Abstract: Reactive and modified M13 bacteriophages, and methods of making and using the same, are generally provided. The reactive M13 bacteriophage can include a alkyne functional group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophage can include a substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage via a 1,2,3-triazole linkage. Dual-modified M13 bacteriophages are also generally provided, and can include a cancer-targeting substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage and a fluorescent group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophages can not only be employed as a fluorescent probe for cancer imaging, but also can be used as biomaterials for cell alignment and scaffolding.

Abstract: Reactive and modified M13 bacteriophages, and methods of making and using the same, are generally provided. The reactive M13 bacteriophage can include a alkyne functional group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophage can include a substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage via a 1,2,3-triazole linkage. Dual-modified M13 bacteriophages are also generally provided, and can include a cancer-targeting substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage and a fluorescent group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophages can not only be employed as a fluorescent probe for cancer imaging, but also can be used as biomaterials for cell alignment and scaffolding.

Abstract: Reactive and modified M13 bacteriophages, and methods of making and using the same, are generally provided. The reactive M13 bacteriophage can include a alkyne functional group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophage can include a substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage via a 1,2,3-triazole linkage. Dual-modified M13 bacteriophages are also generally provided, and can include a cancer-targeting substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage and a fluorescent group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophages can not only be employed as a fluorescent probe for cancer imaging, but also can be used as biomaterials for cell alignment and scaffolding.

Abstract: Reactive and modified M13 bacteriophages, and methods of making and using the same, are generally provided. The reactive M13 bacteriophage can include a alkyne functional group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophage can include a substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage via a 1,2,3-triazole linkage. Dual-modified M13 bacteriophages are also generally provided, and can include a cancer-targeting substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage and a fluorescent group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophages can not only be employed as a fluorescent probe for cancer imaging, but also can be used as biomaterials for cell alignment and scaffolding.

Abstract: Methods are described for the purification and spinning of recombinant and non-recombinant proteins. Specifically, the lysis of bacteria and purification of silk proteins occur in a single solution of organic acid. Bacterial proteins are hydrolyzed while the silk protein remains intact. Silk proteins remain soluble as they are concentrated into a aqueous-based mixture for fiber spinning.

Abstract: Labeled antimicrobial peptides and method of using the same to detect a microorganism of interest. In one embodiment, the method involves adding immuno-capture beads to a sample, the immuno-capture beads including capture antibodies coupled to a paramagnetic bead, the capture antibodies being specific for the type of microorganism of interest. After mixing, the target microorganism binds to the capture antibodies. Next, the beads are collected by positioning a magnet close to the sample, and the unbound material is removed from the sample. Then, a solution containing fluorescently-labeled antimicrobial peptide is added to the sample, the labeled peptide binding in great numbers to the immuno-captured microorganism. After removing unbound peptide, the beads are suspended in solution and a magnetic probe is used to collect the beads in a small volume. With the beads thus drawn together, the solution is excited with a laser. Such excitation causes the label to fluoresce, which fluorescence is then detected.

Abstract: A membrane assembly adapted for use in capturing an analyte of interest, the membrane assembly comprising in one embodiment (a) an electrospun nanofibrous membrane, the electrospun nanofibrous membrane comprising a random mat of electrospun nanofibers, at least some of the electrospun nanofibers including one or more types of functional groups; and (b) at least one molecular recognition element immobilized on the random mat via a functional group, the molecular recognition element being adapted to selectively bind the analyte of interest. The membrane assembly may be incorporated into a sensor.

Abstract: Methods are described for the purification and spinning of recombinant and non-recombinant proteins. Specifically, the lysis of bacteria and purification of silk proteins occur in a single solution of organic acid. Bacterial proteins are hydrolyzed while the silk protein remains intact. Silk proteins remain soluble as they are concentrated into a aqueous-based mixture for fiber spinning.

Abstract: A novel fiber comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of a hydrophilic polymer and a polymer which is at least weakly hydrophobic is disclosed. The fiber optionally contains a pH adjusting compound. A method of making the fiber comprises electrospinning fibers of the substantially homogeneous polymer solution. A method of treating a wound or other area of a patient requiring protection from contamination comprises electrospinning the substantially homogeneous polymer solution to form a dressing. An apparatus for electrospinning a wound dressing is discosed.

Abstract: Methods are described for the purification and spinning of recombinant and non-recombinant proteins. Specifically, the lysis of bacteria and purification of silk proteins occur in a single solution of organic acid. Bacterial proteins are hydrolyzed while the silk protein remains intact. Silk proteins remain soluble as they are concentrated into a aqueous-based mixture for fiber spinning.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the control of genetically engineered organisms are described. A more effective cell suicide approach is contemplated based on the conditional expression of the lethal Streptomyces avidinii streptavidin gene. Toxicity of streptavidin is derived from its exceptionally high binding affinity for an essential prosthetic group, D-biotin. The general requirement for biotin through the living world makes streptavidin-based conditional lethal designs applicable to a broad range of containment strategies.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the control of genetically engineered organisms are described. A more effective cell suicide approach is contemplated based on the conditional expression of the lethal Streptomyces avidinii streptavidin gene. Toxicity of streptavidin is derived from its exceptionally high binding affinity for an essential prosthetic group, D-biotin. The general requirement for biotin through the living world makes streptavidin-based conditional lethal designs applicable to a broad range of containment strategies.