Abstract: A composite stent and a method for making the same are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems to perform point-of-care, user-initiated fluidic assays, using substantially self-contained, portable, user-initiated fluidic assay systems. Exemplary assays include diagnostic assays and chemical detection assays. Diagnostic assays may include, without limitation, enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays (ELISA), and may include one or more sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnostic assays. An exemplary assay system includes a housing having one or more fluid chambers, a fluid controller system to dispense fluid from the one or more fluid chambers, and a user-initiated actuator to control the fluid controller system. The actuator may be configured to move fluid controllers from functionally closed positions to functionally open positions, to control fluid flow from the fluid chambers. The fluid controller system may be configured to dispense fluids serially, and may be configured to mix a plurality of fluids.

Abstract: A system and method for recognition of images may include the use of alignment markers. The image recognized may be a pattern from an array, a character, a number, a shape, and/or irregular shapes. The pattern may be formed by elements in an array such as an identification marking and/or a sensor array. More particularly, the system and method relate to discriminating between images by accounting for the orientation of the image. The size and/or location of alignment markers may provide information about the orientation of an image. Information about the orientation of an image may reduce false recognitions. The system and method of image recognition may be used with identification markings, biosensors, micro-fluidic arrays, and/or optical character recognition systems.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.

Abstract: A nonhemolytic sensor for determination of analytes in erythrocyte-containing biological fluids is disclosed that comprises an optical material having a deposit on a surface thereof, where this deposit includes an analyte-reactive reagent and a particulate means for suppressing hemolysis of erythrocytes in an erythrocyte-containing biological fluid, such as whole blood. Thus, a porous array of negatively charged particles, e.g., polymeric beads having a plurality of carboxylate surface groups, are disposed on a sampling surface of an optical sensor, and suppress hemolysis of erythrocytes coming into contact with the sampling surface. In the case of an optical sensor, such particles can simultaneously enhance reflectance of a light beam transmitted through the optical material to the sampling surface site.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a gold coated SPIONs with jagged surface. The gold coated SPIONs have a core and a shell. The core is a SPION molecule and the shell is a jagged gold layer. A non-uniform polymeric gap exists between the core and the shell. The embodiments also provide a method of producing the jagged gold coated SPIONs by mixing a colloidal dispersion of SPIONs with pH sensitive polymers. Adding a gold salt to the above mixture and reducing the gold salt to form jagged gold coated SPIONs.

Abstract: A new and novel method utilizing current nano-technological processes for fabricating a range of micro-devices with significantly expanded capabilities, unique functionalities at microscopic levels, enhanced degree of flexibilities, reduced costs and improved performance in the fields of bioscience and medicine is disclosed in the within patent application. Micro-devices fabricated using the disclosed nano-technological techniques have significant improvements in many areas over the existing, conventional methods. Such improvements include, but are not limited to reduced overall costs, early disease detection, targeted drug delivery, targeted disease treatment and reduced degree of invasiveness in treatment. Compared with existing, conventional approaches, the said inventive approach disclosed in this patent application is much more microscopic, sensitive, accurate, precise, flexible and effective.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a crosslinked, silicon-containing layer containing, substantially consisting of or consisting of silicon, O, C, H, optionally N which can be produced by plasma polymerization and/or crosslinking of organosilicon liquids by a plasma process and/or UV radiation of a wavelength of less than 250 nm, without using metals of an atomic number of more than 14, as a biocompatible surface, for imparting to a surface or providing a surface with a non-genotoxic effect. The invention also relates to correspondingly coated articles and to processes for the production thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides hydrogel compositions, components, and hydrogel-actuated or mediated devices, and methods for the incorporation of hydrogel microscale components in microscale devices and systems. The methods and devices result in active microvalves that are useful in microfluidic applications, including analyte sensing, in process chemical and fermentation stream monitoring, and drug delivery. In particular, the devices are useful for controlled drug delivery either in response to a pre-determined stimulus or for pulsatile delivery.

Abstract: Iron oxide nano contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging which have superior T2 contrast effect, and also can be used as a storage or a carrier for drugs and so on, are disclosed. The iron oxide nano contrast agents can be prepared by the steps of: coating surfaces of hydrophobic FeO nanoparticles with a coating material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol-phospholipid conjugate, dextran, chitosan, dimercaptosuccinic acid and mixtures thereof in an organic solvent to form hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles having hydrophilic surfaces and dispersibility in water; dispersing the hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles in water to oxidize FeO; and exposing the oxidized hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles to an acidic buffer to dissolve and remove interior unoxidized FeO portions, and thereby to form Fe3O4 nanoparticles having an interior space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor, wherein non-specific adsorption on a surface that does not retain a physiologically active substance (reference unit) is suppressed. The biosensor of the invention includes a substrate having at least two types of surfaces on a single plane, wherein at least one of the surfaces does not retain a physiologically active substance, and wherein at least two types of hydrophilic compounds with different molecular weights are bound to the surface that does not retain a physiologically active substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to binding surfaces for the immobilization of ligands, ligand surfaces and structured surface arrays which present a plurality of identical or different ligands. The invention further relates to a process for the production and the use of such surfaces and to specific binder molecules which can be used for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing hydrophilicity of part or all of a surface of a polymer substrate to change the ability of a polymer surface to bond, allowing better adhesion or printability, by a surface treatment which increases the surface energy stabilised by several washing steps.

Abstract: Solder paste application, inspection and correction. Following or during application of solder paste on a substrate, the result thereof is inspected and any detected errors are registered. Following an evaluation as to whether correction of these errors is required and if it would be worthwhile, the errors are corrected. The correction involves removing solder paste from locations where so required, and jetting of additional solder paste to locations where so required.

Abstract: A device for in-vivo detection comprises a housing having an optical window and enclosing an imager that is configured to image the optical window. An external surface of the optical window has trypsin immobilized thereon, and may also be coated with a steric barrier protection, which may be polyethylene glycol (PEG). A trypsin-Alpha-1-antitrypsin complex formed on the window may have an affinity to a binding agent, which is tagged by a tag selected from a group consisting of a colorant, a fluorescent moiety, and a radioactive moiety.

Abstract: There is provided a biosensor capable of increasing a detecting sensitivity of a target substance of glutamate, by using a nano wire having excellent electrical characteristics and by immobilizing a receptor of glutamate to be detected on a substrate which is disposed between a nano wire and another nano wire and a method for manufacturing the same. The biosensor for detecting glutamate according to the present invention can be manufactured with an arrangement in which the nano wire is selectively arranged on a solid substrate in a matrix. Since this biosensor can prevent the degradation of the nano wire in the electrical characteristic, it can sensitively detect glutamate even through a small amount thereof is contained in a food so that it can be effectively used in detecting the food additive existing in the processed foodstuffs.

Abstract: A substrate comprising a microporous microstructure, an interlayer over at least a portion of the microstructure and a functional layer attached to the interlayer, the functional layer having functional sites with a density of at least 50 nanomoles/cm2.

Abstract: Methods of attaching a ligand to a surface are described that include contacting a surface with a substrate containing an amphiphilic comb polymer. The substrate is configured to provide a pattern of the amphiphilic comb polymer on a selected region of the surface. The substrate can be separated from the surface leaving the amphiphilic comb polymer on the selected region of the surface, thus providing a selected region of the surface having amphiphilic comb polymer on it. A ligand can then be deposited on the surface such that the selected region of the surface having the amphiphilic comb polymer is substantially free of the ligand.

Abstract: High radiopacity is achieved in a polymeric marker by combining a polymeric resin, a powdered radiopaque agent having uniformly shaped particles of a specific particle size distribution and a wetting agent. The method to produce the marker calls for the blending and pelletization of these materials followed by extrusion onto support beading. The resulting supported tubing is subsequently cut to length with the beading still in place. After ejection of the beading remnant the marker is slipped into place on the device to be marked and attached by melt bonding. Marking of a guidewire allows lesions to be measured while the marking of balloon catheters allow the balloon to be properly positioned relative to a lesion.

