Abstract: A method for detecting anomalies in genetic material is provided, the method comprising supplying the genetic material; establishing electronic communication between the genetic material and a semi-conductor particle so as to create a composite; contacting the composite with a first metal ion; and subjecting the contacted composite to energy in an amount and for a time sufficient to reduce the first metal ion to a first elemental metal. Also provided is a device for detecting single nucleotide mismatching in genetic material, the device comprising a semiconductor particle; a ligand attached to the particle; the genetic material in electronic communication with the ligand so as to form an organic-inorganic composite; metal ion in electronic communication with the composite, such that the metal ion reduces to elemental metal when the semiconductor particle is exposed to radiation of a predetermined energy level.

Abstract: A hybrid photovoltaic cell comprising a composite substrate of a nanotube or nanorod array of metal oxide infiltrated with a monomer precursor and subsequently polymerized in situ via UV irradiation. In an embodiment, the photovoltaic cell comprises an electron accepting TiO2 nanotube array infiltrated with a photo-sensitive electron donating conjugated polymer. The conjugated polymer may be formed in situ through UV irradiation polymerizing a monomer precursor such as 2,5-diiodothiophene (DIT).

Abstract: The invention provides a system for separating oppositely-charged charge carriers, the substrate comprising a semiconductor; a ligand in electrical communication with said semiconductor; an ion-exchange resin attached to the semiconductor; an ion-exchange membrane; and an electrical conduit attaching said resin to said membrane. Also provided is a method for producing hydrogen gas, comprising: inducing charge separation in semiconductor particles so as to produce electrons and holes; oxidizing water with the holes to produce oxygen ions and protons, wherein the protons are sequestered from the oxygen ions as the protons are produced; and directing the sequestered protons to a cathode. The invention also provides a method to produce electricity comprising, inducing charge separation in semiconductor particles so as to produce electrons and holes, and completing the circuit with an electron hole transporter.

Abstract: A method for producing a bio-inorganic conjugate is provided comprising supplying a plurality of inorganic particles that are axially anisotropic; and positioning biomolecules intermediate the particles to form a chain-like structure. Also provided is an organized microscopic structure capable of vectorial electron transport within the structure, comprising a plurality of inorganic oxide particles, each particle having at least two ends; a first molecule covalently attached to each end to form a plurality of constructs; and a second molecule attached to the first molecule so as to link the constructs and form an elongated substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for selective binding and detecting target molecules, and a method for detecting biological molecules, the method comprising supplying a semi-conductor capable of charge pair separation, and juxtaposing affinity moieties to the semi-conductor so as to effect changes in the charge pair separation characteristics when the affinity molecules are bound to the target molecules. Also provided is a construct to facilitate in vivo and in situ manipulation of biological material such as DNA, RNA, organelles, and protein. A method also is provided to facilitate in vivo and in situ manipulation of biological material.

Abstract: A method is provided for selective binding and detecting target molecules, and a method for detecting biological molecules, the method comprising supplying a semi-conductor capable of charge pair separation, and juxtaposing affinity moieties to the semi-conductor so as to effect changes in the charge pair separation characteristics when the affinity molecules are bound to the target molecules.

Abstract: A method is provided for selective binding and detecting target molecules, and a method for detecting biological molecules, the method comprising supplying a semi-conductor capable of charge pair separation, and juxtaposing affinity moieties to the semi-conductor so as to effect changes in the charge pair separation characteristics when the affinity molecules are bound to the target molecules.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and method of forming nanoparticle sized material components. A semiconductor oxide substrate includes nanoparticles of semiconductor oxide. A modifier is deposited onto the nanoparticles, and a source of metal ions are deposited in association with the semiconductor and the modifier, the modifier enabling electronic hole scavenging and chelation of the metal ions. The metal ions and modifier are illuminated to cause reduction of the metal ions to metal onto the semiconductor nanoparticles.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and method of forming nanoparticle sized material components. A semiconductor oxide substrate includes nanoparticles of semiconductor oxide. A modifier is deposited onto the nanoparticles, and a source of metal ions are deposited in association with the semiconductor and the modifier, the modifier enabling electronic hole scavenging and chelation of the metal ions. The metal ions and modifier are illuminated to cause reduction of the metal ions to metal onto the semiconductor nanoparticles.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and method of forming nanoparticle sized material components. A semiconductor oxide substrate includes nanoparticles of semiconductor oxide. A modifier is deposited onto the nanoparticles, and a source of metal ions are deposited in association with the semiconductor and the modifier, the modifier enabling electronic hole scavenging and chelation of the metal ions. The metal ions and modifier are illuminated to cause reduction of the metal ions to metal onto the semiconductor nanoparticles.