Abstract: The present invention relates to optical confinements, methods of preparing and methods of using them for analyzing molecules and/or monitoring chemical reactions. The apparatus and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for high-throughput and low-cost single-molecular analysis.

Abstract: A single molecule or molecule complex detection method is disclosed in certain aspects, comprising nano- or micro-fluidic channels.

Abstract: Novel aromatic AB2 imide monomer with thermally reactive trialkylsiloxy and aryl fluoride moieties, which can be polymerized to form hyperbranched aromatic polyimides in the presence of a metal fluoride catalyst. Nanoclay composites were generated by either (i) direct blending of a preformed hyperbranched aromatic polyimide and Closite nanoclay (?20 wt %) or (ii) blending of the AB2 monomer, CsF catalyst and Closite nanoclay (?20 wt %) followed by thermal solid-state polymerization of the AB2 monomer homogeneously dispersed in the nanoclay.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device of the present invention includes a substrate on which at least two types of nano wire element are provided. These nano wire elements have functions and materials different from each other. The nano wire elements are constituted by nano wires having sizes differing depending on types of nano wire element. With this, it is possible to dramatically improve a function of the integrated circuit device, as compared with an integrated circuit device including a substrate on which one type of nano wire element is provided.

Abstract: A method of forming nanopore is provided that includes forming a first structure on a substrate, and forming a second structure overlying the first structure. An intersecting portion of the first and the second structures is etched to provide an opening of nanopore dimensions. The substrate may be etched with a backside substrate etch to expose the nanopore opening.

Abstract: A photo-sensitive composite film is disclosed, which includes plural metal nano-particles and a porous anodized aluminum oxide film. The nanoparticles can be hollow or solid with unrestricted shapes of varying diameters and lengths. The plural metal nanoparticles are completely contained in holes and attached to the bottom of the holes of the anodized aluminum oxide film, and the electrical conductivity of the photo-sensitive anodized aluminum oxide film can be changed by light exposure on the metal nanoparticles from surfaces of the anodized aluminum oxide film. The structure of the photo-sensitive anodized aluminum oxide film of the present invention is uncomplicated and the manufacturing steps thereof are simple, and therefore the photo-sensitive anodized aluminum oxide film of the present invention is of great commercial value. Also, a method of manufacturing the above photo-sensitive composite film and a photo-switched device including the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting, characterizing or separating DNA based on methylation. Heterogeneous DNA populations are separated based on DNA methylation by providing a membrane having a nanopore through which an electric field is applied. DNA of interest is introduced, and for a given threshold voltage across the nanopore, only DNA having a methylation parameter of interest may transit the pore, thereby facilitating detection, characterization, or separation of DNA based on methylation. The methods are optionally used to detect a disease state that is associated with DNA methylation including, but not limited to, cancer.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides articles of manufacture comprising biocompatible nanostructures comprising PolyEther EtherKetone (PEEK) surface-modified (surface-nanopatterned) to exhibit nanostructured surfaces that promote osseointegration and bone-bonding for, e.g., joint (e.g., knee, hip and shoulder) replacements, bone or tooth reconstruction and/or implants, including their use in making and using artificial tissues and organs, and related, diagnostic, screening, research and development and therapeutic uses, e.g., as primary or ancillary drug delivery devices. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides biocompatible nanostructures that promote osseointegration and bone-bonding for enhanced cell and bone growth and e.g., for in vitro and in vivo testing, restorative and reconstruction procedures, implants and therapeutics.

Abstract: Engineered reaction containers that can be physically and chemically defined to control the flux of molecules of different sizes and charge are disclosed. Methods for constructing small volume reaction containers through a combination of etching and deposition are also disclosed. The methods allow for the fabrication of multiple devices that possess features on multiple length scales, specifically small volume containers with controlled porosity on the nanoscale.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining histone modification or epigenetic status are provided.

