and devices include methods of making corrections, methods of calculating correction factors, fluorescence scanners, and microarray chips. The said methods and devices enable a user to correct fluorescence intensities for errors caused by the occurrence of FRET and /or cross-talk when two fluorophores are used in two-color fluorescence arrays.

Abstract: A process for testing the effectiveness of demulsifying additives on oil/water emulsions includes adding samples containing differing combinations of oil, water and demulsifier to a plurality of elongate reactor vials, wherein each the elongate reactor vial has a longitudinal axis extending from its bottom to its rim. The plurality of reactor vials are placed into a reaction block mounted on a platform of a shaker, wherein the reactor vials are received in stations of the reaction block in a vertical orientation such that the longitudinal axis of each reactor vial is perpendicular to the platform. The reaction block is pivoted the so that the longitudinal axis of each reactor vial is parallel with the platform in a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensing device for sensing a fluid. The sensing device comprises an inlet port (20) for receiving the fluid (100) and a measurement chamber (25) for sensing the fluid (100). The sensing device further comprises a fluid channel (30) coupling the inlet port (20) and the measurement chamber (25) for transporting the fluid (100) from the inlet port (20) to the measurement chamber (25) and a fluid stop unit (50) for stopping and controllably releasing the flow of fluid between the inlet port (20) and the measurement chamber (25). This allows stopping the fluid before reaching the measurement chamber (25) and controllably releasing the fluid for allowing the fluid to flow into the measurement chamber (25), if the sensing device is ready for analyzing the fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to strategies and methods of amplifying short target sequences and removing flanking sequences from target nucleic acids to remove background signal when detecting hybridizations events using sensitive detection biosensors, such as biosensors based on nanowires, carbon nanotubes, nanopores etc, that may be capable of detecting molecules at small molar concentrations (fM and less), or even at the single molecule level. Furthermore, by cropping and therefore standardizing the size of the target sequences to be detected, when detecting many target sequences in an array, the signals across each biosensor can be compared and the hybridization conditions standardized easily.

Abstract: Provided are a method and means permitting the simultaneous measurement of the reactive properties of more than 10,000 of antigen-stimulated lymphocytes being held on a chip and the separate determination of the states of individual cells. A microwell array comprises multiple wells and a coating layer on one of the principal surfaces of a base member, the wells being of a size permitting the entry of only a single cell into each well. A coating layer of a substance capable of binding to a substance produced by the cells contained in the wells is present on the principal surface around the wells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing pancreatic cancer (PaCa) or the precursor diseases and/or concomitant diseases thereof, in particular pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), pancreatic lesions, chronic pancreatitis (CP), including endocrine pancreatic tumors. In said method, the diagnosis is performed using selected biomarkers. The invention further relates to biomarker combinations suitable for carrying out said method, particularly for in vitro diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention provides a high-throughput method for quantitating plant seed proteins, e.g. seed allergens. Such method involves obtaining a protein sample from the seed; analyzing the sample using mass spectrometry with a set of pre-designed internal standard peptides that are specific to the plant allergens; and monitoring frequencies and intensities of resulting spectra to obtain relative and absolute allergen contents in the seed. The invention also provides a system for high-throughput profiling of plant seed allergens. Such system comprises a set of pre-designed internal standard peptides that are specific to the plant seed allergens and one or more mass spectrometers.

Abstract: Assay devices comprising substrates functionalized to comprise probe species on multiple separate regions are provided. Ten thousand to a hundred thousand separate regions can be provided in a substrate of one square centimeter. The separate regions can comprise separate probe species, or in another embodiment, multiple different probe species can be present on each single functionalized region. The probe species are selected to be specific for binding to target species of interest in a sample. Methods and systems for making these devices are also provided. The devices are useful, for example for assaying molecules in a human sample that are reactive to a large number of different allergens placed on the substrate.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting protein-nucleic acid and cell-nucleic acid hybridization, using surface-tethered aptamer probes, without the use of labeling or target modification and capable of recycling.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for a confocal fluorescence detection system has an input channel defined by a body of the microfluidic device, a sample concentration section defined by the body of the microfluidic device and in fluid connection with the input channel, a mixing section defined by the body of the microfluidic device and in fluid connection with the concentration section, and a detection region that is at least partially transparent to illumination light of the confocal fluorescence detection system and at least partially transparent to fluorescent light when emitted from a sample under observation as the sample flows through the detection region.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, assays, and devices for assaying a sample to detect the presence, absence, or level of at least one analyte in a biological sample using a pan-antibody panel or multiplexed immunoassay, wherein at least one analyte is detected by two or more antibodies. Certain embodiments include the use of a microfluidic device in the immunoassay. Further embodiments of the invention include assays, methods, and devices to detect the presence, absence, or level of at least one analyte which is determined for a diagnostic or a scientific purpose. Still further embodiments of the invention include assays, methods, and devices to detect the presence, absence, or level of at least one analyte which is indicative of a condition or disease. Yet further embodiments of the invention include incorporating additional diagnostic techniques (e.g., PCR, RT-PCR, and DNA hybridization arrays) to the assays, device, and methods.

