Disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for detecting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as well as for distinguishing relapsing-remitting (RRMS) and secondary progressive (SPMS) MS subtypes with high overall accuracy. Autoantibody antigens and biomarkers, for the diagnosis of MS in general, RRMS and SPMS, as well as for the identification of a subject at risk for developing MS, and for the generation of patient-specific MS autoantibody biomarker profiles are also provided.

Disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for detecting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as well as for distinguishing relapsing-remitting (RRMS) and secondary progressive (SPMS) MS subtypes with high overall accuracy. Autoantibody antigens and biomarkers, for the diagnosis of MS in general, RRMS and SPMS, as well as for the identification of a subject at risk for developing MS, and for the generation of patient-specific MS autoantibody biomarker profiles are also provided.

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for processing biofluid samples. Some such methods may include obtaining a biofluid sample from a subject having a disease state such as lung cancer. The biofluid sample may be contacted with a nanoparticles to adsorb proteins. The proteins may then be ionized or contacted with a detection reagent. Also disclosed herein are compositions comprising proteins coupled to a nanoparticle upon contact of the nanoparticle with a biofluid sample from a subject having a disease.

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for processing biofluid samples. Some such methods may include obtaining a biofluid sample from a subject having a disease state such as lung cancer. The biofluid sample may be contacted with a nanoparticles to adsorb proteins. The proteins may then be ionized or contacted with a detection reagent. Also disclosed herein are compositions comprising proteins coupled to a nanoparticle upon contact of the nanoparticle with a biofluid sample from a subject having a disease.

The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo. In order to target a specific cell type, the nanoparticle may further be conjugated to a ligand, which is capable of binding to a cellular component associated with the specific cell type, such as a tumor marker. In one embodiment, a therapeutic agent may be attached to the nanoparticle. To permit the nanoparticle to be detectable by not only optical fluorescence imaging, but also other imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computerized tomography (CT), bioluminescence imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radionuclides/radiometals or paramagnetic ions may be conjugated to the nanoparticle.

The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo. In order to target a specific cell type, the nanoparticle may further be conjugated to a ligand, which is capable of binding to a cellular component associated with the specific cell type, such as a tumor marker. In one embodiment, a therapeutic agent may be attached to the nanoparticle. To permit the nanoparticle to be detectable by not only optical fluorescence imaging, but also other imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computerized tomography (CT), bioluminescence imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radionuclides/radiometals or paramagnetic ions may be conjugated to the nanoparticle.

Systems and methods for measuring analytes in fluid samples are disclosed. The systems and methods employ test strips which are generally comprised of a substrate, at least one electrical connection, at least one sensing chemistry and at least one additional layer. The test strips can be batch calibrated.

A light-emitting marker having a light-emitting core comprising a light-emitting material bound to a first biotin group and a biomolecule bound to a second biotin group. A protein, e.g. streptavidin or neutravidin, is bound to the first and second biotin groups. The light-emitting marker may be a light-emitting marker particle having a particulate core.

The present invention provides a membrane-type surface-stress sensor which has a new form for binding a target. A membrane-type surface-stress sensor of the present invention includes: aptamers; a membrane; and a sensor substrate, wherein the aptamer is a nucleic acid molecule that binds to a target and is immobilized to the membrane, the membrane is a membrane that deforms upon binding of the target to the aptamer, the sensor substrate has a support region, the support region supports the membrane and has a piezoresistive element, and the piezoresistive element is an element for detecting deformation of the membrane.

The present disclosure provides an improved field effect transistor and device that can be used to sense and characterize a variety of materials. The field effect transistor and/or device including the transistor may be used for a variety of applications, including genome sequencing, protein sequencing, biomolecular sequencing, and detection of ions, molecules, chemicals, biomolecules, metal atoms, polymers, nanoparticles and the like.