Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter is directed to biosensors for detecting molecules of interest, and systems and methods for using same. The biosensors include an antibody and a probe covalently-linked to the antibody. The antibody has an antigen-binding site that selectively binds the molecule of interest and a purine-binding site, which is at a location distinct from that of the antigen-binding site. The probe includes a purine molecule, which is covalently bound at the purine-binding site to the antibody, and a label linked to the purine molecule. Upon binding of the molecule of interest to the biosensor antigen-binding site, the biosensor undergoes a conformational change, which detectably alters a signal of the label such that the molecule of interest can be detected.

Abstract: A hydrogel microdome that can swell in response to a stimuli or target molecule is formed by polymerizing a mixture comprising a monomer capable of forming a hydrogel with a biopolymer. An array of hydrogel microdomes can be formed on a substrate by microspotting the mixture and polymerizing. The array can be used for high-throughput screening of analytes as well as for use as an actuator and biosensor using the swelling property of the hydrogel.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting an analyte indicative of a cancer or a metastatic disease condition, which utilizes the ability of the analyte to induce permeability in a barrier. The method includes providing a biosensor having a barrier which is substantially impermeable to an ion, a permeable membrane which is selective for the ion, and a detector capable of detecting the ion. The biosensor is contacted with a sample including at least one of the ion and the analyte, wherein the analyte causes at least a portion of the ion to pass through the barrier and the membrane. Passage of the ion through the barrier and membrane allows detection of the ion, providing indirect detection of the analyte. In one embodiment, the barrier is a cell monolayer, the membrane is selective for potassium, and the analyte is vascular endothelial cell growth factor.

Abstract: A novel artificial muscle material and miniature valves and micropumps made therefrom are provided. The artificial muscle material bends reversibly when electroactuated by applying low voltage, in a wide pH range, even at that of physiological pH, and works without contact with electrodes. Miniature valves made from the artificial material are successfully triggered for the fluid release in a wide pH range, even at that of physiological pH. Novel fluid release devices were manufactured using this artificial muscle, and methods using the same were provided, including an implantable device optimized for trans-scleral drug delivery.

Abstract: A novel artificial muscle material and miniature valves and micropumps made therefrom are provided. The artificial muscle material bends reversibly when electroactuated by applying low voltage, in a wide pH range, even at that of physiological pH, and works without contact with electrodes. Miniature valves made from the artificial material are successfully triggered for the fluid release in a wide pH range, even at that of physiological pH. Novel fluid release devices were manufactured using this artificial muscle, and methods using the same were provided, including an implantable device optimized for trans-scleral drug delivery.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining elasticity characteristics of a thin-film layer. The apparatus comprises a sensor element having a base magnetostrictive element at least one surface of which is at least partially coated with the thin-film layer. The thin-film layer may be of a variety of materials (having a synthetic and/or bio-component) in a state or form capable of being deposited, manually or otherwise, on the base element surface, such as by way of eye-dropper, melting, dripping, brushing, sputtering, spraying, etching, evaporation, dip-coating, laminating, etc. Among suitable thin-film layers for the sensor element of the invention are fluent bio-substances, thin-film deposits used in manufacturing processes, polymeric coatings, paint, an adhesive, and so on.

Abstract: Galactose/glucose binding protein (GBP) is synthesized by Escherichia coli (E. coli) in a precursor form in the cytoplasm and exported into the periplasmic space upon cleavage of the 23 amino acid leader sequence. GBP binds galactose and glucose in a highly specific manner. The ligand induces a binge motion in GBP and the resultant protein conformational change constitutes the basis of the sensing system. Biosensors based upon GBP have been developed. These biosensors use various analytical signals, including option (i.e., fluoresecence) and electrochemical. The analytical methods were used to determine the amount of glucose present.

Abstract: A method for preparing a chemically activated or polyamino acid functionalized membrane includes the steps of permeating a silica-based membrane with a solution of silane and a solvent so as to react methoxy groups of the silane with silanol groups of the membrane to incorporate epoxide groups and attaching a polyamino acid to the membrane by reacting a terminal amine group of the polyamino acid with one of the epoxide groups on the membrane.

