The present application relates to detection units and methods for detecting one or more target analytes in a sample using a complex formed by a target and first and second probes, wherein the first probe is coupled to a detectable piece, the target is coupled to the first probe and the second probe, and the second probe is coupled to a solid support. Specific binding of the detectable piece to the target analyte can be distinguished from non-specific binding of the detectable piece by measuring the number of detectable pieces that leave their initial location after exposure to a disruptor that uncouples the detectable piece from the solid support.

Beads with functionalized material applied to them are exposed to an acoustic field to trap or pass the beads. The beads may include or be free of ferro magnetic material. The beads may be biocompatible or biodegradable for a host. The size of the beads may vary over a range, and/or be heterogenous or homogenous. The composition of the beads may include high, neutral or low acoustic contrast material. The chemistry of the functionalized material may be compatible with existing processes.

A digitally encoded microflake includes a polymer layer, which has a top surface and a bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface. At least one of the top surface and the bottom surface is to be coupled to target-specific probes for bonding with a target analyte. The microflake is identified by a binary sequence of bits encoded by an edge outline on a plane substantially parallel to the top surface and the bottom surface. The bits in the binary sequence are encoded at respective predefined locations surrounding the edge outline.

The disclosure provides a panel of biomarkers that individually or in combination can indicate the presence of sepsis as distinguishable from other non-infection related inflammatory conditions. The disclosed biomarkers and related reagents and kits provide strategies for detecting, treating, and monitoring sepsis in subjects. In aspect, the disclosure provides a method for detecting sepsis, comprising contacting a biological sample obtained from the subject with an affinity reagent that specifically binds to one or more of the disclosed novel biomarkers, and detecting differential expression of the one or more biomarkers by detecting binding of the affinity reagent to the biomarker. The method can incorporate use of additional known biomarkers. The method can further comprise treating a subject determined to have sepsis. In some embodiments, the subject is a human subject less than 20 years old.

The invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte present in a liquid specimen, including: injecting the liquid specimen into a detection chamber, the detection chamber having a non-zero volume enclosing polymeric beads covered with a reagent suitable for the analyte to be detected; capturing at least one image of at least one region of the detection chamber using a sensor; processing the image acquired by the sensor, which includes determining a texture level of the acquired image; and determining a concentration of the analyte depending on the texture level determined for the image.

Methods and devices for the characterization of biological specimens by the use of electroluminescent materials. When placed in close proximity or direct contact to a biological specimen and an electrical signal is transmitted, electroluminescence is generated in response to the presence of the specimen. The electroluminescence produced can be in the form of an image of the specimen. The image is captured by an optical device that collects light and displays or otherwise processes the image according to the particular need or purpose. In general, the method requires preparing an electroluminescent assembly including the biological specimen, a dielectric layer, and a substrate, put together in any order. The method uses an electrical signal transmitted to the assembly. The device may be configured in a closed-circuit electrical configuration or it may be in a configuration where the EL assembly is at open circuit with respect to the power source.

Among other things, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for improving a homogeneous assay, particularly in improving accuracy, reduce noises, none-perfect conditions, multiplexing, etc.

The present system and method are useful for the removal of immune inhibitors such as soluble TNF receptors from the body fluid of cancer patients. In some embodiments, soluble TNF-Receptors 1 and 2 are selectively removed from plasma at 80% or more efficiency. In some embodiments, the system includes an immobilized capture ligand of a single chain TNFα. The system and method are useful for the treatment of different cancer types, stages and severity.

A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration agent that comprises an amorphous metal silicate and that has a surface composition having a metal atom to silicon atom ratio of less than or equal to about 0.5, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration agent with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration agent.

A method of analyzing a biological sample using an analyzer and an assay. The method comprises providing the assay for producing the signal. The assay has two or more predetermined number of components. Each of the predetermined components has a distinct relation between the intensive property and the signal. The method further comprises providing calibration samples with known values for the intensive property and measuring a calibration signal for each of the calibration samples. The method further comprises determining a calibration by fitting a calibration function to the calibration signal for each of the calibration samples and the known values for the intensive property. The calibration function is equivalent to a constant plus an exponential decay term for each of the predetermined number of components. The method further comprises measuring the signal of the sample using the analyzer and the assay, and calculating the intensive property using the calibration.