Abstract: A method and apparatus for surface plasmon resonance imaging are provided for imaging the surface plasmon resonance signals caused by the interaction of biomolecules. In particular, the method and apparatus can image the slightly spectral change in a surface plasmon resonance mode by comparing the light intensities of two bands in the frequency domain of the surface plasmon.

Abstract: A fluorescence assay device performs a fluorescence assay of one or more samples including fluorescent materials, causing a plurality of sets of datapoint to be stored relating to received fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent materials. A user interface displays representations of some of the sets of datapoints. A first region of the user interface includes alphanumeric representations of a subset of the plurality of sets of datapoints, including one or more user-specified sets of datapoints. A second region of the user interface includes one or more pictographic representations of the one or more user-selected sets of datapoints. The one or more pictographic representations indicate categorizations of values of the particular set of datapoints for the one or more samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescent polymer cast on the surface of wells of a plate and a plate comprising the fluorescent polymer. The plate is used in a method for calibrating read-out values of plate readers. The method for calibrating the plate readers can effectively reduce the deviation of read-out values among different plate readers.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging device having a holder configured to hold a cell culture plate with a plurality of wells. The imaging device also includes an imaging assembly having a plurality of imaging units, each of which is configured to image one well of the plurality of wells. The imaging system also includes a storage platform in communication with the imaging device configured to receive a plurality of images from the imaging device. The system further includes a computer in communication with the imaging device and the storage platform. The computer is configured to control the imaging device and to display at least one image of the plurality of images.

Abstract: The present invention is enclosed in the area of calibration of spectral information/spectroscopy devices, such as the calibration of spectral information which consist of high-resolution electromagnetic spectra, as Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). It is an object of the present invention a calibration method of a spectroscopy device comprising a plurality of sensors and a method for transferring spectral information obtained from a first and a second spectroscopy devices. The method of the present invention provides the access to accurately defined spectral lines from the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as to obtain electromagnetic spectra in two different sites, with two different spectroscopy devices and physical samples still provide for the reliable comparison between the electromagnetic spectra obtained in each of such spectroscopy devices.

Abstract: In a bubble measurement device for measuring bubbles moving in a liquid, the bubble measurement device includes a measurement chamber in which the bubbles in the liquid containing solid materials are introduced into the measurement chamber from below the measurement chamber, and providing a transparent slope facing diagonally downward at a position where the introduced bubbles rise, an image capturing device to capture an image of the bubbles passing the transparent slope, an introduction pipe provided below the measurement chamber to introduce the bubbles into the measurement chamber, and a bubble introduction valve that is immersed in the liquid to be measured and performs the introduction and blocking of the bubbles into the introduction pipe.

Abstract: A variety of techniques for creating reliable signatures of jewelry and gemstones is provided. These signatures can be used as references for later authentication of the jewelry and/or gemstones. With some examples, blockchain may be used to reliably store the reference signatures for later use during authentication, and a digital asset such as a non-fungible token can link these reference signatures with the physical jewelry/gemstones. Reference signatures can uniquely identify the jewelry/gemstones based on their optical, acoustical, electromagnetic, or other physical characteristics. Artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques (such as convolutional neural networks) can be used to determine which feature characteristics of jewelry/gemstones are to serve as the reference signatures.

Abstract: An illuminator for a viewing unit of an optical inspection machine for the quality control of parts, in particular gaskets, comprises a diffusion chamber, a diffuse illumination source, a low-angle illumination source, a direct illumination source placed in the diffusion chamber, and an annular reflective element placed in the diffusion chamber. The annular reflective element is integral to the direct illumination source so that together they form a chamber closure assembly delimiting the upper end of the diffusion chamber. The chamber closure assembly can move axially by translational movement in the diffusion chamber both toward and away from the diffuse illumination source.

Abstract: An inspection system includes a memory; and a processor, wherein the memory is configured to hold an image reproducing model trained to reproduce, from a first masked image generated by masking part, of a first image determined as including no defect from among images that capture an object to be inspected, the first image before being masked, and wherein the processor is configured to determine, based on a reproduced image reproduced by inputting a second masked image generated by masking part of a second image that captures a new object to be inspected into the image reproducing model, and the second image, whether the second image includes a defect.

