Systems and methods for handling a variety of sample and preparatory fluids in a rack specifically configured for compatibility with predetermined liquid handlers such as automated pipettors or multi-channel manual pipettors and set up for magnetic based sample preparation. The rack can hold all of the necessary sample and reagent vials, and present them to the pipettor in some embodiments in a way that allows for parallel operation. The rack includes slidable magnets that in some embodiments are actuatable directly by the pipettor, eliminating a layer of complexity. Combined with a suitable pipettor the magnet enabled rack supports a multistep magnetic based sample preparation capability in a high throughput manner at one station that enhances sample purity throughout magnetic separation processes.

Methods and kits are provided for analyzing a fluid with a flow cytometer to determine the concentration of a target component in the fluid. At least two bead groups are combined with the fluid, wherein each of the bead groups includes surface-functionalized beads that have a different size from the other bead groups. The target component can bind to the functional groups on the beads, and the beads with the targets can be counted with the flow cytometer. Based on the numbers of beads with targets in each group, a most probable number (MPN) of the target component can be determined.

A sample is added to a chamber (12) in which magnetic particles (P) are provided. The sample includes a target component (T) and the chamber (12) has a detection surface (122). A magnetic force is exerted on the magnetic particles (P) to attract the magnetic particles (P) to the detection surface (122). The bound magnetic particles that captured the target component (T) in the magnetic particles (P) and the unbound magnetic particles that captured no target component (T) in the magnetic particles (P) are held at the detection surface (122). At least part of the sample is drained out of the chamber (12) and a new sample added to the chamber (12). The magnetic force exerted on the magnetic particles (P) is altered to release the unbound magnetic particles from the detection surface (122). An amount of the bound magnetic particles that are held at the detection surface (122) are measured. The target component (T) is preconcentrated by repeating the steps of magnetically binding the target component (T) from the newly added sample and washing the detection surface (122) from unbound magnetic particles.

The present invention relates to systems that utilize a combination of immunoassay and magnetic immunoassay techniques to detect an analyte within an extended range of specified concentrations. In particular, a device is provided for detecting an analyte in a biological sample. The device includes a first electrochemical sensor positioned on a substrate. The first electrochemical sensor includes an immobilized layer of antibody configured to bind to the analyte. The device further includes a second electrochemical sensor positioned adjacent to the first electrochemical sensor on the substrate, and a magnetic material that generates a magnetic field aligned with respect to the second electrochemical sensor. The magnetic field captures magnetic beads that have an immobilized layer of antibody configured to bind to the analyte, and concentrates the magnetic beads on or near a surface of the second electrochemical sensor.

The present invention relates to biofluid monitoring. It is proposed to use a system (100) and a method to detect when a biomarker sensor (10) with a regenerable surface (14) has degraded and/or predicting when the sensor will degrade. At least one of the following methods are used for the detection: counting the number of times the surface has been regenerated, determining the cumulative amount of biomolecules measured with the device, detecting an increased/decreased voltage change or pH change needed to release the biomarkers from the capture surface, detecting deviations of the sensor raw signal signatures from factory calibration signals, and using tracer analyte molecules comprising analyte molecules bound to magnetic beads.

Methods and reagents for processing samples for fluorescence analysis. Processing methods include treating samples containing riboflavin to reduce riboflavin-dependent autofluorescence by adding riboflavin binding protein to the sample, irradiating the sample, or a combination thereof. Processing methods also include clarifying samples by coagulating, precipitating, and/or otherwise removing proteins and other components that interfere with fluorescence analysis without removing the analyte. Fluorescence analysis methods include fluorescence polarization analysis (FPA) and others. Reagents suitable for performing the disclosed methods are provided.

An automatic analysis device and method having a BF separation process, wherein the width in a container conveyance direction of a surface facing a reaction container of a magnet for preliminary magnetic collection of a first magnetic generation part (32p) is set to have a length including a region for housing a liquid sample of the reaction container conveyed to a magnetic collection position of the first magnetic generation part. An end in the container conveyance direction of a surface facing the reaction container of a magnet for regular magnetic collection of a second magnetic generation part (32m) is designed to be close to the center of the region for housing the liquid sample of the reaction container conveyed to a magnetic collection position of the second magnetic generation part.

A method for magnetic cellular manipulation may include contacting a composition with a biological sample to form a mixture. The composition may include a plurality of particles. Each particle in the plurality of particles may include a magnetic substrate. The magnetic substrate may be characterized by a magnetic susceptibility greater than zero. The composition may also include a chargeable silicon-containing compound. The chargeable silicon-containing compound may coat at least a portion of the magnetic substrate. The biological sample may include cells and/or cellular structures. The method may also include applying a magnetic field to the mixture to manipulate the composition.

An apparatus and method for characterizing a target, e.g., microbial samples or biological toxins, includes labeling the target with a biomolecular recognition construct and measuring an atomic-spectra signal of the biomolecular recognition construct. The method can include heating the labeled target before measuring the atomic-spectra signal. The atomic-spectra signal can be measured by performing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. The atomic-spectra signal can be measured by performing spark induced breakdown spectroscopy. The biomolecular recognition construct can be prepared by tagging a biological scaffolding with a metal atom or ion. In an aspect in which the target includes a microbial sample, the biological scaffolding can include an antibody against epitopes present on bacterial surface, the antibody linked to a heavy metal. In an aspect in which the target includes a biological toxin, the biological scaffolding can include an antibody against the biological toxin linked to heavy metals.

Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer software for determining a conformational change in a structure of a protein. One method includes delivering a magnetic nanoparticle-nanobody (MNP-NB) complex to a sample containing a protein, where the MNP-NB complex will bind to the protein in the sample. An external magnetic field is applied to the sample with a magnetic field generation system. Signals are detected from the MNP-NB complex that reflect a response to the external magnetic field and a conformational change in a structure of the protein in the sample is determined from the signals.