Abstract: Provided are integrated analysis devices having features of macroscale and nanoscale dimensions, and devices that have reduced background signals and that reduce quenching of fluorophores disposed within the devices. Related methods of manufacturing these devices and of using these devices are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to strategies and methods of amplifying short target sequences and removing flanking sequences from target nucleic acids to remove background signal when detecting hybridizations events using sensitive detection biosensors, such as biosensors based on nanowires, carbon nanotubes, nanopores etc, that may be capable of detecting molecules at small molar concentrations (fM and less), or even at the single molecule level. Furthermore, by cropping and therefore standardizing the size of the target sequences to be detected, when detecting many target sequences in an array, the signals across each biosensor can be compared and the hybridization conditions standardized easily.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has an insulating film, serving as low-porosity regions low in porosity, formed on a substrate and high-porosity regions higher in porosity than the low-porosity regions, and also includes copper interconnects formed to fill interconnect grooves in the insulating film. The insulating film is present under the interconnect grooves, and present in portions neighboring the sidewalls of the interconnect grooves.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanoporous film is disclosed. The method comprises forming a coating solution including clusters, surfactant molecules, a solvent, and one of an acid catalyst and a base catalyst. The clusters comprise inorganic groups. The method further comprises aging the coating solution for a time period to select a predetermined phase that will self-assemble and applying the coating solution on a substrate. The method further comprises evaporating the solvent from the coating solution and removing the surfactant molecules to yield the nanoporous film.

Abstract: An electro-chemical sensor comprises a bismuth nano-wire array. The sensor is used to detect incipient corrosion under paint. It is particularly useful in admiralty and marine applications such as for detecting incipient metal oxidation such as rusting and for monitoring the progress of metal oxidation on ship hulls and tanks. It is also useful in the automobile industry for quantifying surface quality in preparation for painting.

Abstract: Methods are provided for tagging, characterizing and sorting double-stranded biomolecules while maintaining the integrity of the biomolecules.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for analyzing polymer molecules. These methods are employed for the high throughput readout of DNA and RNA molecules with single molecule sensitivity. The method of the present invention comprises (1) the electrically controlled unzipping of DNA (or RNA) double strands, and (2) the readout of the molecule's identity (or code) using one or more molecule signal detection.

Abstract: Some embodiments include devices that contain bundles of CNTs. An undulating topography extends over the CNTs and within spaces between the CNTs. A global maximum lateral width is defined as the greatest lateral width of any of the spaces. A material is directly over the CNTs, with the material being a plurality of particles that have minimum cross-sectional equatorial widths exceeding the global maximum lateral width. Some embodiments include methods in which a plurality of crossed carbon nanotubes are formed over a semiconductor substrate. The CNTs form an undulating upper topography extending across the CNTs and within spaces between the CNTs. A global maximum lateral width is defined as the greatest lateral width of any of the spaces. A material is deposited over the CNTs, with the material being deposited as particles that have minimum cross-sectional equatorial widths exceeding the global maximum lateral width.

Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of immersing the microscale roughened surface into a solution containing hydrogen peroxide and a basic solution to produce a nanoscale roughened surface consisting of nanopitting superimposed on the microscale roughened surface. The nanoscale roughened surface has a property that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: The invention provides modified polysulfones substituted in one or more of the phenyl rings by functional groups and membranes composed of the modified polysulfones. Also provided are methods for the preparation of monodispersed nanoporous polymeric membranes. The membranes are useful for reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and ultrafiltration, particularly for purification of water.

Abstract: A process of preparing a plurality of nanostructures, each being composed of at least one target material is disclosed. The process comprises sequentially electrodepositing a first material and the at least one target material into pores of a porous membrane having a nanometric pore diameter, to thereby obtain within the pores nanometric rods, each of the nanometric rods having a plurality of segments where any two adjacent segments are made of different materials. The process further comprises and etching the membrane and the first material, thereby obtaining the nanostructures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for fabricating a nanoscale thermoelectric device, which comprises steps: providing at least one template having a group of nanoscale pores; forming a substrate on the bottom of the template; injecting a molten semiconductor material into the nanoscale pores to form a group of semiconductor nanoscale wires; removing the substrate to obtain a semiconductor nanoscale wire array; and using metallic conductors to cascade at least two semiconductor nanoscale wire arrays to form a thermoelectric device having a higher thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the induction of a suitable band gap and electron emissive properties into a substance, in which the substrate is provided with a surface structure corresponding to the interference of electron waves. Lithographic or similar techniques are used, either directly onto a metal mounted on the substrate, or onto a mold which then is used to impress the metal. In a preferred embodiment, a trench or series of nano-sized trenches are formed in the metal.

