Abstract: A Raman spectroscopy structure includes a substrate, a conductive layer formed on the substrate, a dielectric layer formed on the conductive layer, wherein the dielectric layer has a first thickness, and spaced apart conductive structures formed on the dielectric layer having a periodicity. Each of the conductive structures has a second thickness and a shape that defines a localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) frequency mode having a width. The dielectric layer defines two Fabry-Perot frequency modes that overlap within the width of the LSPR frequency mode. A desirable double resonance is achieved by two frequency Fabry-Perot modes overlapping within the width of a single frequency plasmonic mode.

Abstract: In improved nonoplasmonic resonator (NPR) structure includes a silicon substrate having an upper surface, and a plurality of columns of silicon extending up from the substrate upper surface. Each of the columns includes a sidewall and terminates at an upper end. An insulation material is disposed on the sidewalls and upper ends of the columns. For each of the columns, the insulation material terminates in a bulge at an upper end of the column. A conductive layer is disposed on the insulation material along the column sidewalls and upper ends.

Abstract: A nanoplasmonic resonator (NPR) includes a substrate, a first metallic member disposed on the substrate, a second metallic member spaced apart from the first metallic member, and a first insulation layer at least partially disposed between the first and second metallic members. The first insulation layer includes at least one of a notch formed laterally therein such that there is an open gap separating outer edge portions of the first and second metallic members, at least a portion thereof having a toroid shape, and a length extending between the first and second metallic members which are laterally adjacent to each other.

Abstract: In improved nonoplasmonic resonator (NPR) structure includes a silicon substrate having an upper surface, and a plurality of columns of silicon extending up from the substrate upper surface. Each of the columns includes a sidewall and terminates at an upper end. An insulation material is disposed on the sidewalls and upper ends of the columns. For each of the columns, the insulation material terminates in a bulge at an upper end of the column. A conductive layer is disposed on the insulation material along the column sidewalls and upper ends.

Abstract: A nanoplasmonic resonator (NPR) includes a substrate, a first metallic member disposed on the substrate, a second metallic member spaced apart from the first metallic member, and a first insulation layer at least partially disposed between the first and second metallic members. The first insulation layer includes at least one of a notch formed laterally therein such that there is an open gap separating outer edge portions of the first and second metallic members, at least a portion thereof having a toroid shape, and a length extending between the first and second metallic members which are laterally adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A nanoplasmonic resonator (NPR) comprising a metallic nanodisk with alternating shielding layer(s), having a tagged biomolecule conjugated or tethered to the surface of the nanoplasmonic resonator for highly sensitive measurement of enzymatic activity. NPRs enhance Raman signals in a highly reproducible manner, enabling fast detection of protease and enzyme activity, such as Prostate Specific Antigen (paPSA), in real-time, at picomolar sensitivity levels. Experiments on extracellular fluid (ECF) from paPSA-positive cells demonstrate specific detection in a complex bio-fluid background in real-time single-step detection in very small sample volumes.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the in vitro detection of proteases using a single peptide-conjugate nanocrescent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes with at least nanomolar sensitivity. The probe enables detection of proteolytic activity in extremely small volume and at low concentration. In certain embodiments the probes comprise an indicator for the detection of an active protease, where the indicator comprises a nanocrescent attached to a peptide, where said peptide comprises a recognition site for the protease and a Raman tag attached to the peptide.

Abstract: Here, we describe a preassembled plasmonic resonance nanocluster. One embodiment is used for microbe detection and typing. The metallic nanoparticle acceptors with microbe surface antigen epitope, and quantum dot (QD) donors with Fab antibody, are assembled into an immuno-mediated 3D-oriented complex with enhanced energy transfer and fluorescence quenching. The coherent plasmonic resonance between the metal and QD nanoparticles is exploited to achieve improved donor-acceptor resonance within the nanocluster, which in the presence of microbial particles is disassembled in a highly specific manner. The nanocluster provides high detection specificity and sensitivity of the microbes, with a sensitivity limit down to 1-100 particles per microliter and to attomolar levels of a surface antigen epitope. A few specific examples of the plasmonic resonance nanocluster used in microbe detection are disclosed along with ways in which the complex can be easily modified for additional microbes.

Abstract: This invention provides a nanoplasmonic molecular ruler, which can perform label-free and real-time monitoring of nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) length changes and perform nucleic acid footprinting. In various embodiments the ruler comprises a nucleic acid attached to a nanoparticle, such that changes in the nucleic acid length are detectable using surface plasmon resonance. The nanoplamonic ruler provides a fast and convenient platform for mapping nucleic acid-protein interactions, for nuclease activity monitoring, and for other footprinting related methods.

