Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel series of accessories for Raman and/or luminescence spectral acquisitions for many different applications and methods for making such accessories. The invention further provides sample holders that enhance sample handling ability and sample sensitivity, reduce fluorescence and Raman background, as well as sample size and consumption, and thereby improve resulting spectral analyses.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel series of accessories for Raman and/or luminescence spectral acquisitions for many different applications and methods for making such accessories. The invention further provides sample holders that enhance sample handling ability and sample sensitivity, reduce fluorescence and Raman background, as well as sample size and consumption, and thereby improve resulting spectral analyses.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the hybridization of an unmodified target deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule including exposing a Raman substrate to the unmodified target DNA molecule, where the unmodified target DNA molecule is a complementary DNA molecule to a thiol-terminated probe DNA molecule covalently linked to the Raman substrate. Also, the thiol-terminated probe DNA molecule includes an adenine analog substituted for adenine. The hybridization of the unmodified target DNA molecule to the thiol-terminated probe DNA molecule is detected by measuring a Raman spectroscopic response of the Raman substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel targeted drug delivery and controlled release methods and compositions where optically absorbing nanoparticles, such as nanoshells, are functionalized on their surfaces with thermolabile molecules that bind the drug molecules to be delivered. The linkage between the thermolabile moiety on the nanoparticles and the drug is deliberately designed or selected to be temperature sensitive, so that upon illumination of the nanoparticle at a wavelength of light, the drug molecules on the nanoparticles will be released. Targeting molecules, such as antibodies, aptamers or other molecules like folic acid, can be concurrently bound to the nanoparticle surface to deliver the nanoparticle to specifically targeted cells or tissues prior to the photothermally induced drug release. In this way the nanoparticles can be advantageously concentrated on the target prior to illumination, which makes the disclosed compositions both a targeted delivery and a controllable drug release vehicle.

Abstract: A labeling reagent having a distinct Raman, or surface enhanced Raman, spectral signature is used for the control and analysis samples. The labeling reagents can be fluorescent dyes with different isotopic substituents, such as the substitution of some hydrogen atoms for deuterium atoms. Such labeling does not have any detectable effect on separation retention. Raman spectroscopy is used for detection purposes. By combining SERS and SERRS, a concentration ratio prediction error of less than 3% can be obtained over four orders of magnitude of total concentration with up to a factor of 3 concentration ratio range. The method is reliable, reproducible and more sensitive than methods based on absolute SERS/SERRS intensity correlations, with no internal standard, or using a different molecule (rather than an IEIS) as a SERS/SERRS internal standard.

Abstract: Instruments for molecular detection at the nano-molar to femto-molar concentration level include a longitudinal capillary column (10) of known wall thickness and diameter. The column (10) contains a medium (24) including a target molecule (30) and a plurality of optically interactive dielectric beads (26) on the order of about 10?6 meters up to about 10?3 meters and/or metal nanoparticles (31) on the order of 1-500 nm. A flow inducer (34) causes longitudinal movement of the target molecule within the column (10). A laser (14) introduces energy laterally with respect to the column (10) at a wavelength and in a direction selected to have a resonant mode within the capillary column wall (12) and couple to the medium (24). A detector (40) is positioned to detect Raman scattering occurring along the column (10) due to the presence of the target molecule.

Abstract: Micro-droplets of liquid confining organic molecules of interest are dried on selected planar solvo-phobic substrates under conditions facilitating segregated precipitation of the larger, less soluable analytes toward edge portions of the deposit. Micro-spectrometer imaging using white light and FTIR false color can identify points of interest, and the same optics generally directed perpendicularly to the substrates selectively captures normal Raman spectra from selected points in the deposit. The spectra are manipulated using various data techniques to extract reliable information concerning analytes present at pico-Molar levels. The selected spots can also be subjected to FTIR spectroscopy followed by MALDI mass spectroscopy to obtain a variety of information from the identical specimen.

Abstract: Micro-droplets of liquid confining organic molecules of interest are dried on selected planar solvo-phobic substrates under conditions facilitating segregated precipitation of the larger, less soluable analytes toward edge portions of the deposit. Micro-spectrometer imaging using white light and FTIR false color can identify points of interest, and the same optics generally directed perpendicularly to the substrates selectively captures normal Raman spectra from selected points in the deposit. The spectra are manipulated using various data techniques to extract reliable information concerning analytes present at pico-Molar levels. The selected spots can also be subjected to FTIR spectroscopy followed by MALDI mass spectroscopy to obtain a variety of information from the identical specimen.

Abstract: Instruments for molecular detection at the nano-molar to femto-molar concentration level include a longitudinal capillary column (10) of known wall thickness and diameter. The column (10) contains a medium (24) including a target molecule (30) and a plurality of optically interactive dielectric beads (26) on the order of about 10?6 meters up to about 10?3 meters and/or metal nanoparticles (31) on the order of 1-500 nm. A flow inducer (34) causes longitudinal movement of the target molecule within the column (10). A laser (14) introduces energy laterally with respect to the column (10) at a wavelength and in a direction selected to have a resonant mode within the capillary column wall (12) and couple to the medium (24). A detector (40) is positioned to detect Raman scattering occurring along the column (10) due to the presence of the target molecule.