Abstract: A size-selective hemocompatible porous polymeric adsorbent system is provided, the polymer system comprises at least one polymer with a plurality of pores, and the polymer has at least one transport pore with a diameter from about 250 Angstroms to about 2000 Angstroms, and the polymer has a transport pore volume greater than about 1.8% to about 78% of a capacity pore of volume of the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for fabricating aerogels, a method for fabricating surface-modified aerogels, and a method for fabricating biocomposites. Take the fabricating method of biocomposites for example, first, a precursor solution is provided and the precursor solution comprises a hydrophilic ionic liquid, a catalyzed hydrolysis and/or condensation reagent, at least one biomolecule. Next, a curing process is performed for the precursor solution to hydrolyze and polymerize the at least one alkoxide monomer and/or aryloxide monomer to wrap at least one biomolecule and thus form biocomposite. Afterwards, an extracting process is performed by a solvent for the biocomposite to substitute the ionic liquid in the biocomposite. Finally, a drying process for the biocomposite is carried out after the extracting process so as to remove the solvent in the biocomposite. Therefore, the biocomposite is formed.

Abstract: A composite plate comprising CNT bundles with high thermal conductivity is formed by the method comprising preparing a CNT growth substrate, depositing a CNT growth catalyst on the CNT growth substrate, preparing a wafer with etched through via arrays, placing the wafer with the etched through via arrays over the CNT growth substrate with the CNT growth catalyst, growing CNT bundles in the etched through via arrays on the wafer over the CNT growth substrate with the CNT growth catalyst in a CVD chamber to form a wafer matrix CNT composite structure; and removing the CNT growth substrate from the wafer matrix CNT composite structure. The formed composite plate comprising CNT bundles with high thermal conductivity has improved CTE silicon match, has a more effective thermal conductivity than a silicon matrix or Cu or Cu alloy substrate, and contains nanotubes that remain vertical.

Abstract: The electrodes (7) and the contact zones (15) are structured in a film of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), deposited on a transparent support (1) possibly coated with an intermediate film (3), while being separated by dielectric spaces (9) formed by nano fissures (11) obtained by UV radiation and passing through the TCO film. A protective film (13) can coat the electrodes (7) and the dielectric spaces (9).

Abstract: A hosting structure of nanometric components is described advantageously comprising: a substrate; n array levels on said substrate, with n?2, arranged consecutively on growing and parallel planes, each including a plurality of conductive spacers alternated with a plurality of insulating spacers and substantially perpendicular to said substrate, with definition between consecutive conductive spacers of at least a gap, conductive spacers of consecutive array levels lying on distinct and parallel planes, said gaps of different array levels being at least partially aligned along a direction substantially perpendicular to said substrate with definition of a plurality of transversal hosting seats extended along said direction and suitable for hosting at least a nanometric component. A nanometric electronic device is also described comprising such a hosting structure and a method for realizing it.

Abstract: The present invention aims to realize (1) manufacture of a mesoporous composite powder or thin film composed of nanocrystalline metal oxide—glass having a three-dimensional structure with a large specific surface area, (2) construction of a porous structure framework with nanocrystalline metal oxide crystal and a slight amount of glass phase (SiO2 or P2O5, B2O3), (3) control of crystal growth of metal oxide with a slight amount of glass phase (SiO2 or P2O5, B2O3), (4) simplification of the manufacturing process, and (5) use thereof in manufacture of a lithium intercalation electric device, photocatalytic device, solar battery and energy storage device. Provided are a nanocrystal oxide—glass mesoporous composite powder or thin film having a three-dimensional structure with regularly arranged mesopores, and a secondary battery comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a product having a nanoporous surface in which the pore density, pore size or pore size distribution can be easily and readily controlled. The invention provides a method for producing a product having a nanoporous surface including: forming a material in which a plurality of nanoparticles is dispersed in a matrix; and selectively removing the nanoparticles from the material in which a plurality of nanoparticles is dispersed in a matrix.