Abstract: An Inspection apparatus (9) for inspecting cylindrical metal formed parts comprises a guide (11) for guiding the metal formed parts to be inspected through the inspection apparatus (9). The inspection apparatus (9) further comprises a radiation device which is adapted to emit radiation in the direction of the guided metal formed parts, so that the radiation impinges on each of the metal formed parts and is at least partially reflected therefrom as reflection radiation. A sensor device of the inspection apparatus is adapted to receive the reflection radiation and convert it into image data. An evaluation device is designed to assess, based on an evaluation of the image data, whether the respective metal formed part has production-related defects.

Abstract: A device comprises a housing, a detector for receiving solar irradiance and for providing a detector signal providing an indication of an amount of solar irradiance received by the detector and a shield transparent to at least part of the solar irradiance to be detected, the shield and the housing providing a detector space for housing at least part of the detector. The device further comprises a first light source for emitting light to the shield and a first light sensor arranged to receive light from the first light source, arranged to provide a first signal providing an indication for an amount of light received by the first light sensor. Particles will and reflect light back to the detector space. The reflected light is received by the light sensor. Hence, a signal generated by the sensor is an indication for pollution of the shield.

Abstract: An inspection device and method suppressing measurement time and power consumption. A detection device according to the present disclosure includes a first probe with a first antenna unit for transmission, a second probe with a second antenna unit for reception, the second probe being opposed to the first probe at a predetermined distance, a measurement unit that measures a measurement signal including a propagation characteristic of an electromagnetic wave in a medium between the first and second antenna units, and a calculation unit that calculates characteristics information of the medium based on the measurement signal. In a first mode, the measurement unit measures the measurement signal in a first frequency band for the electromagnetic wave propagating in the medium, and in a second mode, the measurement unit measures the measurement signal in a second frequency band, which is a part of the first frequency band for the electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: A method for determining a density of a harvested material includes transmitting radar signals into the harvested material from a transmitting unit, receiving the radar signals reflected by the harvested material by a receiving unit, determining a permittivity of the harvested material as a function of the reflected radar signals via an evaluation unit, and determining the density of the harvested material as a function of the determined permittivity via a signal processing unit.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for performing high angle tilting tomography on samples in a liquid medium using transmission electron beam instruments.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a sample imaged by electron backscatter diffraction. The method comprises identifying a plurality of Kikuchi bands in an electron backscatter diffraction image of a position on the sample. The method further comprises forming, for each identified Kikuchi band, a respective vector representation of said Kikuchi band based at least in part on an estimate of the position on the sample. A configuration of the sample is determined by identifying a particular set of expected vector representations from a plurality of sets of expected vector representations as matching the vector representations of the plurality of identified Kikuchi bands.

Abstract: A device for measuring short-wavelength characteristic X-ray diffraction based on array detection, and a measurement and analysis method based on the device are provided. An array detector of the device only detects and receives a diffraction ray which is diffracted by a material of a to-be-measured part inside a sample and passes through a through hole of a receiving collimator, and rays passing through a positioning hole. The to-be-measured part inside the sample is placed at the center of the diffractometer circle of the device. The method is performed with the device. With the present disclosure, a diffraction pattern of a part inside the sample with a centimeter thickness, i.e. Debye rings, can be rapidly and non-destructively measured, thereby rapidly and non-destructively measuring and analyzing crystal structures, and its crystal structural change of the part inside the sample, such as phase, texture, and stress.

Abstract: A thermal conductivity estimation method includes: measuring temperature distribution of a measurement sample surface in a steady state by partially heating the measurement sample under predetermined heating conditions; calculating temperature distribution of a sample model surface by performing a heat-transfer simulation on the sample model of the same shape as the measurement sample for a plurality of combinations of provisional thermal conductivities and heating conditions; making a regression model, whose input is temperature distribution of the measurement sample surface and whose output is a thermal conductivity of the measurement sample, by a machine learning technique using training data in a form of a calculation result of the plurality of combinations and the temperature distribution obtained from the plurality of combinations; and estimating the thermal conductivity of the measurement sample by inputting a measurement result of the temperature distribution of the measurement sample surface into the

Abstract: An electronic device can detect whether the device is submerged in water using measurements from one or more electrodes. In some examples, the water detection can differentiate between a user contact with an electrode or the electrode submerged in water. In some examples, the detection of water can trigger water-related functions on device.

