Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus with a light source, an optical fiber connector, an optical probe, a plurality of optical fibers and an imaging processor is provided. The light source emits a first light beam. The optical fiber connector is disposed adjacent to the light source. The optical probe is disposed adjacent to the fiber connector and opposite the light source. The optical fibers are utilized to connect the light source, the optical fiber connector and the optical probe. The imaging processor is disposed on the same side as the light source, and is connected with the optical fiber connector.

Abstract: An optical measuring method for measuring the surface of a patterned sapphire substrate is provided. The method has the following steps: using an automated optical inspection procedure to check the surface of the patterned sapphire substrate and define a non-defective area and a defective area; providing a light source to emit a first light beam; making the first light beam pass through an optical fiber connector and an optical probe, and focus on a measurement focal point defined on the surface of the patterned sapphire substrate. The measurement focal point is disposed on the non-defective area. The optical probe has a pinhole disposed opposite the measurement focal point. The first light beam is emitted into the pinhole. The pinhole and the measurement focal point are conjugated.

Abstract: A method for standoff detection and analysis of objects comprises sending a signal through an inspection area, from a transmitter to a receiver, wherein the signal travels through objects in its path. If the signal encounters an object, through which it must travel, the speed of signal distribution decreases and its amplitude drops. A processor then determines the amplitude of the signal and whether the amplitude is above a given threshold, and if the threshold is met, further determining the shift in length of the signal's optical path, determining the thickness of the object, calculating the dielectric permittivity constant, and comparing this constant to known values of different materials to determine a preselected group of materials, to which the object in the inspection area belongs, and whether the inspected object belongs to a preselected group of dangerous objects. A system for detecting and analyzing such materials is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions that are useful for improving contrast in radiographic images. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the invention may be used in cementitious materials, thus allowing the analysis of grouts located around tendons and tendon anchorage regions around steel post-tensioning strands. The invention further includes methods of performing radiographic inspection using the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system (10), such as a X-ray computerised tomographic system, may acquire a series of radiographs at different detector positions along a first translation axis or a second translation axis parallel to orientation directions of detector pixels of a radiation detector (14). In a first embodiment, the different detector positions may be separated by a distance less than a linear size of the radiation detector (14) along the first translation axis or the second translation axis, respectively. The radiographs may be assembled into a radiograph larger than each radiograph in the series of radiographs, resulting in image stitching. In a second embodiment, the different detector positions may be separated by a distance less than a pixel size of the radiation detector (14), also referred as sub-pixel shifting of the detector. The radiographs may be assembled to form a radiograph with a higher resolution than the acquired radiographs, resulting in superresolution.

Abstract: A technique of measuring energy of electrons excited by exposing a semiconductor material to solar ray is proposed. A surface layer having a negative electron affinity is formed on the surface of a semiconductor material. The semiconductor material is placed in a vacuum environment and exposed to solar ray. Photoelectrons emitted from the surface layer having the negative electron affinity are guided to an energy analyzer, and the energy of electrons excited by the solar ray is measured. Since the surface layer having the negative electron affinity is used, the photoelectrons are obtained from the electrons excited by the solar ray, and thereby energy measurement becomes possible.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of using NMR relaxation rates (R2) of water molecules as an indicator of the extent of aggregation of biopharmaceutical formulations. The biopharmaceutical can be evaluated nondestructively without the vial or container being opened or protective seal compromised (i.e., broken). The method is applicable to all biopharmaceuticals and the water signal obtained by magnetic resonance relaxometry is very strong and sensitive because water is used as the solvent and is present in high (>90%) concentrations in every biopharmaceutical formulation.

Abstract: This application is related to a system and methods for sampling fluids and gases using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. Specifically the system is related to an improved metallic pipe design for use at oil and gas well heads that includes integral coils for transmitting an NMR pulse sequence and detecting NMR signals and can be used as a component of an NMR instrument. The methods are related to obtaining and analyzing NMR spectra in stationary and flowing states.

