A method for fabricating a composite film structure, the method includes determining a desired morphology for a metallic layer of the composite film structure, selecting a first metal substrate based on the determining, transferring a graphene layer onto the first metal substrate, depositing the metallic layer on the graphene layer to achieve the desired morphology, and removing the first metal substrate from the graphene and the deposited metallic layer to form the composite film structure. A surface energy difference between the first metal substrate and the deposited metallic layer results in the desired morphology of the metallic layer.

The disclosure relates to a method for making carrier for use in single molecule detection. The method includes: providing a rigid substrate; coating a polymer layer on a surface of the rigid substrate, the polymer layer is in semisolid state; transferring a nano-scaled pattern of a template on a surface of the polymer layer by pressing the template on the surface of the polymer layer; obtaining a flexible substrate by removing the template; and applying a metal layer on the flexible substrate. The carrier for use in single molecule detection has a relative higher SERS and can enhance the Raman scattering.

Provided are methods and devices for automated analysis of one or more samples in single or multi-well plates or vessels, wherein the process of automated analysis comprises flow and hydrodynamic, electrokinetic, and optical forces for the analysis and sorting of samples, wherein the samples comprise liquid or particles in microfluidic channels, and wherein the devices comprise an assembly of components that enable processing of a said samples for analytical assessment by fluidic and/or particle based instruments. Microfluidic structures (channels, “T's”, “Y's”, branched “Y's”, wells, and weirs) are described for facilitating sample interaction and observation, sample analysis, sorting, or isolation. Detection can be accomplished using spectroscopic methods including, but not limited to, Raman spectroscopy of single cells and bulk cellular samples (collections of cells; several individuals to hundreds or thousands of cells).

A three-dimensional Raman image mapping measuring device for a flowable sample according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is designed to be capable of measuring a flowable sample during mapping measurement of a three-dimensional image that is a region of a confocal Raman by using a micro Raman spectrometer and a three-axis sample stage (Piezo stage). The three-dimensional Raman image mapping measuring device for a flowable sample includes at least one piezo element; an element holder equipped with the piezo element and having an opening, a sample stage for supporting the element holder equipped with the piezo element, an objective lens mounted in the opening in the element holder, a sample holder for controlling vertical movement of the flowable sample disposed under the lower portion of the sample stage, and a transparent window disposed between the sample stage and the sample holder.

A hand-held microfluidic testing device is provided that includes a housing having a cartridge receiving port, a cartridge for input to the cartridge receiving port having a sample input and a channel, where the channel includes a mixture of Raman-scattering nanoparticles and a calibration solution, where the calibration solution includes chemical compounds capable of interacting with a sample under test input to the cartridge and the Raman-scattering nanoparticles, and an optical detection system in the housing, where the optical detection system is capable of providing an illuminated electric field, where the illuminating electric field is capable of being used for Raman spectroscopy with the Raman-scattering nanoparticles and the calibration solution to analyze the sample under test input to the cartridge.

The present invention provides for a novel series of accessories for Raman and/or luminescence spectral acquisitions for many different applications and methods for making such accessories. The invention further provides sample holders that enhance sample handling ability and sample sensitivity, reduce fluorescence and Raman background, as well as sample size and consumption, and thereby improve resulting spectral analyses.

Devices and systems are provided herein relating to a novel and rapid assay for tissue staining. Methods for using the devices and systems for analyzing tissue samples are also disclosed.

A hand-held microfluidic testing device is provided that includes a housing having a cartridge receiving port, a cartridge for input to the cartridge receiving port having a sample input and a channel, where the channel includes a mixture of Raman-scattering nanoparticles and a calibration solution, where the calibration solution includes chemical compounds capable of interacting with a sample under test input to the cartridge and the Raman-scattering nanoparticles, and an optical detection system in the housing, where the optical detection system is capable of providing an illuminated electric field, where the illuminating electric field is capable of being used for Raman spectroscopy with the Raman-scattering nanoparticles and the calibration solution to analyze the sample under test input to the cartridge.

An apparatus for analysis of a sample of a material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a holder configured to accept the sample. The holder includes a sample plate having a first surface configured to contact the accepted sample and a sample lens array that comprises a plurality of focusing elements.

Disclosed is a system for detecting contaminants in a sample fluid. The system has a colloidal dispersion circuit with a reservoir containing a colloidal dispersion with colloidal particles capable of exhibiting localized surface plasmon resonance (“LSPR particles”), a Raman spectrometer/flow cell and a pump for circulating the colloidal dispersion through the colloidal dispersion circuit. A colloidal dispersion level sensor measures the extent of colloidal dispersion in the colloidal dispersion circuit. A permeation valve diverts the colloidal dispersion in the colloidal dispersion circuit through an ultra-filtration membrane with a pore size smaller than the LSPR particles, thus preventing the LSPR particles from passing through. The sample may be introduced into the colloidal dispersion circuit through a fluid sample injection valve. A processor is connected to the Raman spectrometer/flow cell, the pump, the permeation valve, the colloidal dispersion level sensor, and the fluid sample injection port. The processor performs several steps to analyze the sample.