Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to nanoparticle formulations, and more specifically to nanoparticle and ligands used for imparting low-pH solubility in a range of solvents, including photoluminescent materials such as quantum dots.

Abstract: A nanocrystal with a large Stokes shift includes a matrix domain having a composition of M1xM2yAz, and a plurality of seed domains which are distributed in the matrix domain and each of which has a composition of M1x?M2y?Az?, wherein M1, M2, A, x, y, z, x?, y?, and z? are as defined herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting the presence of antibodies against mycobacterial material in a sample by detecting binding of antibodies in said sample to at least two types of immobilised antigen, which antigens are capable of binding to an antibody which is indicative for the presence of mycobacterial material in a human or animal. Also disclosed is a solid substrate including a combination of said at least two antigens immobilised to said substrate, and to a biosensor having at least two types of immobilised antigen, which antigens are capable of binding to an antibody which is indicative for the presence of mycobacterial material in a human or animal.

Abstract: There is provided a microfluidic device comprising: a plurality of wells, each well comprising one opening to function as an inlet and an outlet for the well, wherein each opening is in fluid communication with a common fluidic channel, and wherein each opening is connected to the common fluidic channel via an isolation channel, and wherein the plurality of wells is arranged on the device in a radially symmetrical pattern. There is also provided a system and method comprising the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a nanocomposite having a core-shell structure, the method comprising the steps of: forming a core comprising a first fluorophore capable of aggregation induced emission, and depositing a second fluorophore capable of aggregation caused quenching onto the surface of the core to form a shell at least partially surrounding the core. The present invention also relates to a nanocomposite obtained by said method, and a method of altering the fluorescence of said nanocomposite. The nanocomposite may exhibit dual emission colours and opposite aggregation fluorescent behaviours.

Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.

Abstract: Provided herein is a sensing apparatus comprising, at least one LSPR light source, at least one detector, and at least one sensor for LSPR detection of a target chemical. The sensor comprises a substantially transparent, porous membrane having nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of its pores, the nanoparticles being functionalized with one or more capture molecules. There is further provided a self-referencing sensor for distinguishing non-specific signals from analyte binding signals. The self-referencing sensor comprising one or more nanoparticles having at least two distinct LSPR signals.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a channel (4) configured to conduct charge carriers; and a charge carrier generator (22) configured to generate charge carriers for populating the channel, wherein the charge carrier generator is configured for resonance energy transfer (FRET). The charge carrier generator may be a nanoparticle or quantum dot (22), functionalised with at least one moiety (28A, 28B) to enable detection of an analyte. The charge carrier generator may also be a nanoparticle or quantum dot (22) configured to photo-generate charge carriers. The channel (4) may be made of a material having a very high carrier mobility like graphene or carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to enclosed desorption electrospray ionization probes, systems, and methods. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a source of DESI-active spray, in which a distal portion of the source is enclosed within a transfer member such that the DESI-active spray is produced within the transfer member.

Abstract: Ion-doped metal or ceramic nanoparticles can be added into, for example, a component that upon exposure to an environmental stimulus, will release the ion and ‘tattle’ on any impending destruction.

Abstract: The present invention provides for lysing systems and methods to rapidly lyse bugs, bacteria, viruses, cells and/or algae in an efficient manner in addition to fragmenting DNA and/or RNA onto smaller pieces. Solutions or gases containing the biological material to be lysed are introduced or pumped (flow) between two or more apexes of metallic triangles with microwave energy focused at the apexes. Subsequently, the rapid heating of fluid between the apexes lyses cells allows for increased collection of the lysate, the inner genetic materials or other components for further purification or isolating thereafter.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing stable suspensions of metal nanoparticles by means of a microwave-assisted metal nanoparticle synthesis undertaken in an aqueous environment at low temperature and at ambient pressure and atmosphere.

Abstract: There is provided a metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter in a range of from 200 to 1600 nm, an average height in a range of from 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio, as defined by a ratio of the average particle diameter to the average height, in a range of from 1 to 8, wherein the metal-based particles are disposed such that an average distance between adjacent metal-based particles may be in a range of from 1 to 150 nm. This metal-based particle assembly presents significantly intense plasmon resonance and also allows plasmon resonance to have an effect over a range extended to a significantly large distance.

Abstract: The invention provides novel gold nanoclusters of the formula Au20(SR)15(weak ligand), wherein each R is independently an organic group, and the weak ligand is a weakly associating gold ligand of Formula I as described herein. The nanocluster can have an approximate molecular weight of 6 kDa. Corresponding dimers of the nanocluster can have an approximate molecular weight of 10 kDa (by SEC). The invention also provides methods of making and using the gold nanoclusters.

Abstract: There is provided a metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter in a range of from 200 to 1600 nm, an average height in a range of from 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio, as defined by a ratio of the average particle diameter to the average height, in a range of from 1 to 8, wherein the metal-based particles are disposed such that an average distance between adjacent metal-based particles may be in a range of from 1 to 150 nm. This metal-based particle assembly presents significantly intense plasmon resonance and also allows plasmon resonance to have an effect over a range extended to a significantly large distance.

Abstract: This invention provides a nanofiber, including: a core, which extends along the axis of the nanofiber, and its main component includes Ag(NH3)2+ or AgNO3; a shell, which extends along the nanofiber and coats the core of the nanofiber, and its main component of the shell structure includes: PVP, TBAP, SDS, grapheme, PMAA or PFBT nanoparticle. Moreover, the invention also provides a photovoltaic device which comprises the patterned nanofibers.

Abstract: There is provided a metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter in a range of from 200 to 1600 nm, an average height in a range of from 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio, as defined by a ratio of the average particle diameter to the average height, in a range of from 1 to 8, wherein the metal-based particles are disposed such that an average distance between adjacent metal-based particles may be in a range of from 1 to 150 nm. This metal-based particle assembly presents significantly intense plasmon resonance and also allows plasmon resonance to have an effect over a range extended to a significantly large distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides simple and inexpensive assays for the detection of virtually any analyte in any sample that is in liquid form or that can be solubilized. The assays utilize the fluid dynamics of drop evaporation whereby soluble materials, including analytes and particles binding thereto, are drawn to the edge of the drop and ultimately form a concentrated residual ring. The presence or absence of certain reagents can then be detected through a number of different approaches.

Abstract: A process that allows convenient production of multifunctional composite particles by direct self-assembly of hydrophobic nanoparticles on host nanostructures containing high density surface thiol groups is present. Hydrophobic nanoparticles of various compositions and combinations can be directly assembled onto the host surface through the strong coordination interactions between metal cations and thiol groups. The resulting structures can be further conveniently overcoated with a layer of normal silica to stabilize the assemblies and render them highly dispersible in water for biomedical applications. As the entire fabrication process does not involve complicated surface modification procedures, the hydrophobic ligands on the nanoparticles are not disturbed significantly so that they retain their original properties such as highly efficient luminescence.

Abstract: An optical device includes: a substrate having a dielectric layer and a plurality of metal particles; and an organic molecular layer formed by self-assembly on at least either the surface of the dielectric layer or the surfaces of the metal particles. In the organic molecular layer, a first organic molecule and a second organic molecule are alternately arranged in a first direction, and the chain length of an organic group of the first organic molecule and the chain length of an organic group of the second organic molecule are different from each other.

Abstract: Tubing such as clear plastic disposable tubing or glass tubing includes a photonic sensor formed in or placed within the tubing. The photonic sensors can take the form of photonic crystal sensors, distributed feedback laser sensors, and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensors, including photonic crystal enhanced SERS sensors. Detection arrangements for the sensors are described. The invention has many applications including tubing used in hospital care (e.g., urinary catheters, intravenous fluid delivery tubing, tubing used in dialysis, e.g. heparin lines or blood tubing sets), food manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, water quality monitoring, and environmental monitoring.

Abstract: A device is presented comprising a multi-layer structure with a plurality of metal islands on the surface of a solid transparent substrate. The islands are coated by an ultrathin sol-gel derived silica film via self-assembled monolayer.