Abstract: Methods and systems for real-time monitoring of optical signals from arrays of signal sources, and particularly optical signal sources that have spectrally different signal components. Systems include signal source arrays in optical communication with optical trains that direct excitation radiation to and emitted signals from such arrays and image the signals onto detector arrays, from which such signals may be subjected to additional processing.

Abstract: A microplate for use within an interrogation system and a method of using the microplate are disclosed. The microplate contains within the bottom of each well, an optical waveguide grating based sensor. Approximate to each sensor is a mask having an aperture of predetermined size. The aperture regulates the light that enters and exits the sensor upon successive scans and ensures repeatable readings from the sensor. In an extended embodiment, a method of detection is disclosed that utilizes a launch and receive system while employing the aforementioned microplate.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are provided for diagnosing, preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis infection and stimulating immune responses in patients are disclosed. The compounds disclosed are include polypeptides and fusion proteins that contain at least one immunogenic portion of one or more Leishmania antigens, or a variant thereof. Additionally, methods of screening a screening library for tandem repeat proteins that have immunogenic properties are disclosed. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising polynucleotides, polypeptides, fusion proteins and variants thereof that may be used for the prevention and therapy of leishmaniasis, as well as for the detection of Leishmaniasis infection are described.

Abstract: Selecting and propagating a cell colony of interest from among a plurality of cell colonies carried on a common substrate in culture is carried out by: (a) selecting a cell colony of interest from among the plurality of cell colonies; (b) isolating a cell subset from the cell colony of interest; (c) analyzing (for example, by a destructive analysis) the cell subset isolated from the cell colony of interest to confirm the presence or absence of a desired feature therein; and then (d) propagating the cell colony of interest when the desired feature is present in the cell subset. A micropallet apparatus may include: (a) a substrate; (b) a plurality of discrete arrays formed on the substrate, each of the arrays comprising a plurality of releasable pallets, and (c) a plurality of gap forming regions, wherein the gap forming regions surround the pallets and separate the pallets from one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-throughput analysis apparatus. The high-throughput analysis apparatus comprises a sample introduction unit, a flow control unit, a separation unit, a detection unit, a signal collecting unit and a signal processing unit. Several methods using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A diagnosis apparatus is provided. A gene chip having a target gene cluster is used with the apparatus. The target gene cluster comprises a plurality of target genes related to a cancer. Thus, a fast, accurate, sensitive and cheap WEnCA-Chipball platform is provided for mass analysis and automatic operation while human error and time for diagnosis are both reduced.

Abstract: Methods, substrates, and systems for diagnostic sequencing are provided. Small circles of nucleic acids from about 10 bases to about 200 bases can be sequenced, for example using template dependent sequencing by synthesis. The use of small circles of nucleic acids allows for repeated sequencing of the same portions of the nucleic acid, providing for higher accuracy sequence determinations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for detecting and/or quantifying one or multiple target molecules present in a solution by quantifying online their binding on specific capture molecules immobilized at different locations (spots) of a surface of an optically transparent solid support without substantial detection of target molecules present in solution. The present invention allows multiple target assays to be performed in a simultaneous detection. More particularly, the invention comprises detecting in real-time the hybridization between capture DNA molecules present on a micro-array and target polynucleotides present in solution. The invention is also related to real-time PCR of multiple targets on a micro-array.

Abstract: The present invention describes microfluidics being employed to achieve multiplex surface functionalization of nanosensor chips by selectively delivering probe molecules to individual nanosensors in an array, and microfluidics being employed to achieve delivery of a solution containing multiple analytes over individual nanosensors in an array, where each nanosensor was previously configured with a specific capture molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a substrate for selecting and specifically influencing the function of cells by the adhesion thereof to substrate surfaces having prescribed properties. Said substrates comprise various surface regions each representing a condition affecting the cell adhesion and/or cell function, and said conditions are determined by a geometric property and/or a mechanical property or a combination of a geometric property and/or a mechanical property with a chemical property of each surface region. The invention further relates to analysis devices and to analysis methods using said substrates for identifying and selecting particular cell types, for identifying suitable substrate conditions for affecting a particular cell function or particular cell type or for identifying disease states characterized by a change in the cell type or cell function.

