Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to biocompatible metal nanoparticles comprising a plurality of metal nanoparticles covalently bonded to a plurality of biocompatible functional ligands. The plurality of metal nanoparticles may be chosen from any suitable metal nanoparticle, including, but not limited to, gold. The plurality of biocompatible functional ligands may comprise at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of proline, hydroxyproline, glycine, cysteine, and combinations thereof. Embodiments of the present invention may also be directed towards methods of synthesizing biocompatible metal nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles, such as gold nanoparticles, are covalently bonded to citrate, resulting in gold-citrate nanoparticles, each of which will be tailored to 5-200 nm. Various amino acids may then be functionalized on to the gold-citrate nanoparticles, including, without limitation, three amino acids present in collagen (i.e.

Abstract: A novel hydrogel wound dressing therapy and methods for making the same. The novel methods comprise forming two biopolymers, chitosan and hyaluronic acid, together into a wound dressing with inherent ability to enhance wound closure. The novel composition of the subject invention comprises cross-linked chitosan/hyaluronic acid hydrogels manufactured according to the methods disclosed having a specific cross-link density that results in a swelling ratio of 20 to 100. Hydrogels manufactured in accordance with the method of the invention dramatically increase healing rates and greatly improves outcomes of wound injuries.

Abstract: A novel hydrogel wound dressing therapy and methods for making the same. The novel methods comprise forming two biopolymers, chitosan and hyaluronic acid, together into a wound dressing with inherent ability to enhance wound closure. The novel composition of the subject invention comprises cross-linked chitosan/hyaluronic acid hydrogels manufactured according to the methods disclosed having a specific cross-link density that results in a swelling ratio of 20 to 100. Hydrogels manufactured in accordance with the method of the invention dramatically increase healing rates and greatly improves outcomes of wound injuries.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for microfluidic cell support, including a microfluidic cell support system and methods for its use. The microfluidic cell support system can include a base assembly, a manifold assembly, and a microfluidic celltray including a microcirculatory path in fluid communication with the manifold assembly. The microfluidic celltray can be microfluidically closed and mechanically open. In some aspects the microfluidic celltray contains one or more cell wells containing fluid for supporting living cell(s). In some aspects, the microcirculatory path provides active fluid flow between a microfluidic inflow channel and a microfluidic outflow channel.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a container for investigating at least one specimen are described. The method and system include providing a dish. The dish includes a floor, a plurality of sidewalls, and at least one pedestal. The floor has a perimeter. The plurality of sidewalls coupled with the floor proximate to the perimeter. The at least one pedestal resides on a portion of the floor and is pedestal configured to support at least one microscope slide distal from the floor. The at least one microscope slide bears the specimen(s) for investigation.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a container for investigating at least one specimen are described. The method and system include providing a dish. The dish includes a floor, a plurality of sidewalls, and at least one pedestal. The floor has a perimeter. The plurality of sidewalls coupled with the floor proximate to the perimeter. The at least one pedestal resides on a portion of the floor and is pedestal configured to support at least one microscope slide distal from the floor. The at least one microscope slide bears the specimen(s) for investigation.

Abstract: The invention relates to retrovirus-like particles having an altered nucleocapsid domain that inhibits packaging of genomic RNA into the retrovirus-like particle, and a protease having reduced enzymatic activity. The invention also provides nucleic acid constructs that encode the retrovirus-like particles. Also provided are immunological compositions, vaccines, and DNA vaccines containing the retrovirus-like particles and nucleic acid constructs that can be used to immunize a mammal against infection by a retrovirus. Methods to produce retrovirus-like particles are also provided.