Liquid crystal based analyte detection

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of detection of viruses, and in particular to detection of viruses using a liquid crystal assay format. In the present invention, virus binding in a detection region is identified by changes in liquid crystal orientation caused by virus binding independent orientation caused by any topography associated with the detection region.

1 . A method for detecting viruses comprising: 
 a) providing: 
 i) a sample suspected of containing of a virus;  
 ii) a detection device comprising a substrate comprising at least one detection region having a first virus recognition moiety immobilized thereon;  
 iii) mesogens;  
   b) contacting said detection region with said sample;    c) contacting said substrate with said mesogens, wherein the presence of said virus is indicated by a change in said mesogens over said detection regions and wherein said change is independent of the presence of an additional homeotropic director on said detection region.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said change in said mesogens is selected from the group consisting of a change in color, a change in texture, a change in tilt, and homeotropic orientation.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said change in mesogens is detected by a method selected from the group consisting of visual detection, optical detection, spectroscopy, light transmission, and electrical detection.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said virus is selected from the group consisting of the following families: Adenoviridae, Arenaviridae, Astroviridae, Bimaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Caliciviridae, Circoviridae, Coronaviridae, Filoviridae, Flaviviridae, Hepadnaviridae, Herpesviridae, Iridoviridae, Filoviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Papovaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Parvoviridae, Picornaviridae, Poxyiridae, Reoviridae, Retroviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Togaviridae, Badnavirus, Bromoviridae, Comoviridae, Geminiviridae, Partitiviridae, Potyviridae, Sequiviridae, and Tombusviridae.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said virus is a Japanese Encephalitis Virus group virus.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said Japanese Encephalitis Virus group virus is selected from the group consisting of West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis Virus.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said virus is an enveloped virus.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said substrate is selected from the group consisting of metal films, glass, silicon, diamond and polymeric materials.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said polymeric materials are selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, PDMS, polyimide, polystyrene, polycarbonate and polyisocyanoacrylate.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mesogen is selected from the group consisting of 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl, N-(4methoxybenzylidene)-4-butlyaniline and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said virus recognition moiety is selected from the group consisting of antigen binding proteins and nucleic acids.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said antigen binding protein is an immunoglobulin.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said substrate comprises a plurality of detection regions.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of detection regions have the same virus recognition moiety bound thereto.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of detection regions have different virus recognition moieties bound thereto.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said detection device further comprises a second substrate arranged opposite said first substrate to form a cell.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said change in said mesogens is detected by viewing said detection device between cross polar lenses.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said detection region does not homeotropically orient mesogens in the absence of virus.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said sample is selected from the group consisting of biological fluids, tissue homogenates, feces, vesicular fluids, swabs of orifices or tissues, and media in which virus has been cultured or prepared.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said biological fluid is selected from the group consisting of cerebral-spinal fluid, urine, serum, plasma, nasal secretions, sputum, semen and saliva.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said homeotropic ordering is observed within 48 hours of the application of said sample to said detection region.  
     
     
         22 . A device for the detection of a virus comprising a first substrate comprising at least one detection region having a first virus recognition moiety specific for said virus immobilized thereon, wherein said detection region does not homeotropically orient an added mesogen in the absence of said virus.  
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein said first substrate comprises a plurality of detection regions.  
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein said virus recognition moiety is selected from the group consisting of antigen binding protein and nucleic acid.  
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 23 , wherein said plurality of detection regions are arranged in an array.  
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 22 , further comprising at least one control region comprising immobilized virus.  
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 22 , further comprising a second substrate oriented opposite said first substrate to form a cell for containing mesogens.  
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein said substrate is selected from the group consisting of metal films, glass, silicon, diamond and polymeric materials.  
     
     
         29 . A kit comprising: 
 a) a device for the detection of a virus comprising a first substrate comprising at least one detection region having a first virus recognition moiety specific for said virus immobilized thereon, wherein said detection region does not homeotropically orient an added mesogen in the absence of said virus; and    b) instructions for detection of said virus.    
     
     
         30 . The kit of  claim 29 , further comprising a vial containing mesogens.  
     
     
         31 . The kit of  claim 29 , further comprising a vial comprising said virus for use as a positive control.  
     
