Abstract: A method for increasing a spectroscopic signal in a biological assay is provided. The method includes forming a suspension of magnetically attractable particles. The method also includes introducing a first magnetic field at a first location to draw the magnetically attractable particles towards the first location and form a first agglomeration. The method also includes removing the first magnetic field. The method further includes introducing a second magnetic field at a second location to draw the first agglomeration towards the second location and form a second agglomeration. The method further includes focusing an excitation source on the second agglomeration formed at the second location.

Abstract: A portable substance identification system and method are configured to identify at least one detection target faster and with greater accuracy than is possible using prior substance identification systems and/or prior substance identification techniques. An embodiment of the portable substance identification system includes a portable substance identification device containing a Raman spectrometer, and a collection stem that includes a dry collector. One or more reservoirs for a liquid medium and/or a reagent can be formed in a cartridge that is configured to couple with a portable substance identification device. The cartridge has a chamber in which the reagent, liquid medium, and a detection target picked up by the dry collector are mixed. A magnet, positioned at a slant angle, can be used to form at least one pellet of aggregated magnetic particles within a pellet forming area of the chamber. The pellet is formed to maximize its surface area.

Abstract: Portable substance identification system and method are configured to identify at least one detection target faster and with greater accuracy than is possible using prior substance identification systems and/or prior substance identification techniques. An embodiment of the portable substance identification system includes a portable substance identification device containing a Raman spectrometer, and a collection stem that includes a collector. One or more reservoirs for a liquid medium and/or at least one reagent can be formed in the collection stem. The cartridge can include a chamber in which the reagents, liquid medium, and at least one detection target picked up by the collector are mixed. A magnet, positioned at a slant angle, can be used to form at least one pellet of aggregated magnetic particles within a pellet forming area of the chamber. The pellet is formed to maximize its surface area.

Abstract: Methods are described for performing a multiplexed analysis of a level of target analyte in a sample, employing an identifier and a labeling reagent. Either or both of the identifier and the labeling reagent comprises a SERS-active nanoparticle associated with a SERS-active reporter with a uniquely identifiable spectroscopic signature. Interrogation of the identifier and the labeling reagent is conducted by serial coincident detection. Such methods can provide enhanced multiplexed analysis of analytes in a sample, especially with regards to improving the type of identifying reagents that are employed.

Abstract: A substance identification system comprises interrelated components. A fluidics cartridge is configured to permit suspension of a sample of a substance of interest in a liquid medium, and to permit transfer of the suspended sample into a container via syringe/needle action or other suitable actuation means. The container is configured to be fixedly or removably coupled with the fluidics cartridge. An interface cartridge is configured to position the container for analysis by a portable substance identification device.

Abstract: A substance identification system is configured to identify at least one detection target faster and with greater accuracy than is possible using prior substance identification systems and/or prior substance identification techniques. A chamber includes a pellet forming area having a predetermined geometry that is configured to maximize a ratio of a pellet surface area to a pellet volume. A magnet is positioned on one side of the chamber and configured to form a pellet of aggregated magnetic particles in the pellet forming area. A laser source is positioned on the same side of the chamber as the magnet and configured to illuminate the pellet, when the pellet is formed in the pellet forming area.

Abstract: Portable substance identification system and method are configured to identify at least one detection target faster and with greater accuracy than is possible using prior substance identification systems and/or prior substance identification techniques. An embodiment of the portable substance identification system includes a portable substance identification device containing a Raman spectrometer, and a collection stem that includes a collector. One or more reservoirs for a liquid medium and/or at least one reagent can be formed in the collection stem. The cartridge can include a chamber in which the reagents, liquid medium, and at least one detection target picked up by the collector are mixed. A magnet, positioned at a slant angle, can be used to form at least one pellet of aggregated magnetic particles within a pellet forming area of the chamber. The pellet is formed to maximize its surface area.

Abstract: A portable substance identification system and method are configured to identify at least one detection target faster and with greater accuracy than is possible using prior substance identification systems and/or prior substance identification techniques. An embodiment of the portable substance identification system includes a portable substance identification device containing a Raman spectrometer, and a collection stem that includes a dry collector. One or more reservoirs for a liquid medium and /or a reagent can be formed in a cartridge that is configured to couple with a portable substance identification device. The cartridge has a chamber in which the reagent, liquid medium, and a detection target picked up by the dry collector are mixed. A magnet, positioned at a slant angle, can be used to form at least one pellet of aggregated magnetic particles within a pellet forming area of the chamber. The pellet is formed to maximize its surface area.

Abstract: A substance identification system is configured to identify at least one detection target faster and with greater accuracy than is possible using prior substance identification systems and/or prior substance identification techniques. An agitator for a portable substance identification system includes a body. The body has a receptacle formed therein. The receptacle is configured to receive a cartridge. The cartridge has a chamber formed therein and a collector of a collection stem coupled with the chamber.

Abstract: A lateral flow device is disclosed. The lateral flow device includes a substrate having a flow path and a detection zone disposed along the flow path. The detection zone includes an immobilized target-binding moiety directed against a target of a Raman-active complex. Also disclosed is a method of conducting a lateral flow assay and detection system. The method includes i) defining a flow path having a detection zone; ii) flowing a sample down the flow path; and iii) immobilizing a Raman-active complex if present, at the detection zone. The sample includes a Raman-active complex or a Raman-active tag.

Abstract: A method for increasing a spectroscopic signal in a biological assay is provided. The method includes forming a suspension of magnetically attractable particles. The method also includes introducing a first magnetic field at a first location to draw the magnetically attractable particles towards the first location and form a first agglomeration. The method also includes removing the first magnetic field. The method further includes introducing a second magnetic field at a second location to draw the first agglomeration towards the second location and form a second agglomeration. The method further includes focusing an excitation source on the second agglomeration formed at the second location.

Abstract: A method for treating a cellulose-containing substrate is provided in the present invention, the method comprising contacting a silicone composition comprising at least one polysiloxane or silicone resin containing at least one functional group comprising at least one dialkylacetal group, at least one anhydride group, at least one reactive group, or combinations thereof with the cellulose-containing substrate; and curing the silicone composition on the cellulose-containing substrate at a temperature in a range between about 25° C. and about 200° C. A further embodiment of the present invention includes a formulation containing the aforementioned silicone composition.

Abstract: A method for treating a cellulose-containing substrate is provided in the present invention, the method comprising contacting a silicone composition comprising at least one polysiloxane or silicone resin containing at least one functional group comprising at least one dialkylacetal group, at least one anhydride group, at least one reactive group, or combinations thereof with the cellulose-containing substrate; and curing the silicone composition on the cellulose-containing substrate at a temperature in a range between about 25° C. and about 200° C. A further embodiment of the present invention includes a formulation containing the aforementioned silicone composition.