Abstract: A method for detecting a non-superconducting transition of a superconducting wire including a substrate, a superconducting layer having a critical temperature of 77 K or more, and a metal stabilization layer includes, adhesively attaching an optical fiber where a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings are formed in a core along a longitudinal direction thereof to the superconducting wire; measuring in advance a Bragg wavelength shift of the fiber Bragg gratings for a temperature variation of the superconducting wire, and determining a relational expression based on the shift for a temperature calculation of the superconducting wire; determining temperature variations of the fiber Bragg gratings before and after the non-superconducting transition of the superconducting wire using the relational expression; and calculating a propagation rate of the non-superconducting transition based on both a time difference of temperature increases of the fiber Bragg gratings, and an interval between each of the fiber Bragg grati

Abstract: A device for monitoring the freezing state of a biopharmaceutical fluid in a container intended to receive a biopharmaceutical fluid that must pass between the liquid state and the frozen state, includes a peripheral envelope (25) made of plastic, to be connected to a heat treatment receptacle (5), a sensor (19) suitable for detecting a control parameter which is a macroscopic parameter of the container, and an analysis system (62) suitable for determining a freezing state of the biopharmaceutical fluid on the basis of the macroscopic parameter of the container.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for detecting a loss of oil from an oil-immersed transformer, based on fitting a transformer top-oil temperature model to online measurements in an iterative optimization process that yields fitted values for a first model parameter representing the top-oil temperature rise over ambient temperature and a second model parameter representing the oil time constant. Among the several advantages seen in the contemplated apparatus and method is the reduction in required instrumentation, whereby transformer oil leaks are indirectly detected without requiring pressure sensors or mechanical floats, although the presence of such sensors is not excluded by the teachings herein.

Abstract: An imprinted electronic sensor structure on a substrate for sensing an environmental factor includes a cured layer having a layer surface located on the substrate. Spatially separated micro-channels extend from the layer surface into the cured layer. A multi-layer micro-wire is formed in each micro-channel. Each multi-layer micro-wire includes at least a conductive layer and a reactive layer. The reactive layer is exposed to the environmental factor. The conductive layer is a cured electrical conductor located only within the micro-channel and at least a portion of the reactive layer responds to the environmental factor.

Abstract: A method of operating an imprinted electronic sensor to sense an environmental factor includes providing spatially separated micro-channels in a cured layer on a substrate. A multi-layer micro-wire is formed in each micro-channel. Each multi-layer micro-wire includes at least a conductive layer and a reactive layer exposed to the environmental factor. The conductive layer is a cured electrical conductor located only within the micro-channel and at least a portion of the reactive layer responds to the environmental factor. A controller is provided for electrically controlling first and second groups of multi-layer micro-wires, each first and second group including one or more multi-layer micro-wires. The reactive layer is exposed to the environment. The controller measures the electrical response of the first and second groups of multi-layer micro-wires.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes setting up a composite material structure under test (SUT) between a transmit coil and a receive coil. The transmit coil is driven with a RF signal over a plurality of frequencies, thereby causing the transmit coil to produce a magnetic field that by magnetic coupling through the SUT induces a voltage in the receive coil. The voltage in the receive coil is measured, and from the voltage, a measurement of attenuation of the RF signal caused by the SUT between the transmit coil and receive coil is produced. And an effective conductivity of the SUT is calculated from the measurement of attenuation.

Abstract: Provided is a measurement system for measuring wetness of the gas phase of a two phase flowing fluid. The measurement system includes a container for containing the fluid flow having an inner surface with an average cross sectional area, a liquid film measurement device adapted to measure a flowrate of a liquid film of the two phase fluid through the container, an Electrical Capacitance Tomography device that has a plurality of electrodes located in the container, and a computer adapted to calculate the flowrate of the liquid film in the container. The measurement system calculates wetness of the gas phase based on a measurement of the Electrical Capacitance Tomography device and the calculated liquid film flowrate.