     
         32 . A method for detecting a lipid membrane containing entity comprising: 
 a) providing: 
 i) a sample suspected of containing of an entity with a lipid membrane;  
 ii) a detection device comprising a substrate comprising at least one detection region;  
 iii) mesogens;  
   b) contacting said detection region with said sample;    c) contacting said substrate with said mesogens, wherein the presence of said biological entity with a lipid membrane is indicated by a change in said mesogens over said detection regions.    
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said change in said mesogens is selected from the group consisting of a change in color, a change in texture, a change in tilt, and homeotropic orientation.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said change in mesogens is detected by a method selected from the group consisting of visual detection, optical detection, spectroscopy, light transmission, and electrical detection.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said entity is selected from the group consisting of a cell, a bacterium, a  Mycoplasma , a virus, and a liposome or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said substrate is selected from the group consisting of metal films, glass, silicon, diamond and polymeric materials.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein said polymeric materials are selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, PDMS, polyimide, polystyrene, polycarbonate and polyisocyanoacrylate.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said mesogen is selected from the group consisting of 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl, N-(4methoxybenzylidene)-4-butlyaniline and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said mesogen is 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said detection region further comprises a recognition moiety that recognizes said biological entity.  
     
     
         41 . The method of 40, wherein said recognition moiety is selected from the group consisting of antigen binding proteins and nucleic acids.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein said antigen binding protein is an immunoglobulin.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said substrate comprises a plurality of detection regions.  
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein said plurality of detection regions have the same recognition moiety bound thereto.  
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein said plurality of detection regions have different recognition moieties bound thereto.  
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said detection device further comprises a second substrate arranged opposite said first substrate to form a cell.  
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said change in said mesogens is detected by viewing said detection device between cross polar lenses.  
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said detection region does not homeotropically orient mesogens in the absence of virus.  
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said sample is selected from the group consisting of biological fluids, tissue homogenates, feces, vesicular fluids, swabs of orifices or tissues, and media in which virus has been cultured or prepared.  
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said biological fluid is selected from the group consisting of cerebral-spinal fluid, urine, serum, plasma, nasal secretions, sputum, semen and saliva.  
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein said homeotropic ordering is observed within 48 hours of the application of said sample to said detection region.  
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said entity comprising a lipid membrane is a liposome displaying a ligand.  
     
     
         53 . A device for the detection of an entity comprising a lipid membrane, said device comprising a first substrate comprising at least one detection region having at least one recognition moiety specific for said entity comprising a lipid membrane immobilized thereon, wherein said detection region does not homeotropically orient an added mesogen in the absence of said entity comprising a lipid membrane.  
     
     
         54 . The device of  claim 53 , wherein said first substrate comprises a plurality of detection regions.  
     
     
         55 . The device of  claim 53 , wherein said recognition moiety is selected from the group consisting of antigen binding protein and nucleic acid.  
     
     
         56 . The device of  claim 54 , where said plurality of detection regions comprise recognition moieties.  
     
     
         57 . The device of  claim 56 , wherein at least two of said plurality of detection regions comprise the same recognition moiety.  
     
     
         58 . The device of  claim 56 , wherein said plurality of detection regions are arranged in an array.  
     
     
         59 . The device of  claim 54 , further comprising at least one control region comprising an immobilized control entity comprising a biological membrane.  
     
     
         60 . The device of  claim 54 , further comprising a second substrate oriented opposite said first substrate to form a cell for containing mesogens.  
     
     
         61 . The device of  claim 54 , wherein said substrate is selected from the group consisting of metal films, glass, silicon, diamond and polymeric materials.  
     
     
         62 . A kit comprising: 
 a) a device for the detection of a entity comprising a lipid membrane comprising a first substrate comprising at least one detection region having a first recognition moiety specific for said entity comprising a lipid membrane immobilized thereon, wherein said detection region does not homeotropically orient an added mesogen in the absence of said entity comprising a lipid membrane; and    b) instructions for detection of said entity comprising a lipid membrane.    
     
     
         63 . The kit of  claim 62 , further comprising a vial containing mesogens.  
     
     
         64 . The kit of  claim 62 , further comprising a vial comprising an entity comprising a lipid membrane for use as a positive control.  
     
