Reagents, kits, and microfluidics devices are disclosed for detecting the presence and/or concentration of antibodies directed to microorganisms in human biological samples. Also disclosed are methods of production and use of the reagents, kits, and microfluidics devices. Anti-human immunoglobulin antibodies are utilized to enhance the signal produced by the assay.

A complex comprises a CRBN having a europium-anti-his antibody on the N-terminus of the CRBN, and a Cy5-conjugated small molecule, wherein the Cy5-conjugated small molecule binds the CRBN, and uses thereof for identifying therapeutic compounds.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) comprising amines on the organic linker can be used for cell targeting. In particular, primary amine groups represent one of the most versatile chemical moieties for conjugation to biologically relevant molecules, including antibodies and enzymes. Different chemical conjugation schemes can be used to conjugate biological molecules to the amino functionality on the organic linker. For example, carbodiimide chemistry can be used to link a primary amine to available carboxyl groups on the protein. For example, sulfhydryl crosslinking chemistry can be used via Traut's reagent scheme. As a demonstration of the invention, the ability of EpCAM antibody-targeted MOFs to bind to a human epithelial cell line (A549), a common target for imaging studies, was confirmed with confocal microscopy.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) comprising amines on the organic linker can be used for cell targeting. In particular, primary amine groups represent one of the most versatile chemical moieties for conjugation to biologically relevant molecules, including antibodies and enzymes. Different chemical conjugation schemes can be used to conjugate biological molecules to the amino functionality on the organic linker. For example, carbodiimide chemistry can be used to link a primary amine to available carboxyl groups on the protein. For example, sulfhydryl crosslinking chemistry can be used via Traut's reagent scheme. As a demonstration of the invention, the ability of EpCAM antibody-targeted MOFs to bind to a human epithelial cell line (A549), a common target for imaging studies, was confirmed with confocal microscopy.

Provided is a whole-cell biosensor system with robust biocontainment for field deployment and a strong visual reporter for readouts in the deployed environment. The engineered biosensors in an encapsulated and deployable system (eBEADS) demonstrate a portable, no power living sensor for detection of environmental pollutants, e.g., 2-phenylphenol (2-PP). The whole-cell biosensor system uses bacteria engineered to detect an analyte and generate a visual colorimetric output upon being contacted with the analyte. Advantageously, the analyte is detectable with the naked eye and the whole-cell biosensor system enables analyte detection without electronics.

Provided is a whole-cell biosensor system with robust biocontainment for field deployment and a strong visual reporter for readouts in the deployed environment. The engineered biosensors in an encapsulated and deployable system (eBEADS) demonstrate a portable, no power living sensor for detection of environmental pollutants, e.g., 2-phenylphenol (2-PP). The whole-cell biosensor system uses bacteria engineered to detect an analyte and generate a visual colorimetric output upon being contacted with the analyte. Advantageously, the analyte is detectable with the naked eye and the whole-cell biosensor system enables analyte detection without electronics.

Bistable devices are constructed using a polynucleotide platform for sensing molecular events such as binding or conformational changes of target molecules. Uses include measurement of target concentration, measuring the effect of environmental condition (such as heat, light, or pH) on the target, or screening a library for molecules that bind the target or modulate its biological function. Devices comprise three regions: a top lid, bottom lid, and flexible linker or hinge between them. A device has an open configuration in which the top and bottom lid are separated, and a closed configuration they are bound close together. Binding domains or variations of the target molecule are fixed to a device so that when the molecular event occurs, the device switches from open to closed, or vice versa, which generates a signal. Optimal device design is determined by the signal modality (optical or electronic) used to measure closure of surface-immobilized devices.

Bistable devices are constructed using a polynucleotide platform for sensing molecular events such as binding or conformational changes of target molecules. Uses include measurement of target concentration, measuring the effect of environmental condition (such as heat, light, or pH) on the target, or screening a library for molecules that bind the target or modulate its biological function. Devices comprise three regions: a top lid, bottom lid, and flexible linker or hinge between them. A device has an open configuration in which the top and bottom lid are separated, and a closed configuration they are bound close together. Binding domains or variations of the target molecule are fixed to a device so that when the molecular event occurs, the device switches from open to closed, or vice versa, which generates a signal. Optimal device design is determined by the signal modality (optical or electronic) used to measure closure of surface-immobilized devices.

Compositions comprising multiple hydrogel particles having substantially the same diameter, but with each subgrouping of particles from the multiple hydrogel particles having different associated values for one or more passive optical properties that can be deconvoluted using cytometric instrumentation. Each hydrogel particle from the multiple hydrogel particles can be functionalized with a different biochemical or chemical target from a set of targets. A method of preparing hydrogel particles includes forming droplets and polymerizing the droplets, with optional functionalization.

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.