Abstract: A method of forming a coating on a medical device having a controlled morphology is described.

Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer tissue phantom involves successively forming at least two layers, each layer formed by depositing a viscous flowable material over a supporting element or over a previously formed layer of the phantom supported by the supporting element, selectively redistributing the material while material is solidifying to control a thickness distribution of the layer, and allowing the material to solidify sufficiently to apply a next layer. The supporting element supports the material in 2 or 3 directions and effectively molds a lumen of the tissue. The neighbouring layers are of different composition and of chosen thickness to provide desired optical properties and mechanical properties of the phantom. The phantom may have selected attenuation and backscattering properties to mimic tissues for optical coherence tomography imaging.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a luminescent nanoparticle probe system includes forming a bismuth sulfide core; and coating the bismuth sulfide core with a shell.

Abstract: A process for making a support for an electrophoretic medium comprising the steps of: applying an agarose coating to a corona treated polymeric film by transferring a layer of agarose solution onto a surface of the corona treated polymeric film. The pH of the agarose solution can be generally maintained between about 8 and about 11 and the concentration of the agarose solution can be generally maintained between about 0.1 and about 0.4% agarose by weight. The agarose powder used to make the agarose solution can be pre-treated by introducing a fresh reducing atmosphere above the agarose powder and exposing the agarose powder to a reducing atmosphere. The reducing atmosphere treatment may be repeated at least three times.

Abstract: A system and method for recognition of images may include the use of alignment markers. The image recognized may be a pattern from an array, a character, a number, a shape, and/or irregular shapes. The pattern may be formed by elements in an array such as an identification marking and/or a sensor array. More particularly, the system and method relate to discriminating between images by accounting for the orientation of the image. The size and/or location of alignment markers may provide information about the orientation of an image. Information about the orientation of an image may reduce false recognitions. The system and method of image recognition may be used with identification markings, biosensors, micro-fluidic arrays, and/or optical character recognition systems.

Abstract: A method for forming a pattern-coated substrate includes disposing a composition comprising a polysaccharide-based polymer on a substrate to generate a coated substrate. The polysaccharide-based polymer composition is substantially free of cross-linking monomers. The method further includes exposing a portion of the coated substrate to a first dose of UV radiation to induce crosslinking of the polysaccharide-based polymer, wherein a portion of the substrate is shielded from the ionizing radiation. The UV exposed coated substrate may be washed or hydrated to remove uncross-linked polysaccharide-based polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a patterned substrate for culturing cells, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a substrate; (2) forming a first plasma polymer layer by integrating a first precursor material using a plasma on the substrate; (3) placing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern on the first plasma polymer layer; and (4) forming a second patterned plasma polymer layer by integrating a second precursor material using a plasma.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a biosensor chip includes: forming at least one metallic layer on a transparent substrate to form a composite member; disposing the composite member in a vacuumed chamber, and introducing a gas into the vacuumed chamber; applying microwave energy to the gas to produce a microwave plasma of the gas within the vacuumed chamber, and causing the microwave plasma to interact with the metallic layer so that the metallic layer is melted and formed into a plurality of metallic nanoparticles that are spaced apart from each other and that expose partially the surface of the transparent substrate; and disposing a receptor at the surface of the transparent substrate that is exposed among the metallic nanoparticles. A biosensor chip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for using gradient nanotopography to increase mammalian cell attachment and cell confinement on surfaces. A surface platform consisting of a thin film of gold possessing a gradient of topography on the surface and self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols presenting desired functional groups is formed. A gradient in the chemical properties is induced in the terminal groups of the monolayer because of the continuous increase in the surface area and the anisotropy of gold film structure. The gradient nanotopraphy provides simultaneous control of two key properties, the presentation of the terminal functional groups and a continuous increase in the surface density of functional groups on the surface. This control provides for drug screening assays using adherent cell-based experiments.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a plastic substrate with lower auto-fluorescence and better specificity. The method includes: (a) preparing a plastic substrate having an Atomic Force Microscopic (AFM) surface roughness of Ra<3 nm or Rq<4 nm under the condition of 50 ?m×50 ?m or less; (b) treating the plastic substrate with plasma; and (c) treating the plastic substrate with a surface-modifying monomer. A plastic substrate manufactured by the method is also provided. The plastic substrate exhibits a remarkably low auto-fluorescence and thus better specificity for detection of target biomolecules, which enables the broad application of a plastic substrate, which can be easily designed to include a microfluidic structure relative to a glass substrate but has been limitedly used due to high auto-fluorescence, to microarrays, biochips, or well plates.

