Abstract: Systems and methods for filter based spectrographic analysis are provided that permit rapid analysis of bioanalytes. Systems include devices for illuminating a sample with electromagnetic radiation and capturing radiation emitted from the sample. Emitted radiation can be collected by a plurality of waveguides each associated with a filter for a particular wavelength of radiation. Focusing devices are associated with filters and waveguides in certain embodiments. Radiation captured by waveguides can then be transmitted to a remote detector, which can determine the intensity of radiation for each waveguide. The use of a plurality of filters having different, band pass characteristics can permits the simultaneous detection of a plurality of different wavelengths of radiation emitted by a sample, thereby providing spectrographic information about the sample under study. Systems can include computers for storing acquired spectrographic information, addressable arrays of samples, and information security measures.

Abstract: This invention includes biochips for analysis of a variety of molecules, cell components and cells. Embodiments of this invention include devices and methods for the parallel and/or nearly parallel processing of biological analytes. Biochips can comprise a substrate, Raman signal-enhancing structures, and receptors selective and/or specific for the analyte(s) to be assayed. Biochips can be read using a Raman reader and can provide for rapid, sensitive, direct assays for physiological and/or pathophysiological conditions of interest.

Abstract: This invention comprises novel enhancing particle structures and beads which can have receptor molecules attached thereto. The structures are useful for Raman spectroscopic detection of markers associated with analyses of analytes in complex solutions containing molecules of interest. Analytes that can be detected using these methods include nucleic acids, proteins, cytokines, hormones, vitamins, those from bacteria, viruses, cells and tissues, and other molecules that can specifically bind to the analyte receptors. Beads can be used as biomarkers, as analytical tools, and as tags for combinatorial syntheses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filter based spectrographic analysis are provided that permit rapid analysis of bioanalytes. Systems include devices for illuminating a sample with electromagnetic radiation and capturing radiation emitted from the sample. Emitted radiation can be collected by a plurality of waveguides each associated with a filter for a particular wavelength of radiation. Focusing devices are associated with filters and waveguides in certain embodiments. Radiation captured by waveguides can then be transmitted to a remote detector, which can determine the intensity of radiation for each waveguide. The use of a plurality of filters having different, band pass characteristics can permits the simultaneous detection of a plurality of different wavelengths of radiation emitted by a sample, thereby providing spectrographic information about the sample under study. Systems can include computers for storing acquired spectrographic information, addressable arrays of samples, and information security measures.

Abstract: This invention comprises novel matrices comprising enhancing structures associated with analyte-shaped cavities. The structures are useful for Raman spectroscopic analyses of analytes in complex solutions. Analytes that can be detected using these methods include nucleic acids, proteins, and other molecules or viruses that can specifically bind to the arrays. Enhancing structures are disclosed that enhance the Raman signal produced by an analyte through surface and resonance phenomena. Analyte-shaped cavities associated with enhancing structures can be formed, which are complementary to a large number of desired analytes. Novel methods are presented for manufacturing matrices and biochips comprising enhancing structures associated with analyte-shaped cavities. The matrices and biochips of this invention can produce Raman signals that can be used for highly specific, sensitive assays of biological molecules and viruses.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices and methods are provided that permit validation of analyte detection using both surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). In specific embodiments, a substrate having a surface suitable for SPR is provided, along with a source of electromagnetic radiation to interact with the surface and thereby elicit surface plasmon resonance characteristic of the analyte under study. In some embodiments, surface enhancing structures are also provided on the substrate, and analytes under study are associated with enhancing structures. Another source of electromagnetic radiation is directed at the analyte on the enhancing structures to produce surface enhanced Raman scattering. In certain embodiments, data obtained by these two methods are compared, thereby providing an internally consistent and self-validating method for analyte detection.

Abstract: This invention comprises devices and methods for increasing the sensitivity of detection of analytes. Analytes are placed near enhancing structures on a substrate. The enhancing structures include fractal particle aggregates made of metals such as gold and silver. Analytes can be concentrated near enhancing structures using methods including spin-concentration, electroconcentration, and/or affinity methods. Affinity methods include hydrophobic (non-polar) interaction and hydrophilic (polar) interaction. By selecting appropriate substrate, enhancing structure, solvent and analyte, the devices and methods of this invention can increase the sensitivity of detection and quantitation of analytes using electromagnetic spectroscopy, including Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: This invention comprises devices, compositions and methods for quantitative detecting analytes in complex solutions by Raman spectroscopy. Passivating agents associated with enhancing surfaces can decrease direct, non-specific interaction between analytes and the enhancing surface. By decreasing direct interaction between analytes and enhancing surfaces, relatively more selective detection of the analyte can be performed. Analyte receptors can be either highly selective or have lesser selectivity. Reproducible, concentration-dependent Raman spectroscopic analyses can be performed using flow-through cells incorporating passivated substrates. By using receptors having low selectivity, different analytes can be detected simultaneously. Flow cells are provided that permit rapid, and/or continuous monitoring of samples, thereby permitting automated sample analysis.

Abstract: This invention comprises methods for manufacture, and the manufacture of heap pipes and window materials having particle structures for use in heat transfer applications in which enhanced radiative heat transfer is desired. Particle structures can be made using chemical, lithographic or other methods, and can be made into a variety of structures having predefined physical sizes. Particle structures can be made of different sizes or shapes to accommodate design requirements. Particle structures used in heat pipes can have a particles of different sizes incorporated into the same structure, and the inter-particle distances can be selected to provide broad band heat absorptive and emissive properties. Alternatively, particle structures can be designed and manufactured to provide narrow band absorptive and/or emissive properties. Additional applications include window materials.

Abstract: This invention comprises devices, compositions and methods for detecting analytes in complex solutions. In certain embodiments of this invention, the receptor molecules can be lacking in a Raman signal generating moiety that is present in an analyte molecule, so that binding of the analyte to the receptor provides the array with the Raman signal generating moiety. In other embodiments, binding of a receptor to an analyte is detected by observing an alteration or shift of Raman spectral features upon forming of an analyte-receptor associate. Enzymes can be detected by binding to receptors comprising materials that bind to the active site of the enzyme. Antibodies can be detected by formation of an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the antigen is part of a receptor. Analytes that can be detected using these methods include nucleic acids, proteins, and other molecules that can specifically bind to the arrays.