Abstract: A method for preparing and regenerating a chemically activated or polyamino acid functionalized membrane includes the steps of permeating the silica-based membrane with a solution of silane and a solvent so as to react methoxy groups of the silane with silanol groups of the membrane to incorporate epoxide groups and attaching a polyamino acid to the membrane by reacting a terminal amine group of the polyamino acid with one of the epoxide groups on the membrane. The membrane is regenerated after metal entrapment by utilizing helix-coil properties of polyamino acids.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining elasticity characteristics of a thin-film layer. The apparatus comprises a sensor element having a base magnetostrictive element at least one surface of which is at least partially coated with the thin-film layer. The thin-film layer may be of a variety of materials (having a synthetic and/or bio-component) in a state or form capable of being deposited, manually or otherwise, on the base element surface, such as by way of eye-dropper, melting, dripping, brushing, sputtering, spraying, etching, evaporation, dip-coating, laminating, etc. Among suitable thin-film layers for the sensor element of the invention are fluent bio-substances, thin-film deposits used in manufacturing processes, polymeric coatings, paint, an adhesive, and so on.

Abstract: Biomolecular complexes, hereinafter referred to a mulimeric biopolymers which can be used as the foundation of chemical control systems capable of both sensing the presence of a target analyte and actuating some mechanical response. The biomolecular complexes are multimeric biopolymers comprising at least two monomeric units. The monomeric units are selected from the group consisting of full-length proteins, polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules, and peptide nucleic acids. At least one of the monomeric units binds to the target analyte. In one highly preferred embodiment the multimeric biopolymers of the present invention undergo a detectable conformational change in response to exposure to an analyte. The present invention also provides micromachined and nanomachined devices and systems which employ the multimeric biopolymers to sense the presence of a target analyte, to actuate a response to the presence of a target analyte, or to perform both functions.

Abstract: An apparatus providing for metal ion/nitrate entrapment comprises a chemically activated, microfiltration, composite polymer and silica-based membrane including a polyamino acid attached thereto through reaction of a terminal amine group of the polyamino acid with the membrane. A method for preparing such a chemically activated or polyamino acid functionalized membrane includes the steps of permeating the silica-based membrane with a solution of silane and a solvent so as to react methoxy groups of the silane with silanol groups of the membrane to incorporate epoxide groups and attaching a polyamino acid to the membrane by reacting a terminal amine group of the polyamino acid with one of the epoxide groups on the membrane.

Abstract: A process is provided for making membrane-based sorbents with enhanced binding activity that are particularly useful for heavy metal sequestration. The process includes the step of selectively hydrolyzing a polyacetylated membrane in order to deacetylated a surface layer of said membrane including the pore surfaces and expose free hydroxyl groups. This is followed by the oxidizing of the hydroxyl groups to aldehyde groups. This is then followed by the attaching of a polycarboxylic acid such as a polyamino acid, polyalkenoic acid or polypeptide to the membrane through the aldehyde groups. Preferably, the hydrolyzing step is completed under alkaline conditions and the oxidizing step is completed using an aqueous solution of sodium periodate.

Abstract: A process is provided for making membrane-based sorbents with enhanced binding activity that are particularly useful for heavy metal sequestration. The process includes the step of selectively hydrolyzing a polyacetylated membrane in order to deacetylate a surface layer of said membrane and expose free hydroxyl groups. This is followed by the oxidizing of the hydroxyl groups to aldehyde groups. This is then followed by the attaching of a polycarboxylic acid such as a polyamino acid, polyalkenoic acid or polypeptide to the membrane through the aldehyde groups. Preferably, the hydrolyzing step is completed under alkaline conditions and the oxidizing step is completed using an aqueous solution of sodium periodate.

Abstract: Ion-selective membranes are disclosed which are suitable for use in ion-selective sensors. The membranes include a mercuracarborand ionophore. Exemplary ion-selective membranes include Mercuracarborand-3 as the ionophore which is incorporated within a polymer matrix. The ion-selective membranes may be used in a wide variety of ion sensors including ion-selective membrane electrodes.