Abstract: Improved surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates comprising chemically-derivatized magnetic microparticles complexed with metal colloidal particles or substrates. The SERS substrates permit collection, detection, measurement, and/or analysis of analytes present at concentrations ranging parts per trillion to parts per billion. Further, compositions, methods, and devices that provide for rapid and/or sensitive detection of chemical compounds of interest present in small concentrations. The subject matter has use in the areas of homeland security and force protection, for example, in the detection of trace samples including, for example, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes), chlorinated solvents, TNT, nerve agents, blister agents, metal ions, anions, antigens, peptides, nucleic acids, spores, fungi, viruses, and bacteria.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a system and method for condensing and curing organic materials within a deposition chamber. Present embodiments may include condensing an organic component from a gas phase into a liquid phase on a target surface within the deposition chamber, wherein the gas phase of the organic component might be mixed with an inert gas. Further, present embodiments may include solidifying the liquid phase of the organic component into a solid phase within the deposition chamber using an inert plasma formed from the inert gas.

Abstract: Methods and structures for placing nanoscale moieties on substrates are provided.

Abstract: A new class of biosensors and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The biosensors are multi-layered membrane composites, where at least one layer is prepared by the layer-by-layer process and at least one layer is responsive to changes is a property of a biological system such as changes in the concentration of an atom, ion, molecule or molecular assembly. Because the biosensors are multi-layered, a single biosensor is capable monitor a number of different properties of a biological system simultaneously. The biosensors are monitored by systems that impinge an excitation waveform on the biosensors and analyze a reflected and/or a transmitted resultant waveform. Additionally, the biosensors can be associated with field activated electronic components so that implantable, self-contained analytical devices can be constructed and monitored by field generators, where data is transmitted to an analyzer after field activation.

Abstract: A method of stamping of molecular patterns and/or devices based on the reversible self-assembly of molecules, particularly organic molecules is disclosed. This method is suitable for the stamping of almost any nanofabricated device and can be used to transferring a large amount of pattern information from one substrate to another at the same time.

Abstract: A method of correcting for pattern run out in a desired pattern in directional deposition or etching comprising the steps of providing a test substrate; providing a stencil of known thickness on the test substrate; providing a stencil pattern extending through the stencil to the test substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making polymer-based biosensors and the biosensors made by said methods, wherein the biosensors comprise conducting polymers and negatively charged nanoparticles comprising a capture moiety. The present invention also provides methods of detecting analytes in a solution by contacting the solution with said polymer-based biosensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for fabricating air-stable supported lipid bilayer membranes. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of producing supported lipid bilayer membranes stabilized by sterol groups that are covalently tethered to a solid surface. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to air-stable supported lipid bilayer membranes produced by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Elongated molecules are stretched across a substrate by controlled fluid flow.

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes conjugated probes that contain a specific binding member for the analyte of interest. The specific binding member preferentially complexes with the analyte within a test sample when contacted therewith. Excess analyte that remains uncomplexed with the specific binding member undergoes non-specific binding, such as to a hydrophobic domain. As a result, the ability of the uncomplexed analyte to compete with the complexed analyte at the detection zone of the device is restricted. Thus, the incidence of “false negatives” is limited in a simple, efficient, and relatively inexpensive manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of quantifying the amount or concentration of one or more peptides and/or proteins in one or more samples using differentially isotopically-labeled peptides and/or proteins. The invention also provides methods of identifying one or more peptides and/or proteins in one or more samples.