     
         65 . A method comprising: 
 a) providing a functionalized detection substrate treated to align mesogens, a stamp substrate displaying at least one recognition moiety, a biological test sample suspected of containing a binding partner for said recognition moiety, and mesogens;    b) contacting said test sample with said stamp substrate under conditions such that said binding partner can bind said recognition moiety;    c) contacting said detection substrate with said stamp substrate under conditions such that said binding partner to said recognition moiety is transferred to said detection substrate;    d) detecting the presence of said binding partner to said recognition moiety on said detection substrate by applying said mesogens to said substrate.    
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said biological sample is selected from the group consisting of whole blood, serum, cerebral spinal fluid, nasopharyngeal aspirate, and nasal secretions.  
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein alignment of said mesogens by said detection substrate is disrupted by the presence of said binding partner to said recognition moiety.  
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein said alignment is homeotropic.  
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said mesogens are not homeotropically aligned over areas of said detection substrate wherein said binding partner of said recognition moiety is present.  
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said detection substrate is used to form an optical cell.  
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said detecting is performed by analysis of said detection substrate with cross-polar lenses.  
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein areas of said detection substrate with homeotropically aligned mesogens appear dark.  
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein areas of said detection substrate with substantially non-homeotropically aligned mesogens appear bright.  
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 65 , further comprising providing a secondary binding agent and contacting said analyte or said recognition moiety with said secondary binding agent prior to detection.  
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 74 , wherein said secondary binding agent is selected form the group consisting of a protein, polypeptide, peptide, nucleic acid.  
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 75 , wherein said secondary binding agent is avidin or biotin.  
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 75 , wherein said secondary binding agent is complexed with a lipid.  
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 74 , wherein said secondary binding agent is displayed on a liposome.  
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said recognition moiety is an antigenic substance from a pathogenic organism.  
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 79 , wherein said antigenic substance is a protein.  
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 80 , wherein said protein is an envelope protein of a virus.  
     
     
         82 . The method  claim 81 , wherein said envelope protein is protein E from West Nile Virus.  
     
     
         83 . The method  claim 65 , wherein said binding partner is an antibody.  
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said stamp substrate comprises two or more recognition moieties in an array.  
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said ligand is bound by binding partners from a plurality of species or genera.  
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said mesogen is 5CB.  
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said stamp substrate comprises PDMS.  
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein said detection substrate comprises obliquely deposited gold.  
     
     
         89 . A kit comprising: 
 a) a stamp substrate displaying at least one recognition moiety;    b) a functionalized detection substrate that orients mesogens; and    c) instructions for using said substrates for detecting a binding partner of said recognition moiety.    
     
     
         90 . The kit of  claim 89 , further comprising a container of mesogens.  
     
     
         91 . The kit of  claim 89 , further comprising a container containing a secondary binding agent.  
     
     
         92 . A system for detecting an analyte comprising: 
 a) a first substrate displaying a recognition moiety, wherein said recognition moiety interacts with said analyte;    b) a second substrate comprising a surface configured to receive said analyte interacting with said recognition moiety; and    c) a liquid crystal overlaying said second substrate.    
     
     
         93 . The system of  claim 92 , wherein is said first substrate is selected from the group consisting of a stamp, a bead, and a column.  
     
     
         94 . The system of  claim 92 , wherein said stamp comprises PDMS.  
     
     
         95 . The system of  claim 92 , wherein said bead is a magnetic bead.  
     
     
         96 . The system of  claim 92 , wherein said column is an immunoaffinity column.  
     
     
         97 . The system of  claim 92 , wherein said recognition moiety is selected from the group consisting of a protein, polypeptide, peptide, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, lipid, organic molecule and inorganic molecule.  
     
     
         98 . The system of  claim 92 , wherein said liquid crystal comprises mesogens selected from the group consisting of E7, MLC, 5CB (4-n-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl), 8CB (4-cyano-4′octylbiphenyl), BL093, TL 216, ZLI 5800, MLC 6613, and MBBA ((p-methoxybenzylidene)-p-butylaniline).  
     
     
         99 . The system of  claim 92 , wherein said second substrate comprises a functionalized surface.  
     
     
         100 . The system of  claim 92 , wherein said functionalized surface comprises a polyimide.  
     
