DETECHIP ® is a novel, highly selective and sensitive molecular sensor array producing color and fluorescence changes in the presence of many small molecules or analytes. This technology utilizes an array of eight sensors in two types of buffers that are dispensed in a 96-well plate. Color and fluorescent changes in the presence of analytes are recorded as a 32 digit binary code that is able to discriminate many substances. The current application is dedicated to testing narcotics such as cocaine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from marijuana, as well as daterape and club drugs such as flunitrazepam, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), and methamphetamine, to name a few. Shown to be a contactless, portable, and inexpensive optical detection system, DETECHIP ® can detect many substances and therefore can be used where a high degree of preliminary diagnostics is needed.Besides narcotics, DETECHIP ® is able to detect and discriminate over-the-counter medications, trinitrotoluene (TNT), pesticides, food spoilage metabolites, and narcotics laced with cutting agents. DETECHIP ® offers possibilities for a simple, sensitive, selective, and affordable alternative to costly immunoassays.

Ceramides from intercellular lipids of skin stratum corneum are known to play an essential role in maintaining and structuring the lipid barrier of the skin. Internal wool lipids (IWL), which are also rich in ceramides, have a composition similar to that of the stratum corneum lipids. IWL extracted with chloroform/ methanol azeotrope at the laboratory scale have been shown to be capable of forming liposomes with a stable bilayer structure. Furthermore, topical application of these IWL liposomes on intact and compromised skin has been demonstrated to improve barrier skin properties. In this study we evaluated the effect on human skin repair of different IWL extract compositions obtained by two extraction methodologies. The formation and characteristics of the liposomes prepared were greatly influenced by the IWL composition, primarily the sterol sulfate content. The IWL liposomes improved skin barrier integrity and increased skin hydration when applied onto intact skin. These improvements were slightly enhanced in the case of IWL liposomes that were richer in polar lipids.

Wild Plum compounds have the ability to restore fluorescence of solar skin to a level significantly higher than that associated with non-solar skin. Skin appears more luminous and therefore more youthful. This fluorescence restoration is achieved at relatively low concentrations, without any harmful side effects.

The synthesis and characterization of a novel fluorophore(1), with potential application as an optical brightener are reported. This compound was prepared by reacting 4,4-diaminostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid with cyanuric chloride in the presence of Na2CO3 followed by the addition of trityl aniline. Solution and solid state fluorescence demonstrated a strong blue/purple emission centered at 450 nm. 1H-NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry analysis, elemental analysis, and DOSY-NMR were used for the characterization of the fluorophore.