Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods, apparatus, and compositions for analyzing a sample for the presence or absence of a target DNA analyte. A sample mixture is formed, which includes a sample to be analyzed and a nanoparticle-probe adduct. The nanoparticle-probe adduct is a non-covalently-bound adduct between a functionalized carbohydrate-capped metal nanoparticle and a functionalized oligonucleotide probe specific to the target DNA analyte. Upon thermal treatment of the sample mixture, a nanoparticle-probe-DNA complex forms when the target DNA analyte is present in the sample. Upon addition of a destabilizing agent (such as an acid) to the thermally treated sample mixture, remaining non-complexed nanoparticle-probe adduct will aggregate or otherwise becomes destabilized, creating a rapidly detectable color change that can be detected and correlated to the presence or absence of the target DNA in the original sample. Related apparatus, kits, and compositions for performing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for specific detection of a target analyte using probe DNA specific to the target analyte and non-functionalized, carbohydrate-capped metal nanoparticles such as non-functionalized, dextrin-capped gold nanoparticles. A sample mixture including a target DNA analyte and a probe DNA specific thereto is incubated to from a probe DNA-target DNA complex. The non-functionalized, carbohydrate-capped metal nanoparticles and an ionic species such as sodium chloride or other salt are added to the probe DNA-target DNA complex, and the mixture is incubated. Addition of the ionic species creates a detectable distinction, such as color of the resultant mixture, between stabilized metal nanoparticles when the probe DNA-target DNA complex is present and destabilized metal nanoparticles when the probe DNA-target DNA complex is absent. The method can be used for colorimetric detection of plant pathogens and associated diseases in agricultural production systems.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to metal nanoparticle compositions and their methods of formation and use, in particular gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Compositions according to the disclosure include aqueous suspensions of metal nanoparticles that are stabilized with one or more carbohydrate capping agents and/or that are functionalized with one or more binding pair members for capture/detection of a target analyte. The nanoparticle suspensions are stable for extended periods and can be functionalized as desired at a later point in time, typically prior to use in an assay for the detection of a target biological analyte. The stable nanoparticle suspension can be formed by the aqueous reduction of oxidized metal precursors at non-acidic pH values in the presence of a carbohydrate-based capping agent such as dextrin or other oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to wireless detection of analytes (such as bacteria) labeled by electrically, dielectrically, or magnetically active nanoparticles, for example in quality control monitoring for food supply chain management. The disclosed apparatus includes a detection vessel or vial, a resonant sensor tag, an inductively coupled reader to induce and detect resonance in the sensor tag, and an active nanoparticle for labeling. The disclosed wireless detection apparatus and methods use active nanoparticles for the development of wireless sensor systems which can be designed to be compatible with the existing RFID technology infrastructure. For example, commercial RFID readers (e.g., hand-held) used for tracking and tracing operation can be used with the disclosed apparatus to induce and measure a corresponding resonance frequency.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to functionalized magnetic particle compositions and related methods to extract biological target analytes such as bacteria from samples such as clinical, industrial, or environmental samples. The functionalized magnetic particles can be synthesized in a one-pot method and include a biomimetic binding pair member which permits non-specific binding to one or more biological target analytes, such as when using the functionalized magnetic particles to extract pathogens or other analytes from a sample matrix. The functionalized magnetic particle composition generally includes a magnetic particle core, and a binding pair member bound to an external surface of the magnetic particle core, where the binding pair member is capable of non-specific binding to a plurality of biological target analytes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to wireless detection of analytes (such as bacteria) labeled by electrically, dielectrically, or magnetically active nanoparticles, for example in quality control monitoring for food supply chain management. The disclosed apparatus includes a detection vessel or vial, a resonant sensor tag, an inductively coupled reader to induce and detect resonance in the sensor tag, and an active nanoparticle for labeling. The disclosed wireless detection apparatus and methods use active nanoparticles for the development of wireless sensor systems which can be designed to be compatible with the existing RFID technology infrastructure. For example, commercial RFID readers (e.g., hand-held) used for tracking and tracing operation can be used with the disclosed apparatus to induce and measure a corresponding resonance frequency.