Abstract: Nano-patterned devices for triggered intracellular delivery of active materials are disclosed. The device may comprise a nano-sized polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) comprising at least one layer of an electroactive polyelectrolyte polymer, where the PEM is configured to hold or receive an active material to be disposed within the multilayer and to release the active material under an electric field.

Abstract: A device for capturing preselected cell types from a fluid sample that includes a plurality of cell types includes a substrate, a plurality of nanowires at least one of attached to or integral with a surface of the substrate such that each nanowire of the plurality of nanowires has an unattached end, and a layer of temperature-responsive material formed on at least the unattached end of each of the plurality of nanowires. The layer of temperature-responsive material has a compact configuration at a first temperature and an expanded configuration at a second temperature so as to facilitate release of cells captured at the first temperature to be released at the second temperature.

Abstract: A device for capturing preselected cell types from a fluid sample that includes a plurality of cell types includes a substrate, a plurality of nanowires at least one of attached to or integral with a surface of the substrate such that each nanowire of the plurality of nanowires has an unattached end, and a layer of temperature-responsive material formed on at least the unattached end of each of the plurality of nanowires. The layer of temperature-responsive material has a compact configuration at a first temperature and an expanded configuration at a second temperature so as to facilitate release of cells captured at the first temperature to be released at the second temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer for use in detecting or quantifying an analyte Exposure of the polymer to the analyte is capable of causing a shift in the onset potential for conductivity or semiconductivity of the polymer. A sensor for an analyte comprising the polymer is also described.

Abstract: The synthesis of thiophene based conducting polymer molecular actuators, exhibiting electrically triggered molecular conformational transitions is reported. Actuation is believed to be the result of conformational rearrangement of the polymer backbone at the molecular level, not simply ion intercalation in the bulk polymer chain upon electrochemical activation. Molecular actuation results from ?-? stacking of thiophene oligomers upon oxidation, producing a reversible molecular displacement that leads to surprising material properties, such as electrically controllable porosity and large strains. The existence of active molecular conformational changes is supported by in situ electrochemical data. Single molecule techniques have been used to characterize the molecular actuators.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of structure (I): wherein X is S, O or NRN, where RN is H or alkyl; L is a linker group; Q is a group capable of binding with dsDNA; G and G? are, independently, absent or have between 1 and 20 main chain atoms; FG is a functional moiety comprising at least one O or N atom or a transition metal complex; and R is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy or OCRaRb coupled to an atom in L so as to form a six-membered ring. Ra and Rb are independently H or optionally substituted alkyl.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to electronic devices and methods. In some cases, the invention provides a sensor device comprising a pair of interdigitated microelectrodes (60), coated with an electrically conducting polymer material (70). The microelectrodes (60) may be surrounded by a first electrode (22), a second electrode (40), and a hydrophobic wall (50).

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer for use in detecting or quantifying an analyte Exposure of the polymer to the analyte is capable of causing a shift in the onset potential for conductivity or semiconductivity of the polymer. A sensor for an analyte comprising the polymer is also described.

Abstract: The synthesis of thiophene based conducting polymer molecular actuators, exhibiting electrically triggered molecular conformational transitions is reported. Actuation is believed to be the result of conformational rearrangement of the polymer backbone at the molecular level, not simply ion intercalation in the bulk polymer chain upon electrochemical activation. Molecular actuation results from ?-? stacking of thiophene oligomers upon oxidation, producing a reversible molecular displacement that leads to surprising material properties, such as electrically controllable porosity and large strains. The existence of active molecular conformational changes is supported by in situ electrochemical data. Single molecule techniques have been used to characterize the molecular actuators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods involving luminescent films which may be useful in various applications. Luminescent films of the present invention may comprise a layer of metal oxide nanoparticles and, in some cases, may interact with an analyte to generate a detectable signal, whereby the presence and/or amount of analyte can be determined. In some embodiments, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) may occur between the luminescent film and the analyte. Such articles and methods may be useful in, for example, biological assays or in sensors.

Abstract: The synthesis of thiophene based conducting polymer molecular actuators, exhibiting electrically triggered molecular conformational transitions is reported. Actuation is believed to be the result of conformational rearrangement of the polymer backbone at the molecular level, not simply ion intercalation in the bulk polymer chain upon electrochemical activation. Molecular actuation results from ?-? stacking of thiophene oligomers upon oxidation, producing a reversible molecular displacement that leads to surprising material properties, such as electrically controllable porosity and large strains. The existence of active molecular conformational changes is supported by in situ electrochemical data. Single molecule techniques have been used to characterize the molecular actuators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determination of an analyte. The invention provides various methods involving exposure of a luminescent material to an analyte wherein, upon interaction with the analyte, a change in luminescence may be observed as a function of the duration of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, thereby determining the analyte. Some embodiments of the invention include the use of highly emissive semiconductor nanocrystals.

Abstract: The synthesis of thiophene based conducting polymer molecular actuators, exhibiting electrically triggered molecular conformational transitions is reported. Actuation is believed to be the result of conformational rearrangement of the polymer backbone at the molecular level, not simply ion intercalation in the bulk polymer chain upon electrochemical activation. Molecular actuation results from ?—? stacking of thiophene oligomers upon oxidation, producing a reversible molecular displacement that leads to surprising material properties, such as electrically controllable porosity and large strains. The existence of active molecular conformational changes is supported by in situ electrochemical data. Single molecule techniques have been used to characterize the molecular actuators.

Abstract: The synthesis of thiophene based conducting polymer molecular actuators, exhibiting electrically triggered molecular conformational transitions is reported. Actuation is believed to be the result of conformational rearrangement of the polymer backbone at the molecular level, not simply ion intercalation in the bulk polymer chain upon electrochemical activation. Molecular actuation results from &pgr;-&pgr; stacking of thiophene oligomers upon oxidation, producing a reversible molecular displacement that leads to surprising material properties, such as electrically controllable porosity and large strains. The existence of active molecular conformational changes is supported by in situ electrochemical data. Single molecule techniques have been used to characterize the molecular actuators.