Abstract: This invention discloses an approach is improve the strength and reproducibility of the signal generated in FTAs using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) through the design of an approach to generate the plasmonically-enhanced signal for SERS, surface-enhanced infrared (SEIRA), and other enhanced spectroscopies. The design incorporates: (1) a particle-particle coupling strategy that is triggered by the selective capture of an analyte to a particle that has been immobilized on a membrane and has been modified to act as a capture substrate; (2) the selective tagging of the captured analyte by a nanoparticle also designed to generate an amplified plasmonic signal upon tagging; and (3) the incorporation of an internal nanoparticle standard to account for fluctuations in flow rates and flow paths.

Abstract: This invention discloses a design of microplates and microarrays to improve utility. The new design constructs a physical flux barrier that limits thermocapillary and other mass transfer contributions to the heterogeneous accumulation of reactant at the surface of a well or array address. The improved control of reactant delivery results in a much more uniform distribution of reactant across an address, thereby improving the accuracy of the measured response.

Abstract: This invention discloses an approach regarding the use of solid-phase microextractions (SPMEs) in the analytical, bioanalytical, combinatorial sciences, and all other applicable areas of measurement science. The approach applies to the analysis of exceedingly small volumes of a liquid specimen (10s-100s of ?L), and how the concepts of negligible depletion (ND) can be used within the context of tradeoff between extractive (reaction) kinetics, extractive capacity, and sample flow rate as a means to obviate the need to deliver accurately a small volume sample for SPME analysis, improving the ease-of-use for a number of different SPME-based measurements including, for example, disease markers in immunoassays for health care.

Abstract: A separation device is formed of a first tube with a cylindrical wall enclosing a chamber having a first diameter, where the device has a first end for discharging a fluid and a second end for receiving a fluid. At least two stationary phase medias are packed into the chamber with separating frits between the medias. At least one end frit element, secured to an inner surface of the first tube contains the media in its section of the chamber and allows the beds formed of the media to be formed and packed. When the separation device so constructed forms a nanocolumn with a guard bed, the guard bed may be cleaved from the separation device extending the useful life of the nanocolumn. When the separation device so constructed comprises two analytical sections, and a plurality of guard beds, complex analysis may be performed on a column having an extended useful life.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature methods and apparatus in which fluids circulating between a plurality of vessels containing different cell types or tissues are monitored for metabolites following the introduction of a sample.