Abstract: A system and method for measuring a hydration level in human tissue. The system includes a coaxial probe have a first end configured to be in contract with human tissue and configured to be emit and receive signals associated with a spectroscopic technique and having a second end adapted to be coupled to transmit and receive circuitry. The system further includes a patch or other means coupled to the coaxial probe and configured to be adhered to human tissue so as to provide a force upon at least a portion of the coaxial probe configured to be in contact with human tissue. In embodiments, the system may further include means coupled to receive signals from the coaxial probe, for determining an amount of liquid within a portion of human tissue in contact with the first end of the probe.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the binding rate between at least two particulate binding partners are disclosed. Methods include flowing a first binding partner and a second binding partner, e.g., in a viscoelastic fluid, under conditions to chemically bind the first binding partner and the second binding partner to create a third binding partner. The flow conditions induce a particle size dependent, migration, e.g., radial, velocity differential between the first binding partner and the second binding partner and between the first binding partner and third binding partner, e.g., to increasing a collision frequency of the nanoparticles and the larger particles. Devices for enhancing the binding rate between at least two particulate binding partners are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are herein described which reduce the non-specific light scattering background from polymeric microspheres in aqueous suspension to a level where individual metal or metal-like plasmonic nanoparticles that have been chemically bound to the surface of individual polymeric microspheres can be imaged by high resolution optics and enumerated by image analysis software. The non-specific light scattering background is reduced by employing aqueous-miscible solvents to remove residual water at the microsphere surfaces and resuspending the microspheres in a fluid having a refractive index substantially similar to the refractive index of polymeric microspheres. Embodiments of the method disclosed herein enable sensitive quantitative assays for ligand receptor binding, antigen antibody binding and nucleic acid hybridization binding. The embodiments disclosed herein further may employ polystyrene microspheres and gold plasmonic nanoparticles.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a hydration level in human tissue. The system includes a coaxial probe have a first end configured to be in contract with human tissue and configured to be emit and receive signals associated with a spectroscopic technique and having a second end adapted to be coupled to transmit and receive circuitry. The system further includes a patch or other means coupled to the coaxial probe and configured to be adhered to human tissue so as to provide a force upon at least a portion of the coaxial probe configured to be in contact with human tissue. In embodiments, the system may further include means coupled to receive signals from the coaxial probe, for determining an amount of liquid within a portion of human tissue in contact with the first end of the probe.