Abstract: Among other things, the present invention is related to devices and methods of authenticating test samples truly from a subject that will be tested, such as blood samples or exhaled breath condensation.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of bio/chemical sampling, sensing, assays and applications. Particularly, the present invention is related to how to make the sampling/sensing/assay become simple to use, fast to results, highly sensitive, easy to use, using tiny sample volume (e.g. 0.5 uL or less), operated by a person without any professionals, reading by mobile-phone, or low cost, or a combination of them.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention is related to devices and methods for imaging a liquid sample between two plates.

Abstract: Among other things, certain embodiments of the present disclosure are related to devices and methods of performing biological and chemical assays, such as but not limited to pH measurement of bio/chemical samples.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention is related to devices and methods of performing biological and chemical assays, such as but not limited to assay related to analysis of white blood cells.

Abstract: Nanochannel arrays that enable high-throughput macromolecular analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing nanochannel arrays and nanofluidic chips. Methods of analyzing macromolecules, such as entire strands of genomic DNA, are also disclosed, as well as systems for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: The present invention, among other things, provides the devices and methods in manipulate a sample for the purpose of assaying.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a nanosensor comprising a substrate and one or a plurality of pillars extending from a surface of the substrate, where the pillars comprise a metallic dot structure, a metal disc, and a metallic back plane. The nanosensor comprises a molecular adhesion layer that covers at least a part of the metallic dot structure, the metal disc, and/or the metallic back plane and a capture agent bound to the molecular adhesion layer. The nanosensor amplifies a light signal from an analyte, when the analyte is specifically bound to the capture agent.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide methods that can create large area complex patterns for nanoimprint molds without or with very litter of the use of the charged beam or photon beam direct-writing of nanostructures. Some embodiments of the invention use (i) Fourier nanoimprint patterning (FNP), (ii) edge-guided nanopatterning (EGN), and (iii) nanostructure self-perfection, and their combinations.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a nanosensor for sensing an analyte. In some embodiments the nanosensor comprises (a) a substrate; (b) a signal amplification layer comprising: (i) a substantially continuous metallic backplane on the substrate; (ii) one or a plurality of pillars extending from the metallic backplane or from the substrate through holes in the backplane; and (iii) a metallic disk on top of the pillar, wherein at least one portion of the edge of the disk is separated from the metallic backplane; and (c) a capture agent that specifically binds to the analyte, wherein the capture agent is linked to the surface of the signal amplification layer; wherein the nanosensor amplifies a light signal from an analyte, when the analyte is bound to the capture agent. Methods for fabricating the nanosensor and methods for using the nanosensor are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein is a nanoparticle that enhances the interaction of the nanoparticle and/or a molecule/material deposited on the surface of the nanoparticle with light, comprising a pair of stacked metallic disks separated by a non-metallic spacer, wherein: (a) the dimensions of the disks and spacer are smaller than the wavelength of the light; and (b) the nanoparticle enhance the light interaction at least three times greater than that an individual metallic disk. Methods for making the nanoparticle and methods for using the nanoparticle in a variety of assays are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of bio/chemical sensing, assays and applications. Particularly, the present invention is related to collecting a small amount of a vapor condensate sample (e.g. the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) from a subject of a volume as small as 10 fL (femto-Liter) in a single drop), preventing or significantly reducing an evaporation of the collected vapor condensate sample, analyzing the sample, analyzing the sample by mobile-phone, and performing such collection and analysis by a person without any professionals.

Abstract: Microstructures and nanostructures (100) consisting of a substrate (110), an array of pillars (120) capped by metallic disc (130), metallic dots (clusters or granules) (140) disposed on the sidewalls of the pillars, and a metallic backplane (150) that can interact to enhance a local electric field, the absorption of the light, and the radiation of the light are disclosed. Methods to fabricate the structures (100) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nanochannel arrays that enable high-throughput macromolecular analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing nanochannel arrays and nanofluidic chips. Methods of analyzing macromolecules, such as entire strands of genomic DNA, are also disclosed, as well as systems for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: A method for sample analysis that employs a signal-amplifying nanosensor is provided. An Smart-phone Detection implementation of the present method may include a) obtaining a sample, b) applying the sample to a signal-amplifying nanosensor containing a capture agent that binds to an analyte of interest, under conditions suitable for binding of the analyte in a sample to the capture agent, c) washing the signal-amplifying nanosensor, and d) reading the signal-amplifying nanosensor, thereby obtaining a measurement of the amount of the analyte in the sample. In some embodiments, the analyte may be a biomarker, an environmental marker, or a foodstuff marker. Also provided herein are kits that find use in performing the present method.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of bio/chemical sensing, assays and applications. Particularly, the present invention is related to collecting a small amount of a vapor condensate sample (e.g. the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) from a subject of a volume as small as 10 fL (femto-Liter) in a single drop), preventing or significantly reducing an evaporation of the collected vapor condensate sample, analyzing the sample, analyzing the sample by mobile-phone, and performing such collection and analysis by a person without any professionals.

Abstract: A nanoimprint lithography system and method for manufacturing substrates with nano-scale patterns, having a process chamber with transparent sections on both top and side walls, a robot for automatic molds and substrates loading and unloading, and optical and stage apparatuses to obtain the desired spatial relationship between the mold and substrate, with an enclosed volume referring to mold mini-chamber being formed between the mold/holder and top wall of the chamber and with the process chamber and mini-chamber being capable of both vacuuming and pressurizing, and inside the chamber, a ring shape seal assembly is installed and a mold support assembly can be installed that aids in imprinting all the way to the edge of the substrate with various embodiments for carrying out fluid pressure imprinting, separation, measurement and control of mold and substrate gap, substrate thickness, and system axial force.

Abstract: A nanoimprint system and methods for separating imprinted substrates with nano-scale patterns from mold for manufacturing. Generally, the system includes means to create, monitor, and control relative movement between the mold and substrate for separation. It is capable of controlling where and when the separation happens and finishes. The relative movement may be generated by motion stages, springs, stage driven flexures, inflatable O-rings, gas flow, and other mechanical means. It may be monitored by separation force, overhead camera, and vacuum/pressures in different area of the system. The relative movement may be any combination of stages movements and movement sequences. The separation speed, direction, and force can be well controlled in the system to achieve fast and reliable separation between mold and substrate, and at the same time maintain the pattern shape and details on the consolidated imprint resist.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of analyzing a biological sample collected from a subject. An implementation of the method may include a) receiving, at a first site, data transmitted from a data acquisition device at a second site, wherein the data acquisition device is configured to i) read an output signal that is representative of the biological sample from a disk-coupled dots-on-pillar antenna array (D2PA) device comprising a D2PA to generate raw data that is representative of the biological sample, and ii) transmit data comprising the raw data to the first site, and b) analyzing the data at the first site to generate an evaluation of the data. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a process management operation such that the evaluation can be used for screening, diagnosis, or treatment of the subject. Also provided herein are systems that fmd use in implementing the method.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of bio/chemical sampling, sensing, assays and applications. Particularly, the present invention is related to how to make the sampling/sensing/assay become simple to use, fast to results, highly sensitive, easy to use, using tiny sample volume (e.g. 0.5 uL or less), operated by a person without any professionals, reading by mobile-phone, or low cost, or a combination of them.