Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method and apparatus that employs a signal-enhancing probe in combination with a flow assay strip to bind a target analyte with substantial selectivity, sensitivity, speed, and convenience, through the use of target analyte-specific binding agents and smartphone camera measurement and analysis. The present invention is advantageous for detecting, identifying, quantifying, and analyzing target analytes, such as chemical, biochemical, or biological substances, in analyte samples. The present invention is most effective in detecting, identifying, quantifying, and analyzing drugs, bacterial and viral pathogens in body fluids, such as blood, blood plasma, exhaled breath, nasopharyngeal mucus, and saliva.

Abstract: A kit of components is used in the detection, identification, analysis, and quantitation, by SERS, of a designated target analyte in a sample, comprising: packaging means normally containing a SER-active device component providing a support structure including a SER-active material, a collection component, a container component containing a liquid reagent comprised of a SER-active material, and a component for introducing the liquid reagent into the SER-active device. At least one of the SER-active materials is functionalized with an agent having the specific capability of binding the designated target analyte, and is accessible for the deposit thereon of liquid analyte samples. The SER-active device is constructed for receiving the liquid reagent and for enabling irradiation and collection of Raman-scattered radiation, by and from a Raman spectrometer, cooperatively generated by SER-active metals of the SER-active materials.

Abstract: A SERS method and apparatus employ a sample device having support structure including a first material containing a SER-active metal functionalized with a binding agent having specific capability for binding a designated target analyte. An analyte sample is introduced upon the functionalized SER-active metal; conditions to effect binding of the target analyte to the binding agent are maintained; unbound chemicals, biochemicals, or biologicals are removed; a second SER-active material is introduced to cause it to attach to the bound target analyte; the support structure is irradiated to generate a SER spectrum, with the first and second SER-active materials acting in concert; and the SER spectrum is detected and analyzed to determine the presence and quantity of the target analyte. Alternatively, the second SER-active material may be functionalized with a binding agent, with the procedure being modified accordingly.

Abstract: A stationary medium is employed both to separate chemicals from a sample solution and also to generate surface-enhanced Raman scattering, so that spectral analysis of the separated analyte chemical can be performed. Applied driving force causes the sample to flow into the stationary medium and to distribute therethrough, thereby causing rapid separation of the analyte chemical, and surface-enhanced Raman scattered radiation is quickly detected, at a plurality of locations along a flow path defined by the stationary medium, for ultimate analysis.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are used to determine class, grade and properties of fuel samples, regardless of ambient, instrument, or sample temperature, using mathematical correlations between fuel class, grade and properties and their spectra developed from a database of samples with measured properties and spectra. The ability to measure a fuel sample using the present method and apparatus is useful in identifying unknown fuel samples, determining suitability in equipment, and monitoring and controlling fuel processes, such as blending operations, distillation, and synthesis.

Abstract: A stationary medium is employed both to separate chemicals from a sample solution and also to generate surface-enhanced Raman scattering, so that spectral analysis of the separated analyte chemical can be performed. Applied driving force causes the sample to flow into the stationary medium and to distribute therethrough, thereby causing rapid separation of the analyte chemical, and surface-enhanced Raman scattered radiation is quickly detected, at a plurality of locations along a flow path defined by the stationary medium, for ultimate analysis.

Abstract: A weak organic acid is used to effect the release of CaDPA from Bacillus or Clostridium endospores, rapidly and at room temperature, to enable detection and measurement of DPA and thereby the assessment of risk associated with exposure to Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium botulinum, and like spores. The method can be applied to airborne, food-borne, and water-borne spores, as well as to spores collected from surfaces or contained in body fluids, and analysis is advantageously carried out using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: Sol-gel beds and deposits are utilized for SERS analysis of liquid analytes. Measurements are made at multiple points along the length of a column or channel to increase, very significantly, the speed of analysis, and use of the same medium to both separate the chemicals and also for SERS greatly reduces the complexity of such apparatus and enhances the efficiency of the method.

Abstract: Sol-gel beds and deposits are utilized for SERS analysis of liquid analytes. The use of the same medium to both separate the chemicals and also for SERS greatly reduces the complexity of such apparatus and enhances the efficiency of the method.

Abstract: The method and apparatus rapidly separate drugs and their metabolites from saliva and, in a continuous sequence of steps, rapidly detect, identify and quantify them through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: The method and apparatus rapidly separate drugs and their metabolites from saliva and, in a continuous sequence of steps, rapidly detect, identify and quantify them through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in effecting surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy comprises first and second containment means, the first containment means containing a known quantity of a reference chemical having an effective surface-enhanced Raman factor, and the second containment means containing a surface-enhanced Raman-active medium and being sufficiently transparent, at least at one optical access location, to permit both the excitation irradiation of, and also the collection of surface-enhanced Raman scattered radiation from, a common field of view of the surface-enhanced Raman-active medium. The apparatus is constructed for carrying out the method of the invention; i.e., for effecting intimate mixing, substantially prior to introduction to the surface-enhanced Raman-active medium contained in the second containment means, of the reference chemical with an analyte chemical-containing solution introduced through an entrance into the first containment means.

Abstract: Sol-gel beds and deposits are utilized for SERS analysis of liquid analytes. The use of the same medium to both separate the chemicals and also for SERS greatly reduces the complexity of such apparatus and enhances the efficiency of the method.

Abstract: Sol-gel beds and deposits are utilized for SERS analysis of liquid analytes. Measurements are made at multiple points along the length of a column or channel to increase, very significantly, the speed of analysis, and use of the same medium to both separate the chemicals and also for SERS greatly reduces the complexity of such apparatus and enhances the efficiency of the method.

Abstract: Metal-doped sol-gel materials, suitable for use as sensors for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis for trace chemical detection, are produced by effecting gelation and solvent removal of a doped sol-gel under mild temperature conditions. At least in certain instances reaction and drying will desirably be effected in an oxygen-starved environment. The metal of the sol-gel material functions, when irradiated, to produce a plasmon field for interaction with molecules of an analyte in contact therewith, increasing by orders of magnitude Raman photons that are generate by excitation radiation, and the method allows matching of the metal and metal particle size to a wavelength of light (or incident radiation, e.g., laser radiation) to generate surface plasmons. The porosity of the sol-gel material dramatically increases the surface area, and thereby the amount of metal exposed for analyte interaction.