University of Strathclyde

Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation

University of Strathcylde

William Ewen Smith

Peter Cyril White

Duncan Graham

Iain Frank Fraser

Ian Alexander Macpherson

Calum Hugh Munro

Greig Chisholm

Sharon Kathleen Wilson

David Mark Whitcombe

Aaron Hernandez-Santana

Salah Athmani

Daran Antony Sadler

Mairi Campbell

Ruth Lyndsey Keir

Callum John McHugh

Arun Prasath Ramaswamy

Peter Cormack

Peter University Of Strathclyde Cormack

Ailie University Of Strathclyde Mccabe

Disclosed are polyvalent macromolecules, compositions comprising the macromolecules, and methods of use. The polyvalent macromolecules have a polymer backbone and pendent groups attached to the polymer backbone. Some or all of the pendent groups have optionally a linker, a surface-seeking group capable of binding strongly to a metal surface, and a spectroscopically detectable chromophore detectable.

Functionalised polymers for binding metal surfaces

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

Disclosed are methods for determining the presence or absence of a target nucleic acid (e.g. DNA) sequence in a sample nucleic acid, the method comprising: (a) exposing the sample to a detection agent comprising a colloid metal surface associated with a SER(R)S active species (SAS) such as an azo dye and with a target binding species (TBS) which may be PNA which is complementary to the target, and (b) observing the sample agent mixture using SER(R)S to detect any surface enhancement of the label wherein the binding of the TBS to the target sequence causes surface enhancement SAS. The detection agent may be exposed to the sample in step (a) as two or more separate components and will generally comprise a first agent and a second agent each having a different TBS, each TBS being capable of binding to the target sequence, and wherein the binding of the first and second TBS to the target sequence brings a metal surface associated with each TBS into proximity thereby causing surface enhancement of an SAS associated with one or both of the metal surfaces.

Nucleic acid sequence identification

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

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

Glasgow, United Kingdom

William Ewen Smith