Abstract: An integrated imaging system, e.g., a microsystem, for detecting activity of a biological target, for example, in response to a stimulus, includes an array of pixels arranged on a substrate, each pixel including a photodetector disposed to be in optical communication with a biological target on a surface of the substrate; and at least first and second electrodes arranged in electrical communication with the biological target.

Abstract: A device for studying individual cells including a picowell array (such as an array of microwells, dimples, depressions, tubes or enclosures) and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the picowells through channels is disclosed. Preferably, the device has a moveable lid that in one rest location allows loading of cells in the picowell array. Preferably the channels of the device are capillary channels. Also disclosed is a device for the automated study of cells including a picowell-bearing device having a picowell array with a moveable lid, a lid-moving component, at least one solution dispensing component and a control system functionally associated with the lid-moving component as well as with the solution dispensing component.

Abstract: Provided are methods, systems and kits for predicting post-relapse survival of a cancer patient and for identifying cancer genes predictive of the post-relapse survival of the patient. Values representing gene expression levels of a group of genes associated with survival of the cancer cells are determined using gene expression profiling platforms and a plurality of probe sets that hybridize to one or more of the genes in the group. A predictive model establishes a predictive value based on the weighted contribution of each gene associated with survival of the cancer cells to risk of death for the cancer patient and imports expression values of the genes in the group that is indicative of a risk of death for the relapsed patient.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn toward a chemical or biological sensor that can comprise a semi-conducting nanowire and a chemical or biological sensing molecule tethered to the semi-conducting nanowire through a spacer group including a hydrophilic reactive group. In one embodiment, the semi-conducting nanowire can be part of an array of like or similar semi-conducting nanowires. Electrical leads can provide an electrical current to the array, and a signal measurement apparatus can be electrically coupled to the array, and can be configured for detecting changes in the electrical current of the array.

Abstract: Sensor array for detecting biomarkers for cancer in breath samples. The sensor array is based on 2D films or 3D assemblies of conductive nanoparticles capped with an organic coating wherein the nanoparticles are characterized by a narrow size distribution. Methods of use of the sensor array for discriminating between patterns of volatile organic compounds from healthy individuals and patients with various types of cancer are disclosed.

Abstract: A electrochemical sensor system is provided. An example system utilizes electrical and steric properties of contaminants, such as pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals to measure an ongoing concentration of multiple contaminants simultaneously in real time. An example system has a sensor array including sensors tuned to specific contaminants, each sensor having at least two conducting elements arranged in a capacitive relationship, for example, on a printed circuit board. A binding layer on the conducing elements of each sensor selectively binds a specific contaminant, which produces a signature change in a measureable electrical property, such as impedance. Enclosed sensors and chemical buffers preserve the chemical and physical environment of the contaminants for ongoing real-time measurement of dynamic concentrations. A delivery system enables samples containing contaminants to be automatically delivered to the array of sensors without adulterating the natural state of the samples.

Abstract: A biofunctionalized nanoelectromechanical device (BioNEMS) for sensing single-molecules in solution by measuring the variation in the mechanical displacement of the BioNEMS device during a binding event is provided. The biofunctionalized nanoelectromechanical device according to the invention generally comprises a nanomechanical mechanical resonator, a detector integral with the mechanical resonator for measuring the mechanical displacement of the resonator, and electronics connected to the detector for communicating the results to a user. A system of biofunctionalized nanoelectromechanical devices and a method for utilizing the biofunctionalized nanoelectromechanical device of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, including a diagnostic method, for characterising platelets. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for characterising platelets by immobilising platelets on a substrate for detection and subsequent characterisation, and to devices on which such a method may be practiced. The method comprises the steps of:—a.contacting a substrate that includes a plurality of discrete platelet- binding zones having a surface area of 7850 ?m2 orless with a fluid composition comprising platelets; and b.detecting platelets bound to the platelet-binding zones and thereby characterising platelets.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and chips comprising a large scale chemical field effect transistor arrays that include an array of sample-retaining regions capable of retaining a chemical or biological sample from a sample fluid for analysis. In one aspect such transistor arrays have a pitch of 10 ?m or less and each sample-retaining region is positioned on at least one chemical field effect transistor which is configured to generate at least one output signal related to a characteristic of a chemical or biological sample in such sample-retaining region.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical systems and methods for measurement of samples in multiple sample vessels using an array of light sources where the light from the light sources is divided into multiple light beams, and each beam is directed to a sample vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosis and/or diabetic complications and/or risk assessment of pancreatic diabetes, in particular of diabetic sequelae, wherein a determination of the marker procalcitonin (PCT: SEQ ID No. 1) or a partial peptide or fragment thereof or if contained in a marker combination (Panel, Cluster) is carried out on a patient under investigation. The invention further relates to a diagnostic device and a kit for carrying out said method.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method for differentiating between liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis in a subject based on the determination of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and/or endoglin in a sample of a subject and comparing the thus determined amount with a reference amount (reference amounts). Further envisaged by the present invention are kit and a device adapted to carry out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A substrate of a target substance detection element to be used for a detection apparatus for detecting a target substance, utilizing surface plasmon resonance, comprises a base and a metal structure arranged on the surface of the base in a localized manner or a metal film having an aperture and arranged on the surface of the base, the metal structure or the aperture, whichever appropriate, having at least either of a loop section and a crossing section.

