Rapid ultra-sensitive diagnosis of infection using a SERS-based lateral flow assay.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection is one of the most contagious diseases associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in hospitalised patients. Accurate diagnosis can slow its spread by determining the most effective treatment.

One-Port Electronic Detection Strategies for Improving Sensitivity in Piezoelectric Resonant Sensor Measurements.

This paper describes a one-port mechanical resonance detection scheme utilized on a piezoelectric thin film driven silicon circular diaphragm resonator and discusses the limitations to such an approach in degenerate mode mass detection sensors. The sensor utilizes degenerated vibration modes of a radial symmetrical microstructure thereby providing both a sense and reference mode allowing for minimization of environmental effects on performance. The circular diaphragm resonator was fabricated with thickness of 4.

Biomolecule patterning on analytical devices: a microfabrication-compatible approach.

The present work describes a methodology for patterning biomolecules on silicon-based analytical devices that reconciles 3-D biological functionalization with standard resist lift-off techniques. Unlike classic sol-gel approaches in which the biomolecule of interest is introduced within the sol mixture, a two-stage scenario has been developed. It consists first of patterning micrometer/submicrometer polycondensate scaffold structures, using classic microfabrication tools, that are then loaded with native biomolecules via a second simple incubation step under biologically friendly environmental conditions.

Chemical introduction of disulfide groups on glycoproteins: a direct protein anchoring scenario.

The present work reports a direct glycoprotein immobilization protocol where the protein is chemically modified with disulfide groups which act as anchor molecules able to chemisorb spontaneously onto clean gold surfaces. The specificity of the chemical reaction, for disulfide introduction, toward carbohydrate moieties prevents any cross-reaction with other functional groups present in the protein structure. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was chosen as a model glycoprotein, and a biologically active densely packed SAM was obtained on gold, as demonstrated by spectrophotometry and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy.

The first monoclonal antibody-based, matrix-resistant immunoassay for the carbamate herbicide asulam, in water.

To date, no ligand binding assay has been described for the carbamate herbicide asulam, although a variety of physical methods, dependent on pre-concentration of water samples, have been documented for its assessment. However, asulam is increasingly used in sensitive agricultural areas, and statutory regulations concerning its monitoring will undoubtedly become more stringent. Antibodies are optimal partners in ligand binding assays, but it is commonly understood by immunological researchers that where no antibody reactive with a particular antigen has yet been described, the immunogenicity of the antigen may be particularly restricted.