Abstract: A cell-based biosensor array includes a base plate having a plurality of substantially transparent areas. The cell-based biosensor array also includes a flexible substrate coupled to the base plate and having disposed thereon a plurality of electrode sets, a plurality of terminal contacts, and a plurality of conductive traces. Each electrode set is disposed proximate a respective one of the substantially transparent areas, and each electrode set includes at least one electrode configured to detect an electric signal. Each terminal contact is associated with a respective one of the at least one electrode and disposed proximate a perimeter of the flexible substrate. Each conductive trace is electrically coupling a respective at least one electrode to the corresponding terminal contact. A first portion of flexible substrate including the electrode sets is disposed on a first surface of the base plate.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter with a low cost user interface has a color glucose scale that is indexed by indicators programmed according to the user's blood glucose target range through a separating computing device due to the limited meter user interface. The color glucose scale is static and placed adjacent to the indicator such as by being molded into the housing, printed on the housing, or attached to the display. The low cost user interface has a monochrome segmented display with certain segments serving as a plurality of indicators. An indicator scaling module uses the target blood glucose range of the person with diabetes to calculate the blood glucose ranges for each indictor to index the color glucose measurement scale. The indicator scaling module can also assign attributes to the indicator such as flashing. The graphic representation of the user's blood glucose measurement aids in user interpretation.

Abstract: A method of making an imprinted electronic sensor structure on a substrate for sensing an environmental factor includes coating, imprinting, and curing a curable layer on the substrate to form a plurality of spatially separated micro-channels extending from the layer surface into the cured layer. First and second layers are located in each micro-channel to form a multi-layer micro-wire. Either the first layer is a cured electrical conductor forming a conductive layer located only within the micro-channel and the second layer is a reactive layer or the first layer is a reactive layer and the second layer is a cured electrical conductor forming a conductive layer located only within the micro-channel. The reactive layer is exposed to the environmental factor and at least a portion of the reactive layer responds to the environmental factor.

Abstract: The present application relates to sensors and methods for detecting and/or quantifying an oxidant such as free chlorine in a liquid sample such as drinking water. The sensors comprise a first electrode, a second electrode and a composite material between and connecting the first electrode and the second electrode, the composite material comprising a semiconductor and a redox-switchable organic compound associated therewith. The methods comprise exposing the liquid sample to the sensor under conditions to oxide the redox-switchable organic compound and analyzing a resulting change in current.

Abstract: A compact microelectronic gas sensor module includes electrical contacts formed in such a way that they do not consume real estate on an integrated circuit chip. Using such a design, the package can be miniaturized further. The gas sensor is packaged together with a custom-designed Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that provides circuitry for processing sensor signals to identify gas species within a sample under test. In one example, the output signal strength of the sensor is enhanced by providing an additional metal surface area in the form of pillars exposed to an electrolytic gas sensing compound, while reducing the overall package size. In some examples, bottom side contacts are formed on the underside of the substrate on which the gas sensor is formed. Sensor electrodes may be electrically coupled to the ASIC directly, or indirectly by vias.

Abstract: Embodiments of sensing devices include one or more integrated circuit (IC) die, a housing, and a fluid barrier material. Each IC die includes an electrode-bearing surface and a contact surface. One of the die includes an SFET with a sensing electrode proximate to the electrode-bearing surface. The same or a different die includes a reference electrode proximate to the electrode-bearing surface. The die(s) also include IC contacts at the contact surface(s), and conductive structures coupled between the SFET, the reference electrode, and the IC contacts. The housing includes a mounting surface, and housing contacts formed at the mounting surface. The IC contacts are coupled to the housing contacts. The fluid barrier material is positioned between the mounting surface and the IC die. The fluid barrier material provides a fluid barrier between the IC and housing contacts and a space that encompasses the sensing electrode and the reference electrode.

Abstract: A biological sample measuring device in which a deposited biological sample is introduced into a capillary, a biological sample measuring sensor in which a reagent and the biological sample provided is mounted, and the biological sample is measured. The biological sample measuring device comprises a mounting portion, a voltage application section, and a detection component. The biological sample measuring sensor is mounted to the mounting portion. The voltage application section applies a measurement voltage to a plurality of electrodes disposed along the capillary. The detection component eliminates the effect of seepage of the biological sample by pass-around at the end of the capillary, or the effect whereby the plasma component seeps into the reagent, and detects the degree to which the biological sample is introduced into the capillary, based on the output result for the voltage applied by the voltage application section to the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.