Abstract: Provided herein is, inter alia, methods and compositions useful in therapeutic interrogation of complex physiologic pathways by massively parallel and permissive transcriptional screening. Thus, methods and compositions are provided herein that are useful for high-throughput functional analysis of complex, transcriptionally regulated physiological pathways. While examples are provided relating to nuclear receptors, the methods and composition can be generalized and applied to any class of transcription factor or any class of gene product that can regulate the activity of transcription. For example, in addition to nuclear receptors, the methods and compositions provided herein are generally applicable to all known transcription factors and any gene encoded product that modulates said transcription factor activity. Moreover, data obtained through the methods provided herein are directly comparable thereby facilitating high-throughput functional analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for diagnosing whether a subject suffers from a mild or severe form of liver cirrhosis based on determining the amount of GDF-15 (growth differentiation factor 15), PlGF (placental growth factor), and/or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in a sample from the subject and comparing the thus determined amount(s) with a reference amount (reference amounts). The method may further include determining the amount of adiponectin in a sample from the subject, and comparing the amount to a reference amount for adiponectin. Also described is a method to identifying a subject being susceptible to liver transplantation including determining the amount of GDF-15, PlGF, and/or HGF in a sample from the subject and comparing the thus determined amount(s) with a reference amount (reference amounts).

Abstract: The application discloses new biomarkers for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and particularly preeclampsia; methods for the diagnosis, prediction, prognosis and/or monitoring said disorders based on measuring said biomarkers; and kits and devices for measuring said biomarker and/or performing said methods.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses and methods of use thereof for sequencing nucleic acids subjected to a force, and thus considered under tension. The methods may employ but are not dependent upon incorporation of extrinsically detectably labeled nucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for purifying a target protein group. The method comprises the steps of contacting a sample comprising at least 95% of the target protein group and at most 5% of contaminating proteins with a library of binding moieties having different binding moieties, binding the contaminating proteins and a minority of the target protein group to the library of binding moieties, separating the unbound target protein group from the proteins bound to the library of binding moieties and collecting the unbound target protein. The collected target protein is more pure than the target protein group in the sample.

Abstract: Multi-well plates having contoured well designs allow multi-stage high throughput parallel assaying of ion channels or ion transporters. A well of a multi-well plate has a bottom region that is sized and shaped to simultaneous accommodate a sensing electrode and a pipette for delivering, e.g., test compounds, wash fluid, and optionally ligands. Such multi-well plates may be coupled with an instrument having a pipette head and an electrode plate. Such arrangement facilitates fluidic contact between cells and fluids provided via a pipette. It also facilitates washing of wells with buffers or other wash solutions to allow serial exposure of test cells to various reagents or other stimuli. Generally, the design allows control and test experiments to be performed on the same cell (or cells) in a single well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample processing apparatus comprising a holder for a microtiter plate comprising a plurality of microwells, optical measurement unit for measuring optical responses of samples dosed to the microwells, and a computing unit configured to analyze the optical responses in order to detect dosing failures in said plurality of microwells, and if a dosing failure has been detected in one or more of the microwells, to communicate the existence of the dosing failure to a user of the apparatus through signaling means or to store data indicative of the dosing failure to data storage means for further use. In particular, the invention relates to detecting dosing failures in before, during and after a PCR process.

Abstract: Methods for genotyping polymorphisms using allele specific probes are disclosed. A training set is used to generate a model for each polymorphism to be interrogated. The training set is used to obtain an estimate of the asymmetry between an intensity measurement for a first allele and an intensity measurement for a second allele of the same polymorphism. The intensity measurement obtained for a test sample is adjusted using the estimate of asymmetry prior to using the intensity measurements to make a genotyping call. In preferred embodiments the adjustment is applied to polymorphisms that have a likelihood of being heterozygous that is above a specified threshold.