Abstract: A wireless sensor includes a radio frequency (RF) front end and a sensing integrated circuit (IC). The RF front end includes an antenna that is operable to transceive RF signals and a tuning circuit. The sensing IC includes a power supply. The sensing IC is operable to detect an impedance change of the power supply. The sensing IC is further operable to convert the impedance change into a digital value. The sensing IC is further operable to output, via the antenna, the digital value.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic thick-film pH sensor based on chemical etching, and a preparation method thereof are provided. The superhydrophilic thick-film pH sensor includes: a substrate, and a working electrode and a reference electrode that cover surfaces of the substrate. The working electrode includes a titanium sheet attached to one side of the substrate; a front part of an outer surface of the titanium sheet is covered with a titanium dioxide sensitive layer; an electrically-conductive layer is attached to the other side of the substrate; the reference electrode is located on the electrically-conductive layer, and a surface of the reference electrode is coated with a naphthol layer; and an insulating gel wraps the substrate to expose only the working electrode and the reference electrode. The working electrode is obtained by soaking the titanium sheet in an 80° C. NaOH solution, and is integrated with the reference electrode to produce the thick-film pH sensor.

Abstract: A gas sensor capable of detecting carbon dioxide and having high stability is provided. A carbon dioxide gas sensor comprising an insulating substrate 3 and a gas sensing layer 1 formed on one major surface of the insulating substrate 3 via electrodes 2, wherein the gas sensing layer 1 comprises: (a) one or more rare earth metal oxycarbonates represented by Ln2O2CO3, Ln being at least one rare earth metal element selected from Sc, Y, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Pr, Yb and Lu, the rare earth metal oxycarbonate containing a hexagonal rare earth metal oxycarbonate as a main component; or (b) monoclinic samarium dioxycarbonate, a production method of the gas sensor, and a method of selectively producing crystal polymorphism of lanthanum dioxycarbonate represented by La2O2CO3 are provided.

Abstract: A support body includes a concentrating portion, which concentrates an object, between a first end portion and a second end portion. When an area of a cut section of a flow path when cut at a predetermined position in a first direction along a plane orthogonal to the first direction is a flow path cross-sectional area, a flow path cross-sectional area of the concentrating portion is smaller than a flow path cross-sectional area in a first region closer to a first end portion side than the concentrating portion, and a flow path cross-sectional area of a second region closer to the second end portion side than the concentrating portion is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the concentrating portion.

Abstract: An electrophoresis cartridge can include an integrated electrophoresis assembly including an anode sub-assembly comprising an anode, a cathode sub-assembly comprising a cathode; and at least one electrophoresis capillary having a first end in fluid communication with the cathode sub-assembly and a second end in fluid communication with the anode sub-assembly. The cartridge can further include a reagent container comprising electrophoresis buffer; a fluid conduit in fluidic communication with the reagent container; a pump in fluidic communication with the fluid conduit, the pump configured to transfer the electrophoresis buffer through the fluid conduit from the reagent container to the passage of the cathode sub-assembly; and a sample inlet port and at least one sample line, wherein the sample line places the sample inlet port in fluidic communication with the first end of the electrophoresis capillary through a passage in the cathode sub-assembly.

Abstract: Provided are: a mechanical property measuring apparatus and method that can accurately measure a mechanical property through physical quantities; a substance manufacturing equipment and method that can improve the production yield rate and high-quality substance. A mechanical property measuring apparatus (100) comprises: a physical quantity measuring unit (5) configured to measure a plurality of physical quantities of a measured object that includes a substance and a film on a surface of the substance; a mechanical property calculating unit (82) configured to calculate, using a plurality of calculation models each for calculating a mechanical property of the substance and at least two of the plurality of physical quantities measured, the mechanical property of the substance for each of the plurality of calculation models; and a selection processing unit (81) configured to select one mechanical property based on the at least two of the plurality of physical quantities.