Abstract: A method and device of nanostructured titania that is crack free. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises depositing a Ti film on a surface, depositing a masking layer on the Ti film, etching said masking layer to expose a limited region of the Ti film, the limited region being of an area less than a threshold area, oxidizing the exposed limited region of the Th.ucsbi film, and annealing the exposed limited region of the Ti film.

Abstract: A fuel tank vent includes a nanoporous membrane separator positioned in an opening in a fuel tank to allow vapor from a fuel to flow across a membrane, wherein the membrane comprises a network in which surfaces of the network define a plurality of interconnecting pores extending through the membrane, wherein the plurality of interconnecting pores have a mean pore size of about 0.1 nanometers to about 50 nanometers, and are permeable to a selected one or both of the fuel vapor and air, and impermeable to a liquid fuel; and an oleophobic enhancement coating disposed on surfaces of the plurality of interconnecting pores and configured to provide oleophobicity to the membrane.

Abstract: Transparent conducting electrodes, methods for manufacturing such conducting electrodes, optoelectronic devices incorporating such transparent electrodes and methods for making such optoelectronic devices and solar power generation systems incorporating such electrodes are disclosed. Nanostructured transparent conducting electrodes may include a nano-architected porous film having a network of ordered interconnected pores and an electrically conductive material that substantially fills the pores. The nano-architected porous film may be disposed on a layer of transparent conducting material. The electrode may include a substrate (e.g., glass or polymer) and the layer of transparent conducting material may be disposed between the substrate and the nano-architected porous film. Nanostructured transparent conducting electrodes may be fabricated by forming a nano-architected porous film, e.g.

Abstract: A process for coating of at least one conformal thin film simultaneously onto the surface of a plurality or batch of substrates having nanoscaled features is provided. The process involves exposing a batch of substrates to a supercritical fluid mixture in a controlled environment, and subsequently heating and cooling the substrate, in the presence of the supercritical fluid mixture, beyond a threshold temperature at which film growth can be enabled to initiate conformal thin film deposition on the surface of the substrate and within the nanoscaled features. The supercritical fluid mixture may be generated in a manner so as to maintain a necessary concentration level of the precursor material to permit sufficient thin film growth within the controlled environment. The supercritical fluid mixture may also be introduced into the controlled environment in a manner which minimizes precipitation or loss of solubility of the precursor material in the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functionalized nanosubstrate or “nanotemplate” that is useful for selectively assembling nanoelements across a large area. The nanotemplate is capable of guiding the massive parallel assembly of nanoelements to fabricate a three-dimensional nanostructure. Nanoelements can also be transferred at a high-rate from the template to a recipient substrate. Examples of these nanoelements include, but are not limited to, carbon nanotubes, nanocrystals, dendrimers, nanoparticles, nanowires, biological materials, proteins, molecules and organic nanotubes. The invention also provides a nanotemplate combined with selectively assembled nanoelements. The invention encompasses methods for functionalizing a nanosubstrate. These methods involve providing a substrate having a known topology and polymerizing a monomer on its surface. Methods for selecting nanoelements and guiding their self-assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for using an element made of porous ceramic materials such as zeolite to constrain the flow of gas molecules to the free molecular or transitional flow regime. A preferred embodiment of the gas pump may include the zeolite element, a heater, a cooler, passive thermal elements, and encapsulation. The zeolite element may be further comprised of multiple types of porous matrix sub-elements, which may be coated with other materials and may be connected in series or in parallel. The gas pump may further include sensors and a control mechanism that is responsive to the output of the sensors. The control mechanism may further provide the ability to turn on and off certain heaters in order to reverse the flow in the gas pump. In one embodiment, the pump may operate by utilizing waste heat from an external system to induce transpiration driven flow across the zeolite.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for preparing a nanoporous material. The composition comprises i) a cyclodextrin derivative, ii) a thermostable matrix precursor, and iii) a solvent for dissolving the components i) and ii). The composition enables the preparation of a low dielectric constant film in which nanopores with a size of 20 ? or less are uniformly distributed.

