Engineered detection swab

Abstract

A novel, advanced polymeric swab is disclosed herein. The swabs have a surface texture that allows for independent motion between microscale regions, are reusable with no loss of accuracy or efficiency, and are fabricated from optoelectronically-active elements to minimize static charging during repeated use.

1 . A process for assembling a polymeric swab, comprising:
 producing a mold on a substrate from an anodized aluminum oxide template with pores that span a range of prescribed nominal diameters;   containing a specified thickness;   impregnating a polymer in the melt state into the pores of the mold;   electrodepositing nanorods in the pores;   lowering the temperature to below crystallization transition temperature; and   removing the template.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising a range of prescribed nominal diameters including nanometer, micrometer, or millimeter length scales. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising a range of specified thickness including nanometer, micrometer, or millimeter. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising a nanorod comprised of polythiopene.