Abstract: A method and system for early fault detection in a wind turbine generator (7). A particulate sensor (9) is provided in the generator housing (8). The accumulation of particulate debris is monitored using the particulate sensor (9). A potential fault may be identified based at least in part on the accumulation of particulate debris on the sensor (9).

Abstract: Provided are methods and system for hydrocarbon exploration. The method may include using a downhole reconfigurable pipe inspection tool for electromagnetic logging. The method may also include using the electromagnetic pipe inspection tool for inspecting wellbore pipes. The tool may include at least two modules, a signal generator for exciting the transmitter coil; and a receiver circuitry for measuring voltage across the receiver coil, wherein at least one tool parameter is reconfigurable. The first module houses a transmitter coil, a first end, and a second opposing end, wherein the first and second ends each have a connector thereon. The second module houses a receiver coil, a first end, and a second opposing end, wherein the first and second ends of the second module each have a connector thereon.

Abstract: A system for non-destructive testing of a bond condition of concrete beams reinforced by steel rods is described. The system includes a transducing transmitter, a transducing receiver, and an ultrasonic pulse generator configured to generate drive signals for the transducing transmitter and receive a plurality vibrational waves at the transducing receiver. The system further includes a computing device including a measurement circuit configured to record a transit time for each vibrational wave and divide a distance between the transducing transmitter and the transducing receiver by the transit time to determine a pulse velocity of each vibrational wave, a comparison circuit configured to identify a highest pulse velocity of the vibrational waves and compare each highest pulse velocity to a first reference pulse velocity, and a decision circuit including an artificial neural network configured to identify a compromised bond condition around a steel rod.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimal fiber content and fiber slenderness ratio in compression-cast fiber-reinforced concrete (CCFRC). The method includes: step 1, determining an optimal range of pressure of CCFRC with a mix proportion; step 2, applying optimal compressive stress to a fiber-reinforced concrete mixture, and performing a uniaxial compression test after demolding and curing; step 3, keeping the slenderness ratio of the fiber in step 1 and the optimal compressive stress in step 2 unchanged, decreasing or increasing content of the fiber, and repeating step 2 to obtain a mechanical property of CCFRC with different content of the fiber; and step 4, keeping the content of the fiber in step 1 and the optimal compressive stress in step 2 unchanged, decreasing or increasing a slenderness ratio of the fiber, and repeating step 2 to obtain a mechanical property of CCFRC with a different slenderness ratio of the fiber.

Abstract: A test system for an anchoring performance of a full-size rock mass anchor bolt under combined load and relates to the technical field of detection test equipment includes a primary frame, a co-directional pull-twist loading mechanism and a vertical shear loading mechanism. The primary frame includes a dual-parallel horizontal reaction frame and a vertical reaction frame. The co-directional pull-twist loading mechanism and the vertical shear loading mechanism are arranged in synergy with the primary frame. The co-directional pull-twist loading mechanism performs synchronous pull and twist loading for the anchored rock mass and the vertical shear loading mechanism applies a static load or simulates a dynamic load disturbance. The co-directional pull-twist loading mechanism and the vertical shear loading mechanism perform separate loading.

Abstract: A new method for evaluating embrittlement of an amorphous alloy ribbon is provided. The method includes: pressing a pressurization member from one side to a plurality of positions of an amorphous alloy ribbon; scattering, in the amorphous alloy ribbon, pressurization portions where the pressurization member is pressed to form indentation; and evaluating embrittlement by the number or distribution of pressurization portions where cracks have occurred.

Abstract: A method for testing the nanomechanical properties of natural gas hydrate samples is provided. A dry pure nitrogen environment and a partial ultralow-temperature liquid nitrogen test condition are constructed, a micro-positive pressure state in a glovebox is maintained, and the temperature of a milling tool and a sample stand are maintained consistent; then, a hydrate sample is transferred and installed in the dry nitrogen environment, and the milling tool is driven to cut a surface of the natural gas hydrate sample to form a relatively flat surface; next, indentation parameter reliability testing is performed, an indentation load is changed, indentation testing of indentation points is performed, and an indentation form is observed. The method can realize indentation testing of natural gas hydrate samples in an ultralow-temperature and dry environment by means of a nanoindenter.

