Abstract: This invention provides a nanoplasmonic molecular ruler, which can perform label-free and real-time monitoring of nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) length changes and perform nucleic acid footprinting. In various embodiments the ruler comprises a nucleic acid attached to a nanoparticle, such that changes in the nucleic acid length are detectable using surface plasmon resonance. The nanoplasmonic ruler provides a fast and convenient platform for mapping nucleic acid-protein interactions, for nuclease activity monitoring, and for other footprinting related methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an innovative plasmonic droplet including a droplet of fluid, a detection-target material which is in the droplet of fluid, and a nanoplasmon probe which is on a surface of the droplet of fluid and/or in the droplet of fluid. The plasmonic droplet may be applied for plasmon based optical sensing techniques, for example, for ultrasensitive analysis of bacteria, pathogen, etc.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the in vitro detection of proteases using a single peptide-conjugate nanocrescent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes with at least nanomolar sensitivity. The probe enables detection of proteolytic activity in extremely small volume and at low concentration. In certain embodiments the probes comprise an indicator for the detection of an active protease, where the indicator comprises a nanocrescent attached to a peptide, where said peptide comprises a recognition site for the protease and a Raman tag attached to the peptide.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for non-genetic, label-free cell purification (i.e., cell cytometry and sorting), which classifies cells based on their spontaneous electrophysiological response or their electrophysiological response to a stimulus. For example, in one embodiment, there is provided a method of cell sorting comprising: stimulating a cell with a stimulus; sensing a response evoked by the cell based on the stimulus; identifying a phenotype of the cell based on the evoked response; and sorting the cell based on its phenotype. In one embodiment, the stimulus may be an electrical stimulus, a mechanical stimulus, an optical stimulus, a thermal stimulus, a chemical stimulus, or any combination thereof. The cell phenotype may be, for example, cardiomyocytes, neurons, smooth muscle cells, or pancreatic beta cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is an innovative method for detecting metal ions based on selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer between metal-ligand complexes and a single nanoplasmonic particle as a probe. The selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer occurs if a resonance frequency matching condition between the single nanoplasmonic particle and the metal-ligand complexes is satisfied.

Abstract: Method and systems provide improved cell handling in microfluidic systems and devices using lateral cell trapping and methods of fabrication of the same that allow for selective low voltage electroporation and electrofusion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to metallic nanophotonic crescent structures, or “nanocrescent SERS probes,” that enhance detectable signals to facilitate molecular detections. More particularly, the nanocrescent SERS probes of the disclosure possess specialized geometries, including an edge surrounding the opening that is capable of enhancing local electromagnetic fields. Nanosystems utilizing such structures are particularly useful in the medical field for detecting rare molecular targets, biomolecular cellular imaging, and in molecular medicine.

Abstract: Method and systems provide improved cell handling in microfluidic systems and devices using lateral cell trapping and methods of fabrication of the same that allow for selective low voltage electroporation and electrofusion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an innovative plasmonic droplet including a droplet of fluid, a detection-target material which is in the droplet of fluid, and a nanoplasmon probe which is on a surface of the droplet of fluid and/or in the droplet of fluid. The plasmonic droplet may be applied for plasmon based optical sensing techniques, for example, for ultrasensitive analysis of bacteria, pathogen, etc.

Abstract: Method and systems that provide improved cell handling and assays in microfluidic systems and devices particularly using lateral cell trapping and methods of fabrication of the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is an innovative method for detecting metal ions based on selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer between metal-ligand complexes and a single nanoplasmonic particle as a probe. The selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer occurs if a resonance frequency matching condition between the single nanoplasmonic particle and the metal-ligand complexes is satisfied.

Abstract: This invention provides a nanoplasmonic molecular ruler, which can perform label-free and real-time monitoring of nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) length changes and perform nucleic acid footprinting. In various embodiments the ruler comprises a nucleic acid attached to a nanoparticle, such that changes in the nucleic acid length are detectable using surface plasmon resonance. The nanoplamonic ruler provides a fast and convenient platform for mapping nucleic acid -protein interactions, for nuclease activity monitoring, and for other footprinting related methods.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for measuring a target analyte in a sample with nanoparticle plasmon resonance. In particular the disclosure provides methods and compositions for measuring a target analyte comprising plasmon resonance energy transfer.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform comprising one or more chambers connectable through microfluidic channels, and comprising a substrate presenting aptamer sensors detectable through Raman active molecules, and related methods and systems.

Abstract: An aptamer based-sensor comprising: a target binding aptamer attaching a Raman probe and a metal coated surface; and related methods and systems

Abstract: This invention pertains to the in vitro detection of proteases using a single peptide-conjugate nanocrescent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes with at least nanomolar sensitivity. The probe enables detection of proteolytic activity in extremely small volume and at low concentration. In certain embodiments the probes comprise an indicator for the detection of an active protease, where the indicator comprises a nanocrescent attached to a peptide, where said peptide comprises a recognition site for the protease and a Raman tag attached to the peptide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming materials such as fiber and elongated shapes, including: a tapered flow channel; supply channels for the addition and removal of agents into the tapered flow channel; and a fiber outlet at the distal end of the tapering flow channel.

Abstract: Methods for detection of molecular recognition and analysis of cells are provided. Both optical and non-optical methods are presented. Methods utilize capture of particles in semi-permeable structures. Specific microfluidic system architectures for conducting biomolecule and cell assays are described.

Abstract: An artificial compound eye comprising a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) self-aligned polymer microlenses disposed on a curvilinear surface; and a plurality of waveguides, wherein each of the waveguides is in optical communication with one of the plurality of polymer microlenses.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to metallic nanophotonic crescent structures, or “nanocrescent SERS probes,” that enhance detectable signals to facilitate molecular detections. More particularly, the nanocrescent SERS probes of the disclosure possess specialized geometries, including an edge surrounding the opening that is capable of enhancing local electromagnetic fields. Nanosystems utilizing such structures are particularly useful in the medical field for detecting rare molecular targets, biomolecular cellular imaging, and in molecular medicine.