Abstract: Methods for plasmonic nanoparticle assisted detection of target analytes are provided including methods of plasmonic nanoparticle assisted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a fluidics device. For example, a digital microfluidics (DMF) system is provided that includes a DMF device (or cartridge) in which the methods of plasmonic nanoparticle assisted ELISA may be performed. The disclosed methods for detecting target analytes include measuring an optically detectable change caused by one or a combination of etching, growth, aggregation, or altered interparticle distance of plasmonic particles in the vicinity of a target analyte-capture biomolecule complex in response to a product or byproduct generated by enzyme-substrate reactions. In the methods, the amount of enzyme-substrate reactions is proportional to the number of target analytes bound to the capture biomolecules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a digital microfluidic (DMF) cartridge for performing a self-test for a target analyte, including a DMF cartridge comprising a bottom substrate and a top substrate separated by a droplet operations gap, wherein the bottom substrate comprises a plurality of droplet operations electrodes configured for performing droplet operations on a liquid droplet in the droplet operations gap; one or more reaction chambers or reaction zones on the bottom substrate that are supplied by an arrangement of the droplet operations electrodes, wherein each reaction chamber or reaction zone comprises at least one detection spot and is configured for performing a plasmonic particle-assisted ELISA (pELISA) for detection and quantification of a target analyte in a sample droplet. The device may include downloadable software for a self-test and be operable using a smart device.

Abstract: Described are core-shell particles which exhibit tunable photophysical properties, allowing them to absorb, scatter, and/or extinguish specific wavelengths of light (e.g., specific wavelengths of blue light). The core-shell particles can be incorporated as tunable optical filters in optically transparent substrates to produce devices, including ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses.