Abstract: Devices and methods for performing pre-analysis sample processing of biological and chemical samples using robotic liquid handlers are disclosed. Methods for solid phase extraction, protein precipitation and filtration of biological and chemical samples using automation and the devices in a rapid and convenient way are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the rapid and electricity-free, point-of-care, multiplexed detection and quantification of at least one or more nucleic acid sequences from nucleic acids corresponding to a plurality of pathogens or biomarkers using a micropatterned lateral flow device. Rapid and molecular-level sensitive differential diagnosis of a disease condition may be enabled without the need for a delayed laboratory test so that timely treatment can be administered.

Abstract: Microfluidic gas exchange devices may include one or more exchange modules (100), wherein each exchange module includes: a first layer comprising: one or more primary inlets (108); a first capillary network connected to the one or more primary inlets, wherein the first capillary network extends radially outward from at least one of the one or more primary inlets, and wherein the first capillary network includes one or more injection branches (104) and a series of microchannels (106); and one or more primary outlets connected to the first capillary network; and a second layer that includes a semipermeable membrane.

Abstract: A gases delivery system for medical use is disclosed that has a container configured to house a metal-organic framework material within at least one section of the container. An activation mechanism may be associated with the container. The metal-organic framework material may contain one or more substances such that the one or more substances may be released from the metal-organic framework material when energy is applied to the container via the activation mechanism. The activation mechanism may be a heating mechanism. One or more containers housing metal-organic framework materials may be used in a gases recirculation system.

Abstract: An observation carrier for a microscope is provided. The observation carrier includes a rotation base and a driving unit. The rotation base is adapted to carry a base material, the base material is adapted to receive a droplet, and the droplet includes a sample liquid and at least one sample particle suspended in the sample liquid. The driving unit is connected to the rotation base and is adapted to drive the rotation base to rotate, such that the sample liquid on the base material is removed by a centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the rotation base. In addition, a method of using the observation carrier for a microscope is also provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic patch for separating specific species in biological fluids, comprising a flow layer comprising: a first porous portion to receive and carry a starting biological fluid containing related species; a multilayer membrane downstream the first porous portion and comprising a plurality of graphene-based sheets spaced among each other to define a plurality of parallel channels transversally interconnected and chemically functionalized to provide from the starting biological fluid an outgoing flow of specific species to be detected; and a second porous portion placed downstream the multilayer membrane to receive and carry the outgoing flow to be detected; the patch comprises a first upstream electrode and a first downstream electrode placed respectively upstream and downstream the multilayer membrane to foster the flow through the multilayer membrane from the first to the second porous portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits for analyzing a sample comprising 1,5-anhydroglucitol and a possible first analyte via one or more chemiluminescent reactions. Certain embodiments include measuring a first light response resulting from a first chemiluminescent reaction and measuring a second light response resulting from a second chemiluminescent reaction. Certain embodiments also include comparing the first light response to the second light response to determine a ratio of 1,5-anhydroglucitol and the first analyte. Also provided are kits including reagents for practicing the claimed methods.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a system and method for supplying acetylene to an apparatus using acetylene, the system having at least one acetylene storage apparatus and an acetylene content analysis apparatus. The system and method disclosed in the present invention can utilize the capacity of an acetylene cylinder to a higher degree; before the solvent impurity concentration in acetylene gas reaches a level where it is no longer suitable, a more accurate understanding of the usable acetylene amount in the acetylene storage apparatus can be gained through detection, thereby reducing the number of times that the acetylene storage apparatus is refilled and replaced, and lowering the user's total costs.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to a prefiltration device that can be used with the concentrating pipette instruments and other devices which draw a sample in through one opening and dispense a concentrated or eluted sample out through the same opening. The device allows the sample to be passed through a prefilter when entering the opening and then bypassed the prefilter when being dispensed through the same opening.

Abstract: A reaction processing apparatus includes: a reaction processing vessel; a temperature control system; and a liquid feeding system. The liquid feeding system includes: a pump having a discharge port; a first air channel; a second air channel; a first three-way valve capable of being switched between a state in which a first air communication port communicates with the discharge port and a state in which the first air communication port is opened to the atmospheric pressure; a second three-way valve capable of being switched between a state in which a second air communication port communicates with the discharge port and a state in which the second air communication port is opened to the atmospheric pressure; and a CPU that controls these components.

Abstract: A system and method includes a test container for detecting a target substance in a consumable sample, where the test container includes a test container body defining a test container top, a test container bottom opposing the test container top, a first chamber proximal the test container top, and a second chamber proximal the test container bottom, a magnetic diaphragm situated between the first chamber and the second chamber, the magnetic diaphragm obstructing flow of the consumable sample, and the magnetic diaphragm including a magnetic element embedded in the magnetic diaphragm, and a driving element geometrically complementary to the first chamber, the driving element including a consumable sample grinding feature protruding from a surface of the driving element.

Abstract: Surfaces contactable by a bulk liquid for use in particle isolation are described. The surfaces comprise a plurality of ribs spaced apart to capillarily retain a portion of the bulk liquid and particles of interest therebetween. Collectively, the portion of the bulk liquid retained by the plurality of ribs on the surface forms a liquid film. The one or more particles received within the space and enveloped by the liquid film may be protected from one or more forces exerted by a draining meniscus passing over the surface.

Abstract: There is provided a chemiluminescence detector sample enclosure. The enclosure comprises a first interface member forming part of a chemiluminescence detector and having a first sealing element and a second interface member comprising a plurality of sample holders, each sample holder having a second sealing element. The first interface member is engagable with and moveable between sample holder subsets of the plurality of sample holders, engagement with a respective sample holder subset providing engagement of the first interface member with each sample holder of the respective sample holder subset and relative movement of the first and second interface members providing movement between sample holder subsets; and when the first interface member is engaged with each respective sample holder, the first sealing element and the respective second sealing element are adapted to interact so as to form a light restricting seal between the first interface member and said sample holder.

Abstract: A microtiter plate comprising a first array of M×N wells and a microfluidic probe insert is provided. The microfluidic probe insert includes a second array of M×N microfluidic probe conduits, forming N columns of M conduits. The M conduits include respective orifices in a bounding plane and extend, each, perpendicularly to the bounding plane on one side. The microfluidic probe insert also includes N vacuum circuits, each comprising at least one vacuum port and M openings in the bounding plane, where 2?M, 2?N. The microfluidic probe insert is positioned on the microtiter plate and the microfluidic probe conduits are inserted in respective wells. A processing liquid is ejected from M conduits via the M orifices of the M conduits by applying a negative pressure to a corresponding set of N vacuum circuits via the respective one or more vacuum ports.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a target peptide through a detection approach such as mass spectrometry is provided, including: introducing at least one guard molecule to mix with the target peptide; and applying the detection approach for the characterization of the target peptide. Each guard molecule is configured to have similar characteristics as the target peptide, yet is still distinguishable therefrom by the detection approach, such as having a mass spectrometry-distinguishable different M/z value compared with the target peptide. The method can be used to characterize a neoantigen peptide through mass spectrometry, upstream of which the method can further include steps for tissue sample preparation, HLA molecules enrichment, elution, clean-up, and purification. Some or all of these steps can be configured to be executed in a substantially automatic manner with little or no manual intervention. A system for implementing the neoantigen analysis method is further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and kits for performing microwell analysis in sealed small volumes. The microwells of the invention are sealed through the pairing of microwell and bead geometry wherein the diameter of the beads is greater than the diameter of the bottom of the microwells. Loading the beads into the microwells seals samples within an analytical space between the bottom of a nested bead and the bottom of the subject microwell.

Abstract: Provided are point of care sensor systems that include portable readers and disposable cartridges for receiving and analyzing samples. A cartridge may be equipped with one or more sensor channels, each containing one or more sensors. After providing a sample to a cartridge, the cartridge can be inserted into a reader, which can interact with the cartridge to perform on-cartridge sensing and receive signals indicating the presence and/or quantity of one or more targets in the sample. Examples of cartridges can include cardiac panels, sepsis panels and the like. In some embodiments, the same sensor hardware may be configured for multiple measurements of different targets conducted at different time frames. Also provided herein are novel on-cartridge solid and liquid reagent storage and delivery mechanisms.

Abstract: A setting method includes setting the conductances of the controllable restrictions of an airborne molecular contamination measurement station. The setting method includes an initial identification step, prior to the carrying-out of an airborne molecular contamination measurement step, and during which the sampling line that has the lowest conductance when the conductance of the controllable restriction of the said sampling line is set to its maximum value is determined, and an initial conductance-setting step prior to the carrying-out of the measurement step and after the initial identification step, and during which the conductances of the controllable restrictions are set to make them correspond to the lowest conductance determined in the initial identification step. Further, a measurement station is provided for measuring airborne molecular contamination.

Abstract: A method of determining saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene (SARA) fractions of a hydrocarbon fluid sample, including: i) microfluidic mixing that forms a mixture including the hydrocarbon fluid sample and a solvent fluid that dissolves asphaltenes; ii) performing optical spectroscopy on the hydrocarbon fluid sample-solvent fluid mixture resulting from i); iii) microfluidic mixing that forms a mixture including the hydrocarbon fluid sample and a titrant fluid that precipitates asphaltenes; iv) microfluidically precipitating asphaltenes from the hydrocarbon fluid sample-titrant fluid mixture resulting from iii); v) performing a microfluidic filtering operation that removes precipitated asphaltenes from the mixture resulting from iv) while outputting permeate; vi) performing optical spectroscopy on the permeate resulting from v); vii) determining an asphaltene fraction percentage of the hydrocarbon fluid sample based on the optical spectroscopy performed in ii) and vi); viii) sequentially separating sa

Abstract: A base station information DB (11) of a base station management apparatus (1) stores base station information that indicates wireless schemes that can be implemented by base stations (5), scheduled periods for implementation of the wireless schemes, and coverage areas of the base stations (5) in which wireless terminals can be accommodated.

Abstract: A nucleic acid purification device according to the inventive concept includes an activated carbon fiber filter, wherein the activated carbon fiber filter includes an activated carbon fiber and a potassium compound coated on the surface of the activated carbon fiber.

Abstract: Microfabricated PM sensors measure concentrations of particulate matter (PM) in air. Some sensors improve the accuracy of measurements by accounting for the effect of ambient conditions (e.g., temperature or humidity) on mass-sensitive elements employed to determine a mass of the PM in a stream of air. Some sensors improve the accuracy of measurements by controlling humidity in the stream of air measured by mass-sensitive elements. Some sensors employ a plurality of mass-sensitive elements to extend the useful life of the PM sensor. Some sensors employ one or more mass-sensitive elements and heating elements to cause deposition and allow measurement of different sizes of PM. Some sensors can measure mass concentration of coarse PM in addition to fine PM in a stream of air. Some sensors control the flow rate of a stream of air measured by mass-sensitive elements. Some sensors include features to mitigate electromagnetic interference or electromagnetic signal loss.

Abstract: A filter medium is provided. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the filter medium is implemented by including: a porous second support and a nanofiber web which are sequentially stacked on each of an upper portion and a lower portion of a first support; and a channel through which a filtrate filtered in the nanofiber web flows in a direction of the first support, wherein the first support, the second support, and the nanofiber web satisfy predetermined conditions on a basis weight and a thickness of each layer. In a water treatment operation of the filter medium, the shape, structural deformation, and damage of the filter medium can be minimized, excellent filtration efficiency can be implemented, and a channel can be smoothly secured, thereby securing high flux. In addition, even at high pressure applied during backwashing, the filter medium has an extended use period due to excellent durability of the filter medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for finding and sampling hydrocarbons from seeps in water or from artificial sources of water. The present invention related to systems and methods for in situ analyzing fluid samples in a body of water. The systems and methods can be used to find hydrocarbons and associated non-hydrocarbons from seeps in water. Such seeps may come from natural sources in deep water, possibly as deep as 3000 m or even more.

Abstract: An ion chromatography (IC) suppressor includes a first clamping plate, an intermediate plate, a second clamping plate, a first ion exchange membrane, a second ion exchange membrane, a first electrode and a second electrode. The first clamping plate, the intermediate plate and the second clamping plate are tightly buckled in sequence to compact the first ion exchange membrane between the first clamping plate and the intermediate plate and compact the second ion exchange membrane between the intermediate plate and the second clamping plate. Resin particles are filled between the two ion exchange membranes. An eluent inlet and an eluent outlet are provided respectively at two ends of the intermediate plate, and an accommodating groove is formed at each of a tail end of the eluent inlet and a head end of the eluent outlet. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are provided with a sealing lip, respectively.

Abstract: Sampling devices for sampling an aqueous source (e.g., field testing of ground water) for multiple different analytes are described. Devices include a solid phase extraction component for retention of a wide variety of targeted analytes. Devices include analyte derivatization capability for improved extraction of targeted analytes. Thus, a single device can be utilized to examine a sample source for a wide variety of analytes. Devices also include an isotope dilution capability that can prevent error introduction to the sample analysis and can correct for sample loss and degradation from the point of sampling until analysis as well as correction for incomplete or poor derivatization reactions. The devices can be field-deployable and rechargeable.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus (20) includes a sensor output data acquisition unit (210), a prediction equation generation unit (220), and an operation setting unit (230). The sensor output data acquisition unit (210) acquires sensor output data for each sampling length of an odor sensor with respect to a target gas. The prediction equation generation unit (220) generates, by using the sensor output data for each sampling length, a prediction equation for making a prediction for an odor component of the target gas. The operation setting unit (230) determines, by using the prediction equation, a sampling length for operating the odor sensor.

Abstract: A device may receive information identifying results of a spectroscopic measurement performed on an unknown sample. The device may determine a decision boundary for a quantification model based on a configurable parameter, such that a first plurality of training set samples of the quantification model is within the decision boundary and a second plurality of training set samples of the quantification model is not within the decision boundary. The device may determine a distance metric for the spectroscopic measurement performed on the unknown sample relative to the decision boundary. The device may determine a plurality of distance metrics for the second plurality of training set samples of the quantification model relative to the decision boundary. The device may provide information indicating whether the spectroscopic measurement performed on the unknown sample corresponds to the quantification model.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cartridge includes at least one compartment and a reagent in the at least one compartment. The reagent is a chemical composition for testing at least one of soil and vegetation for a chemical contained in the soil or vegetation. The reagent can be used in a soil and/or vegetation analysis test. The cartridge can contain an authentication chip to ensure that the reagent is the correct reagent for the analysis test.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods for detecting the presence of and amount of drugs in a sample, particularly a particle sample obtained from a subject. In particular disclosed embodiments, the particle samples are skin particle samples, saliva particle samples, and/or mucous samples isolated from a subject and analyzed using thermal desorption methods combined with a selected detection method.

Abstract: Combined dissolution rate and permeation rate testing apparatus includes temperature-controllable testing cell units arranged on a housing frame. Each testing cell unit includes a donor chamber receivable of dissolution media, a receptor chamber receivable of bodily fluid, gaskets that retain a membrane between the two chambers, and controllable mixers that mix the fluid in the receptor chamber. A flow control arrangement operatively circulates dissolution media through the donor chamber and enables sampling of the dissolution media. Another flow control arrangement operatively circulates bodily fluid through the receptor chamber. An analysis unit analyzes dissolution media removed from the donor chamber and bodily fluid removed from the receptor chamber to provide data about dissolution of a pharmaceutical product dissolved in the dissolution media and permeation of the pharmaceutical product through the membrane into the bodily fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for preparing a plurality of samples for an analytical method, comprising a carousel with a solid housing and moveable receiving parts for the sample containers; a control for controlling the receiving parts in the carousel; and a sample receiving device for providing the sample for the analytical method. Said arrangement is characterized in that one or more stations for preparing samples are provided on the carousel, the receiving parts for the sample containers of the carousel can be positioned on said stations. Said arrangement also comprises a centrifuge with pairs of opposite lying receiving parts provided for the sample containers, and said receiving parts are arranged such that they can move on the centrifuge for the sample holder such that a transfer of a sample holder between a receiving part in the carousel and a receiving part in the centrifuge can be carried out. The control takes place by the same control which is also provided for controlling the carousel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus and methods for verification and re-use of process fluids. The apparatus generally includes a tool for performing lithography, and a recirculation path coupled to the tool. The recirculation path generally includes a collection unit coupled at first end to a first end of the tool, and a probe coupled at a first end to a second end of the collection unit, the probe for determining one or more characteristics of a fluid flowing from the tool. The recirculation path of the apparatus further generally includes a purification unit coupled at a first end to a third end of the collection unit, the purification unit further coupled at a second end to a second end of the probe, the purification unit for changing a characteristic of the fluid.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulphide sampling and detection system and method for determination of the content of gaseous CO2 and/or H2S in a liquid, among other chemical compounds. In one embodiment, the detection system includes a membrane block having a liquid sample inlet port and a sample outlet port between which a sample flow path extends. The membrane block includes a first membrane unit and a second membrane unit. The first membrane unit includes a sample flow on the first side of a first permeable membrane element, and a carrier gas flow on the second side of the first permeable membrane element. The second membrane unit having a sample flow on the first side of a second permeable membrane element and a carrier gas flow on the second side of the second permeable membrane element.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for capturing target extracellular vesicles from a fluid sample. In some implementations, a microfluidic device includes a microfluidic channel where an internal surface of at least one wall of the microfluidic channel includes a plurality of grooves or ridges, or both grooves and ridges, arranged and configured to generate chaotic mixing within a fluid sample flowing through the microfluidic channel. The microfluidic device also includes a plurality of elongate flexible linker molecules, each having a molecular weight between about 1.8-4.8 kDa, where each elongate flexible linker molecule is bound at a first end to an internal surface of at least one wall of the microfluidic channel and is bound at a second end to one or more binding moieties that specifically bind to a target extracellular vesicle.

Abstract: Method and system for the extraction of oils from a biomass with a liquid carbon dioxide using cosolvent. The system and method can be used to extract cannabinoids from cannabis biomass by cryogenically freezing the biomass and exposing the cannabis biomass to sub-cooled liquid carbon dioxide and capturing a first high-terpene extract fraction, and then exposing the cannabis biomass with a mixture of superfluid carbon dioxide and a cosolvent to capture a high cannabinoid second fraction.

Abstract: A sensor system comprising a housing having an inlet aperture through which fluid enters the housing and a conditioning material in the housing, the conditioning material being adapted to control levels of a substance within the housing. The sensor system comprises a sensor for analysing the fluid in the housing. The sensor system comprises circulation means which is configured to alternate circulation of fluid within the housing between a sensing fluid path in which the fluid is analysed by the sensor and a second fluid path in which the fluid flow is conditioned. A method for analysing fluid in a housing using a sensor is also provided.

Abstract: A sample probe for sorptive sampling comprises an elongate body having a longitudinal axis defined along its length and a radial axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A sorbent element formed of a sorbent material is secured to the body. The elongate body has an outer surface and a recess located along the length of the body that extends radially into the outer surface. The sorbent element is at least partially received within the recess of the body which mechanically locks the sorbent element to the body to prevent relative longitudinal movement of the sorbent element relative to the body.

Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring analytes and target particles in a sample are disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a cartridge device. In other embodiments, the disclosure provides a method of using a cartridge device as disclosed herein for analyzing analytes and target particles in a sample. In further embodiments, the disclosure provides an analyzer including a cartridge device and a control unit device. The control unit device is configured to receive, operate, and/or actuate the cartridge device. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a method of using an analyzer as disclosed herein for analyzing analytes and target particles in a sample.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an arrangement (100?) in a capillary driven fluidic system for preventing wicking of a fluid along an edge (105) between a first substrate (110?) and a second substrate (120?), said arrangement comprising: a first substrate (110?) including a microfluidic channel (114) arranged to house the fluid, a second substrate (120?) arranged to cover a portion of the first substrate (110?), wherein the microfluidic channel (134) of the first substrate (110?) meets the second structure (120?) at a position (124) along an edge (105) defined between the first (110?) and second (120?) substrates, wherein the first and the second substrate collectively define a trench (130) for stopping wicking of the fluid along the edge (105), said trench (130) being arranged in at least one of the first substrate (110?) and the second substrate (120?), and located at a distance from said position (124) along the edge (105) and intersecting the edge (105).

Abstract: A pretreatment method for analyzing dioxin compounds and an analytical method using the same, in which a column packed with polymer beads that are capable of selectively adsorbing dioxin compounds is used in a purification step during pretreatment, thereby remarkably reducing a time required for pretreatment and improving a recovery rate of an internal standard for purification, are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detection and/or identification of analytes including bacteria using dielectrophoresis and electroosmotic traps. Switching between different frequencies of an applied electric field results in movement of the analyte between dielectrophoresis and electroosmotic trapping states. The use of edge-based sensing techniques enables the use of electrodes with a larger form factor than nanowire sensors. Signal modulation based on analyte contact with the electrode edge is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microarray adsorption substrate, a driving circuit, and a display device. A temporary base is adsorbed on a temporary substrate by charging an electrostatic adsorption microarray structure on the temporary base. After the processing is completed, the temporary base is stripped off from the temporary substrate by discharging the electrostatic adsorption microarray structure, thereby greatly reducing the damage to the temporary base during stripping.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing pre-analysis sample processing of biological and chemical samples using robotic liquid handlers are disclosed. Methods for solid phase extraction, protein precipitation and filtration of biological and chemical samples using automation and the devices in a rapid and convenient way are described.

Abstract: Exhaled breath analysis in health and disease is an area of growing clinical interest with the potential to be adopted through the whole respiratory healthcare continuum. However, currently there is no standard for exhaled breath collection, and the optimal way to preconcentrate the highly humid exhaled breath is not known. Described is an optimized combination of sorbent materials and sample handling methods that allows quantitative capturing of exhaled molecules over a broad range in highly humid conditions. The invention can be applied in pre-concentration units of future devices for exhaled breath analysis, for example at the bedside.

Abstract: A pipette tip (20) containing a rigid porous matrix (22) on which a ligand is immobilized, the ligand being capable of binding to a protein associated with chromatin; the rigid porous matrix being positioned within the pipette tip such that, in use, chromatin in a liquid sample passing through the pipette tip is retained by the rigid porous matrix is described. A method of isolating chromatin from the liquid sample using the pipette tip and the use of the pipette tip in a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of supported liquid extraction (SLE), wherein adsorption of at least one analyte to a solid phase is performed in the presence of salt. The method may include contacting a sample with salt, adsorption phase such as diatomaceous earth and optionally a subsequent step of phospholipid depletion. Also disclosed is a cartridge including two compartments, for salt and adsorption phase, and optionally a third compartment including a phospholipid depletion phase.

Abstract: Transdermally emitted gasses are detected by applying a dermal sampling strip to the skin of a biological subject, capturing the gasses in a vapor space in the dermal sampling strip, and analyzing for at least one such gas captured in the vapor space of the dermal sampling strip. Analysis is preferably performed using an electrocatalytic cell, which can be mounted on the dermal sampling strip and form a wall of the vapor space.

Abstract: A nucleic acid analysis apparatus with isothermal based amplification includes a chamber, a fluid delivery unit, a thermal unit, a rotational driven unit and at least one optical unit. The chamber includes a cartridge mounted therein. The fluid delivery unit is connected with the chamber and adapted to transport reagents within the cartridge for sample purification and/or nucleic acid extraction. The thermal unit is disposed in the chamber and adapted to provide a predefined temperature for nucleic acid amplification. The rotational driven unit is connected with the chamber and comprises a motion control unit, wherein the motion control unit is capable of pressing the cartridge during sample purification and/or nucleic acid extraction and rotating the cartridge with a predefined program during nucleic acid amplification and/or detection. The at least one optical unit is disposed on the chamber and includes plural optical components for detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reagents and methods for binding compounds to surfaces that are hydrophobic. More specifically, the invention relates to simple methods for coating of hydrophobic planar, membrane or particle surfaces to facilitate binding of molecules such as labels, dyes, synthetic and biological polymers and/or nanoparticles thereto.