Abstract

Provided herein are methods and related systems, including assays and kits, for characterization of one or more polynucleotides, including mRNA polynucleotides or other nucleic acid targets. Capture agents are provided on a substrate that are specific to a target region of mRNA in a vaccine or therapeutic sample, wherein the nucleic acid capture agents specifically bind to the target region. Contacting the capture agents with a sample containing relevant mRNA sequences forms a capture agent-target hybridized complex that can be labeled with a variety of detection label agents to generate a measurable signal that may be used for identity, quantification, integrity and/or stability measurements of mRNA in mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/6837 - Enzymatic or biochemical coupling of nucleic acids to a solid phase using probe arrays or probe chips

Goods & Services

Influenza vaccine potency assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of influenza vaccine potency assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for quantifying influenza hemagglutinin from seasonal vaccine strains for research purposes. Kits comprised of laboratory instruments, reagent bottles as part of laboratory instruments and software for quantifying influenza hemagglutinin from seasonal vaccine strains.

Goods & Services

Vaccine characterization, virus characterization, and serological assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of vaccine characterization, virus characterization, and serological assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for quantifying antigen (s), viral protein (s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples for research purposes. Kits comprised of laboratory instruments, reagent bottles as part of laboratory instruments and software for quantifying antigen (s), viral protein (s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples. Testing services for others in the fields of vaccine research, development, manufacturing, antigen characterization; development of custom assays for others in the fields of vaccine development, serological testing, nucleic acid detection, immunoactive agent detection; research and development in the fields of vaccine characterization, virus characterization, and serological assays.

Goods & Services

Vaccine characterization, virus characterization, and serological assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of vaccine characterization, virus characterization, and serological assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for quantifying antigen (s), viral protein (s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples for research purposes. Kits comprised of laboratory instruments, reagents and software for quantifying antigen (s), viral protein (s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples. Testing services for others in the fields of vaccine research, development, manufacturing, antigen characterization; development of custom assays for others in the fields of vaccine development, serological testing, nucleic acid detection, immunoactive agent detection; research and development in the fields of vaccine characterization, virus characterization, and serological assays.

Goods & Services

(1) Assays and reagents for vaccine characterization for research purposes; assays and reagents for virus characterization for research purposes; assays and reagents for detecting antigens, viral proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids and polypeptides from serological samples for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for quantifying antigen (s), viral protein (s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples for research purposes (2) Kits comprised of laboratory instruments, namely microarrays, microarray scanners, reagent bottles, reagents and software for quantifying antigen (s), viral protein (s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples (1) Testing services for others in the fields of vaccine research, development, manufacturing, antigen characterization; development of custom assays for others in the fields of vaccine development, serological testing, nucleic acid detection, immunoactive agent detection; research and development in the fields of vaccine characterization, virus characterization, and serological assays.

Goods & Services

(1) Influenza vaccine potency assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of influenza vaccine potency assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for quantifying influenza hemagglutinin from seasonal vaccine strains for research purposes. (2) Kits comprised of laboratory instruments, namely microarrays, microarray scanners, reagent bottles as part of laboratory instruments and software for quantifying influenza hemagglutinin from seasonal vaccine strains.

Goods & Services

(1) Assays and reagents for vaccine characterization for research purposes; assays and reagents for virus characterization for research purposes; assays and reagents for detecting antigens, viral proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids and polypeptides from serological samples for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for quantifying antigen (s), viral protein (s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples for research purposes (2) Kits comprised of laboratory instruments, namely microarrays, microarray scanners, reagent bottles as part of laboratory instruments and software for quantifying antigen (s), viral protein (s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples (1) Testing services for others in the fields of vaccine research, development, manufacturing, antigen characterization; development of custom assays for others in the fields of vaccine development, serological testing, nucleic acid detection, immunoactive agent detection; research and development in the fields of vaccine characterization, virus characterization, and serological assays.

