Abstract: The disclosure relates to porous silicon/conductive polymer composites that can be used in biosensor applications (e.g., in a binding assay that captures a target analyte). The composite material generally includes (a) a p-doped silicon substrate that has a porous surface; (b) a lawn of a conductive polymer bound to the porous surface; and (c) a binding pair member bound to the conductive polymer. The porous silicon surface provides excellent adhesion between the substrate and the conductive polymer, thereby eliminating the need for an intervening metallic layer. Processes according to the disclosure for forming the composite material generally include electropolymerizing and electrodepositing the conductive polymer onto the porous surface of the silicon substrate and then binding the binding pair member to the conductive polymer. Methods and kits employing the composite materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detection of volatile products from a sample using a transducer which changes voltage as a function of contact of the volatile products with the transducer to produce a gas signature of the volatile products and a spectrophotometer to analyze the volatile products to produce a spectral footprint of the volatile products. The apparatus and method are used to detect spoilage of a biological material, such as a food. The apparatus is also used to detect microorganisms and by comparing the gas signature and spectral footprint to a library of gas signatures and spectral footprints, the apparatus enables identification of the microorganisms and in particular identification of pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of a small amount of volatile products from a sample using a transducer which changes voltage as a function of contact of the volatile product with the transducer. The apparatus and method are used to detect spoilage of a biological material, such as a food. The apparatus is also used to detect microorganisms and in particular pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detection of volatile products from a sample using a transducer which changes voltage as a function of contact of the volatile products with the transducer to produce a gas signature of the volatile products and a spectrophotometer to analyze the volatile products to produce a spectral footprint of the volatile products. The apparatus and method are used to detect spoilage of a biological material, such as a food. The apparatus is also used to detect microorganisms and by comparing the gas signature and spectral footprint to a library of gas signatures and spectral footprints, the apparatus enables identification of the microorganisms and in particular identification of pathogenic microorganisms.