Abstract: In one aspect, an automated, parallel autosampler system for drawing chromatography samples from a plurality of sample containers is provided which includes: a deck; a head movable relative to the deck; at least one drive selectively controllable to move the head relative to the deck; a plurality of elongated sippers mounted to the head at spaced-apart locations; a plurality of outlet tubes connected to the sippers in one-to-one correspondence; and, at least one source of negative pressure in selective communication with the outlet tubes to selectively provide negative pressure in the lumens of the sippers, wherein, the sippers are arranged on the head so that the sippers are simultaneously insertable into a corresponding number of the sample containers. Advantageously, the subject invention allows for much greater size samples to be extracted than the prior art with permitted variability in the number and configuration of the sample containers.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of characterizing a sample of oligonucleotides of interest using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A small-sized, portable enclosure protects a gas sensor against degradation due to environmental exposure and changes in atmospheric conditions. The protective enclosure includes an inlet for introduction of a gas into the enclosure, an outlet for release of the gas upon completion of a sensing run, and at least one retractable filter that removes from the inflowing gas deleterious compounds that can compromise the integrity of the sensor or cause the sensor to degrade over time. The enclosure does not include any filters during the measurement phase of the sensing run in order to allow the gas sensor to accurately measure an unmodified gas mixture and/or analyte.

Abstract: A portable electronic device for use in different orientations includes a signal control module, a key control module, an information display module, and a position detection module. The key control module includes a plurality of functional switches and functional keys. The signal control module has a plurality of key function execution commands respectively corresponding to the functional keys. The position detection module is configured for detecting a placement orientation of the portable electronic device. When the portable electronic device is rotated to change the placement orientation of the information display module, a screen orientation of an information display image provided by the information display module is changed following a change of the placement orientation of the information display module, and a corresponding relationship between the functional switch and the key function execution command is changed following the change of the placement orientation of the information display module.

Abstract: A thermal desorption tube for chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis. The thermal desorption tube includes a sorbent and a plurality of focusing agents loaded at known, relative amounts onto the sorbent. Each focusing agent is a compound that chromatographically elutes within a retention time similar to a retention time of a target analyte and has a mass spectrum similar to a mass spectrum of the target analyte. The thermal desorption tube is configured to be further loaded with a sample having the target analyte.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for optimizing a process of manufacturing a biologic pharmaceutical. In one aspect, the method comprises repeatedly performing the following: i) selecting a configuration of input settings for manufacturing a batch of a biologic pharmaceutical based on a causal model that measures current causal relationships between input settings and a measure of a quality of batches of the biological pharmaceutical; ii) determining a measure of the quality of a batch of the biological pharmaceutical manufactured using the configuration of input settings; and iii) adjusting, based on the measure of the quality of the batch of the biological pharmaceutical, the causal model.

Abstract: The invention relates to sensor assemblies and systems for monitoring the condition inside a container, such as an aquarium, vivarium, or terrarium. The sensor assemblies operate in a manner to conserve battery life and minimize power usage. The system includes one or more sensor assemblies, one or more output device associated with the one or more sensor assemblies, a user interface, and a main system. The components of the system communicate with each other wirelessly and include hardware and software platforms for their operation.

Abstract: Aquatic organism monitoring devices and aquatic organism monitoring methods are described. According to one aspect, a monitoring device includes a housing configured to be physically associated with an aquatic organism, environmental circuitry configured to generate a first output indicative of at least one environmental parameter of an environment of the organism, behavioral circuitry coupled with the housing and configured to generate a second output indicative of at least one behavioral parameter of the organism, physiological circuitry coupled with the housing and configured to generate a third output indicative of at least one physiological parameter of the organism, and a transmitter configured to transmit an acoustic signal externally of the housing, and wherein the acoustic signal includes information regarding one or more of the at least one environmental parameter, the at least one behavioral parameter, and the at least one physiological parameter.

Abstract: Provided are a method and device for recognizing hook effect in immune turbidimetry, and a computer readable medium. This method generates a reaction curve using light signals measured in a predetermined time period by immune reaction of analyte in a sample, and uses distribution information of the reaction curve in the predetermined time period to determine whether the sample has hook effect. This method only uses measurement information of a small predetermined time period in entire reaction time to determine whether a sample has hook effect, and terminates the test in time, thus accelerating the speed of immune turbidimetry detection of samples with hook effect.