Abstract: Devices and methods generate an ordered restriction map of genomic DNA extracted from whole cells. The devices have a fluidic microchannel that merges into a reaction nanochannel that merges into a detection nanochannel at an interface where the nanochannel diameter decreases in size by between 50% to 99%. Intact molecules of DNA are transported to the reaction nanochannel and then fragmented in the reaction nanochannel using restriction endonuclease enzymes. The reaction nanochannel is sized and configured so that the fragments stay in an original order until they are injected into the detection nanochannel. Signal at one or more locations along the detection nanochannel is detected to map fragments in the order they occur along a long DNA molecule.

Abstract: A portable fuel dilution meter and method includes a plurality of sample bottles each with a lid securable thereto and an absorbent material in the bottle. A housing includes a sample bottle receptacle and a hinged head unit over the receptacle including at least a first needle piercing the lid of a sample bottle loaded into the housing receptacle and extending into the headspace of the sample bottle when the head is closed. A vapor sensor is fluidly coupled to the first needle for analyzing vapors in the headspace of the sample bottle.

Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive ultrasonic transducer may include: applying a first driving signal to a first electrode to generate a transmission pulse voltage during a transmission period; and/or applying a second driving signal to a second electrode to generate a transmission bias voltage during the transmission period and a receiving bias voltage, different from the transmission bias voltage, during a receiving period. A method of operating an ultrasonic transducer, including a pair of electrodes receiving pulse and DC bias voltages, may include: modulating the DC bias voltage into a transmission bias voltage and superposing the transmission bias and pulse voltages so as to apply the superposed voltage to the electrodes in a transmission mode; and/or modulating the DC bias voltage into a receiving bias voltage, different from the transmission bias voltage, and applying the receiving bias voltage to one of the electrodes in a receiving mode.

Abstract: A microcantilever based photoacoustic sensor is generally provided. In one embodiment, the microcantilever includes: a substrate; a GaN layer on the substrate, wherein the GaN layer defines a cantilever extending beyond an edge of the substrate, with a base area of the cantilever defined by the area spanning the edge of the substrate; a HFET deflection transducer positioned on the cantilever; a pair of electrical contacts, each electrically connected to the HFET deflection transducer; and a microfluidic channel in fluid communication with an analyte reservoir, wherein the analyte reservoir is positioned at the base of the cantilever. A sensing system is also generally provided.

Abstract: A system includes a gas chromatograph configured to determine experimental chromatographic data including retention times associated with samples. The system also includes a mass spectrometer configured to determine experimental mass spectral data associated with samples. The mass spectrometer can include a quadrupole field ion trap that uses a non-classical detection technique. The system determines a retention index for an unknown sample based upon retention times for a calibration sample and the unknown sample, and identifies reference mass spectral data using the retention index. The reference mass spectral data can include spectra measured using a classical detection technique. The system can compare the experimental mass spectral data to the reference mass spectral data using one or more comparison metrics, such as a percent fragment match and/or a variance match. A score can be determined to identify the unknown sample using one or more of the metrics.

Abstract: In this system, the carbon component of atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5) is measured by: heating a sample in a first oven under such conditions as to fractionate the carbon component into carbon fractions; completely converting each carbon fraction into carbon dioxide gas in a second oven; and then measuring the amount of carbon dioxide gas in the carbon fraction precisely. In the system, the problem that a TCD detector cannot measure a low-concentration fraction is solved by using a combustion gas in a non-diluted state, though a combustion gas diluted 150-fold is used in a conventional elemental analyzer. Thus, the present invention develops an international standard instrument in which one standard sample is used and which enables simple standardized measuring acceptable to The International System of Units (SI).

Abstract: A device and associated method can detect hydrocarbon gas with at least a control module having a plurality of different gas detection means housed in a mobile enclosure, the control module configured to activate at least two different gas detection means to provide amounts and types of gases present in a fluid.

Abstract: Containers for a fluid sample containing a radionuclide for measurement of radiation from the radionuclide include an outer shell having one or more ports between and interior and an exterior of the outer shell, and an inner shell secured to the outer shell. The inner shell includes a detector receptacle sized for at least partial insertion into the outer shell. The inner shell and outer shell together at least partially define a fluid sample space. The outer shell and inner shell are configured for maintaining an operating pressure within the fluid sample space of at least about 1000 psi. Systems for measuring radioactivity in a fluid include such a container and a radiation detector received at least partially within the detector receptacle. Methods of measuring radioactivity in a fluid sample include maintaining a pressure of a fluid sample within a Marinelli-type container at least at about 1000 psi.

