Abstract: A polycationic carbohydrate such as chitosan, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, are used as immunostimulants. Vaccine compositions containing these polycationic carbohydrates, in particular in particles such as microparticles or liposomes are also described and claimed. Methods of treatment and the use of the polycationic carbohydrates as immunostimulants in the production of vaccines are further aspects described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay including a surface having silver colloids or islands attached thereto. Attached to the surface and/or silver colloids/islands are polynucleotides which are complimentary to a target polynucleotide sequence. The assay is performed by adding the target polynucleotide sequence to the assay surface and allowed to hybridize with the capture polynucleotides. Fluorophore-labeled capture polynucleotides are added and hybridize to the target polynucleotide. Bound target polynucleotides are detected by metal enhanced fluorescence.