Abstract: A single-use special-purpose disposable vertically operated Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) cartridge that automatically performs extraction of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) or Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) using focused ultrasound and its associated transient cavitation pressure followed by automatic purification and distribution to a plurality of PCR thermocycling vials. The cartridge utilizes a novel optical system that allows reading of the PCR binary expansion of Double-Stranded DNA (dsDNA) at early cycles usually considered unreadable background noises resulting in not only exceptionally fast sample preparation but very quick data confirming positive or negative samples in as little as 10 cycles. The PCR vials contain lyophilized, pellets comprising all the necessary chemicals for PCR. This process requires no ancillary equipment such as microfuges, or pipettes. Once the DNA or RNA containing sample and the processing fluid are added to the cartridge, all else is automatic.

Abstract: Silica based compositions that may be used coatings, films or other cast structures, as well as related methods and resulting structures are provided. In one embodiment, a hybrid nanosilica (HNS) composition includes tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), methyl triethoxysilane (MTEOS) and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). The composition may be used as a coating to provide various types of protection and device performance enhancement. For example, the composition may be used for impact protection or corrosion resistance. In one particular embodiment, optically enhancing nanoparticles may be dispersed throughout the HNS material and used as an antireflective coating (ARC) for various optical purposes.

Abstract: Silica based compositions that may be used coatings, films or other cast structures, as well as related methods and resulting structures are provided. In one embodiment, a hybrid nanosilica (HNS) composition includes tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), methyl triethoxysilane (MTEOS) and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). The composition may be used as a coating to provide various types of protection and device performance enhancement. For example, the composition may be used for impact protection or corrosion resistance. In one particular embodiment, optically enhancing nanoparticles may be dispersed throughout the HNS material and used as an antireflective coating (ARC) for various optical purposes.

Abstract: A sample processing module includes a PCR assembly including at least one PCR reaction vial. A sample assembly is configured to hold a fluid sample therein, said sample assembly being attachable to said PCR assembly so as to form a closed system. A delivery channel is formed in said PCR assembly, said delivery channel being in fluidic communication with said PCR reaction vial and with said sample assembly. A pressurization device, said pressurization device being configured to increase a pressure of said fluid sample in said sample assembly and direct at least a portion said fluid sample through said delivery channel to said PCR reaction vial. A chemically inert magnetically responsive bead is disposed within the PCR reaction vial. A system is provided for oscillating for altering a position of the magnetically responsive bead within the PCR reaction vial.

Abstract: Various coating compositions, including silica based compositions, methods of preparing and using such compositions, and applications of such compositions are provided herein. In one embodiment, a process for incorporating UV-protecting nanoparticles into a sol-gel matrix along with resulting compositions and uses are described. In accordance with one embodiment, the nanoparticle synthesis and coating solution may be prepared in a single vessel, eliminating the need for additional processing steps. Applications of this process include, among other things, protective coatings for UV-sensitive materials such as wood, plastics, and dyes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in connection with the performance of the polymerase chain reaction are provided. An exemplary sample processing module is described that includes a sample assembly and a PCR assembly, the sample processing module being configured to hold the sample therein at a pressure higher than ambient pressure. A sample is added to the sample assembly at the time of use, which is then connected to the PCR assembly. Embodiments of the cartridge include a flow restriction device that enables or aids in creating a higher pressure within the reaction vial. The sample is introduced into a PCR reaction vial, which contains all of the constituents of a PCR reaction mixture that are necessary to process the sample and provide amplified DNA of interest, if that DNA was present in the sample.

Abstract: Silica based compositions that may be used coatings, films or other cast structures, as well as related methods and resulting structures are provided. In one embodiment, a hybrid nanosilica (HNS) composition includes tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), methyl triethoxysilane (MTEOS) and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). The composition may be used as a coating to provide various types of protection and device performance enhancement. For example, the composition may be used for impact protection or corrosion resistance. In one particular embodiment, optically enhancing nanoparticles may be dispersed throughout the HNS material and used as an antireflective coating (ARC) for various optical purposes.

Abstract: Nanoparticles (NPs) may be used to transform the energy of harmful or less useful wavelengths into beneficial and more useful wavelengths of light for a multitude of purposes including, for example, promotion of photosynthesis, enhancing germination timing, enhancing bloom timing. In one embodiment, a greenhouse structure may include nanoparticles embedded in a glass or plastic panel, or may include nanoparticles disposed on a surface of such a panel, to alter the wavelength of available light to a desired wavelength in order to alter an event associated with plant life contained within the greenhouse structure. In another embodiment, nanoparticles may be applied directly to a part of a plant structure (e.g., leaves, stems, etc.) to alter a characteristic of light before receipt of the light by the plant.