Abstract

Provided herein are methods and related systems, including assays and kits, for characterization of one or more polynucleotides, including mRNA polynucleotides or other nucleic acid targets. Capture agents are provided on a substrate that are specific to a target region of mRNA in a vaccine or therapeutic sample, wherein the nucleic acid capture agents specifically bind to the target region. Contacting the capture agents with a sample containing relevant mRNA sequences forms a capture agent-target hybridized complex that can be labeled with a variety of detection label agents to generate a measurable signal that may be used for identity, quantification, integrity and/or stability measurements of mRNA in mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/6841 - In situ hybridisation
• C12Q 1/6837 - Enzymatic or biochemical coupling of nucleic acids to a solid phase using probe arrays or probe chips
• C12Q 1/6816 - Hybridisation assays characterised by the detection means
• C12P 19/34 - Polynucleotides, e.g. nucleic acids, oligoribonucleotides

Goods & Services

Influenza vaccine potency assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of influenza vaccine potency assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for quantifying influenza hemagglutinin from seasonal vaccine strains for research purposes Kits comprised of laboratory instruments, recorded software, and reagents for quantifying influenza hemagglutinin from seasonal vaccine strains

Goods & Services

Testing services for others in the fields of vaccine research and development, and antigen characterization; Testing services for others, namely, testing of samples obtained from vaccine manufacturing processes; development of custom assays for others in the fields of vaccine development, serological testing, nucleic acid detection, immunoactive agent detection; research and development in the fields of vaccine characterization, virus characterization, and serological assays Assays and reagents for vaccine characterization for research purposes; Assays and reagents for virus characterization for research purposes; serological assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for vaccine characterization and virus characterization, and serological assays and reagents all for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for quantifying antigen(s), viral protein(s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples for research purposes Kits comprised of laboratory instruments, recorded software, and reagents for quantifying antigen(s), viral protein(s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples

Goods & Services

Assays and reagents for vaccine characterization for research purposes; Assays and reagents for virus characterization for research purposes; serological assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for vaccine characterization and virus characterization, and serological assays and reagents all for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for quantifying antigen(s), viral protein(s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples for research purposes Kits comprised of laboratory instruments, recorded software, and reagents for quantifying antigen(s), viral protein(s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples Testing services for others in the fields of vaccine research and development, and antigen characterization; Testing services for others, namely, testing of samples obtained from vaccine manufacturing processes; development of custom assays for others in the fields of vaccine development, serological testing, nucleic acid detection, immunoactive agent detection; research and development in the fields of vaccine characterization, virus characterization, and serological assays

Goods & Services

Assays and reagents for vaccine characterization for research purposes; Assays and reagents for virus characterization for research purposes; serological assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for vaccine characterization and virus characterization, and serological assays and reagents all for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for quantifying antigen(s), viral protein(s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples for research purposes Kits comprised of laboratory instruments, recorded software, and reagents for quantifying antigen(s), viral protein(s), serum antibodies, nucleic acids, or polypeptides from vaccines, virus samples, and serum samples Testing services for others in the fields of vaccine research and development, and antigen characterization; Testing services for others, namely, testing of samples obtained from vaccine manufacturing processes; development of custom assays for others in the fields of vaccine development, serological testing, nucleic acid detection, immunoactive agent detection; research and development in the fields of vaccine characterization, virus characterization, and serological assays

Abstract

Provided herein are enhanced imaging techniques which allow for the use of multiple optical sensors, each of which corresponds to only a portion of an array, including utilizing individual sensors for each individual well of a multi-well plate. The provided systems and methods may reduce the amount of time to perform optical analysis of an array, reduce the amount of moving parts or mechanical devices required to perform optical analysis and/or reduce the amount of space between the sensors and the array being analyzed resulting in more compact, efficient optical analyzers.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/64 - FluorescencePhosphorescence
• G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands

Abstract

The systems and methods contained herein are directed toward automated analysis of agglutination reactions to determine properties of materials, including viruses and vaccines thereto. Advanced digital imaging and processing techniques are used to determine the presence or absence of viruses or antibodies within a fluid sample. The systems and methods are versatile, and can be used to determine specific properties of biomaterials and viruses, such as titer value, concentration, genotype, phenotype, serotype, vaccine efficacy, viral resistance and other properties of relevance in the medical, research and development fields. Also provided are systems and methods of standardization, repeatability, and data storage and transmittal to reduce errors and subjectivity inherent to conventional assays characterized by human readers.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/539 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor with immune complex formed in liquid phase with separation of immune complex from unbound antigen or antibody involving precipitating reagent
• G01N 33/541 - Double or second antibody
• G01N 33/555 - Red blood cell
• G01N 21/82 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator producing a precipitate or turbidity
• G01N 33/569 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses
• G06T 7/12 - Edge-based segmentation
• G06T 7/10 - SegmentationEdge detection
• G06T 7/90 - Determination of colour characteristics

Abstract

Provided herein are systems and methods to determine vaccine potency and toxin concentration. The provided systems and methods may be multiplexed to determine potency and toxin concentration simultaneously. The systems and methods may be microarray based, providing accurate results while reducing the amount of testing time required compared to current potency and toxin concentration tests which often require the use of animal subjects or expensive test materials. Further, the provided systems and methods may detect desired antigens, endotoxins and exotoxins.

IPC Classes  ?

• C07K 16/08 - Immunoglobulins, e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from viruses
• C40B 30/04 - Methods of screening libraries by measuring the ability to specifically bind a target molecule, e.g. antibody-antigen binding, receptor-ligand binding
• G01N 33/569 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses
• G01N 33/579 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urineTesting involving biospecific ligand binding methodsImmunological testing involving limulus lysate
• G01N 33/68 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urineTesting involving biospecific ligand binding methodsImmunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids

Abstract

Provided herein are enhanced imaging techniques which allow for the use of multiple optical sensors, each of which corresponds to only a portion of an array, including utilizing individual sensors for each individual well of a multi-well plate. The provided systems and methods may reduce the amount of time to perform optical analysis of an array, reduce the amount of moving parts or mechanical devices required to perform optical analysis and/or reduce the amount of space between the sensors and the array being analyzed resulting in more compact, efficient optical analyzers.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
• G01N 21/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
• G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
• G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands

Abstract

Provided herein are methods for characterizing pathogens based on data profiles generated by an analyzer. The provided methods allow for rapid identification and characterization of emergent pathogens or mutations by allowing for facile updates to the established pathogen data used by learning algorithms, while not altering the independent learning algorithms themselves.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/00 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions
• C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
• C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
• C12Q 1/70 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving virus or bacteriophage
• G01N 33/53 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor
• G01N 33/554 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals the carrier being a biological cell or cell fragment, e.g. bacteria, yeast cells
• G01N 33/567 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor using specific carrier or receptor proteins as ligand binding reagent utilising isolate of tissue or organ as binding agent
• G01N 33/569 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses
• G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
• G06F 19/24 - for machine learning, data mining or biostatistics, e.g. pattern finding, knowledge discovery, rule extraction, correlation, clustering or classification

Abstract

c). The microarray (104) is contacted with one or more targets (202) at one or more unknown concentrations, and bound complexes (203) are formed and subsequently quantified with a suitable method. Quantified signals are compared to calibration curves to obtain one or more unknown concentrations and/or quantify degradation of the one or more targets (202). Other embodiments are described and shown.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/569 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses

Abstract

The systems and methods contained herein are directed toward automated analysis of agglutination reactions to determine properties of materials, including viruses and vaccines thereto. Advanced digital imaging and processing techniques are used to determine the presence or absence of viruses or antibodies within a fluid sample. The systems and methods are versatile, and can be used to determine specific properties of biomaterials and viruses, such as titer value, concentration, genotype, phenotype, serotype, vaccine efficacy, viral resistance and other properties of relevance in the medical, research and development fields. Also provided are systems and methods of standardization, repeatability, and data storage and transmittal to reduce errors and subjectivity inherent to conventional assays characterized by human readers.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
• G01N 21/64 - FluorescencePhosphorescence
• G01N 21/82 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator producing a precipitate or turbidity
• G01N 33/52 - Use of compounds or compositions for colorimetric, spectrophotometric or fluorometric investigation, e.g. use of reagent paper
• G01N 33/53 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor
• G01N 33/569 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses

Abstract

The systems and methods contained herein are directed toward automated analysis of agglutination reactions to determine properties of materials, including viruses and vaccines thereto. Advanced digital imaging and processing techniques are used to determine the presence or absence of viruses or antibodies within a fluid sample. The systems and methods are versatile, and can be used to determine specific properties of biomaterials and viruses, such as titer value, concentration, genotype, phenotype, serotype, vaccine efficacy, viral resistance and other properties of relevance in the medical, research and development fields. Also provided are systems and methods of standardization, repeatability, and data storage and transmittal to reduce errors and subjectivity inherent to conventional assays characterized by human readers.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
• G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
• G01N 21/59 - Transmissivity
• G01N 21/82 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator producing a precipitate or turbidity
• G01N 33/53 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor
• G01N 33/80 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urineTesting involving biospecific ligand binding methodsImmunological testing involving blood groups or blood types

Abstract

Provided herein is a multiplexed RT-PCR based assay for amplification multiple whole gene segments of influenza A and B. Accordingly, various oligonucleotide primers are disclosed, including for use in a multiplex RT-PCR process for influenza detection and characterization. The primers and instructions for use may be provided in the form of a kit. Applications for the primers and related methods include as a clinical virology tool, epidemiological and surveillance tool, as well as in animal surveillance testing for influenza viruses.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12N 15/44 - Orthomyxoviridae, e.g. influenza virus
• C12P 19/34 - Polynucleotides, e.g. nucleic acids, oligoribonucleotides
• C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
• C12Q 1/06 - Quantitative determination
• C12Q 1/70 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving virus or bacteriophage

Abstract

The invention provides microarray systems and methods for pathogen identification and characterization. Aspects of the invention implement supervised learning for microarray data analysis to enhance the accuracy and scope of genomic and diagnostic information obtained. Embodiments of the invention, for example, utilize structured logical combinations of the output of independent supervised learning algorithms, such as artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms, to provide an efficient and rapid pathway to clinically and epidemiologically relevant diagnostic information.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
• C40B 30/04 - Methods of screening libraries by measuring the ability to specifically bind a target molecule, e.g. antibody-antigen binding, receptor-ligand binding
• G01N 33/53 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor
• G06G 7/48 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators

Abstract

A system for the indirect detection of agglutination in an agglutination assay using optical density measurement and a reaction vessel. Light emitted by light source is transmitted through reaction vessel containing components of an agglutination reaction that is detected by light detector. As particles in the reaction vessel settle in the absence of agglutination they are concentrated in a reaction vessel lower volume and increase the optical density of the light path through the reaction vessel. Light detector generates an output signal related to said optical density. Said output signal is read and interpreted by an instrument to detect a presence or absence of agglutination. Other embodiments are described and shown.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/82 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator producing a precipitate or turbidity
• G01N 33/53 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor
• G01N 33/80 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urineTesting involving biospecific ligand binding methodsImmunological testing involving blood groups or blood types
• G01N 33/569 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses

Goods & Services

influenza vaccine potency assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of influenza vaccine potency assays and reagents for research purposes; kits composed of assays and reagents for quantifying influenza hemagglutinin from seasonal vaccine strains for research purposes kits comprised of laboratory instruments, reagents and software for quantifying influenza hemagglutinin from seasonal vaccine strains