Abstract: A system for partially or fully automated, buoyancy-assisted separation includes and/or interfaces with an automated instrument. Additionally or alternatively, the system can include and/or interface with any or all of: a set of buoyant particles, a set of containers (individually and/or collectively equivalently referred to herein as a consumable), a 1st container management subsystem, a 2nd container management subsystem, a user interface subsystem, and/or any other components. A method for partially or fully automated, buoyancy-assisted separation includes manipulating the set of containers and/or processing the set of materials at a 1st container management subsystem; and manipulating the set of containers and/or processing the set of materials at a 2nd container management subsystem.

Abstract: A method for establishing a biological model on joint toxicity of Caenorhabditis elegans and an application thereof are provided. The method for establishing the biological model includes adding the L1-stage Caenorhabditis elegans to a mixed system of working solution of mycotoxins containing tenuazonic acid and penicillin, K-medium solution and E. coli OP50 to obtain L1-stage Caenorhabditis elegans. The biological model indicates that TeA and PAT have a synergistic effect on the growth, development and reproductive ability of Caenorhabditis elegans, and their toxicity mechanism is related to inducing nematodes and stimulating transcriptional factors of Daf-16 genes. The biological model and detection method are simple to operate and its test period is short.

Abstract: A method for detecting ingestion times comprises the following steps: obtaining hair samples or nail samples; sampling hair samples or nail samples per unit length, and judging whether the target ingested substance and its metabolites are present in each sample; and counting times of detected target ingested substance and its metabolites as the ingestion times.

Abstract: A method of training AI for label-free cell viability determination includes a step of providing a cell sample, a step of obtaining a fluorescence image and a DHM image of the cell sample, a step of determining a first cell viability of the cell sample according to the fluorescence image of the cell sample, a step of labeling the DHM image of the cell sample as a model specifying the first cell viability, and a step of performing AI training by using the model containing the DHM image of the cell sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to unmasking endotoxins in compositions so that previously present, but undetectable endotoxins are rendered detectable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions to remove or reduce biotin interference from certain assays.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compounds, reagents, systems, and methods for detecting a metabolite related to a NRTI in a biological sample, and uses thereof in monitoring adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis. Such reagents comprise NRTI derivatives, analogs, NRTI derivatives conjugates, along with antibodies directed to same, which are useful for antibody-based methods, such as a lateral flow immunoassay and other point of care devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems are directed to multiplex detection of a bacterial pathogen in a sample. A first biotinylated lysin-derived cell wall binding domain is complexed with an avidin layer on a surface. A first bacterial pathogen detection complex including a second biotinylated lysin-derived cell wall binding domain, a detection domain, and an avidin linker complexed between the cell wall binding domain and the detection domain is also provided. The cell wall binding domains are derived from an endolysin, autolysin, bacteriocin, or exolysin, and are configured to bind a cell wall of a target bacterial pathogen. The detection domain includes one or more enzymes, fluorescent material, or DNA for emitting a signal for detection. Target bacterial pathogens present in a sample can thus be detected in a sandwich assay exhibiting increased selectivity and reduced limit of detection relative to traditional ELISA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of quantitatively analyzing a target substance, the method including a step of irradiating a biochip, which includes a plurality of target substances excluding a fluorescence-labeled material, with light; a step of acquiring a plurality of low-resolution images for a region including the plurality of target substances using an image sensor; a step of acquiring a high-resolution image based on the plurality of low-resolution images; and a step of counting the plurality of target substances in the high-resolution image; and a device for quantitatively analyzing a target substance using the method.

Abstract: A method of making at least one nanocomposite for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection of a target of interest includes forming at least one gold nanorod; coating a silver layer on an outer surface of the gold nanorod; assembling a Raman reporter molecule layer on the coated silver layer, wherein the Raman reporter molecule layer comprises Raman reporter molecules that are detectable by the SERS; coating a thiolated polyethylene glycol (PEG) layer on the assembled Raman reporter molecule layer; and conjugating the coated thiolated PEG layer with molecules of an antibody to make the at least one nanocomposite.