Abstract: Nanoparticles are used to enhance the light gathering and converting abilities of a photo voltaic (PV) cell. The nanoparticles may be incorporated into a substrate and disposed a desired distance from the PV cell to create a plasmon. The nanoparticles may effect a wavelength shift (e.g., a “red shift”) to better align the wavelength of available light with the sensitivity of the PV cell. The nanoparticles may also be used to trap the light above the PV cell to effect better absorption of the light. The nanoparticles may include composite nanoparticles having, for example, a metallic core and a substantially transparent shell or coating about the core. The nanoparticles may be constructed to provide uniform distribution in a carrier medium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in connection with the performance of the polymerase chain reaction are provided. An exemplary sample processing module is described that includes a sample assembly and a PCR assembly, the sample processing module being configured to hold the sample therein at a pressure higher than ambient pressure. A sample is added to the sample assembly at the time of use, which is then connected to the PCR assembly. Embodiments of the cartridge include a flow restriction device that enables or aids in creating a higher pressure within the reaction vial. The sample is introduced into a PCR reaction vial, which contains all of the constituents of a PCR reaction mixture that are necessary to process the sample and provide amplified DNA of interest, if that DNA was present in the sample.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for collecting solar energy may include a plurality of holographic optical elements (HOEs) associated with a photovoltaic (PV) cell. Material layers containing HOEs may be attached to directly to a surface of a PV cell or attached to the surface of the module that houses a PV cell. The HOEs alter the angle of incoming sunlight such that the angle of incidence (AOI) of the sunlight on the PV cell is within an accepted angle of acceptance (AOA). In one embodiment one or more material layers have HOEs formed therein and are arranged with respect to the photovoltaic cell such that the plurality of HOEs redirect sunlight along at least one axis when the sunlight is outside a defined AOA and permit sunlight to pass through the at least one material layer without being redirected when the sunlight is within the defined AOA.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sonication in connection with preparing a cellular sample containing DNA or RNA for performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or for other reasons where it is important to break down the cell walls and other cellular structures to release cellular contents including DNA. The same methods and apparatus may be used to release DNA or RNA from virus for PCR or other uses. A novel apparatus which is capable of releasing cellular contents or releasing the DNA or RNA of virus without the aid of beads or chemicals is described herein. The apparatus is designed to deliver high levels of sonic energy through optimizing the geometry the apparatus and optimizing the force created by a piezoelectric transducer. The apparatus is capable of processing samples which are contained within fluid in a short amount of time between 30 seconds and two and one half minutes. The apparatus is small and can be field deployable or used in a standard molecular biology laboratory.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for amplification of DNA are provided that use sonic energy in place of conventional thermocyclers. In one embodiment, sonic energy is applied to a PCR cocktail to effect dissociation of double stranded DNA into single strands of DNA. A quiescence stage, where no sonic energy is applied, results in amplification of DNA. Repetition of the cycles of application of sonic energy and cessation of application of sonic energy results in DNA amplification.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for effecting rapid thermocycling in connection with the polymerase chain reaction are disclosed. A sample assembly having a relatively small thermal mass is heated to desired PCR operating temperatures, and a separate cooling assembly is used to rapidly lower the temperature as required. In one embodiment, a sample assembly with an integrated heating element is isolated from a relatively large thermal mass cold sink when the temperature of a sample is to be raised or maintained, and brought in contact with the cold sink when the temperature is desired to be lowered.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for amplification of DNA are provided that use sonic energy in place of conventional thermocyclers. In one embodiment, sonic energy is applied to a PCR cocktail to effect dissociation of double stranded DNA into single strands of DNA. A quiescence stage, where no sonic energy is applied, results in amplification of DNA. Repetition of the cycles of application of sonic energy and cessation of application of sonic energy results in DNA amplification.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for amplification of DNA are provided that use sonic energy in place of conventional thermocyclers. In one embodiment, sonic energy is applied to a PCR cocktail to effect dissociation of double stranded DNA into single strands of DNA. A quiescence stage, where no sonic energy is applied, results in amplification of DNA. Repetition of the cycles of application of sonic energy and cessation of application of sonic energy results in DNA amplification.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for effecting rapid thermocycling in connection with the polymerase chain reaction are disclosed. A sample assembly having a relatively small thermal mass is heated to desired PCR operating temperatures, and a separate cooling assembly is used to rapidly lower the temperature as required. In one embodiment, a sample assembly with an integrated heating element is isolated from a relatively large thermal mass cold sink when the temperature of a sample is to be raised or maintained, and brought in contact with the cold sink when the temperature is desired to be lowered.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for exciting and detecting fluorescence in samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sample holder for holding a plurality of samples is provided together with an optical manifold having an excitation source, a photo receiver, or both, for each of the plurality of samples. In another embodiment, the optical manifold contains only the excitation source or a photo receiver, and the other is associated with the sample holder. This system permits for rapid excitation and measurement of fluorescence without the use of moving parts and without any opto-mechanical or electronic disturbance. It exhibits an exceptional signal to noise ratio, which permits it to differentiate between very low level differences in fluorescence.