Abstract: Disclosed are polyvalent macromolecules, compositions comprising the macromolecules, and methods of use. The polyvalent macromolecules have a polymer backbone and pendent groups attached to the polymer backbone. Some or all of the pendent groups have optionally a linker, a surface-seeking group capable of binding strongly to a metal surface, and a spectroscopically detectable chromophore detectable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensitive SE(R)RS based methods for detecting analytes such as explosives and drugs, which may be present in a sample at extremely low levels. The methods may be generally carried out in situ employing novel chemistry which is compatible with flow-cell technology and with time-scales and concentrations required for rapid and informative screening of large numbers of samples. The present invention also relates to novel compounds e.g. synthons and apparatus for use with the methods disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to polyvalent macromolecules comprising: (a) a polymer backbone and (b) pendent groups attached to said polymer backbone, wherein some or all of said pendent groups comprise: (i) optionally a linker, (ii) a surface-seeking group, which is capable of binding strongly to a metal surface, (iii) optionally a chromophore, which is detectable by at least one spectroscopic method. Such molecules can modify metal surfaces and have a variety of uses including (without limitation) appending chromophores to metal surfaces without the need to establish complex chemistry; for the stabilisation and labelling of metal nanoparticles; and for preparing and aggregating nanoparticles in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the presence or absence of a target nucleic acid (e.g. DNA) sequence in a sample nucleic acid, the method comprising: (a) exposing the sample to a detection agent comprising a colloid metal surface associated with a SER(R)S active species (SAS) such as an azo dye and with a target binding species (TBS) which may be PNA which is complementary to the target, and (b) observing the sample agent mixture using SER(R)S to detect any surface enhancement of the label wherein the binding of the TBS to the target sequence causes surface enhancement SAS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensitive SE(R)RS based methods for detecting analytes such as explosives and drugs, which may be present in a sample at extremely low levels. The methods may be generally carried out in situ employing novel chemistry which is compatible with flow-cell technology and with time-scales and concentrations required for rapid and informative screening of large numbers of samples. The present invention also relates to novel compounds e.g. synthons and apparatus for use with the methods disclosed.

Abstract: Immunoassay displacement methods for detecting (preferably identifying) the presence or amount of a target analyte (e.g. drug) in a sample comprising the steps of: (a) exposing the sample to a complex comprising an immobilized antibody capable of specifically binding the analyte, said antibody being specifically bound to a displacement agent, wherein said agent comprises: (I) an analyte analog capable of specifically binding the antibody, (ii) a surface enhanced resonance raman scattering (SERRS) or a surface enhanced raman scattering (SERS) active label, (iii) a SERRS or SERS surface-seeking group (e.g. benztriazole), whereby any analyte present in the sample causes the displacement of agent from the antibody; (b) exposing any displaced agent to a SERRS or SERS surface; and, (c) detecting any displaced agent associated with said surface using SERRS or SERS. In preferred forms of the invention several target analytes are detected from a single source or sample simultaneously.

Abstract: A plastics material which contains a pigment composition comprising a pigment having adsorbed on its surface, or as a physical mixture, up to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of pigment composition of a coding compound which is a compound containing azo, azomethine or polycyclic chromophore and which has an absorption spectrum and a Raman spectrum different from that of the pigment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink which contains a SERS--active metal aggregate containing a Raman active compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a pigment composition comprising a pigment having adsorbed on its surface, or as a physical mixture, up to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of pigment composition of a coding compound which is a compound containing an azo, azomethine or polycyclic chromophore and which has an absorption spectrum and a Raman spectrum different from that of the pigment. The compositions are suitable for use in printing inks for security applications.