     
         101 . The system of  claim 100 , wherein said polyimide is rubbed.  
     
     
         102 . The system of  claim 101 , wherein said polyimide is selected from the group consisting of Nissan 7210, Nissan 3510, Nissan 410, Nissan 3140, Nissan 5291, and Japan Synthetic Rubber JALS 146-R19.  
     
     
         103 . The system of  claim 100  wherein said polyimide homeotropically orients said liquid crystal.  
     
     
         104 . The system of  claim 103 , wherein said polyimide is selected from the group consisting of Nissan 7511L and SE 1211.  
     
     
         105 . A method of detecting an analyte comprising: 
 a) providing a first substrate displaying a recognition moiety, a second substrate, mesogens, and a sample suspected of containing an analyte;    b) contacting said first substrate displaying a recognition moiety with said sample suspected of containing an analyte so that said analyte interacts with said recognition moiety;    c) transferring said analyte interacting with said recognition moiety to said second substrate; and    d) contacting said second substrate with said mesogens to detect the presence of said analyte on said second substrate.    
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein said recognition moiety is selected from the group consisting of a protein, polypeptide, peptide, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, lipid, organic molecule and inorganic molecule.  
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein said analyte is selected from the group consisting of a protein, polypeptide, peptide, nucleic acid, organic molecule, inorganic molecule, virus, liposome, bacteria, fungus, and cell.  
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein said first substrate is selected from the group consisting of a stamp, a bead, and a column.  
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein said second substrate is selected from the group consisting of silicon, glass, polymer, diamond, and metal.  
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein said second substrate comprises a surface functionalized with a polyimide.  
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein said polyimide is rubbed.  
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 111 , wherein said polyimide is selected from the group consisting of Nissan 7210, Nissan 3510, Nissan 410, Nissan 3140, Nissan 5291, and Japan Synthetic Rubber JALS 146-R19.  
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 110  wherein said polyimide homeotropically orients said liquid crystal.  
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 113 , wherein said polyimide is selected from the group consisting of Nissan 7511L and SE 1211.  
     
     
         115 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein the presence of analyte is indicated by a non-ordered liquid crystal that appears white or bright when viewed through cross polar lenses and areas where analyte is not bound remain ordered and appear dark when viewed through cross polar lenses.  
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein the presence of an analyte is indicated by a disordered liquid crystal that appears white or bright when viewed through cross polar lenses and areas where no analyte is bound maintain homeotropic orientation and appear dark.  
     
     
         117 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein said mesogens are selected from the group consisting of E7, MLC, 5CB (4-n-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl), 8CB (4-cyano-4′octylbiphenyl), BL093, TL 216, ZLI 5800, MLC 6613, and MBBA ((p-methoxybenzylidene)-p-butylaniline).  
     
     
         118 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein the presence of an analyte on said second substrate is indicated by a difference in the orientation of said mesogens.  
     
     
         119 . The method of  claim 118 , wherein said difference in the orientation of said mesogens is detected by a method selected from the group consisting of visual detection, optical detection, spectroscopy, light transmission, and electrical detection.  
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein said transferring step further comprises the step of eluting said analyte from said first substrate.  
     
     
         121 . The method of  claim 1  OS, further comprising the step of contacting the analyte-recognition moiety complex with a secondary binding agent.  
     
     
         122 . The method of  claim 121 , wherein said secondary binding agent is selected from the group consisting of a peptide, polypeptide, protein, carbohydrate, and nucleic acid.  
     
     
         123 . The method of  claim 121 , wherein said secondary binding agent is avidin or biotin.  
     
     
         124 . The method of  claim 121 , wherein the presence of said secondary binding agent enhances the detection of said analyte after transfer to said second substrate.  
     
     
         125 . The method of  claim 122 , wherein said secondary binding agent is complexed with a lipid.  
     
     
         126 . The method of  claim 125 , wherein said secondary binding agent is displayed on a liposome.  
     
     
         127 . A kit comprising: 
 a) a first substrate displaying a recognition moiety, wherein said recognition moiety interacts with an analyte;    b) a second substrate comprising a surface configured to receive said analyte interacting with said recognition moiety;    c) a vial containing mesogens; and    d) instructions for detecting said analyte.    
     
