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: 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: 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 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.

Abstract: A composition of matter having GTF-like activity, its preparation and its use in treating chromium deficiency and insulin resistance diseases such as diabetes are set forth. The composition comprises: ##STR1## m=1, 2 or 3; n=0, 1 or 2; p=0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; q=0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; r=0, 1, 2 or 3;m+2n+p+q+r.ltoreq.6;if p and q both=0, n=1 pr z;if n=0, p and/or q.noteq.0;including mixtures and oligomers thereof, wherein:each R.sup.1 is independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, C.sub.2-3 alkenyl and C.sub.2-3 alkynyl, or two R.sup.1 form a ring having, including the N atom to which they are attached, 5 to 7 ring atoms;each R.sup.2 is independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl and C.sub.2-4 alkynyl or two adjacent R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 form a ring having, including the N and C atoms to which they are attached, 5 to 7 ring atoms;each R.sup.3 is independently selected from hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl, C.sub.2-4 alkynyl, COOH, COOR.sup.