Kent State University

Northeastern Ohio University

Christopher J Woolverton

Gary D Niehaus

Oleg D Lavrentovich

Steven P Schmidt

Steven A Signs

Kathleen J Doane

A method for detecting a ligand is provided. Antibodies to a predetermined ligand are attached to substrates. The substrates are superparamagnetic, dyed beads. The beads are exposed to an electromagnetic field to immobilize the beads. The beads are contacted with a sample and the antibodies are allowed to recognize and capture the ligand in the sample. The electromagnetic field is optionally removed. The beads are contacted with a liquid crystalline material and the light transmission properties of the liquid crystalline material are examined for alteration caused by the presence of aggregates of the beads and the ligand. A functional cassette for the detection of ligands comprises a pair of opposed, transparent substrates defining a space therebetween, a pair of transparent electrodes disposed on at least a portion of the opposed substrates on a side facing the opposing substrate and defining a primary detection area, and a secondary detection area adapted to capture aggregates of a ligand and ligand-recognizing antibodies attached to superparamagnetic, dyed beads. The detection areas are in fluid communication with each other.

Ligand concentrating, liquid crystal biosensor system

A system for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism coupled to the receptor wherein an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding a ligand. Examples of suitable amplification mechanisms include antibody-embedded liquid crystalline materials; use of alpha-2-macroglobulin to encage an enzyme, whereby the enzyme is separated from its substrate by an receptor; and a receptor engineered to inhibit the active of site of an enzyme only in the absence of a ligand. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Detection and amplification of ligands

A functional cassette for the detection of ligands comprises a first inner housing, a second middle housing and a third outer housing and each housing is at least partially rotatable relative to an adjoining housing. The first inner housing contains a central well adapted for receiving a sample, and the central well is in selectable fluid communication with at least one mixing chambers. The mixing chambers contain a reagent for forming a complex with a ligand. The first inner housing additionally comprises at least one compartments for the storage of a liquid crystalline material, and the compartments are in selectable fluid communication with at least one mixing chambers. The third outer housing comprises at least one detection chambers for observing the light transmission properties of a liquid crystal material and the detection chambers are in selectable fluid communication with the mixing.

Liquid crystal cassette

Devices and systems for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism comprising a liquid crystalline, where an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding to a ligand are provided. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

A site-specific antibiotic delivery system and related method comprising a fibrin sealant and an antibiotic releasably bound to the fibrin sealant, wherein the antibiotic is delivered in situ and wherein the dose of antibiotic delivered to the organism is sufficient to kill substantially all antibiotic-resistant bacteria present in an infectious focus.

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Kent, OH, United States of America

Christopher J Woolverton