     
         128 . The kit of  claim 127 , wherein is said first substrate is selected from the group consisting of a stamp, a bead, and column media.  
     
     
         129 . A method for detecting analytes comprising: 
 a) providing: 
 i) a sample suspected of containing of an analyte;  
 ii) a detection device comprising a substrate comprising at least one electrode and at least one detection region;  
 iii) mesogens;  
   b) applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode to transport said analyte to said substrate;    c) contacting said substrate with said mesogens, wherein the presence of said analyte is indicated by a difference in alignment of said mesogens over said at least one detection region.    
     
     
         130 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said electrical potential is an alternating current.  
     
     
         131 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said transport occurs via dielectrophoresis.  
     
     
         132 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said difference in said alignment of said mesogens is selected from the group consisting of a change in color, a change in texture, a change in tilt, and homeotropic orientation.  
     
     
         133 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said difference in alignment of said mesogens is detected by a method selected from the group consisting of visual detection, optical detection, spectroscopy, light transmission, and electrical detection.  
     
     
         134 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said analyte is selected from the group consisting of a protein, peptide, polypeptide, nucleic acid, organic molecule, inorganic molecule, virus, bacteria, liposome, cell, and fungus.  
     
     
         135 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said substrate is selected from the group consisting of metal films, glass, silicon, diamond and polymeric materials.  
     
     
         136 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein said polymeric materials are selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, PDMS, polyimide, polystyrene, polycarbonate and polyisocyanoacrylate.  
     
     
         137 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said mesogen is selected from the group consisting of E7, MLC, 5CB (4-n-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl), 8CB (4-cyano-4′octylbiphenyl), BL093, TL 216, ZLI 5800, MLC 6613, and MBBA ((p-methoxybenzylidene)-p-butylaniline) and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         138 . The method of  claim 137 , wherein said mesogen is 5CB.  
     
     
         139 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said detection region comprises a recognition moiety.  
     
     
         140 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said recognition moiety is selected from the group consisting of an peptide, polypeptide, protein, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, organic molecule, and inorganic molecule.  
     
     
         141 . The method of  claim 140 , wherein said protein is an antigen binding protein.  
     
     
         142 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said substrate comprises a plurality of detection regions.  
     
     
         143 . The method of  claim 142 , wherein said plurality of detection regions display the same recognition moiety.  
     
     
         144 . The method of  claim 142 , wherein said plurality of detection regions display different recognition moieties.  
     
     
         145 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said detection device further comprises a second substrate arranged opposite said first substrate to form a cell.  
     
     
         146 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said sample is selected from the group consisting of biological fluids, tissue homogenates, feces, vesicular fluids, swabs of orifices or tissues, and media in which virus has been cultured or prepared.  
     
     
         147 . The method of  claim 146 , wherein said biological fluid is selected from the group consisting of cerebral-spinal fluid, urine, serum, plasma, nasal secretions, sputum, semen and saliva.  
     
     
         148 . The method of  claim 129 , further comprising the step of detecting analyte binding by measuring the impedance of said detection device, wherein a change in capacitance is indicative of analyte binding.  
     
     
         149 . The method of  claim 148 , wherein said impedance is capacitance or resistance.  
     
     
         150 . The method of  claim 148 , wherein said measuring is in real-time.  
     
     
         151 . A device for detecting an analyte comprising a first substrate comprising at least one electrode and at least one detection region, wherein said at least one electrode is configured to provide an electrical potential to attract an analyte to said substrate and to determine the presence of said analyte by measuring electrical properties of the device, and 
 a second substrate oriented opposite of said first substrate, wherein said first substrate and said second substrate form a chamber for containing a liquid crystal.    
     
     
         152 . The device of  claim 151 , wherein said electrical property is impedance.  
     
     
         153 . The device of  claim 152 , wherein said impedance is capacitance or resistance.  
     
     
         154 . The device of  claim 153 , wherein said impedance is capacitance.  
     
     
         155 . The device of  claim 151 , wherein said substrate is selected from the group consisting of metal films, glass, silicon, diamond and polymeric materials.  
     
     
         156 . The device of  claim 155 , wherein said polymeric materials are selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, PDMS, polyimide, polystyrene, polycarbonate and polyisocyanoacrylate.  
     