Abstract: A system for treating abnormalities of the cardiovascular system includes a stent having a plurality of therapeutic agent-carrying regions and non therapeutic agent-carrying regions. The therapeutic agent-carrying regions are located within low strain regions of the stent and the non therapeutic agent-carrying regions are located within high strain regions of the stent. Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of manufacturing a therapeutic agent-carrying stent comprising forming a stent framework and applying a formulation containing one or more therapeutic agents to the stent framework while preventing the therapeutic agents from contacting the high strain regions of the stent framework.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a nano-gap electrode device comprising the steps of: forming a first electrode on a substrate; forming a spacer on a sidewall of the first electrode; forming a second electrode on an exposed substrate at a side of the spacer; and forming a nano-gap between the first electrode and the second electrode by removing the spacer, whereby it is possible to control the nano-gap position, width, shape, and etc., reproducibly, and manufacture a plurality of nano-gap electrode devices at the same time.

Abstract: A microporous carbon material includes a porous carbon skeleton having an average pore size from 0.1 to 10 nanometers and being substantially free of pores greater than 1 micrometer. Methods of forming the microporous carbon material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A minute structure is provided in which electroconductive paths are only formed in nanoholes, and a material is filled in the nanoholes, which are disposed in a specific area, by using the electroconductive paths.

Abstract: The method for forming a quantum dot according to the present invention comprises the step of forming an oxide in a dot-shape on the surface of a semiconductor substrate 10, the step of removing the oxide to form a concavity 16 in the position from which the oxide has been removed, and the step of growing a semiconductor layer 18 on the semiconductor substrate with the concavity formed in to form a quantum dot 20 of the semiconductor layer in the concavity. The concavity is formed in the semiconductor substrate by forming the oxide dot in the surface of the semiconductor substrate and removing the oxide, whereby the concavity can be formed precisely in a prescribed position and in a prescribed size. The quantum dot is grown in such a concavity, whereby the quantum dot can have good quality and can be formed in a prescribed position and in a prescribed size.

Abstract: A solid state device is formed through thin film deposition techniques which results in a self-supporting thin film layer that can have a precisely defined channel bored therethrough. The device is useful in the chacterization of polymer molecules by measuring changes in various electrical characteristics as molecules pass through the channel. To form the device, a thin film layer having various patterns of electrically conductive leads are formed on a silicon substrate. Using standard lithography techniques, a relatively large or micro-scale aperture is bored through the silicon substrate which in turn exposes a portion of the thin film layer. This process does not affect the thin film. Subsequently, a high precision material removal process is used (such as a focused ion beam) to bore a precise nano-scale aperture through the thin film layer that coincides with the removed section of the silicon substrate.

Abstract: Methods, manufactures, machines and compositions are described for nanotransfer and nanoreplication using deterministically grown sacrificial nanotemplates. An apparatus includes a substrate and a nanoconduit material coupled to a surface of the substrate, where the substrate defines an aperture and the nanoconduit material defines a nanoconduit that is i) contiguous with the aperture and ii) aligned substantially non-parallel to a plane defined by the surface of the substrate. An apparatus includes a substrate and a nanoreplicant structure coupled to a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A structure having a hole, including a substrate, a first layer including an alumina hole, and a second layer disposed between the substrate and the fist layer, wherein the second layer contains silicon, and has a smaller hole than the alumina hole.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the induction of a suitable band gap and electron emissive properties into a substance, in which the substrate is provided with a surface structure corresponding to the interference of electron waves. Lithographic or similar techniques are used, either directly onto a metal mounted on the substrate, or onto a mold which then is used to impress the metal. In a preferred embodiment, a trench or series of nano-sized trenches are formed in the metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic substrate having a plurality of semiconductor devices is described. A thin film of nanowires is formed on a substrate. The thin film of nanowires is formed to have a sufficient density of nanowires to achieve an operational current level. A plurality of semiconductor regions are defined in the thin film of nanowires. Contacts are formed at the semiconductor device regions to thereby provide electrical connectivity to the plurality of semiconductor devices. Furthermore, various materials for fabricating nanowires, thin films including p-doped nanowires and n-doped nanowires, nanowire heterostructures, light emitting nanowire heterostructures, flow masks for positioning nanowires on substrates, nanowire spraying techniques for depositing nanowires, techniques for reducing or eliminating phonon scattering of electrons in nanowires, and techniques for reducing surface states in nanowires are described.