North Carolina State University

Daniel L Feldheim

Christopher B Gorman

Ryan R Fuierer

Stefan Franzen

Louis C Brousseau, Iii

Marisha Godek

Joseph A Ryan

James P Novak

David A Shultz

Stella M Marinakos

Alexander G Tkachenko

Stefan Franzen, Legal Representative

The present invention discloses gradients and methods of forming gradients. The gradients can form a component of a molecular machine, such as those disclosed herein. The molecular machines of the present invention can perform a range of tasks including nanoparticle heterostructure assembly, derivatization of a nanoparticle and synthesis of biomolecules, to name just a few applications.

Gradient fabrication to direct transport on a surface

A method of detecting the presence of an analyte, such as a target nucleic acid sequence, protein sequence or small molecule, which can also be employed to detect the formation of duplex structures, is disclosed. The method can comprise nucleic acids, proteins and small molecules, employing photoelectrochemically active nanoparticles, branched polymers or other structures that carry photoelectrochemically active molecules capable of generating a photocurrent when excited by light in the presence of an electric field is disclosed. The method can be employed to detect hybridization on an array and can be employed in sequencing, mutational analysis (for example, single nucleotide polymorphisms and other variations in a population) and for monitoring gene expression by analysis of the level of expression of messenger RNA extracted from a cell. The method is applicable to the detection of antibody binding or other protein binding for analyte detection in an array format. The creation of an array addressable by light is disclosed.

Light addressable electrochemical detection of duplex structures

A nanoparticle delivery vehicle, comprising a nanoparticle, an active agent and a nuclear localization signal and methods of modulating gene expression and protein expression employing the nanoparticle delivery vehicle. A representative method includes providing a nanoparticle delivery vehicle comprising a nanoparticle having a diameter of about 30 nm or less, an active agent and a nuclear localization signal; and contacting a target cell with the nanoparticle delivery vehicle, whereby an active agent is delivered to the nucleus of a target cell. Another representative method includes providing a nanoparticle delivery vehicle comprising a nanoparticle having a diameter greater than or equal to about 30 nm, an active agent and a nuclear localization signal; and contacting a target cell with the nanoparticle delivery vehicle, whereby an active agent is delivered to the cytoplasm of a cell.

Nanoparticle delivery vehicle

A molecule is wired into an electronic circuit by attaching a metal nanoparticle to the molecule and then electrically connecting a metal nanoparticle to the electric circuit. The metal nanoparticle interconnects can bridge the gap between small molecules and conventional electric circuits. An optical second harmonic also may be generated by impinging optical radiation having a first frequency on an array of molecularly bridged metal nanoparticles, to generate optical energy at a second frequency that is twice the first frequency. Red to blue light conversion thereby may be provided.

Electronic devices and methods using moleculary-bridged metal nanoparticles

Nanoparticle composites and nanocapsules for guest encapsulation and methods for synthesizing same. One synthesis method includes providing a nanoparticle template; and forming a shell on the nanoparticle template by polymerizing a monomer on the nanoparticle template to form a nanoparticle composite defined by the shell and the nanoparticle template. Another synthesis method includes providing a nanoparticle template; forming a shell on the nanoparticle template by polymerizing a monomer on the nanoparticle template; and dissolving the nanoparticle template to thereby form a hollow nanocapsule defined by the shell. Another synthesis method includes providing a nanoparticle template carrying a guest molecule; and forming a shell on the nanoparticle template by polymerizing a monomer on the nanoparticle template to thereby encapsulate the guest molecule. This method can also include dissolving the nanoparticle template to form a nanocapsule defined by the capsule shell material, wherein the guest material resides in the nanocapsule.

Growing community of inventors

Cary, NC, United States of America

Daniel L Feldheim