Diagnostic assays for detecting, quantifying, and/or tracking microbes and other analytes

Abstract

The subject invention provides methods and assays for multiplexed detection of analytes using nanocrystals that are uniform in morphology, size, and composition based on their unique optical characteristics. The described methods and assays are particularly useful for detection of microbes and / or microbe-based agents in a complex environmental sample.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 507,895, filed May 18, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background technique [0003] Farming, forestry and other ways of producing food, nutritional supplements, fibers and natural materials are becoming increasingly difficult due to numerous environmental challenges. These challenges include pest resistance, temperature extremes and insect infestation. [0004] To increase yields and protect crops from pathogens, pests, and diseases, farmers have relied heavily on the use of synthetic chemicals and chemical fertilizers; however, when these substances are overused or misapplied, they run off into surface water and seep into groundwater , and evaporate into the air. These substances are increasingly under scrutiny as sources of air and water pollution, making their responsible use an ecological and commerci...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Reasons include: 1) the most common fluorophores are aromatic organic molecules, which have both absorption and emission bands in the UV / Vis part of the spectrum; 2) the lifetime of the fluorescent emission is usually very short, on the order of 1 to 100 ns; 3) integration of fluorescent signals over long detection times is usually not possible due to photobleaching; and 4) detection of fluorophores requires sophisticated equipment