Abstract: A method of preparing hydrophobic silica particles includes the step of reacting together in a single step a mixture of silane ether monomers and organically modified silane ether monomers with a hydrolyzing agent. The method also includes producing hydrophobic silica microparticles and nanoparticles that can include dyes and/or magnetizable components. The silica nanoparticles can be used in the detection, visualization and/or analysis of latent fingerprints.

Abstract: A method of preparing hydrophobic silica particles includes the step of reacting together in a single step a mixture of silane ether monomers and organically modified silane ether monomers with a hydrolyzing agent. The method also includes producing hydrophobic silica microparticles and nanoparticles that can include dyes and/or magnetizable components. The silica nanoparticles can be used in the detection, visualization and/or analysis of latent fingerprints.

Abstract: A method of preparing hydrophobic silica particles includes the step of reacting together in a single step a mixture of silane ether monomers and organically modified silane ether monomers with a hydrolyzing agent. The method also includes producing hydrophobic silica microparticles and nanoparticles that can include dyes and/or magnetizable components. The silica nanoparticles can be used in the detection, visualization and/or analysis of latent fingerprints.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the presence of a residue on or within a fingerprint using matrix-assisted mass spectrometric techniques. The matrix-assisted mass spectrometric technique can be selected from Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and/or Surface Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (SALDI-TOF-MS).

Abstract: There is described an affinity-chromatography assay system comprising with an immobilized component containing a bio-reagent and a flowable component containing a complimentary bio-reagent characterized in that the immobilized component is supported on a dip strip or planar surface and the flowable component is adapted to flow down the dip strip of high density. There is also described a method of conducting an affinity-chromatography assay which comprises the use of such an assay system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel analytical method for detecting prints, for example fingerprints, and to nanoparticles suitable for conducting such methods.

Abstract: There is described an assay system wich comprises; (i) a first dip strip comprising a first material at least partially coated with a repoter converter in an inert carrier; and (ii) a second dip strip comprising a second strip material at least partially coated with a reporter precursor. There is also described an assay system comprising a single foldable or frangible strip and a method of quantitative determination of an assay.

Abstract: A high kinetic energy water spraying apparatus wets powdered or granular dry material, particularly hard-to-wet polymers, to provide a lump-free solution of a controlled concentration. A volumetric feeder drops the dry material through a fructoconical upper portion of the apparatus. Water is injected tangentially so that the inner surface of the upper portion is completely wetted to prevent buildup of dry material on the surface.A lower portion of the apparatus comprises a cylindrical column which receives dry material from the upper portion. The inner surface of the column includes a series of spray nozzles positioned to produce downwardly sloped and radially inwardly oriented jets of liquid which impinge falling dry material with high energy. The downward slope of the jets creates a downward air flow so that any dust from the dry material is drawn downwardly into the column.