Abstract: A food storage appliance including a housing, an elongated vacuum trough disposed in the housing, one or more electronic components including a vacuum motor fluidly connected to the vacuum trough and a heat sealing element disposed in proximity of the vacuum trough, an sensor disposed on the housing in proximity to the vacuum trough configured to generate an electrical signal if liquid is detected in a food storage container, the food storage container having a portion inserted into the vacuum trough prior to an evacuation operation, the sensor detecting liquid before it is drawn into the vacuum trough during the evacuation operation, and an integrated electronic circuit connected to the sensor configured to receive the electrical signal and configured to control one of the vacuum motor or the heat sealing element when liquid is detected in the food storage container.

Abstract: A measurement system includes a light source generating an output optical beam using semiconductor sources generating an input beam, optical amplifiers outputting an intermediate beam, and optical fibers receiving the intermediate beam and forming a first optical beam. A nonlinear element broadens the output beam spectrum to at least 10 nm, the spectrum comprising a near-infrared wavelength of 700-2500 nm. A measurement apparatus receives the output optical beam and delivers to a sample an analysis output beam. A receiver receives and processes the analysis output beam reflected or transmitted from the sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided for characterizing the stability of a distillate fraction using a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus, such as a distillate fraction derived at least in part from a pre-refined crude oil. A sample can be aged for an aging period in a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus, and a frequency value for the sample in the quartz crystal microbalance apparatus can be determined before and after the aging period to determine a frequency difference, This frequency difference can be correlated directly with the ability of a jet fuel fraction to satisfy a stability test standard, such as a jet fuel breakpoint stability. The methods can also include using a temperature profile during characterization that can reduce or minimize operator error during the characterization.

Abstract: A method of detecting a polar compound in a sample, such as a fuel sample. The method including: contacting the sample with a solvatochromic compound, wherein the solvatochromic compound undergoes a shift in spectral absorbance when in contact with polar compounds in the sample; and detecting a change in spectral absorbance of the solvatochromic compound, thereby detecting polar compounds in the sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided for characterizing the stability of a distillate fraction using a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus, such as a distillate fraction derived at least in part from a pre-refined crude oil. A sample can be aged for an aging period in a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus, and a frequency value for the sample in the quartz crystal microbalance apparatus can be determined before and after the aging period to determine a frequency difference. This frequency difference can be correlated directly with the ability of a jet fuel fraction to satisfy a stability test standard, such as a jet fuel breakpoint stability. The methods can also include using a temperature profile during characterization that can reduce or minimize operator error during the characterization.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods and apparatus for sampling an oil composition. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of sampling one or more components of an oil composition. The method includes placing a fluid into a pressure chamber at a first pressure. The pressure chamber includes an oil composition therein. The oil composition contacts the fluid. The fluid includes at least one of a gas, a liquid, and a supercritical fluid. The method also includes taking a sample of at least one of the fluid and the oil composition from the pressure chamber.

Abstract: System and method relates to measuring separation rate of water from water-in-crude oil emulsions at elevated temperature. The system includes an electrolytic interface (conductivity) cell comprising a plurality of capacitance/conductance probes disposed at different heights in a fluid stream disposed within the interface cell and an analyzer. Logic of the analyzer determines the separation rate based on signals received from the plurality of capacitance/conductance probes in the interface cell that are coupled to monitor the fluid stream. Methods for making and using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of using a biosample storage cartridge includes performing bioanalysis on one or more biosamples in one or more biosample plates in a holder of a biosample storage cartridge, the biosample storage cartridge having an enclosure having a same form factor as a data tape cartridge that is configured for use in an automated tape library, the holder being disposed in the enclosure, wherein the holder comprises a plurality of slots, each slot being configured to receive a biosample plate. In another embodiment, a computer program product for using a biosample storage cartridge, the computer program product including a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by an analytical system to cause the analytical system to perform the foregoing method.

