Aptamer-conjugated, fluorescent gold nanorods as potential cancer theradiagnostic agents.

GNRs are emerging as a new class of probes for theradiagnostic applications thanks to their unique optical properties. However, the achievement of proper nanoconstructs requires the synthesis of highly pure GNRs with well-defined aspect ratio (AR), in addition to extensive surface chemistry modification to provide them with active targeting and, possibly, multifunctionality. In this work, we refined the method of the seed mediated growth and developed a robust procedure for the fabrication of GNRs with specific AR.

Clinical review: Consensus recommendations on measurement of blood glucose and reporting glycemic control in critically ill adults.

The management reporting and assessment of glycemic control lacks standardization. The use of different methods to measure the blood glucose concentration and to report the performance of insulin treatment yields major disparities and complicates the interpretation and comparison of clinical trials. We convened a meeting of 16 experts plus invited observers from industry to discuss and where possible reach consensus on the most appropriate methods to measure and monitor blood glucose in critically ill patients and on how glycemic control should be assessed and reported.

Increasing the trapping efficiency of particles in microfluidic planar platforms by means of negative dielectrophoresis.

We present a novel planar electrode geometry in which particles (typically 10 microm in diameter) are focused near a defined surface before being trapped using negative dielectrophoresis. The focusing element can deflect particles having speeds up to hundreds of micrometers per second. This trapping configuration results in improved trapping yields and a decrease in overall reagent consumption.

Cell-bionics: tools for real-time sensor processing.

The accurate monitoring of the physiological status of cells, tissues and whole organisms demands a new generation of devices capable of providing accurate data in real time with minimal perturbation of the system being measured. To deliver on the promise of cell-bionics advances over the past decade in miniaturization, analogue signal processing, low-power electronics, materials science and protein engineering need to be brought together. In this paper we summarize recent advances in our research that is moving us in this direction.

SERS platforms for high density DNA arrays.

Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) gives rise to analytical applications with much promise. In our approach three steps are necessary. We require a SERS platform of high enhancement.

Biotechnology. Paper Alert.

A selection of interesting papers that were published in the two months before our press date in major journals most likely to report significant results in biotechnology.