Abstract: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry has been used for detecting binding events and measuring binding selectivities between chemicals and receptors. XRF may also be used for estimating the therapeutic index of a chemical, for estimating the binding selectivity of a chemical versus chemical analogs, for measuring post-translational modifications of proteins, and for drug manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the expression and/or production of variable domains with a C-terminal extension that can be used for coupling of the variable domain to one or more further groups, residues or moieties. In the method of the invention a yield of at least 80% of variable domains with a cysteine containing C-terminal extension is obtained. Also variable domains are provided and polypeptides comprising one or more variable domains obtainable by the methods of the present invention, as well as compounds that comprise such variable domains and/or polypeptides coupled to one or more groups, residues or moieties.

Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing nanoparticles and novel nanoparticles. The nanoparticle preparation comprises the generation of a mixture comprising a plurality of metal-containing compounds and a copolymer of a polyethylene glycol and an amine-containing polyamino acid such as polylysine where a metal core and polymer shell nanoparticle is formed. The novel nanoparticles have a metallic core and a graft copolymer shell of polyethylene glycol and an amine-containing polyamino acid where the shell least partially surrounds the metallic core and is non-ionically bound to the metallic core via metal-amine bonds.

Abstract: A biochip including a metal nanoparticle layer on a multilayer substrate can perform qualitative and quantitative analyses simply without a separate tag. A biochip including a metal nanoparticle layer on a multilayer substrate and using a CMOS image sensor can be an economically beneficial biochip reusable and convenient in use by employing a relatively simple detection method without a need of using a separate tag.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of determining protein-nucleic acid interaction. The method comprises mixing a protein with a sample comprising a nucleic acid which is suspected to interact with the protein to form a first mixture. The first mixture can be incubated to allow interaction between the protein and nucleic acid. Metallic nanoparticles are added to the first mixture to obtain a second mixture. An electrolyte is added to the first or second mixture to determine the protein-nucleic acid interaction. The present invention also refers to a kit for determining protein-nucleic acid interaction. The kit comprises a protein capable of interacting with a nucleic acid or a nucleic acid capable of interacting with a protein, and at least one type of metallic nanoparticle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a quantum dot-embedded silica nanoparticle having plural quantum dots embedded within the silica nanoparticle, wherein the number of quantum dots existing in a concentric area within 10% of a radius from a center of the silica nanoparticle accounts for 10 to 70% of the number of total quantum dots embedded in the silica nanoparticle.

Abstract: A biomolecular assay includes a substrate with a metallic layer on at least one surface thereof. The metallic film includes nanocavities. The nanocavities are configured to enhance signals that are representative of the presence or amount of one or more analytes in a sample or sample solution, and may be configured to enhance the signal by a factor of about two or more or by a factor of about three or more. Such signal enhancement may be achieved with nanocavities that are organized in an array, randomly positioned nanocavities, or nanocavities that are surrounded by increased surface area features, such as corrugation or patterning, or nanocavities that have quadrilateral or triangular shapes with tailored edge lengths, or with a plurality of nanoparticles. Methods for fabricating biomolecular substrates and assay techniques in which such biomolecular substrates are used are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations. In addition, the present invention provides a procedure for the creation of material surfaces with desired properties and for the fabrication of surface-mounted optical components.

Abstract: Devices having an electromagnetic detector for the detection of analytes are disclosed. The devices include an electromagnetic detector, including effective inductance-change magnetic detectors, and a binding moiety. The device can include an electromagnetic material that can be detected by the detector. The device is configured such that binding of an analyte to the binding moiety changes the relationship between the electromagnetic detector and the electromagnetic material such that a change in electromagnetic field is detected by the electromagnetic detector.

Abstract: Provided is a microanalysis method and system using a Field Effect Transistor (FET). The microanalysis method includes a channel region having a receptor molecule fixed; forming a nano-particle conjugate in the channel region by supplying a sample for test and the nano-particle conjugate to the FET; growing a probe material on the channel region; and measuring a current flowing through the channel region, wherein the receptor molecule is a material that is selectively bonded to a target molecule in the sample for test.

Abstract: Disclosed are a glycated protein measurement sensor and a portable glycated protein measurement apparatus. The glycated protein measurement sensor includes: a sensing film (300) formed on a predetermined base material (100); and first and second unit sensors (10?, 10?) including a positive (+) electrode (400) and a negative (?) electrode (500) disposed facing each other at a predetermined distance on both ends of the sensing film (300). A ligand composition (600?) including an aromatic boron acid combined with a first target material (700) as an effective component is disposed on the first sensing film (300) of the first unit sensor (10?). Also, a receptor (600?) combined with the first or second target material (700) is disposed on the second sensing film (300) of the second unit sensor (10?). Here, the first target material (700) is a glycated protein (700?), and the second target material (700) is a protein (700?).

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for the evaluation and/or quantification of the binding affinity of small molecules or other compounds to target components contained within an analyte, such as target proteins contained within the proteome of a cell or tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bilayer membrane produced using a microchannel capable of easily forming bilayer membranes such as planar lipid bilayer membranes in large quantities, and a production method thereof. A process for producing a bilayer membrane of the present invention comprises forming a state where two liquid phases or liquid and gaseous phases each containing amphipathic molecules are alternately arranged in a microchannel, discharging one of the two liquid phases or the gaseous phase of the liquid and gaseous phases through branch minichannels formed in the wall on one side or in the walls on both sides to contact the remaining liquid phases adjacent to each other, and thereby forming a side-by-side arrangement of bilayer membranes comprising the amphipathic molecules.

Abstract: A host antigen-specific antibody testing system and method. The a ternary complex of the antigen, a ligand-bound anti-host IgM, and a non-host anti-antigen IgG detector conjugate selectively form a quaternary complex with host antibodies, wherein the host antibodies and IgG compete for the antigen, and the IgM binds the host antibodies. The quaternary complex is retained by an immobilized IgM ligand binding agent, and any residual ternary is retained by a later encountered immobilized anti-non-host IgG. If sufficient host antibodies have a high affinity for the antigen, the complex is detected at the quaternary complex detection region based on the presence of the detector, and if there are insufficient high affinity host antibodies, the ternary complex migrates past the quaternary complex detection region and is retained and detected at a control region.

Abstract: A device for quantitatively determining an analyte is provided to conspicuously improve the performance of the quantitative determination. This device is equipped with a flow channel, an analyte detecting unit for capturing and detecting the analyte, and a quantitative measurement unit for quantitatively determining the analyte, wherein a signal generated when the analyte detecting unit has detected the analyte is divided into a plurality of parts in the direction of the flow in the flow channel at the quantitative measurement unit for processing. Also provided are technologies including one for controlling the density of molecules attached to the surface of a solid. In these technologies, when molecules are attached to a substrate, the density of attached molecules is controlled, by having an electrolyte also present in a solution containing the molecules to adjust the screening effect by the electrolyte, and by taking into consideration the effective size of a molecule.

Abstract: A method of performing a measurement with a sensor having a sensing surface and at least one capture molecule attached to the sensing surface for forming a binding pair with an analyte of interest, the binding pair having a flexible spatial orientation, the method comprising capturing the analyte of interest with the capture molecule, thereby forming the binding pair in an initial spatial orientation; applying a first electromagnetic force to the sensing surface to alter the spatial orientation of the binding pair; and performing a sensor measurement with the binding pair in the altered spatial orientation. A sensor apparatus implementing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluorescent nanoparticle composites themselves, the process of preparing such composites, to systems for rapid diagnosis (as “kits”) containing such composites, and to the use of such composites. In a preferential embodiment, the composites of the present invention have an affinity for biological molecules, such as DNA. The present invention also comprises the preparation of probes containing biological material, upon which are added fluorescent nanoparticle composites, making viable a rapid and economic biological diagnosis of, for example, diseases and genetic traits, notably in the medical and veterinarian fields.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the quantitative determination of molecular interactions between ligands in solution and receptors immobilized on the surface of a solid transparent material coated by one or more antireflective dielectric layers, through direct measurement of the light reflected by the interface between the surface and the solution.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an element for SPR measurement without the need of a mechanical solution-sending mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides for sonication-assisted metal-enhanced fluorescence, luminescence, and/or chemiluminescence assay systems using low-intensity ultrasound waves to significantly reduce the assay time by increasing the kinetic movement of molecules within the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quantitative assay device and a method for the determination of an analyte, based on a test strip, which contains a porous test membrane allowing for capillary flow of the analyte and complexes of the analyte, a porous upstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane and a porous downstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane, wherein the test membrane contains two bands having deposited on there high and low concentrations of different calibrator agents and a test band capable of reacting with conjugated analyte complexes giving rise to a measurable signal.

