Provided herein are methods for rational design of nicotine haptens. More particularly, provided herein are methods for designing, selecting, and synthesizing nicotine haptens and nicotine hapten conjugates. Also provided herein are novel nicotine haptens and methods for using nicotine haptens to treat nicotine addiction.

The invention pertains to a rapid and specific aptamer-based method for one-step cocaine detection with minimal reagent requirements based on an aptamer sensor that reports the presence of cocaine via the displacement and unquenching of a bound fluorophore molecule. In certain embodiments, the invention provides novel aptamers, which have reduced background fluorescence, bind a fluorophore molecule tightly, and show an increased signal gain in the presence of cocaine.

This invention provides: —an aptamer-based electrochemical sensor, wherein said aptamer is covalently bonded to or chemisorbed on an electrode, said aptamer forming a complex with a target molecule and is encapsulated by a gelatin B matrix; —a method of manufacturing said aptamer-based electrochemical sensor; —the use of the aptamer-based electrochemical sensor for the electrochemical determination of a concentration of a target molecule; and —a composite electrode combining a polymeric material and electrically conducting particles for selective analyte detection, wherein said electrode is coated with gelatin type B.

The present invention relates functional ligands to target molecules, particularly to functional nucleic acids and modifications thereof, and to methods for simultaneously generating, for example, numerous different functional biomolecules, particularly to methods for generating numerous different functional nucleic acids against multiple target molecules simultaneously. The present invention further relates to functional ligands which bind with affinity to target molecules, such as drug compounds, such as levamisole and cocaine.

An immunoassay method for detecting and determining ‘NBOMe’ family designer drugs is described. Also described are components for use in implementing the method, namely, antibodies, detection agents, solid state devices and kits as well as immunogens used to raise the antibodies.

The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting an analyte in a fluid sample, comprising a fluid sample collection element, comprising a fluid sample collection element that comprises an absorbing element; a carrier for accommodating a testing element; and a chamber for accommodating a testing element carrier, wherein the testing element carrier is located in the chamber, and the carrier further comprises an extrusion structure that is in contact with the absorbing element and extrudes the absorbing element.

A highly portable, paper and swab-based detection kit is provided for identifying Amphetamine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Heroin, selected synthetic Cannabinoid, and amphetamine based Cathinone type stimulants, and cannabis consumable products. A method of mass manufacture providing low cost kits with long term commercial shelf life and a method of use are also provided.

The subject invention provides materials and methods for detecting the presence and progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the presence of a substance of abuse and/or at least one therapeutic agent. Preferred embodiments provide that the detection of HIV infection is accomplished by applying electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to an apparatus comprising cultured cells of the central nervous system (CNS) such as, for example, human astrocytes (HA), and/or of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in contact with at least one sensing electrode. In some embodiments, the detection apparatus can be integrated with electronic components such as, for example, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), and miniaturized potentiostats. Advantageously, technology provided herein enables rapid (e.g., less than 20 minute) assessment of HIV infections suitable for point-of-care (POC) disease monitoring and treatment.

A device for detection of a substance by Raman spectroscopy comprises a holder (40) with an area (41) adapted for receiving a sample of the substance and a vibration engine (42). The vibration engine (42) is configured to move the holder (40) in a three-dimensional motion when the area (41) with the substance is arranged in front of a focusing lens (FL) of the spectrometer to provide a large actual sampling area and hence to achieve a strong signal at detection. The device comprises a SERS surface (30) arranged at the area (41) of the holder (40) for adsorption of the sample of the substance. A method for detection of a substance by use of the device is also presented.

Provided herein are methods for rational design of nicotine haptens. More particularly, provided herein are methods for designing, selecting, and synthesizing nicotine haptens and nicotine hapten conjugates. Also provided herein are novel nicotine haptens and methods for using nicotine haptens to treat nicotine addiction.