Methods and devices for evaluating a sample, e.g., a plasma sample, from a subject, for detecting a target red blood cell protein or antibody are disclosed. In one embodiment, optimized antibody screening methods and devices significantly reduce the level of non-specific binding to a surface (e.g., a test surface bound with a red blood cell (rbcm) preparation), thus allowing for more efficient detection and reduced test time. In one embodiment, the optimized antibody screening method includes an immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding moiety that binds selectively and specifically to the plasma IgG present relative to the binding to the lysed rbcm preparation. In another embodiment, an optimized antibody screening method is disclosed whereby non-specific binding caused by lysed red blood cell membrane preparations can be reduced by an agent that specifically cleaves a human IgG in the hinge region. In other embodiments, the invention provides methods and devices for target capturing that include a substantially planar surface, optionally having an optimized angle, for capture. Alternative solid phase geometries for capture are disclosed. Optimized methods for cell deposition are also disclosed. Thus, optimized methods, devices, kits, assays for evaluating a sample are disclosed.
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 33/68 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urineTesting involving biospecific ligand binding methodsImmunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids
2.
METHODS AND DEVICES FOR SAMPLE TESTING AND EVALUATION
Methods and devices for evaluating a sample from a subject for the presence of a mixed population of cells, e.g., a sample having more than one distinct populations of cells, e.g., red blood cells (RBCs). Also included are methods and devices for Coombs crossmatch and DAT testing.
An incubator including a container having an interior chamber capable of receiving a sample holder having samples, a lower heated surface disposed within the interior chamber of the container, and a movement mechanism coupled to the container and the lower heated surface. In one embodiment, the movement mechanism is configured to move the lower heated surface to a position in which the lower heated surface essentially contacts the sample holder. A method of rapidly heating and incubating a sample for biochemical or immunological testing is further disclosed.
The present invention relates to a method of processing forensic trace or touch DNA evidence in order to differentially label cells, and then isolate them into distinct fractions which can be processed using standard downstream DNA profiling methods. A mixture of cells and/or cellular components in fluid suspension are first labeled with one or more markers which bind specifically to genetic sequences of interest, and which can be detected optically. The labeled cells/nuclei are placed into a fluidic cartridge, and are transported via fluid flow to an inspection and separation region, observed and identified according to their labels using optical microscopy, and are moved to output channels corresponding to the different labels, degree of labeling, or combination of labels, and to a different subset of possible genetic profiles. The separated cell fractions are extracted from the cartridge via their respective outputs, and can be genetically profiled via short- tandem-repeat (STR) analysis.
A rotor is provided for use in a centrifuge system configured to spin the rotor for separating complex fluids. The rotor includes a housing configured to be secured by the centrifuge system and several chambers formed in the housing. Each chamber includes a first chamber portion having a port formed therein and a second chamber portion in fluid communication with the port of the first chamber portion. The second chamber portion may be disposed generally below the port of the first chamber portion. Other rotor designs and methods for separating complex fluids are further disclosed.
Methods and devices for evaluating a sample, e.g., a plasma sample, from a subject for detecting a target red blood cell protein or antibody are disclosed. Antibody screening methods and devices significantly reduce the level of non-specific binding to a surface (e.g., a test surface bound with a red blood cell (rbcm) preparation), allowing for more efficient detection and reduced test time. The antibody screening method includes an immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding moiety that binds selectively and specifically to the plasma IgG present relative to the binding to the lysed rbcm preparation. An antibody screening method is disclosed whereby non-specific binding caused by lysed red blood cell membrane preparations can be reduced by an agent that specifically cleaves a human IgG in the hinge region. Additional methods and devices for target capturing include a substantially planar surface having an optimized angle for capture, or alternative solid phase geometries for capture.
The present invention relates to an instrument and a measurement apparatus and methodology that yields a measurement and test methodology that characterizes a population of cells/particles or detects a sub-population of cells/particles based on their detected mobility in a quick and efficient manner.
C12Q 1/00 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions
8.
METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTION OF POSITIONAL FREEDOM OF PARTICLES IN BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL ANALYSES AND APPLICATIONS IN IMMUNODIAGNOSTICS
The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the detection of positional freedom of particles used in biological, biochemical, physical, biophysical, and chemical analyses. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses which can detect and characterize a population of particles/cells based upon their detected mobility. In one embodiment consistent with the invention, detection of certain cells is based on differences detected in populations of cells that bind to a substrate and those that exhibit weaker binding forces. Initially, cells are settled on the substrate, and in the presence of gravitational, natural thermodynamic pressure fluctuations, and other random or applied forces, some of the particles may exhibit translational movement. Particle movement is detected, and measurements are computed, according to the methods and apparatuses of the present invention, to determine the binding of specific analytes.
The present invention relates to producing more densely functionalized indicator cells which along, with other components, can be used to detect the presence or absence of antibodies or antigens, by using the A, B, AB and MNS antigens which have a greater degree of expression than the conventionally used D antigen to label the indicator cells with IgG. The present antigen systems have levels of expression that approach one million antigens per cell, which is in great contrast to the conventional D antigen sites of about 10,000-30,000 antigens per cell. This marked increase in the antigen systems level of expression could produce a boost in the kinetics and the magnitude of the binding of the indicator cell to the solid phase, which improves assay performance.
A fluidic device includes an arrangement of channels for introducing a sample containing particles of interest into a processing chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with collecting channels via low-flow connection channels. Particles in the sample may be observed and diverted from the processing chamber by application of a motive force such as optical trapping into a collection channel. Once in the collection channel, particles can be collected, including by trapping in a porous matrix.
The present invention utilizes a holographic optical forcing array for dynamic cellular probing and diagnostics. A holographic optical trapping system generates optical forces on objects so that deformations thereof may be quantified. In one embodiment, digital holography is used to generate an interference pattern, and an analysis thereof determines the phase profile which yields a measurement of the objects' shape deformation using only one image. In another embodiment, phase-stepped holography allows the phase profile of an object to be measured using only one image, by using a holographic optical element to make phase-shifted replicas of the beam in space. In another embodiment, the optical forcing array applies optical forces to beads placed on the objects' surface, deforming the objects. The beads' position is determined by applying Mie theory, and analysis thereof yields the three dimensional position of the beads, and a measurement of the deformation displacement on the objects' surface.
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of sorting objects and identifying the objects in a forensics sample, including using holographic optical trapping to sort objects from contaminants, and performing (single cell) PCR-based STR analysis on the objects to determine their identification. In addition, the chip used as a support for sorting the objects can also be used for performing single cell PCR-based STR analysis. In another embodiment, a microfluidics chip is used to stream the sample and sort the objects, before single cell PCR-based STR analysis is performed. The chip used for sorting utilizing HOT in the absence or presence of microfluidic streaming and sorting can also be the same as that used for the single cell PCR-based STR analysis.
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of sorting objects including, providing a sample having wanted and unwanted objects, coating a surface of a sample holder with an antibody, placing an eluted sample on the sample holder, binding an antigen in the wanted objects with the antibody on the surface of the sample holder to sort the objects into wanted and unwanted objects, separating the wanted objects, and performing PCR-based STR analysis on the wanted objects In one embodiment, holographic optical trapping is used to sort the wanted objects In other embodiments, the wanted objects are sperm and the antibody is a human sperm specific antibody, and the PCR is single cell PCR-based STR analysis
Nanoscale masking using particles patterned on a substrate include assembling particles into a pattern on a first substrate; contacting the particles with a second substrate; adding blocking molecules while the particles are in contact, such that blocking molecules bind to portions of the second substrate not in contact with the particles; and separating the substrates, yielding a functionalized substrate having blocking molecules bound thereto. Nanoscale printing methods include assembling particles into a desired pattern on a first substrate; contacting a print material with the particles such that at least a portion of the print material binds to the particles on the first substrate; removing the first substrate having particles thereon from unbound print material; contacting the particles having print material bound thereto with a second substrate such that at least a portion of the print material binds to the second substrate; and separating the substrates, yielding a printed substrate.
G01N 33/543 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
G01N 33/551 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals the carrier being inorganic
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Optical technology units which use lasers to manipulate and alter particles and miniature assemblies and to enable applications dependent on miniaturization; biochips; labs-on-chips for performing tasks such as sample and chemical preparation, separation, mixing and analysis for use in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agriculture, clinical diagnostics and chemical industries; photonics products, namely optical switches, chips and high density storage devices, namely CDs containing software for optical trapping applications for use in computer and communications industries, DVDs containing information and presentations in the field of optical technology for use in computer and communications industries and magneto-optical film for use in computer and communications industries.
