Abstract: A genetically modified cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) protein capsid serves as a scaffold for metal nanoparticles, preferably gold nanospheres, of 15 nm to 35 nm, creating plasmonic nanoclusters. The self-assembled nanoclusters gave rise to a 10-fold surface-averaged enhancement of the local electromagnetic field. Other viral capsids or virus-like proteins may also serve as such scaffolds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting analytes using detectably labeled fluorescent protein scaffolds. In certain embodiments of the invention, the scaffolds are viral particles in which the capsid viral structure provides a scaffold to attach detectably labeled fluorescent dyes and capture moieties that can be utilized to determine the presence of a desired analyte in a sample using any suitable method. The protein scaffold can contain amino acids carrying reactive groups (e.g., amines and thiols) that are spatially distributed on it with large enough separation to enable the attachment of a greater number of fluorescent label molecules without quenching.

Abstract: Photoresponsive shape memory nanoparticles have a layered smectic ordering and include a photoresponsive moiety selected from the group consisting of azobenzene, stilbene, and spiropyran. Multiple cycles of contraction and extension in these materials can be controlled by UV and visible light. By changing light intensity and exposure time, the magnitude of actuation can be modulated.

Abstract: Photoresponsive shape memory nanoparticles have a layered smectic ordering and include a photoresponsive moiety selected from the group consisting of azobenzene, stilbene, and spiropyran. Multiple cycles of contraction and extension in these materials can be controlled by UV and visible light. By changing light intensity and exposure time, the magnitude of actuation can be modulated.

Abstract: Photoresponsive shape memory nanoparticles have a layered smectic ordering and include a photoresponsive moiety selected from the group consisting of azobenzene, stilbene, and spiropyran. Multiple cycles of contraction and extension in these materials can be controlled by UV and visible light. By changing light intensity and exposure time, the magnitude of actuation can be modulated.

Abstract: A method of forming a monolayer film of nanoparticles includes forming a fluid mixture by combining nanoparticles dispersed in water with a water-miscible organic solvent and a molecular ligand comprising a head group with affinity for the nanoparticle, and introducing the fluid mixture to a substrate in the presence of an air/fluid interface, thereby causing a monolayer film of nanoparticles to form on the substrate. Such monolayers films can include metallic nanoparticles such as gold, and possess substantially uniform spacing over at least a one centimeter length scale.

Abstract: Protein scaffolds from tobacco mosaic virus coat protein modified to incorporate polyhistidine can bind to a metal or a dye while having improved self-assembly characteristics. The scaffold can take the form of tubes or disks, and can further be formed into dual plasmonic ring resonators. Such self-assembled structures provide useful optical properties.

Abstract: Photoresponsive shape memory nanoparticles have a layered smectic ordering and include a photoresponsive moiety selected from the group consisting of azobenzene, stilbene, and spiropyran. Multiple cycles of contraction and extension in these materials can be controlled by UV and visible light. By changing light intensity and exposure time, the magnitude of actuation can be modulated.

Abstract: A redox-active conductive polymer includes a charged tether. An interpenetrating network including such a conducting polymer can be switched between two states of diffusivity (porosity) by application of a voltage. Such a material can be useful in breathable protective clothing, controlled release, intelligent sensing/filtration, novel separation processes, nanomanufacturing, and other areas.

Abstract: A compound having the formula below. X is hydroxyl, a sulfonic ester or salt thereof, a phosphonate or salt thereof, a carboxylate or salt thereof, or a boronic ester or salt thereof. The value n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. A polymer made by polymerizing the compound. A method of: reacting NH2—(CH2—CH2—O)n—CH2—CH2—OH with thiophene acid chloride to form a (SC4H3)—CO—NH—(CH2—CH2—O)n—CH2—CH2—OH amide; reacting the amide with a vinyl sulfonic ester, a vinyl phosphonate, a vinyl carboxylate, or a vinyl boronic ester to form an intermediate; and converting the intermediate to a salt form.

Abstract: A method of making a liquid crystalline fiber is disclosed. A copolymer having a liquid crystalline side group and a crosslinking side group is crosslinked. A fiber of the crosslinking copolymer is drawn before the crosslinking reaction is complete.

Abstract: A method comprising arranging a first heating element on a first liquid crystal elastomer, arranging a first layer of thermal paste on the first heating element, and arranging a second liquid crystal elastomer on the first layer of thermal paste.

Abstract: A method comprising arranging a first heating element on a first liquid crystal elastomer, arranging a first layer of thermal paste on the first heating element, and arranging a second liquid crystal elastomer on the first layer of thermal paste.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first liquid crystal elastomer, a first heating element, a first layer of thermal paste, and a second liquid crystal elastomer. The apparatus further comprising a second heating element, a second layer of thermal paste, and a third liquid crystal elastomer. The heating element can be a nickel-chromium heating element. A method comprising arranging a first heating element on a first liquid crystal elastomer, arranging a first layer of thermal paste on the first heating element, and arranging a second liquid crystal elastomer on the first layer of thermal paste.

Abstract: A method of making a liquid crystalline fiber is disclosed. A copolymer having a liquid crystalline side group and a crosslinking side group is crosslinked. A fiber of the crosslinking copolymer is drawn before the crosslinking reaction is complete.

Abstract: A method of making a liquid crystalline fiber is disclosed. A copolymer having a liquid crystalline side group and a crosslinking side group is crosslinked. A fiber of the crosslinking copolymer is drawn before the crosslinking reaction is complete.

Abstract: A compound having the formula below. X is hydroxyl, a sulfonic ester or salt thereof, a phosphonate or salt thereof, a carboxylate or salt thereof, or a boronic ester or salt thereof. The value n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. A polymer made by polymerizing the compound. A method of: reacting NH2—(CH2—CH2—O)n—CH2—CH2—OH with thiophene acid chloride to form a (SC4H3)—CO—NH—(CH2—CH2—O)n—CH2—CH2—OH amide; reacting the amide with a vinyl sulfonic ester, a vinyl phosphonate, a vinyl carboxylate, or a vinyl boronic ester to form an intermediate; and converting the intermediate to a salt form.

Abstract: The invention describes shape changing membranes that can be precisely controlled using the unique approach of smectic liquid-crystalline elastomers (LCEs) with patterned electrodes and a process of preparing and creating the elastomers. The methods to create the shape changing membranes is based on the electroclinic effect of smectic layers in a polymer network and provides a novel material for actuators.

Abstract: A nanoparticle having a surfactant shell with a hydrophilic outer surface and a hydrophobic inner surface and an organic chromophore and a polymer having aromatic groups within the surfactant shell. A method of making nanoparticles by: emulsifying an aqueous composition of a surfactant and an organic solution of a monomer and an organic chromophore to form micelles of the monomer and the chromophore inside a surfactant shell; and polymerizing the monomer. A method of: reacting a ?-bromoalkyl acid with acryloyl acid lithium salt, and reacting the product with sodium hydride to produce an acryloyloxyalkyl carboxylic acid sodium salt. The compound shown below.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting analytes using detectably labeled fluorescent protein scaffolds. In certain embodiments of the invention, the scaffolds are viral particles in which the capsid viral structure provides a scaffold to attach detectably labeled fluorescent dyes and capture moieties that can be utilized to determine the presence of a desired analyte in a sample using any suitable method. The protein scaffold can contain amino acids carrying reactive groups (e.g.