Abstract: A dual-interaction ligand for rendering otherwise hydrophobic nanoparticles water soluble or suspendable has a hydrophilic base with a plurality of hydrophilic segments extending from a core of the base, where at least one segment or the core contains a hydrophobic groups capable of forming van der Waal interaction between hydrophobic groups of the dual-interaction ligand and other hydrophobic ligands, and at least one complexing functionality to complex a metal atom or ion of a nanoparticle. The dual-interaction ligands can be combined with hydrophobic nanoparticles, where the dual-interaction ligands can displace some or all of the hydrophobic ligands of the hydrophobic nanoparticles, to form a nanoparticle-dual interaction ligand complex that can be dissolved or dispersed readily in an aqueous solution. The dual interaction ligand can be functionalized to attach an antibody or other biomolecules such that the nanoparticle dual-interaction ligands complexes can contain biomolecules.

Abstract: Methods, systems, compositions include biocompatible polymer coated nanoceria that function as aqueous redox catalyst with enhanced activity at an acidic to moderately alkaline pH value between 1 and 8. The compositions are used as oxidizing agents for decomposition, decontamination or inactivation of organic contaminants, such as, pesticides and chemical warfare agents. Another use includes nanoceria as targetable nanocatalyst prepared by conjugating various targeting ligands to the nanoparticle coating to form a colorimetric or fluorescent probe in immunoassays and other molecule binding assays that involve the use of a molecule in solution that changes the color of the solution or emits a fluorescent signal, where localization of nanoceria to organs or tissue is assessed by treatment with an oxidation sensitive dye or other detection devices.

Abstract: A chemical sensor element contains a resonator having a first reflector in which particles of a fine metal structure are arranged two-dimensionally and periodically is counterposed with interposition of a dielectric layer to a second reflector, wherein the resonance wavelength of a resonator in which the entire of the first reflector is replaced by a metal thin film having the same thickness as the metal fine structure is different from the surface plasmon resonance wavelength induced in the metal fine structure; and the mode of the surface plasmon resonance excited in the metal fine structure is coupled with the mode of the resonator in which the entire of the first reflector is replaced by the metal thin film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a colloidal suspension of precious metal nanoparticles. The method comprises providing a target material comprising a precious metal in a liquid dispersion medium in an ablation container. The dispersion medium has an electrical conductivity within a predetermined conductivity range. Laser pulses are used to generate the nanoparticles from the target in the container. While generating the nanoparticles the electrical conductivity of the dispersion medium is monitored and maintained within the predetermined range and thereby the generated nanoparticles are produced within a predetermined size range. The generated nanoparticles are used to form a colloidal suspension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for detecting a pathogenic conformational isomer of the prion protein in a sample, said method comprising a preliminary step for capturing the pathogenic conformational isomer by putting the sample into contact with nanobeads covered with a ligand of the pathogenic conformational isomer, and then applying a cyclic amplification of the misfolded prion protein directly on the solid support having captured the pathogenic conformational isomer, and detecting the presence of the pathogenic conformational isomer. The invention also relates to a kit for applying this method and to a method for decontaminating a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the detection of cardiac markers on a droplet actuator. An aspect provides a method of assaying a cardiac marker in a biological sample from a subject, the method including providing a droplet actuator, loading the biological sample and assay reagents on the droplet actuator, executing droplet operations to create sample droplets from the sample and reagent droplets from the reagents on the droplet actuator, and executing droplet operations using the sample droplets and reagent droplets to produce a detectable signal indicative of the quantity of the cardiac marker in the biological sample. Still other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A device for volumetric metering a liquid biologic sample is provided. The device includes an initial chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, a first valve, a second valve and a third valve. The chambers are each configured so that liquid sample disposed in the respective chamber is subject to capillary forces. Each chamber has a volume, and the volume of the initial chamber is greater than the volume of either the second or the third chambers. The valves each have a burst pressure. The burst pressure of the first valve is greater than the third burst pressure. The first valve is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The second valve is disposed between, and is in fluid communication with, the initial chamber and the third chamber. The third valve is in fluid communication with the third chamber.