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the extraction and detection of pathogens using carbohydrate-functionalized biosensors. Immobilized carbohydrate moieties on the biosensor provide a means for non-specific binding of a plurality of target analytes. When a sample containing the target analyte is applied or otherwise transported to the biosensor detection surface, non-specific binding interactions between the carbohydrate moiety and the analyte immobilize/retain the analyte at the detection surface. The carbohydrate moiety is a stable binding pair member that allows on-sensor rinsing of a sample to enhance detection of an analyte in the sample. Specific analyte identification can be achieved with an analyte probe having a detection moiety and a binding pair member specific to the target analyte of interest.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the extraction and detection of pathogens using carbohydrate-functionalized biosensors. Immobilized carbohydrate moieties on the biosensor provide a means for non-specific binding of a plurality of target analytes. When a sample containing the target analyte is applied or otherwise transported to the biosensor detection surface, non-specific binding interactions between the carbohydrate moiety and the analyte immobilize/retain the analyte at the detection surface. The carbohydrate moiety is a stable binding pair member that allows on-sensor rinsing of a sample to enhance detection of an analyte in the sample. Specific analyte identification can be achieved with an analyte probe having a detection moiety and a binding pair member specific to the target analyte of interest.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for specific detection of a target analyte using probe DNA specific to the target analyte and non-functionalized, carbohydrate-capped metal nanoparticles such as non-functionalized, dextrin-capped gold nanoparticles. A sample mixture including a target DNA analyte and a probe DNA specific thereto is incubated to from a probe DNA-target DNA complex. The non-functionalized, carbohydrate-capped metal nanoparticles and an ionic species such as sodium chloride or other salt are added to the probe DNA-target DNA complex, and the mixture is incubated. Addition of the ionic species creates a detectable distinction, such as color of the resultant mixture, between stabilized metal nanoparticles when the probe DNA-target DNA complex is present and destabilized metal nanoparticles when the probe DNA-target DNA complex is absent. The method can be used for colorimetric detection of plant pathogens and associated diseases in agricultural production systems.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to metal nanoparticle compositions and their methods of formation and use, in particular gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Compositions according to the disclosure include aqueous suspensions of metal nanoparticles that are stabilized with one or more carbohydrate capping agents and/or that are functionalized with one or more binding pair members for capture/detection of a target analyte. The nanoparticle suspensions are stable for extended periods and can be functionalized as desired at a later point in time, typically prior to use in an assay for the detection of a target biological analyte. The stable nanoparticle suspension can be formed by the aqueous reduction of oxidized metal precursors at non-acidic pH values in the presence of a carbohydrate-based capping agent such as dextrin or other oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the use of nanoparticles that are coated with unique oligonucleotide (e.g., DNA) sequences of various base lengths (“nano-DNA”) that act as barcodes for product authentication, product serialization, brand protection, track-and-trace, intelligent supply chain, and law enforcement. The nano-DNA can be incorporated into inks, dyes, resins, labels, and other markings at all manufacturing levels, including the product (unit) level, to encode company and product-specific information. The nano-DNA can also be embedded in the product itself during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the nano-DNA can be quickly, simply, and inexpensively monitored and verified using an electrochemical biosensor device in resource-limited field conditions.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a nuclear magnetic resonance transceiver including: (a) a variable-frequency electromagnetic signal generator with (i) a frequency input and (ii) an EM signal output; (b) an electronic frequency controller including (i) a frequency output coupled to the frequency input of the variable-frequency EM signal generator, (ii) an intermediate frequency set-point input, and (iii) an intermediate frequency measurement input; (c) an NMR transmission probe with an EM signal input coupled to the EM signal output of the variable-frequency EM signal generator; (d) an NMR receiving probe with an EM signal output; and (e) an electronic mixer with (i) a first input coupled to the EM signal output of the NMR receiving probe, (ii) a second input coupled to the EM signal output of the variable-frequency EM signal generator, and (iii) a mixed EM signal output coupled to the frequency measurement input of the frequency controller.