Described herein are apparata and methods for growing cells in a manner that mimics the native three-dimensional environment. Cell cultures grown in the apparatus can be screened for inhibition by specific chemotherapeutics or other drugs.

Described herein are compositions useful for the detection of analytes. In certain embodiments, the invention relates among other things to DNA-encapsulated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) functionalized with an antibody or other analyte-binding species, for detection and/or imaging of an analyte in a biological sample or subject. Other embodiments described herein include systems, methods, and devices utilizing such compositions for ex vivo biomarker quantification, tissue optical probes, and in vivo analyte detection and quantification. In one aspect the invention relates to a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) sensor, comprising a SWCNT; a polymer associated with the SWCNT; and an analyte-binding species. Detection of one or more analytes is achieved by measuring changes in fluorescence intensity, shifts in fluorescence wavelength, and/or other characteristics in the spectral characteristics of the described compositions.

The present disclosure relates to luminescent including photon up-conversion nanoparticles. These nanoparticles include a polymeric organic matrix, at least one light emitter distributed within this matrix, a stabilizing agent, and at least one metal particle enclosed within the matrix, wherein the metal particles are plasmonic nanoparticles. The present disclosure further relates to methods of manufacture and to uses of such nanoparticles.

An object of the present invention is to provide a kit for measuring a measurement target substance and a method for measuring a measurement target substance, which can exhibit a high noise suppression effect. According to the present invention, there is provide a kit for measuring a measurement target substance in a biological sample, which includes a luminescently labeled particle that has a first binding substance having a binding property to a measurement target substance, a substrate that has a detection area on a metal film having a second binding substance having a binding property to any one of the measurement target substance or the first binding substance, and a non-luminescent high molecular particle containing a predetermined structural unit.

A single unit, handheld field portable apparatus and method for analyzing Ochratoxin A (OTA) in rice quality monitoring, based on fluorescence signal output. Aliquots may be analyzed by adding at least one or more reagents to the sample aliquot that reacts selectively with an analyte contained therein. The reaction product, which is selective for the analyte of interest and proportional to its concentration, is measured with an appropriate detector. This enables simple and accurate testing of samples using time honored wet-chemical analysis method in microliter volume regimes while producing remarkably small volumes of waste. The device includes a multipurpose controller board for processing and analysis purpose, a camera which is integrated with the controller, a resistive touch liquid crystal display to view the results, a light emitting diode to emit the UV light, and a power bank. The device may operate using a touch display.

The disclosure relates to a method for specific detection of a target analyte using probe DNA specific to the target analyte and non-functionalized, carbohydrate-capped metal nanoparticles such as non-functionalized, dextrin-capped gold nanoparticles. A sample mixture including a target DNA analyte and a probe DNA specific thereto is incubated to from a probe DNA-target DNA complex. The non-functionalized, carbohydrate-capped metal nanoparticles and an ionic species such as sodium chloride or other salt are added to the probe DNA-target DNA complex, and the mixture is incubated. Addition of the ionic species creates a detectable distinction, such as color of the resultant mixture, between stabilized metal nanoparticles when the probe DNA-target DNA complex is present and destabilized metal nanoparticles when the probe DNA-target DNA complex is absent. The method can be used for colorimetric detection of plant pathogens and associated diseases in agricultural production systems.

A light-emitting marker particle having a light-emitting particle core containing a light-emitting material and first and second surface groups bound to the light-emitting particle core. The first surface group contains a polar group and is an inert group which does not bind to a biomolecule. The second surface group contains a biomolecule binding group.

The present disclosure provides quantum dots and methods of making the quantum dots comprising a substantially homogeneous population of monomeric nanocrystals, of a very small size, about 7 nm to about 12 nm in diameter. The method comprises mixing a nanocrystal coated with weakly binding ligands or ions with a polymer in a solution and incubating at a temperature greater than about 100° C., thereby forming a quantum dot having a substantially homogenous population of monomeric nanocrystals. The quantum dots can be further conjugated to bioaffinity molecules, enabling broad utilization of compact, biofunctional quantum dots for studying crowded macromolecular environments.

An in vitro diagnostic assay method, comprising: providing a sample which may comprise target analyte(s); contacting the sample with a fluorescent label whose fluorescence can be externally modulated, such that the fluorescent label is associated with target analyte(s), if present, to form a fluorescent label-analyte complex; and detecting the fluorescent label-analyte complex; and device, kit and solid phase for performing an in vitro diagnostic assay method.

Provided herein are diagnostic methods, devices and kits for detecting neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.