Abstract: A solution component 18a separated in a separating cavity 23 is connected to a measuring cavity through a connecting channel 37 and a measurement channel 38, and a first capillary cavity 33 is provided on one side of the separating cavity 23 so as to communicate with the connecting channel 37. The first capillary cavity 33 is formed to extend to the outside of a separation interface 18c of a sample liquid separated in the separating cavity 23.

Abstract: The present disclosure an in vitro method of assaying the stimulation of a cytokine storm response comprising the steps of: a. co-culturing PBMCs and matched differentiated endothelial cells to provide a system representative of human responses in vivo, and b. exposing the co-cultured cell system to a test agent, c. analysing the system for the presence of one or more cytokines released after exposing the co-culture system to said test agent, and d. optionally evaluating the response to the test agent in comparison to a response to one or more control agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for increasing absorption of compounds of interest by nematode worms through the design of carrier systems containing said compound of interest and expressing chemoattractive tags at their surface.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: providing a blood sample having one or more of each first and second constituents; admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the first constituents and second constituents to fluoresce and absorb light; illuminating at least a portion of the sample; e) imaging a portion of the sample; determining a fluorescence value for each the first constituents and second constituents; determining an optical density value for each of the first constituents and second constituents; and identifying the first constituents and the second constituents using the determined fluorescence and optical density values.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel fluorescent dyes with phosphorylated hydroxymethyl groups, a method for preparing the same as well as to their use in imaging techniques. The fluorescent dyes are coumarin, rhodamine or BODIPY dyes having of one of the following general formulae I-III: wherein W=OP(O)Y1Y2 or P(O)Y1Y2, where Y1 and Y2 independently denote any of the following residues: OH, O(?), ORa and ORb, NHRa and NHRb, NRaRb and NRcRd, ORa and NHRb, ORa and NRbRc, NHRa and NRbRc; and any salt thereof.

Abstract: It is provided a method for detection and/or quantification of at least one molecule presents in blood by a MALDI-MS analysis of a dried fluid spot without the presence of any digestion step or liquid extraction step, which permits to further analyse the physical distribution of at least one molecule within a dried fluid spot.

Abstract: A composition of matter for use in an immunoassay devices and method comprising a signal antibody, e.g., FAB fragment, covalently linked to a first nucleotide; and one or more signal elements, e.g., signal enzymes such as ALP or fluorescent dyes, each covalently linked to a second nucleotide, wherein the first nucleotide has one or more repeated sequences, and the second nucleotide is bound to one of the one or more repeated sequences on said first nucleotide, and wherein the ratio of the signal antibody to the signal element is controlled by the number of repeated sequences.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods for the detection, the diagnosis, and/or the progression monitoring of Alzheimer's disease by observing the epigenetic markers in leukocytes. Methods for determining a state of Alzheimer's disease are provided. Accordingly, these methods can comprise the steps of placing a sample comprising at least one blood component onto a substrate labeling the sample to identify at least one epigenetic marker; determining an amount of the at least one epigenetic marker; comparing the amount to a reference value; and determining a state of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microspheres comprising protein signal precursor molecules, or a carrier protein bonded to signal precursor molecules, wherein said signal precursor molecules are activatable to generate a detectable signal whilst remaining bonded to the carrier protein. Also disclosed is a method of making such microspheres comprising the steps of mixing protein molecules with a matrix former in solution; adding a reducing reagent to the mixture; removing the reducing reagent; and removing the matrix former to leave microspheres of protein molecules. Also disclosed are bioassay methods using the microspheres to provide signal amplification, including an amplification cycling procedure.

Abstract: Cross-linked amphiphile constructs that form self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on metal surfaces such as gold surfaces are disclosed. These new SAMs generate well packed and highly oriented monolayer films on gold surfaces. A method for using the SAMs in the fabrication of biomolecule sensors is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analyte detection devices and methods of using such devices to detect minute quantities of a target analyte in a sample. In particular, the invention provides an analyte detection device comprising a plurality of composite metallic nanostructures conjugated to analyte binding partners and a surface containing a metallic nanolayer on which a plurality of capture molecules is immobilized. Methods of preparing composite nanostructures are also described.