Abstract: Hollow particles for use in various types of assay devices are provided. Due to their hollow or voided structure, the particles may exhibit a variety of beneficial properties. For instance, hollow particles are generally lightweight, and thus, relatively inexpensive in comparison to other types of particles. Hollow particles may also form a stable system without requiring refrigeration or rotation. In addition, hollow particles may possess enhanced light diffraction capabilities, which may be particularly beneficial in certain types of assay devices, e.g., diffraction-based assay devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for precipitating mono or multiple layers of a mixture of organophosphoric acids of the general formula I (A) Y—B—OPO3H2 ??(IA) or of organophosphonic acids of the general formula I (B) Y—B—PO3H2 ??(IB) and the salts thereof, wherein Y and B are defined in the specification. According to the invention, precipitation occurs on substrate surfaces of pure or mixed oxides, nitrides or carbides of metals and semiconductors, in particular as surfaces of sensor platforms, implants and medical accessory devices. The invention also relates to the use thereof as part of coated sensor platforms, implants and medical accessory devices.

Abstract: A method for biolithographical deposition of molecules is provided. According to an embodiment of the method, a reactive layer (e.g., a polysaccharide mass) having a surface region coated with a biologically compatible resist is provided. A portion of the biologically compatible resist is selectively removed to expose an exposed portion of the reactive layer. Molecules, such as biomolecules and/or cellular species, are then conjugated to the exposed portion of the reactive layer. Also provided are materials and devices related to the method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biochip comprising a substrate and a three-dimensional mesoporous layer on top of it, wherein the mesoporous layer on top is chemically modified to recognize labeling DNAs, proteins, peptides, saccharides, and cells. In addition, this invention also discloses a method for forming the biochip with a three-dimensional mesoporous layer, including a blending process, a heating process, a coating process, a gelation process, a drying process, and a surface modification process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an array plate for biomolecules includes coating a surface of a substrate with a hydrophobic material to form a hydrophobic layer having initial hydrophobic properties, etching the hydrophobic layer through an etch mask placed thereon to form a hydrophilic binding site, removing the etch mask, and processing the remaining region of the hydrophobic layer to recover the initial hydrophobic properties. A method for manufacturing a biochip using this array plate, includes processing the surface of the hydrophilic binding site of the array plate to increase an affinity of biomolecules to the hydrophilic binding site, and applying a solution containing biomolecules to the surface of the hydrophilic binding site.

Abstract: The invention provides coated sensors for detecting the presence of analytes. The sensor comprises one or more fluorescent sources, such as one or more quantum dots or one or more fluorescent dyes, a polymeric matrix, a surface coating, and one or more analyte sensing components. The surface coating may be a conformal polymeric film, permeable to the analyte, which may be deposited via a solventless process such as initiated chemical vapor deposition or photoinitiated chemical vapor deposition. The surface coating may increase the biocompatibility of the sensor, reduce nonspecific protein adsorption, and/or sequester functional sensor components within the sensor. The invention also provides methods for detecting the presence of an analyte with coated sensors of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a protein chip substrate and a method for manufacturing the protein chip substrate. The method includes deposition of plasma polymerized ethylenediamine (PPEDA) having an amine group on plasma polymerized cyclohexnane (PPCHex) by inductively coupled plasma-chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD), thereby preventing non-specific adsorption of proteins on a slide surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods by which surface modification techniques can be used to modify wide range polymeric or metal substrates using metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for forming a lipid bilayer across an aperture, comprises: (a) providing a cell having a chamber adjacent to a septum comprising a membrane having an aperture capable of supporting a lipid bilayer; (b) depositing one or more lipids on an internal surface of the chamber; (c) introducing an aqueous solution into the chamber to cover the aperture and the internal surface and to form an interface between the solution and lipids; and (d) moving the interface past the aperture at least once to form a lipid bilayer across the aperture.