This PDF file contains the front matters associated with SPIE Proceedings Volume 12212, including the Title Page, Copyright information, Table of Contents and Conference Committee list.

Nucleic acid analysis is one of the most promising approaches in modern diagnostics, however it usually requires expensive amplification equipment. In this study, we propose and approve a method for bacterial pathogens detection and genotyping using a molecular probe-based biosensor without amplification. The sensor consists of a molecular beacon probe as a signal reporter with a fluorophore and a quencher attached to it, and two DNA strands, which have fragments complementary to the reporter and to the analyzed nucleic acid (analyte). The M. tuberculosis HigA1 gene was detected using this sensor, and a point mutation associated with antibiotic resistance was discriminated. As an additional demonstration of the applicability of the method without amplification, E.Coli 16S rRNA was detected. Amplification-free sample detection has been further tested and achieved.

When embedded inside soft matter, molecular motors induce stimuli that can result in a modification of the physical characteristics of the embedding medium. In azobenzene containing materials for example, a fluidization of the medium has been reported by several groups upon activation of the photo-isomerizing molecule. We discuss here the relations between the fluidization induced by small stimuli in amorphous materials and the glass-transition long standing problem. We focus our attention on the most important characteristic of the glass-transition, the spontaneous appearance of cooperative motions called dynamic heterogeneity that are thought to control the dynamics of the medium. We discuss how motors stimuli create dynamic heterogeneity from a cage-breaking mechanism, the properties of these heterogeneities and their relations with the observed fluidization.