Disclosed is a covalently-linked multilayered three-dimensional matrix comprising capture molecules, linkers and spacers (referred to as a Molecular Net) for specific and sensitive analyte capture from a sample. Also disclosed herein is a Molecular Net comprising covalently-linked multilayered three-dimensional matrix comprising more than one type of capture molecule and more than one type of linker and may comprise one or more spacer for specific and sensitive capture of more than one type of analyte from a sample. A Molecular Net may comprise a pseudorandom nature. Use of various capture molecules, linkers and spacers in a Molecular Net may confer unique binding properties to a Molecular Net. Porosity, binding affinity, size exclusion abilities, filtration abilities, concentration abilities and signal amplification abilities of a Molecular Net may be varied and depend on the nature of components used in its fabrication. Uses of a Molecular Net may include analyte capture, analyte enrichment, analyte purification, analyte detection, analyte measurement and analyte delivery. Molecular Nets may be used in liquid phase or on solid phases such as nanomaterials, modified metal surfaces, nanospheres, microspheres, microtiter plates, slides, pipettes, cassettes, cartridges, discs, probes, lateral flow devices, microfluidics devices, microfluidics devices, optical fibers and others.

Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions related to accurate diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions having diarrhea as a symptom. In specific cases, the disclosure concerns accurate assessment of a diarrheal cause related to the presence or risk that may or may not be a pathogenic infection, such as a Clostridioides difficule infection (CDI). Particular embodiments encompass one or more specific features that provide information for accurate diagnosis and treatment of CDI versus another cause for diarrhea.

Aspects of the invention described herein relate to bacteria and metabolites, which may be used in diagnostics, therapeutics and/or dietary supplements so as to identify the risk to an individual of developing ASD or ASD-like disorders, as well as, to inhibit, treat, and/or prevent the onset of ASD and/or and ASD-like disorders.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a combination of experimental and computational workflows that allow characterization of skin and subcutaneous tissue microbial flora and its associated metabolome, aiming to first evaluate an individual's skin and subcutaneous tissue to determine if any skin condition is as a result of an imbalance or absence of commensal or mutualistic microorganisms or their associated metabolites. In particular, embodiments of the methods and the associated computational platform provided herein relate to conducting a customized or personalized test and obtaining customized or personalized information regarding the skin and subcutaneous tissue flora and its associated metabolome there from. This may be accomplished by simultaneously identifying hundreds of microorganisms or metabolites on an individual's skin and subcutaneous tissue and comparing the resulting profile to a previously compiled healthy profile from our database of skin profiles. An individual's profile provides the basis of a proprietary probiotic skin care product and personal care products that either maintains a health profile or shifts the individual's skin and subcutaneous tissue flora or its associated metabolome close to a healthy profile, at the same time enhancing the synergies between the microbial flora and host's immune system.

Disclosed are a method and system for enriching and detecting microorganisms in a biological sample. The method allows the biological sample to be filtered through a polymer-modified substrate. The polymer-modified substrate is highly specific in capturing or separating human-derived nucleated cells, and allows the microorganisms to penetrate through it. During the process, a high level of microorganisms (bacteria, mycoplasmas, fungi, viruses, spores etc.) can be enriched in the sample and thus the interference from nucleated cells such as leukocytes can be reduced.

Methods and apparatus for detecting, quantifying, enriching, and/or separating bacterial species in fluid sample are provided. The fluid sample is provided as input to a microfluidic passage of a microfluidic device, wherein the microfluidic device comprises at least one electrode disposed adjacent to the microfluidic passage. The at least one electrode is activated to capture bacteria in the sample using dielectrophoresis, wherein the capture efficiency of bacteria is at least 99%.

Peptides are described herein, in particular peptides having antimicrobial properties, as are compositions, articles, and kits comprising such peptides, and methods for using the peptides.

Methods and apparatus for detecting, quantifying, enriching, and/or separating bacterial species in fluid sample are provided. The fluid sample is provided as input to a microfluidic passage of a microfluidic device, wherein the microfluidic device comprises at least one electrode disposed adjacent to the microfluidic passage. The at least one electrode is activated to capture bacteria in the sample using dielectrophoresis, wherein the capture efficiency of bacteria is at least 99%.

Methods and apparatus for detecting, quantifying, enriching, and/or separating bacterial species in fluid sample are provided. The fluid sample is provided as input to a microfluidic passage of a microfluidic device, wherein the microfluidic device comprises at least one electrode disposed adjacent to the microfluidic passage. The at least one electrode is activated to capture bacteria in the sample using dielectrophoresis, wherein the capture efficiency of bacteria is at least 99%.

Antibodies that specifically bind to toxins of C. difficile, antigen binding portions thereof, and methods of making and using the antibodies and antigen binding portions thereof are provided herein.