Abstract: Methods and devices for the characterization of biological specimens by the use of electroluminescent materials. When placed in close proximity or direct contact to a biological specimen and an electrical signal is transmitted, electroluminescence is generated in response to the presence of the specimen. The electroluminescence produced can be in the form of an image of the specimen. The image is captured by an optical device that collects light and displays or otherwise processes the image according to the particular need or purpose. In general, the method requires preparing an electroluminescent assembly including the biological specimen, a dielectric layer, and a substrate, put together in any order. The method uses an electrical signal transmitted to the assembly. The device may be configured in a closed-circuit electrical configuration or it may be in a configuration where the EL assembly is at open circuit with respect to the power source.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the characterization of biological specimens by the use of electroluminescent materials. When placed in close proximity or direct contact to a biological specimen and an electrical signal is transmitted, electroluminescence is generated in response to the presence of the specimen. The electroluminescence produced can be in the form of an image of the specimen. The image is captured by an optical device that collects light and displays or otherwise processes the image according to the particular need or purpose. In general, the method requires preparing an electroluminescent assembly including the biological specimen, a dielectric layer, and a substrate, put together in any order. The method uses an electrical signal transmitted to the assembly. The device may be configured in a closed-circuit electrical configuration or it may be in a configuration where the EL assembly is at open circuit with respect to the power source.

Abstract: Methods of producing luminescence by application of a time-varying electrical signal by a single wire or transmission medium to an electroluminescent device are disclosed whereby the entire system remains at open circuit. At least one substance, material or object is employed to enhance an electric field in the area of the electroluminescent device to a level sufficient to cause light emission. Methods are disclosed to relate the light intensity thus produced to a property of the electric field-enhancing substance, material or object thereby allowing a measurement of the property. The electric field-enhancing substance, material or object(s) can comprise part of the transmission medium or be placed on or near the electroluminescent device.

Abstract: A method is presented for storage and on-demand release of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles produced by this method can be dried and stored for an extended period of time and subsequently released on-demand in a solvent of choice to form stable suspensions without the need for additional surfactants or stabilizers and without any loss in functionality or material properties. This method can be used to store various categories of nanomaterials including metals, metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, magnetic, polymeric and semiconductor nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods of producing light in liquid media are provided using nanoparticles capable of generating electroluminescence when stimulated by an electrical signal. The nanoparticles are provided as a label on a target species or on a specific binding partner of the target species to be detected in a test method. The nanoparticle-labeled species are drawn into operable proximity to electrodes which, when energized by a power source, excite the nanoparticles to produce electroluminescence. Methods of performing binding assays are described using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A method is presented for producing light using a liquid media. The method includes: hosting nanoparticles in a liquid media; disposing a pair of electrodes in direct contact with the liquid media; and generating an excitation signal between the electrodes in the pair of electrodes, thereby illuminating a portion of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method is presented for synthesizing particles in the presence of a solid phase. Of note, sorption is used to associate a precursor(s) for synthesizing the particles onto or into the surface of a host structure prior to the chemical reaction that results in the particles being formed in or on surface of the host structure. Particles produced by this method can be stored for long durations and released on-demand in a solvent of choice to form stable suspensions without the need for any additional surfactants or stabilizers.

Abstract: A method is presented for producing light using a liquid media. The method includes: hosting nanoparticles in a liquid media; disposing a pair of electrodes in direct contact with the liquid media; and generating an excitation signal between the electrodes in the pair of electrodes, thereby illuminating a portion of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method is presented for producing light using a liquid media. The method includes: hosting nanoparticles in a liquid media; disposing a pair of electrodes in direct contact with the liquid media; and generating an excitation signal between the electrodes in the pair of electrodes, thereby illuminating a portion of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method is presented for producing light using a liquid media. The method includes: suspending nanoparticles in a polar liquid media; disposing a pair of electrodes in direct contact with the liquid media; and generating an excitation signal between the electrodes in the pair of electrodes, thereby illuminating a portion of the nanoparticles.