Abstract: In various aspects provided are methods for producing a nanoparticle within a cross-linked, collapsed polymeric material, said method including (a) providing a polymeric solution comprising a polymeric material; (b) collapsing at least a portion of the polymeric material about one or more precursor moieties; (c) cross-linking the polymeric material; (d) modifying at least a portion of said precursor moieties to form one or more nanoparticles and thereby forming a composite nanoparticle. In various embodiments, a non-confined nanoparticle can be produced by complete pyrolysis of the confined nanoparticle, and a carbon-coated nanoparticle by incomplete pyrolysis of the confined nanoparticle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assay of multiple analytes. The method uses a sensing element comprising a substrate upon which is arranged a multiplicity of recognition elements, such that each element is laid out in a predetermined pattern. Each pattern is unique in that it can give rise to a characteristic diffraction pattern in the assay. The patterns may or may not be interpenetrating on the substrate surface. The method of detecting multiple analytes includes contacting the medium of analytes with the patterned substrate, illuminating the substrate by a light source, and detecting any resultant diffraction image. The pattern of diffraction and the intensity of the diffracted signal provides information about the existence of specific analytes and their quantification.

Abstract: Fabrication of surfaces patterned with chemical crosslinkers for surfaces patterned with chemical crosslinkers for solution-phase immobilization of probe molecules and their use in diffraction-based sensing. In one embodiment of the invention, a chemical crosslinker, X1—R1—Y1, is deposited on areas of the substrate surface that defines a pattern and allowed to react with the surface for a sufficient period of time to attain the desired density of covalently linked crosslinkers on the surface. The reaction between the crosslinker X1—R1—Y1 and the surface can be accelerated using known techniques such as heating, microwave irradiation, sonication, etc, to achieve the desired density in less time. In another embodiment of the invention, two or more other types of cross-linkers may also be laid down in patterns on the surface to detect for two or more other types of molecules in solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing patterns on a surface of a substrate. The apparatus includes a rigid support member such as a rigid tubular structure having first and second opposed ends and a fluid flow passageway extending therethrough. A printing stamp is attached at one of the opposed ends of the rigid support member. The printing stamp has a flexible diaphragm portion which has an outer surface which is coated with one or more materials in a pre-selected pattern. A pneumatic pressurizing mechanism communicating with an inner surface of the flexible diaphragm portion through the fluid flow passageway is used to bias the flexible diaphragm portion outwardly into intimate and substantially uniform contact with the surface of the substrate for transferring the pre-selected pattern onto said surface. The rigid tubular supports are attached to a robotic positioning mechanism for providing control of positioning of the stamp relative to the substrate surface.