Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation

University of Strathclyde

University of Strathcylde

Peter Cyril White

William Ewen Smith

Iain Frank Fraser

Ian Alexander Macpherson

Duncan Graham

Calum Hugh Munro

Greig Chisholm

Sharon Kathleen Wilson

Ruth Lyndsey Keir

Daran Antony Sadler

Mairi Campbell

Salah Athmani

Callum Hugh Munro

Adrian Matthew Linacre

Callum John McHugh

Nigel Dean Watson

William Ewan Smith

The present invention relates to sensitive SE(R)RS based methods for detecting analytes such as explosives and drugs, which may be present in a sample at extremely low levels. The methods may be generally carried out in situ employing novel chemistry which is compatible with flow-cell technology and with time-scales and concentrations required for rapid and informative screening of large numbers of samples. The present invention also relates to novel compounds e.g. synthons and apparatus for use with the methods disclosed.

Analyte detection and apparatus therefor

Immunoassay displacement methods for detecting (preferably identifying) the presence or amount of a target analyte (e.g. drug) in a sample comprising the steps of: (a) exposing the sample to a complex comprising an immobilized antibody capable of specifically binding the analyte, said antibody being specifically bound to a displacement agent, wherein said agent comprises: (I) an analyte analog capable of specifically binding the antibody, (ii) a surface enhanced resonance raman scattering (SERRS) or a surface enhanced raman scattering (SERS) active label, (iii) a SERRS or SERS surface-seeking group (e.g. benztriazole), whereby any analyte present in the sample causes the displacement of agent from the antibody; (b) exposing any displaced agent to a SERRS or SERS surface; and, (c) detecting any displaced agent associated with said surface using SERRS or SERS. In preferred forms of the invention several target analytes are detected from a single source or sample simultaneously. Also provided are agents per se e.g. for use in drug or explosive detection. These may include chromophores and linking groups.

Immunoassays involving surface enhanced Raman scattering

Detection of nucleic acids and nucleic acid units

A plastics material which contains a pigment composition comprising a pigment having adsorbed on its surface, or as a physical mixture, up to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of pigment composition of a coding compound which is a compound containing azo, azomethine or polycyclic chromophore and which has an absorption spectrum and a Raman spectrum different from that of the pigment.

Optical fingerprinting of plastics compositions

The present invention provides an ink which contains a SERS--active metal aggregate containing a Raman active compound.

Pigment compositions

The invention provides a pigment composition comprising a pigment having adsorbed on its surface, or as a physical mixture, up to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of pigment composition of a coding compound which is a compound containing an azo, azomethine or polycyclic chromophore and which has an absorption spectrum and a Raman spectrum different from that of the pigment. The compositions are suitable for use in printing inks for security applications.

Growing community of inventors

Drymen, United Kingdom

Peter Cyril White