Abstract: A nanoplasmonic resonator (NPR) comprising a metallic nanodisk with alternating shielding layer(s), having a tagged biomolecule conjugated or tethered to the surface of the nanoplasmonic resonator for highly sensitive measurement of enzymatic activity. NPRs enhance Raman signals in a highly reproducible manner, enabling fast detection of protease and enzyme activity, such as Prostate Specific Antigen (paPSA), in real-time, at picomolar sensitivity levels. Experiments on extracellular fluid (ECF) from paPSA-positive cells demonstrate specific detection in a complex bio-fluid background in real-time single-step detection in very small sample volumes.

Abstract: This invention provides a nanoplasmonic molecular ruler, which can perform label-free and real-time monitoring of nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) length changes and perform nucleic acid footprinting. In various embodiments the ruler comprises a nucleic acid attached to a nanoparticle, such that changes in the nucleic acid length are detectable using surface plasmon resonance. The nanoplasmonic ruler provides a fast and convenient platform for mapping nucleic acid-protein interactions, for nuclease activity monitoring, and for other footprinting related methods.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the in vitro detection of proteases using a single peptide-conjugate nanocrescent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes with at least nanomolar sensitivity. The probe enables detection of proteolytic activity in extremely small volume and at low concentration. In certain embodiments the probes comprise an indicator for the detection of an active protease, where the indicator comprises a nanocrescent attached to a peptide, where said peptide comprises a recognition site for the protease and a Raman tag attached to the peptide.

Abstract: This invention provides targeted nanoclusters comprising multiple polyvalent nanoparticle core units or nanoscaffolds, each nanoparticle core unit attached to multiple targeting moieties and multiple detectable moieties. The nanoclusters find use in a broad range of analytical assays, diagnostic assays and as targeted therapeutics.

Abstract: A nanoplasmonic resonator (NPR) comprising a metallic nanodisk with alternating shielding layer(s), having a tagged biomolecule conjugated or tethered to the surface of the nanoplasmonic resonator for highly sensitive measurement of enzymatic activity. NPRs enhance Raman signals in a highly reproducible manner, enabling fast detection of protease and enzyme activity, such as Prostate Specific Antigen (paPSA), in real-time, at picomolar sensitivity levels. Experiments on extracellular fluid (ECF) from paPSA-positive cells demonstrate specific detection in a complex bio-fluid background in real-time single-step detection in very small sample volumes.

Abstract: This invention provides novel compositions and methods for the detection, and/or quantification, of the presence and/or activity of one or more kinases and/or phosphatases. In certain embodiments this invention a device for the detection of kinase and/or phosphatase activity where the device comprises a Raman active surface comprising features that enhance Raman scattering having attached thereto a plurality of kinase and/or phosphatase substrate molecules.

Abstract: This invention provides a nanoplasmonic molecular ruler, which can perform label-free and real-time monitoring of nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) length changes and perform nucleic acid footprinting. In various embodiments the ruler comprises a nucleic acid attached to a nanoparticle, such that changes in the nucleic acid length are detectable using surface plasmon resonance. The nanoplamonic ruler provides a fast and convenient platform for mapping nucleic acid -protein interactions, for nuclease activity monitoring, and for other footprinting related methods.

Abstract: Nanoparticles are used increasingly in consumer products and biomedical applications. Yet the cellular interaction mechanism at the molecular level is not well understood for nanomaterials of different size, shape and surface chemistry. Gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs), which have been explored extensively for various applications in recent years, are used as the model system to help understand the size-dependent biological effects of nanoparticles. Jurkat cells treated with Au-NPs ranging from 2 nm to 200 nm were studied. Whole genome expression measurements indicate size-dependent effects, including linear scaling and threshold effects. In addition, a non-linear pattern of gene responses that persisted over time were observed in 20-40 nm Au-NP treated cells. Gene function, promoter, and pathway analyses reveal differential signaling processes that are correlated with nanoparticle sizes.

Abstract: In certain embodiments this invention provides a nanoparticle-based technology platform for multimodal in vivo imaging and therapy. The nanoparticle-based probes detects diseased cells by MRI, PET or deep tissue Near Infrared (NIR) imaging, and are capable of detecting diseased cells with greater sensitivity than is possible with existing technologies. The probes also target molecules that localize to normal or diseased cells, and initiates apoptosis of diseased cells.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the in vitro detection of proteases using a single peptide-conjugate nanocrescent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes with at least nanomolar sensitivity. The probe enables detection of proteolytic activity in extremely small volume and at low concentration. In certain embodiments the probes comprise an indicator for the detection of an active protease, where the indicator comprises a nanocrescent attached to a peptide, where said peptide comprises a recognition site for the protease and a Raman tag attached to the peptide.