     
         157 . The device of  claim 151  further comprising mesogens, wherein said mesogens are selected from the group consisting of E7, MLC, 5CB (4-n-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl), 8CB (4-cyano-4′octylbiphenyl), BL093, TL 216, ZLI 5800, MLC 6613, and MBBA ((p-methoxybenzylidene)-p-butylaniline) and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         158 . The device of  claim 151 , wherein said detection region comprises a recognition moiety.  
     
     
         159 . The device of  claim 158 , wherein said recognition moiety is selected from the group consisting of an peptide, polypeptide, protein, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, organic molecule, and inorganic molecule.  
     
     
         160 . The device of  claim 159 , wherein said protein is an antigen binding protein.  
     
     
         161 . The device of  claim 151 , wherein said first substrate comprises a plurality of detection regions.  
     
     
         162 . The device of  claim 161 , wherein said plurality of detection regions display the same recognition moiety.  
     
     
         163 . The device of  claim 161 , wherein said plurality of detection regions display different recognition moieties.  
     
     
         164 . The device of  claim 151 , wherein said at least one electrode is selected from the group consisting of interdigitated, hyperbolic, triangular and rectangular electrodes.  
     
     
         165 . The device of  claim 151 , wherein said first substrate comprises at least two electrodes.  
     
     
         166 . A system for detection of an analyte comprising the detection device of  claim 151  and a readout device, said readout device comprising an opening configured to receive said detection device and an electrical circuit that contacts said at least one electrode when said detection device is in contact with said readout device.  
     
     
         167 . The system of  claim 166 , wherein said readout device interfaces with a computer processor.  
     
     
         168 . The system of  claim 166 , wherein said readout device comprises an electronic display.  
     
     
         169 . The system of  claim 166 , wherein said readout device comprises an LCD display.  
     
     
         170 . The system of  claim 166 , wherein said electric circuit is an oscillator circuit.  
     
     
         171 . The system of  claim 170 , wherein said oscillator circuit comprises a microprocessor.  
     
     
         172 . The system of  claim 166 , wherein said readout device comprises a microprocessor configured to measure electrical capacitance.  
     
     
         173 . The system of  claim 166 , wherein said readout device comprises a power source.  
     
     
         174 . A method of detecting an analyte comprising: 
 a) providing a sample suspected of containing an analyte, a substrate having a surface comprising polyimide, and mesogens;    b) contacting said surface comprising polyimide with said sample suspected of containing an analyte;    c) contacting said surface comprising polyimide with said mesogens, wherein the presence of said analyte is indicated by difference in the orientation of said mesogens.    
     
     
         175 . The method of  claim 174 , wherein said analyte non-specifically interacts with said surface comprising polyimide.  
     
     
         176 . The method of  claim 175 , wherein said surface comprising polyimide displays a recognition moiety.  
     
     
         177 . The method of  claim 174 , wherein said recognition moiety is selected from the group consisting of a protein, polypeptide, peptide, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, lipid, organic molecule and inorganic molecule.  
     
     
         178 . The method of  claim 174 , wherein said mesogens are selected from the group consisting of E7, MLC, 5CB (4-n-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl), 8CB (4-cyano-4′octylbiphenyl), BL093, TL 216, ZLI 5800, MLC 6613, and MBBA ((p-methoxybenzylidene)-p-butylaniline).  
     
     
         179 . The method of  claim 174 , wherein said polyimide is rubbed.  
     
     
         180 . The method of  claim 179 , wherein said polyimide is selected from the group consisting of Nissan 7210, Nissan 3510, Nissan 410, Nissan 3140, Nissan 5291, and Japan Synthetic Rubber JALS 146-R19.  
     
     
         181 . The method of  claim 174  wherein said polyimide homeotropically orients said mesogens.  
     
     
         182 . The method of  claim 181 , wherein said polyimide is selected from the group consisting of Nissan 7511L and SE 1211.  
     
     
         183 . The method of  claim 174 , wherein the presence of analyte is indicated by a disordered liquid crystal that appears white or bright when viewed through cross polar lenses and areas where analyte is not bound remain ordered and appear dark when viewed through cross polar lenses.  
     
