Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for detecting the presence or absence of a target molecule or substance, compounds which may be employed in such devices and methods of using such compounds. In some embodiments, the compounds are conjugated polyenes.

Abstract: A diacetylene-based branched (co)polymer of the general formula (I): where R1 and R2 represent any organic group and R3, R4, and R5 represent either protons from unreacted acetylene moieties or other organic groups from end-capping and/or functionalization agents, with m?0 and n?1, which is processable, exhibit photo- and electroluminescence, show high photo refractivity, is thermal and irradiative curable to heat and solvent resistant materials. The present invention can be blend with a variety of macromolecules for general use. The polymer can be metallified by reacting with organometallic complexes and ceramization of the obtained organic-inorganic hybrids afford ferromagnetic materials with high magnetizability.