Abstract: A process for making a card includes the steps of forming a core layer having a first surface and a second surface, disposing an uncured decorative ceramic layer of ceramic particles disposed in a resin binder over the first surface of the core layer, such as by spray coating, and curing the uncured decorative ceramic layer to form a cured decorative ceramic layer. Card products of the process may have a core layer of metal, ceramic, or a combination thereof that form a bulk of the card.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a monolithic ceramic card body having one or more pockets, and at least one of a magnetic stripe, a barcode, and a laser signature portion. The one or more pockets may be configured to receive at least one of the magnetic stripe, the barcode, a contact chip module, a contactless chip module, a dual interface chip module, a booster antenna, a hologram or commercial indicia. A transaction card may also include a substrate layer having a first side and a second side. A first ceramic layer is connected to the first side of the substrate layer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting chemical and biological agents using oligonucleotide aptamers. A sensor includes a detection aptamer that has a binding domain for the chemical or biological agent, and is bound to fibers of a textile such as a patch or article of clothing. The detection aptamer can be stabilized and enhanced through a stabilization agent such as trehalose or through binding to a nanoparticle which is then bound to the fiber. Binding of the chemical and biological agent of interest to the detection aptamer can be reported to the user or wearer of the textile in a variety of ways, including visually and electrically.

Abstract: A process for making a card includes the steps of forming a core layer having a first surface and a second surface, disposing an uncured decorative ceramic layer of ceramic particles disposed in a resin binder over the first surface of the core layer, such as by spray coating, and curing the uncured decorative ceramic layer to form a cured decorative ceramic layer. Card products of the process may have a core layer of metal, ceramic, or a combination thereof that form a bulk of the card.

Abstract: A method for authenticating an item of interest. A nucleic acid tag comprised of a nucleotide-support platform attached to a first nucleic acid molecule is added to the item of interest, where information about the item of interest is contained within the first nucleic acid molecule. A portion of an item is sampled for the presence of the nucleic acid tag, where the item is potentially the item of interest. The presence of the nucleic acid tag is detected in the sample, where the presence of the first nucleic acid tag authenticates the item as the item of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting chemical and biological agents using oligonucleotide aptamers. A sensor includes a detection aptamer that has a binding domain for the chemical or biological agent, and is bound to fibers of a textile such as a patch or article of clothing. The detection aptamer can be stabilized and enhanced through a stabilization agent such as trehalose or through binding to a nanoparticle which is then bound to the fiber. Binding of the chemical and biological agent of interest to the detection aptamer can be reported to the user or wearer of the textile in a variety of ways, including visually and electrically.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting chemical and biological agents using oligonucleotide aptamers. A sensor includes a detection aptamer that has a binding domain for the chemical or biological agent, and is bound to fibers of a textile such as a patch or article of clothing. The detection aptamer can be stabilized and enhanced through a stabilization agent such as trehalose or through binding to a nanoparticle which is then bound to the fiber. Binding of the chemical and biological agent of interest to the detection aptamer can be reported to the user or wearer of the textile in a variety of ways, including visually and electrically.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a monolithic ceramic card body having one or more pockets, and at least one of a magnetic stripe, a barcode, and a laser signature portion. The one or more pockets may be configured to receive at least one of the magnetic stripe, the barcode, a contact chip module, a contactless chip module, a dual interface chip module, a booster antenna, a hologram or commercial indicia. A transaction card may also include a substrate layer having a first side and a second side. A first ceramic layer is connected to the first side of the substrate layer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for plasmonically enhanced bionanoantennas for tagging, tracking, and locating targets of interest at long distances in both day and nighttime conditions. The nanoantennas are used to tag a target of interest and emit a wavelength to impart a unique biometric signature. The nanoantennas are detectable by selectively harvesting and plasmonically enhancing incident light in the visible region, then upconverting that energy through an activated phosphor.

Abstract: A method for authenticating an item of interest. A nucleic acid tag comprised of a nucleotide-support platform attached to a first nucleic acid molecule is added to the item of interest, where information about the item of interest is contained within the first nucleic acid molecule. A portion of an item is sampled for the presence of the nucleic acid tag, where the item is potentially the item of interest. The presence of the nucleic acid tag is detected in the sample, where the presence of the first nucleic acid tag authenticates the item as the item of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting chemical and biological agents using oligonucleotide aptamers. A sensor includes a detection complex between an aptamer that has a binding domain for the chemical or biological agent, and a first oligonucleotide with a sequence complementary to a region of the aptamer. In the absence of the agent, the aptamer and the first oligonucleotide form an intermediate combination. In the presence of the agent, the intermediate combination dissociates. The sensor further includes a second oligonucleotide with a sequence that interacts with a region of the first oligonucleotide to form a duplex structure only when the first oligonucleotide is dissociated from the aptamer. When the duplex structure is formed, it can interact with a reporter molecule which in turn initiates a signal reporting detection of the chemical or biological agent.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating and/or detecting tampering of an item of interest using a nucleic acid tag. A nucleic acid tag comprising a nucleotide-support platform attached to a nucleic acid molecule is created or obtained and then sealed within or on the item of interest. The surface of the item of interest is sampled for the presence of the seeded tag after the item of interest has been moved from one location to another or has been stored for a period of time, during which tampering can occur and/or authentication may necessary. The presence of the tag can indicate that tampering has occurred, or that the item of interest is authentic.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for the detection and notification of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and/or explosive agent. The detection and notification system uses aptamers bound to a catalyst that is activated when the aptamer binds to the agent. The activated catalyst acts on a substrate to create a signal that is detected, indicating the presence of the agent. For example, the system can be a glove worn by a user that includes a catalyst/substrate pair that, in the presence of the target agent, produces a colorimetric and/or fluorescent signal in a time-efficient manner.

Abstract: A nucleic acid tag comprising: a nanoparticle nucleotide-support platform attached to a plurality of nucleic acid molecules, each of said nucleic acid molecules comprising identifying information, with a spacer located between the nanoparticle nucleotide-support platform and the identifying information, and where the nanoparticle nucleotide-support platform comprises diatomaceous earth; and an encapsulant surrounding the nanoparticle nucleotide-support platform.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating and/or detecting tampering of an item of interest using a nucleic acid tag. A nucleic acid tag comprising a nucleotide-support platform attached to a nucleic acid molecule is created or obtained and then sealed within or on the item of interest. The surface of the item of interest is sampled for the presence of the seeded tag after the item of interest has been moved from one location to another or has been stored for a period of time, during which tampering can occur and/or authentication may necessary. The presence of the tag can indicate that tampering has occurred, or that the item of interest is authentic.