     
         184 . The method of  claim 174 , wherein the presence of an analyte is indicated by a disordered liquid crystal that appears white or bright when viewed through cross polar lenses and areas where no analyte is bound maintain homeotropic orientation and appear dark.  
     
     
         185 . The method of  claim 185 , wherein said homeotropic orientation of said liquid crystal is detected by a method selected from the group consisting of visual detection, optical detection, spectroscopy, light transmission, and electrical detection.  
     
     
         186 . A method of detecting binding interaction between a ligand and its binding partner comprising: 
 a) providing a ligand and a binding partner, wherein at least one of said ligand molecule and said binding partner molecule are complexed with a lipid, and mesogens;    b) contacting said ligand molecule and said binding partner molecule under conditions such that said ligand molecule and said binding partner molecule interact to form a ligand-binding partner complex;    c) detecting said ligand-binding partner complex by contacting said complex with mesogens.    
     
     
         187 . The method of  claim 186 , wherein said mesogens are homeotropically oriented.  
     
     
         188 . The method of  claim 186 , wherein said binding partner is recognition moiety.  
     
     
         189 . The method of  claim 186 , wherein said ligand is an analyte.  
     
     
         190 . The method of  claim 186 , wherein said detecting step further comprising contacting said complex to a substrate prior to contacting with said mesogens.  
     
     
         191 . The method of  claim 187 , wherein said homeotropic alignment of said mesogens is detected by a method selected from the group consisting of visual detection, optical detection, spectroscopy, light transmission, and electrical detection.  
     
     
         192 . The method of  claim 189 , wherein said analyte is selected from the group consisting of a protein, peptide, polypeptide, nucleic acid, organic molecule, inorganic molecule, virus, bacteria, liposome, cell, and fungus.  
     
     
         193 . The method of  claim 190 , wherein said substrate is selected from the group consisting of metal films, glass, silicon, diamond and polymeric materials.  
     
     
         194 . The method of  claim 193 , wherein said polymeric materials are selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, PDMS, polyimide, polystyrene, polycarbonate and polyisocyanoacrylate.  
     
     
         195 . The method of  claim 186 , wherein said mesogen is selected from the group consisting of E7, MLC, 5CB (4-n-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl), 8CB (4-cyano-4′octylbiphenyl), BL093, TL 216, ZLI 5800, MLC 6613, and MBBA ((p-methoxybenzylidene)-p-butylaniline) and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         196 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein said substrate comprises a detection region comprising a recognition moiety.  
     
     
         197 . The method of  claim 196 , wherein said recognition moiety is selected from the group consisting of an peptide, polypeptide, protein, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, organic molecule, and inorganic molecule.  
     
     
         198 . The method of  claim 197 , wherein said protein is an antigen binding protein.  
     
     
         199 . The method of  claim 196 , wherein said substrate comprises a plurality of detection regions.  
     
     
         200 . The method of  claim 199 , wherein said plurality of detection regions display the same recognition moiety.  
     
     
         201 . The method of  claim 199 , wherein said plurality of detection regions display different recognition moieties.  
     
     
         202 . A kit for detecting an analyte comprising: 
 a) a recognition moiety complexed with a lipid;    b) a vial containing mesogens; and    c) instructions for detecting said analyte.    
     
     
         203 . The kit of  claim 202 , further comprising a substrate.  
     
     
         204 . A system for detecting an analyte comprising: 
 a) a recognition moiety complexed with a lipid; and    b) a liquid crystal.    
     
     
         205 . The system of  claim 204 , further comprising a substrate.  
     
     
         206 . The system of  claim 204 , wherein said recognition moiety is selected from the group consisting of a protein, polypeptide, peptide, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, organic molecule and inorganic molecule.  
     
     
         207 . The system of  claim 205 , wherein said substrate is selected from the group consisting of silicon, glass, polymer, diamond, and metal.  
     
     
         208 . The system of  claim 205 , wherein said substrate does not orient said liquid crystal.  
     
     
         209 . The system of  claim 204 , wherein said mesogens are selected from the group consisting of E7, MLC, 5CB (4-n-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl), 8CB (4-cyano-4′octylbiphenyl), BL093, TL 216, ZLI 5800, MLC 6613, and MBBA ((p-methoxybenzylidene)-p-butylaniline).