Device For Detection Of Target Molecules And Uses Thereof

Abstract

Devices and methods for the detection of antigens are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A device comprising:
 a housing comprising:
 an inlet opening in fluid contact with a conjugate pad; 
 a force member; 
 a slidable locking member contacting the force member; 
 an attachment member contacting the force member; 
 a sliding button contacting the attachment member; 
 a detection membrane system comprising the conjugate pad, a test membrane, and an absorbent member; and 
 a sample contacting the conjugate pad, 
   wherein at least a portion of the conjugate pad, test membrane, and absorbent member are substantially parallel to each other,   wherein the force member contacts the detection membrane system and is capable of applying pressure substantially perpendicular to the detection membrane system,   wherein the sliding button moves the slidable locking member.   
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 23 , wherein the sample is a test sample. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 23 , wherein the sample comprises a pathogen. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein the pathogen is a good borne pathogen. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein the pathogen is  E. coli.    
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein the pathogen is  Campylobacter.    
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein the pathogen is  Listeria.    
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein the pathogen is  Salmonella.    
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 23 , wherein the sample comprises a buffer. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the buffer comprises one or more of Borate, BSA, PVP40 and Tween-100. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 23 , wherein the sample comprises at least one antibody. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 33 , wherein the antibody is a polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a chimeric antibody, an Fc fragment, or a single chain antibody. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 33 , wherein the antibody is an antigen-specific antibody. 
     
     
         36 . A method, the method comprising contacting a test sample with a device comprising a housing comprising:
 an inlet opening in fluid contact with a conjugate pad;   a force member;   a slidable locking member contacting the force member;   an attachment member contacting the force member;   a sliding button contacting the attachment member;   a detection membrane system comprising the conjugate pad, a test membrane, and an absorbent member; and,   wherein at least a portion of the conjugate pad, test membrane, and absorbent member are substantially parallel to each other,   wherein the force member contacts the detection membrane system and is capable of applying pressure substantially perpendicular to the detection membrane system,   wherein the sliding button moves the slidable locking member.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the sample contacts conjugate pad. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the sample comprises a pathogen. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the pathogen is a good borne pathogen. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the pathogen is one or more of  E. coli, Campylobacter, Listeria , and  Salmonella.    
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the sample comprises a buffer. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the buffer comprises one or more of Borate, BSA, PVP40 and Tween-100.