Provided herein are encoded microcarriers for analyte detection in multiplex assays. The microcarriers are encoded with an analog code for identification and include a capture agent for analyte detection. Also provided are methods of making the encoded microcarriers disclosed herein. Further provided are methods and kits for conducting a multiplex assay using the microcarriers described herein.

Provided herein are encoded microcarriers for analyte detection in multiplex assays. The microcarriers are encoded with an analog code for identification and include a capture agent for analyte detection. Also provided are methods of making the encoded microcarriers disclosed herein. Further provided are methods and kits for conducting a multiplex assay using the microcarriers described herein.

The present invention provides metallic nanocluster (NC)—antibody (Ab) conjugate, wherein the NC has an average size lower than 3 nm and the conjugate: (a) comprises one single NC, (b) the antibody maintains the binding ability; and (c) has a catalytic activity selected from peroxidase-like and photocatalytic activity.

The invention also provides a process for the preparation of the conjugate as well as compositions, kits and uses in therapy and diagnostics.

Advantageously, the conjugate of the invention shows improved catalytic activity, providing a remarkable improved immunoassay's sensitivity.

The present invention provides metallic nanocluster (NC)—antibody (Ab) conjugate, wherein the NC has an average size lower than 3 nm and the conjugate: (a) comprises one single NC, (b) the antibody maintains the binding ability; and (c) has a catalytic activity selected from peroxidase-like and photocatalytic activity.

The invention also provides a process for the preparation of the conjugate as well as compositions, kits and uses in therapy and diagnostics.

Advantageously, the conjugate of the invention shows improved catalytic activity, providing a remarkable improved immunoassay's sensitivity.

The present disclosure provides new approaches in developing templated polymer-based chemical receptors. At least some embodiments of the invention use a stimuli-responsive polymer [e.g., poly-Nisopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM)] as a polymer backbone with the incorporation of functional monomers (for analyte recognition). In at least some embodiments of the invention, vinylferrocene may be used as a redox-active label for electrochemical transduction.

The present disclosure provides new approaches in developing templated polymer-based chemical receptors. At least some embodiments of the invention use a stimuli-responsive polymer [e.g., poly-Nisopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM)] as a polymer backbone with the incorporation of functional monomers (for analyte recognition). In at least some embodiments of the invention, vinylferrocene may be used as a redox-active label for electrochemical transduction.

There is provided a sensing method which can detect a detection target with good sensitivity. A detection target sensing method includes supplying a detection target to a base having a first substance immobilized on a surface thereof, the detection target being bindable to the first substance; supplying a second substance to the base after the detection target is supplied thereto, the second substance being bindable to the detection target; and supplying a metal particle to the base after the second substance is supplied thereto, the metal particle being bindable to the second substance.

There is provided a sensing method which can detect a detection target with good sensitivity. A detection target sensing method includes supplying a detection target to a base having a first substance immobilized on a surface thereof, the detection target being bindable to the first substance; supplying a second substance to the base after the detection target is supplied thereto, the second substance being bindable to the detection target; and supplying a metal particle to the base after the second substance is supplied thereto, the metal particle being bindable to the second substance.

The present disclosure provides a device and method for measuring an amount of an analyte in a sample, comprising a lateral flow matrix which defines a flow path and which comprises, in series: a sample receiving zone; a labeling zone comprising an unlabeled receptor and a labeled receptor, the unlabeled receptor located downstream of the labeled receptor and separated by a distance; and two serially oriented capture zones capable of providing quantitation of the amount of the analyte in the sample.

The present disclosure provides a device and method for measuring an amount of an analyte in a sample, comprising a lateral flow matrix which defines a flow path and which comprises, in series: a sample receiving zone; a labeling zone comprising an unlabeled receptor and a labeled receptor, the unlabeled receptor located downstream of the labeled receptor and separated by a distance; and two serially oriented capture zones capable of providing quantitation of the amount of the analyte in the sample.