A system for detecting analytes in a test sample, and a method for processing the same, is provided. The system includes a cartridge reader unit that has a control unit and a pneumatic system, and a cartridge assembly that prepares the samples with mixing material(s) through communication channels. The assembly has a memory chip with parameters for preparing the sample and at least one sensor (GMR sensor) for detecting analytes in the sample. The assembly is pneumatically and electronically mated with the reader unit via a pneumatic interface and an electronic interface such that the parameters may be implemented via the control unit. The pneumatic system is contained within the unit and has pump(s) and valve(s) for selectively applying fluid pressure to the pneumatic interface of the assembly, and thus through the communication channels, to move the sample and mixing material(s) through and to sensor. The control unit activates the pneumatic system to prepare the sample and provide it to the sensor for detecting analytes, and also processes measurements from the sensor to generate test results.

Devices and methods for molecule detection using such devices are disclosed herein. A molecule detection device comprises at least one fluidic channel configured to receive molecules to be detected, a sensor comprising a spin torque oscillator (STO) and encapsulated by a material separating the sensor from the at least one fluidic channel, and detection circuitry coupled to the sensor. At least some of the molecules to be detected are labeled by magnetic nanoparticles (HNPs). A surface of the material provides binding sites for the molecules to be detected. The detection circuitry is configured to detect a frequency or frequency noise of a radio-frequency (RF) signal generated by the STO in response to presence or absence of at least one MNP coupled to one or more binding sites associated with the sensor.

A method of detecting a biological sample includes the following steps. A magnetic sensor chip is provided, wherein the magnetic sensor chip includes a substrate and a magnetic sensing layer located on the substrate. Probes are connected to the magnetic sensor chip. A sample solution containing biological samples labeled with a first marker is provided on the magnetic sensor chip, so that the biological samples labeled with the first marker are hybridized with the probes. Magnetic beads labeled with a second marker are provided on the magnetic sensor chip, so that the magnetic beads labeled with the second marker are bound onto the biological samples labeled with the first marker. A signal sensed by the magnetic sensing layer is detected by a magnetic sensor.

A system and method for locating magnetic material. In one embodiment the system includes a magnetic probe; a power module in electrical communication with the magnetic probe to supply current to the magnetic probe; a sense module in electrical communication with the magnetic probe to receive signals from the magnetic probe; and a computer in electrical communication with the power module and the sense module. The computer generates a waveform that controls the supply of current from the power module and receives a signal from the sense module that indicates the presence of magnetic material. The magnetic probe is constructed from a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of substantially 10.sup.−6/° C. or less and a Young's modulus of substantially 50 GPa or greater. In one embodiment magnetic nanoparticles are injected into a breast and the lymph nodes collecting the particles are detected with the probe and deemed sentinel nodes.

Provided are methods of evaluating a sample for presence of an analyte using a magnetic sensor and a dissociation reagent. In some embodiments the sample is magnetically labelled and bound to the magnetic sensor, after which a dissociation reagent is introduced to dissociate the magnetic label from the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor can be used to detect the magnetically labeled analyte before and after introduction of the dissociation reagent, thereby allowing for evaluating of the presence of the analyte. Exemplary samples include aqueous solutions containing proteins, DNA, RNA, and other biologically relevant analytes. In some cases the methods provide for an increase in the speed at which the magnetic sensor can evaluate samples. Also provided are apparatuses and kits for performing the methods.

A system, apparatus, and method for registering and interpreting the results of lateral flow assay determination by using electric, magnetic, and RF sensors incorporated within the test strip, attached to the inside of the enclosure for same and/or contained in a test fixture; instead of relying on optical inspection techniques. This method features high reliability, low cost, and ability for quantitative and dynamic measurements.

A system for detecting analytes in a test sample, and a method for processing the same, is provided. The system includes a cartridge reader unit that has a control unit and a pneumatic system, and a cartridge assembly that prepares the samples with mixing material(s) through communication channels. The assembly has a memory chip with parameters for preparing the sample and at least one sensor. The assembly, pneumatic system, and control unit operate together to prepare the sample and provide the prepared sample to the sensor for detecting analytes, and also process measurements from the sensor to generate test results.

Disclosed herein are detection devices, systems, and methods that use magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to allow molecules to be identified. Embodiments of this disclosure include magnetic sensors (e.g., magnetoresistive sensors) that can be used to detect temperature-dependent magnetic fields (or changes in magnetic fields) emitted by MNPs, and, specifically to distinguish between the presence and absence of magnetic fields emitted, or not emitted, by MNPs at different temperatures selected to take advantage of knowledge of how the MNPs' magnetic properties change with temperature. Embodiments disclosed herein may be used for nucleic acid sequencing, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing.

Methods of, inter alia, detecting the presence of one or more analytes in one or more query samples include providing one or more sensor that each include biomolecules disposed on a functionalized surface of one or more giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors. Modes of operation remove or add magnetic beads from the vicinity of sensor surfaces by interactions with the biomolecules. The methods feature, inter alia, detecting the presence of one or more analytes in one or more query samples by measuring magnetoresistance change of the one or more GMR sensors based on determining magnetoresistance before and after passing magnetic particles over the one or more sensors.

A measurement system includes a container configured to contain a solvated target molecule and at least one magnetoresistive (MR) sensor device including at least one MR sensor disposed near the container and configured to measure a magnetic field generated by the solvated target molecule, each of the at least one MR sensor including a pin layer having a pinned direction of magnetization, a free layer having a direction of magnetization that varies with an applied magnetic field, and a non-conductive layer separating the pin layer and the free layer.