QuICSeedR: An R package for analyzing fluorophore-assisted seed amplification assay data.

Motivation: Fluorophore-assisted seed amplification assays (F-SAAs), such as real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) and fluorophore-assisted protein misfolding cyclic amplification (F-PMCA), have become indispensable tools for studying protein misfolding in neurodegenerative diseases. However, analyzing data generated by these techniques often requires complex and time-consuming manual processes. Additionally, the lack of standardization in F-SAA data analysis presents a significant challenge to the interpretation and reproducibility of F-SAA results across different laboratories and studies.

Nanoparticle-Enhanced RT-QuIC (Nano-QuIC) Diagnostic Assay for Misfolded Proteins.

Misfolded proteins associated with various neurodegenerative diseases often accumulate in tissues or circulate in biological fluids years before the clinical onset, thus representing ideal diagnostic targets. Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC), a protein-based seeded-amplification assay, holds great potential for early disease detection, yet challenges remain for routine diagnostic application. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), associated with misfolded prion proteins of cervids, serves as an ideal model for evaluating new RT-QuIC methodologies.

A field-deployable diagnostic assay for the visual detection of misfolded prions.

Diagnostic tools for the detection of protein-misfolding diseases (i.e., proteopathies) are limited.

Open-channel microfluidics via resonant wireless power transfer.

Open-channel microfluidics enables precise positioning and confinement of liquid volume to interface with tightly integrated optics, sensors, and circuit elements. Active actuation via electric fields can offer a reduced footprint compared to passive microfluidic ensembles and removes the burden of intricate mechanical assembly of enclosed systems. Typical systems actuate via manipulating surface wettability (i.