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to metal nanoparticle compositions and their methods of formation and use, in particular gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Compositions according to the disclosure include aqueous suspensions of metal nanoparticles that are stabilized with one or more carbohydrate capping agents and/or that are functionalized with one or more binding pair members for capture/detection of a target analyte. The nanoparticle suspensions are stable for extended periods and can be functionalized as desired at a later point in time, typically prior to use in an assay for the detection of a target biological analyte. The stable nanoparticle suspension can be formed by the aqueous reduction of oxidized metal precursors at non-acidic pH values in the presence of a carbohydrate-based capping agent such as dextrin or other oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the use of nanoparticles that are coated with unique oligonucleotide (e.g., DNA) sequences of various base lengths (“nano-DNA”) that act as barcodes for product authentication, product serialization, brand protection, track-and-trace, intelligent supply chain, and law enforcement. The nano-DNA can be incorporated into inks, dyes, resins, labels, and other markings at all manufacturing levels, including the product (unit) level, to encode company and product-specific information. The nano-DNA can also be embedded in the product itself during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the nano-DNA can be quickly, simply, and inexpensively monitored and verified using an electrochemical biosensor device in resource-limited field conditions.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the use of nanoparticles that are coated with unique oligonucleotide (e.g., DNA) sequences of various base lengths (“nano-DNA”) that act as barcodes for product authentication, product serialization, brand protection, track-and-trace, intelligent supply chain, and law enforcement. The nano-DNA can be incorporated into inks, dyes, resins, labels, and other markings at all manufacturing levels, including the product (unit) level, to encode company and product-specific information. The nano-DNA can also be embedded in the product itself during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the nano-DNA can be quickly, simply, and inexpensively monitored and verified using an electrochemical biosensor device in resource-limited field conditions.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to metal nanoparticle compositions and their methods of formation and use, in particular gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Compositions according to the disclosure include aqueous suspensions of metal nanoparticles that are stabilized with one or more carbohydrate capping agents and/or that are functionalized with one or more binding pair members for capture/detection of a target analyte. The nanoparticle suspensions are stable for extended periods and can be functionalized as desired at a later point in time, typically prior to use in an assay for the detection of a target biological analyte. The stable nanoparticle suspension can be formed by the aqueous reduction of oxidized metal precursors at non-acidic pH values in the presence of a carbohydrate-based capping agent such as dextrin or other oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the detection of analytes (e.g., biological pathogens such as bacteria or viruses) using a conductive polymer label. The disclosed detection system utilizing the conductive polymer label generally involves the formation of an analyte conjugate between the target analyte and a conductive polymer moiety conjugated to the target analyte. The conductive polymer portion of the analyte conjugate is electrically activated to form an electrically activated analyte conjugate having an increased electrical conductivity relative to the analyte conjugate as originally formed. The electrically activated analyte conjugate can then be detected by any suitable means, such as by conductimetric or electrochemical detection.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a particulate composition formed from a conductive polymer (e.g., conductive polyanilines, polypyrroles, polythiophenes) bound to magnetic nanoparticles (e.g., Fe(II)- and/or Fe(III)-based magnetic metal oxides). The particulate composition can be formed into a biologically enhanced, electrically active magnetic (BEAM) nanoparticle composition by further including a binding pair member (e.g., an antibody) bound to the conductive polymer of the particulate composition. Methods and kits employing the particulate composition and the BEAM nanoparticle composition also are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a particulate composition formed from a conductive polymer (e.g., conductive polyanilines, polypyrroles, polythiophenes) bound to magnetic nanoparticles (e.g., Fe(II)- and/or Fe(III)-based magnetic metal oxides). The particulate composition can be formed into a biologically enhanced, electrically active magnetic (BEAM) nanoparticle composition by further including a binding pair member (e.g., an antibody) bound to the conductive polymer of the particulate composition. Methods and kits employing the particulate composition and the BEAM nanoparticle composition also are disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a nuclear magnetic resonance transceiver including: (a) a variable-frequency electromagnetic signal generator with (i) a frequency input and (ii) an EM signal output; (b) an electronic frequency controller including (i) a frequency output coupled to the frequency input of the variable-frequency EM signal generator, (ii) an intermediate frequency set-point input, and (iii) an intermediate frequency measurement input; (c) an NMR transmission probe with an EM signal input coupled to the EM signal output of the variable-frequency EM signal generator; (d) an NMR receiving probe with an EM signal output; and (e) an electronic mixer with (i) a first input coupled to the EM signal output of the NMR receiving probe, (ii) a second input coupled to the EM signal output of the variable-frequency EM signal generator, and (iii) a mixed EM signal output coupled to the frequency measurement input of the frequency controller.