Abstract: A lyoprotectant composition includes one or more lyoprotective carbohydrates comprising a non-reducing polysaccharide. The non-reducing polysaccharide may be dextranol. The one or more lyoprotective carbohydrates may include a non-reducing disaccharide. The lyoprotectant composition may be free of or substantially free of reducing sugars. The composition may be in the form of a matrix including a non-woven web of fibers having an average diameter of 0.1 ?m to 2.5 ?m. A method of storing a liquid biospecimen includes mixing the liquid biospecimen with the lyoprotectant composition to prepare a specimen-loaded composition; drying the specimen-loaded composition; and storing the dried specimen-loaded composition.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a lyoprotectant matrix, compositions including the lyoprotectant matrix and methods for storing a liquid biospecimen using the lyoprotectant matrix. Generally, the lyoprotectant matrix includes a non-woven web having fibers having, as components, at least one lyoprotective carbohydrate and at least one polymer. The matrix further possesses an apparent pore size of 0.1 ?m to 500 ?m.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a biological assembly for performing biocatalysis includes a biological component. The assembly further includes a porous shell layer at least partially coating the biological component. The porous shell layer includes an inorganic network having a cationic component and an anionic component.

Abstract: A lyoprotectant composition includes one or more lyoprotective carbohydrates comprising a non-reducing polysaccharide. The non-reducing polysaccharide may be dextranol. The one or more lyoprotective carbohydrates may include a non-reducing disaccharide. The lyoprotectant composition may be free of or substantially free of reducing sugars. The composition may be in the form of a matrix including a non-woven web of fibers having an average diameter of 0.1 ?m to 2.5 ?m. A method of storing a liquid biospecimen includes mixing the liquid biospecimen with the lyoprotectant composition to prepare a specimen-loaded composition; drying the specimen-loaded composition; and storing the dried specimen-loaded composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing and extracting a gas from a wastewater fluid including multiple sheets or layers that form a composite membrane. The composite membrane includes a sandwich structure in which a dry matrix layer is surrounded by a first layer including a first immobilized bacteria and a second layer including a second immobilized bacteria. The first immobilized bacteria and the second immobilized bacteria can be configured to produce a gas from one or more compounds in a wastewater fluid. The dry matrix layer can be configured to receive the gas from the first and second layers, and the gas can be extracted from the membrane. The hydrophobic coatings can be disposed between the dry matrix layer and one or both of the first and second layers. An adhesive interface can be disposed between the dry matrix layer and one or both of the first and second layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for encapsulation of biomaterials in a silica-matrix. The present invention includes a composition for formation of a silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterial. The composition includes a reactive silicon compound and a biomaterial with a catalytic activity. When encapsulated in the silica-matrix, the biomaterial at least partially retains its catalytic activity. The present invention also relates to methods of making silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials, and to methods of using silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials, including methods of treating water or gas using the silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a lyoprotectant matrix, compositions including the lyoprotectant matrix and methods for storing a liquid biospecimen using the lyoprotectant matrix. Generally, the lyoprotectant matrix includes a non-woven web having fibers having, as components, at least one lyoprotective carbohydrate and at least one polymer. The matrix further possesses an apparent pore size of 0.1 ?m to 500 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic silica-based ocular devices fabricated from a composite material comprising silica and a fibrillar protein, together with methods of making and using the ocular devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic silica-based ocular devices fabricated from a composite material comprising silica and a fibrillar protein, together with methods of making and using the ocular devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for encapsulation of biomaterials in a silica-matrix. The present invention also provides methods of making silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials, and to methods of using silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of encapsulating mammalian cells in a silica-matrix while maintaining metabolic activity. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of purifying cancer cells using a silica-matrix.

Abstract: A composition or article that includes a first silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterial, the first silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterial including a first silica matrix and a first biomaterial; and a second silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterial, the second silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterial including a second silica matrix and a second biomaterial, wherein the first silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterial has at least one property that is different than that of the second silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterial, and wherein the first silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterial forms a first layer and the second silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterial forms a second layer, and the first layer is positioned adjacent the second layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing and extracting a gas from a wastewater fluid can include multiple sheets or layers that form a composite membrane. The composite membrane can include a sandwich structure in which a dry matrix layer is surrounded by a first layer including a first immobilized bacteria and a second layer including a second immobilized bacteria. The first immobilized bacteria and the second immobilized bacteria can be configured to produce a gas from one or more compounds in a wastewater fluid. The dry matrix layer can be configured to receive the gas from the first and second layers, and the gas can be extracted from the membrane. In an example, hydrophobic coatings can be disposed between the dry matrix layer and one or both of the first and second layers. In an example, an adhesive interface can be disposed between the dry matrix layer and one or both of the first and second layers.

Abstract: This disclosure describes compositions, devices, and methods relating to removal of cyanuric acid from a sample. Generally, the compositions include a cell that expresses at least one enzyme that degrades cyanuric acid and a matrix material that covers at least a portion of the cell. Generally, the methods include contacting the sample with the composition, or a device that includes the composition, and allowing the enzyme of the composition to degrade cyanuric acid in the sample.

Abstract: An ultrafine fiber comprises a ceramic-based fibrous body and a biologically active substance encapsulated in the body, substantially encapsulated in the body, or surface-attached to the body. In an example, an ultrafine fiber comprises a core comprising a biologically active substance and a ceramic-based shell surrounding or substantially surrounding the core.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for encapsulation of biomaterials in a silica-matrix. The present invention also provides methods of making silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials, and to methods of using silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of encapsulating mammalian cells in a silica-matrix while maintaining metabolic activity. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of purifying cancer cells using a silica-matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for encapsulation of biomaterials in a silica-matrix. The present invention includes a composition for formation of a silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterial. The composition includes a reactive silicon compound and a biomaterial with a catalytic activity. When encapsulated in the silica-matrix, the biomaterial at least partially retains its catalytic activity. The present invention also relates to methods of making silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials, and to methods of using silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials, including methods of treating water or gas using the silica-matrix encapsulated biomaterials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic silica-based ocular devices fabricated from a composite material comprising silica and a fibrillar protein, together with methods of making and using the ocular devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for strengthening collagen in collagenous tissue which uses the controlled application of heat to induce shrinkage or contraction of the collagen in the tissue and a cross-linking means which cross-links the shrunken collagen in the tissue thereby stabilizing and strengthening collagenous tissue. In particular, the present invention provides an in vivo method for treating joint instability problems, controlled manipulation of skin structure and properties, and other problems involving collagen-containing tissues. The present invention further provides an in vitro method for stabilizing collagenous tissue for use in vivo or in vitro. Further, the present invention provides a method for treating collagenous tissue and testing the strength and stability of the treated tissue.