Abstract: The invention provides novel techniques for derivatizing colloids with self-assembled monolayers. This provides the capability of a wide variety of assays including chemical or biochemical agent/agent interaction studies. Bio-derivatized colloids, with or without signaling entities, are used to probe interactions with species on non-colloidal structures. The invention provides techniques for immobilizing colloidal particles on a wide variety of non-colloidal structures. Included is the ability to decorate a variety of non-colloidal structures including beads, with colloids as a detectable assay. This allows, in many cases, assays detectable via the unaided human eye, as well as assays detectable via automated determination of a change of interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the colloids, e.g., absorption, light-scattering, and the like.

Abstract: Methods, assays, and components are described in which biological samples can be rapidly and sensitively analyzed for the presence of species associated with neurodegenerative disease. Techniques and components are provided for diagnosis of disease, as well as for screening of candidate drugs for treatment of neurodegenerative disease. The techniques are simple, extremely sensitive, and utilize readily-available components. Binding species, capable of binding a neurodegenerative disease aggregate-forming or aggregate-forming species, are fastened to surfaces of electrodes and surfaces of particles, or provided free in solution, to bind aggregate-forming species and/or be involved in aggregation.