Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) uses nanoscale metal particles (SERS-active particles) or surface roughness to enhance the Raman signal of Raman-active analytes contacting the surface. SERS sandwich particles contain SERS-active particles sandwiching a Raman-active substance and serve as optical tags. Preferably, the particles are rod-shaped, with each layer (SERS-active and Raman-active) formed as a distinct stripe of the particle. These freestanding particles can be derivatized with surface ligands capable of associating with analytes of interest in, for example, a biological sample. The acquired Raman spectrum of the particle encodes the identity of the ligand. Because of the simplicity and intensity of Raman spectra, highly multiplexed assays are capable using SERS particles with different Raman-active species.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the manufacture of colloidal rod particles as nanobarcodes. Template membranes for the deposition of materials are prepared using photolithographic techniques.

Abstract: Methods for and materials for separation and analysis of complex materials, including biological materials, are discussed.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of novel metal nanoparticle and glass composites are disclosed. The composites themselves are also disclosed. In particular, a method for the preparation of colloidal metal nanoparticles imbedded in a glass surface is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method for making an array of zeptoliter vials by preparing a composite of colloidal metal nanoparticles imbedded in a glass surface, and dissolving the colloidal metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A biosensor based on complexes between biomolecule receptors and colloidal Au nanoparticles, and more specifically, colloid layers of receptor/Au complexes that can be used to detect biomolecule analytes through measuring of binding-induced changes in electrical resistance or surface plasmon resonance. Also disclosed is a method for detecting and analysing carrier-borne chemical compounds with Raman spectroscopy using an improved SERS substrate. Further disclosed is an improved method for detecting compounds in solvents using capillary electrophoresis in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: A substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is described in which the analyte is deliberately sandwiched between a colloidal metal nanoparticle and the SERS substrate. In a first embodiment, the analyte is a protein, and the sandwich comprises a protein:Au colloid complex adsorbed to an aggregated Ag sol. Another embodiment concerns a protein:Ag complex, adsorbed to an aggregated Ag sol. In another embodiment, a protein:Au colloid complex is covalently or non-covalently attached to a macroscopic SERS-active substrate. In yet another embodiment, the colloidal nanoparticle is stabilized by a polymeric additive. In yet another embodiment, detection is accomplished at extremely low analyte concentrations. In a final embodiment, control of analyte orientation with respect to the SERS substrate is demonstrated.

Abstract: A biosensor based on complexes between biomolecule receptors and colloidal Au nanoparticles, and more specifically, colloid layers of receptor/Au complexes that can be used to detect biomolecule analytes through measuring of binding-induced changes in electrical resistance or surface plasmon resonance. Also disclosed is a method for detecting and analysing carrier-borne chemical compounds with Raman spectroscopy using an improved SERS substrate. Further disclosed is an improved method for detecting compounds in solvents using capillary electrophoresis in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method for providing a conductive metal deposit on the surface of a dielectric substrate by applying a composition comprising a mixture of a salt and amine or amide compound to the substrate and subjecting the composition to a continuous wavelength laser beam.