Abstract

A universal array for multiplexed quantification of variable hemagglutinin such as subcomponents of multivalent annual influenza vaccines that is robust to variations in proteins such as mutations and is capable of quantifying degradation of proteins. Universal capture array (100) comprises one or more substrates (102) and a low-density microarray (104) of sub-arrays (108) comprising spots (106a-c). The microarray (104) is contacted with one or more targets (202) at one or more unknown concentrations, and bound complexes (203) are formed and subsequently quantified with a suitable method. Quantified signals are compared to calibration curves to obtain one or more unknown concentrations and/or quantify degradation of the one or more targets (202). Other embodiments are described and shown.

IPC Classes  ?

• C40B 30/04 - Methods of screening libraries by measuring the ability to specifically bind a target molecule, e.g. antibody-antigen binding, receptor-ligand binding

Abstract

Methods for the quantification of influenza HA proteins and anti-influenza antibodies for the fields of vaccine-related protein quantification, potency determination, and efficacy evaluation are provided. According to the technology, quantification is achieved by providing capture agents attached to an array in a series of decreasing concentrations. Serial dilutions of a reference material also may be introduced. The reference material within each solution binds to the capture agents on the array and is labeled with a label agent capable of producing a detectable signal used to construct a calibration curve. A target material of unknown concentration is introduced to a separate identical array, and the target material binds to the capture agents and also is labeled by a label agent to produce a detectable signal. The calibration curve based on the reference material is then utilized to determine the concentration of the target material without the need to perform replicate experiments.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/53 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor
• G01N 33/68 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urineTesting involving biospecific ligand binding methodsImmunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids
• G01N 33/543 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
• G01N 33/52 - Use of compounds or compositions for colorimetric, spectrophotometric or fluorometric investigation, e.g. use of reagent paper

Abstract

Methods for the quantification of influenza HA proteins and anti-influenza antibodies for the fields of vaccine-related protein quantification, potency determination, and efficacy evaluation are provided. According to the technology, quantification is achieved by providing capture agents attached to an array in a series of decreasing concentrations. Serial dilutions of a reference material also may be introduced. The reference material within each solution binds to the capture agents on the array and is labeled with a label agent capable of producing a detectable signal used to construct a calibration curve. A target material of unknown concentration is introduced to a separate identical array, and the target material binds to the capture agents and also is labeled by a label agent to produce a detectable signal. The calibration curve based on the reference material is then utilized to determine the concentration of the target material without the need to perform replicate experiments.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/68 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urineTesting involving biospecific ligand binding methodsImmunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids
• G01N 33/569 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods that enable improved accuracy for quantitative particle counting in a flowing liquid stream. The methods of the present invention utilize the real-time measurement of flow rates and flow rate control through feedback mechanisms to improve quantification, and this improved quantification translates to more accurate particle counting. In certain embodiments, particles being counted are biological particles in a liquid sample, such as viruses.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
• G01N 21/63 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited

Abstract

There is described a new class or type of initiators for polymerization as a means of signal enhancement, nanoparticle initiators, and methods for amplifying signal resulting from recognition events, thereby enhancing the detection of those recognition events. Methods include amplification achieved through polymerization using a nanoparticle initiator conjugated recognition element that is not consumed during the reaction. The polymer formed as a result of the absorption of light by the nanoparticle initiator and introduction of reactive species into a surrounding polymerizable monomer solution occurs in a spatially-limited region directly surrounding the nanoparticle initiator and is indicative of the recognition event(s). In one embodiment, a semiconductor quantum dot nanoparticle initiator is utilized. In another embodiment, a metal nanoparticle is utilized. In another embodiment, the signal is detected without instrumentation. In yet another embodiment, the signal is detected via a transmission-based instrument which captures an image of the formed polymer.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
• B82B 3/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures by manipulation of individual atoms or molecules, or limited collections of atoms or molecules as discrete units