United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture

Robert M Hnasko

Larry H Stanker

Jeffery A McGarvey

Ronald P Haff

Eric S Jackson

Luisa W Cheng

Miles C Scotcher

Stanley B Prusiner

Cathrin E Bruederle

Lisa A Gorski

Candace R Bever

Susan Uramoto

Alice V Lin

The biosensor platform is a rapid point-of-care (POC) device wherein detection of a target substance is performed in a single step using a fully integrated disposable biosensor test system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a horizontally oriented multi-strip test cassette. A user initiates the test by depositing an analyte onto an immunochromatographic test strip sandwiched between a (top) cassette lid and a (bottom) slotted cassette tray. The test strip is held in place by at least one horizontally extending self-adjusting flex plate. The system is structured so that as the analyte flows through the test strip, the analyte reacts with a reagent in the test strip to indicate a presence or absence of the targeted substance as the test strip is held in place by the self-adjusting flex plate.

Biosensor platform for rapid diagnostic testing

Packages of insects are attached to a carrier cylinder and the cylinder is rotated in a radiation field so that the packaged insects are sterilized. The radiation field is created by a plurality of x-ray tubes mounted above the carrier cylinder. The tubes (and their respective radiation sources) are positioned so that a consistent radiation dosage is delivered at the surface of the cylinder&#x2014;thereby imparting both a precise and uniform dose of radiation to the insect packages affixed to the surface of the cylinder.

X-ray insect irradiator

Amatoxins (AMAs) are lethal toxins found in a variety of mushroom species. Detection methods are needed to determine the occurrence of AMAs in mushroom species, often suspected in mushroom poisonings. Provided herein are novel, sensitive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) detection and purification techniques utilizing the mAbs that show selectivity for &#x3b1;-amanitin (&#x3b1;-AMA), &#x3b2;-amanitin (&#x3b2;-AMA) and &#x3b3;-amanitin (&#x3b3;-AMA).

High affinity monoclonal antibodies for detecting amanitins

The bio sensor platform is a rapid point-of-care (POC) device wherein detection of a target analyte from a liquid or solid substrate is performed in a single step using a fully integrated disposable test system that includes a test strip immunoassay. In operation, a user initiates the test by rupturing the bottom of a liquid-filled analyte capsule seated in a capsule sleeve. A small volume of liquid flows by capillary action from the capsule sleeve and through a restrictor port to a test strip chamber where contact with the absorptive sample pad of the test strip (among other things) moves liquid by capillary action upwardly through the test strip. The detection of the target analyte is resolved by the test strip reagents and the test results are obtained at a test result window where a portion of the test strip is exposed to the user.

Self assembling peptides in combination with infectious and non-infectious proteins as inhibitors and diagnostic tools in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and amyloid producing neuorodegenerative diseases are described herein.

Self-assembling amphiphilic peptides

The present invention relates to the use of phyllosphere-associated lactic acid bacteria that demonstrate inhibitory effects on the growth and maintenance of human pathogens, such as, on the surface of food products, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables. Particular strains ofandare described and detailed for their atypical pathogen-inhibiting phenotypes.

Use of phyllosphere associated lactic acid bacteria as biocontrol agents to reduce bacterial growth on fresh produce

Herein is described a novel hybridoma cell line (RMH359) and its use as a cellular bioassay to determine the efficacy of cell conditioned media (CCM) as a supplement used to support cell survival and promote growth in culture. This bioassay is the first to provide a measure of CCM bioactivity in support of hybridoma cells used in the generation and production of monoclonal antibodies.

Bioassay for cell conditioned media

Peptide sequences that specifically bind infectious prion protein for the generation of antibodies and therapeutic agents are disclosed herein.

High-affinity monoclonal anti-prion antibodies

High affinity antibodies for binding epitopes of BoNT/B and hybridomas that produce such antibodies are described. The antibodies may be used in a kit for detecting BoNT/B in a sample.

Growing community of inventors

Port Costa, CA, United States of America

Robert M Hnasko