Abstract: The present invention provides a composite wall panel with good thermal insulation and sufficient strength for structural use which is designed for the fabrication of energy efficient building. The composite wall panel of the present invention comprises a foamed concrete core with sufficient compressive strength and low thermal conductivity which is sandwiched between two lightweight ductile fiber reinforced cementitious composite (FRCC) protective layers with low thermal conductivity, good barrier resistance to moisture/chloride ion/gas, multiple cracking as well as certain amount of steel reinforcements. These composite wall panels are useful in a variety of buildings in both cold and hot regions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of preparing a functional chitosan scaffold and said functional chitosan scaffold for use as a filtering medium. Said method involves freeze-drying chitosan in the presence of appropriate cross-linkers and additives. The present chitosan scaffold is associated with an increased mechanical strength and elasticity and an adjustable surface polarity, porosity and morphology which enable its use in a wide range of devices, equipments and appliances in need of a filtering medium such as air or water purification system.

Abstract: A new generation environmental friendly water-based coating composition which exhibits excellent coating film properties is disclosed. Said water-based coating composition comprises mesoporous silica nanoparticles in organosilica, water, and a film-forming catalyst, and optionally with a small amount of ethanol. Method for manufacturing said water-based coating composition and the use thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an approach for coating a biocompatible material, in particular chitosan, onto a surface in need thereof. This approach results in a coating that is highly uniform, even on irregular surfaces, and enables ready adjustment of the morphology of the coated material. A convenient means to add a functional property to the biocompatible material by incorporation of functional additives is also provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing a controlled release particle of soy isoflavone (e.g. genistein) with a bio-degradable polymer is disclosed herein. The method employs a supercritical fluid extraction of emulsion (SFEE) process for encapsulating soy isoflavone into a bio-degradable polymer matrix (e.g. PLGA) to form a particle which is suitable for oral administration or inhalable administration in a controlled release manner and with an improved bioavailability of the soy isoflavone. A system for preparing the controlled release particle of the soy isoflavone with the bio-degradable polymer using the SFEE process is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a solid form of soy isoflavone (e.g. genistein). In particular, the present invention relates to a method of preparing a solid form of soy isoflavone by precipitation with compressed antisolvent using a supercritical fluid to produce nano-sized particles of soy isoflavone with an improved dissolution rate and bioavailability. An oral composition or aerosolized formulation comprising the nanoparticles of the soy isoflavone prepared by the method of the present invention is also disclosed herein. The dissolution rate and bioavailability of the nanoparticles of the soy isoflavone prepared by the method of the present invention have a 2-fold increase and a 2.6-fold increase respectively as compared to those of the raw soy isoflavone.

Abstract: The presently disclosed invention relates to a portable device for detecting one or more urinary proteins based on aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen and quantifying the total urinary proteins in a urine sample in order for monitoring human health, in particular, to a device that utilizes a water-soluble AIE luminogen to detect one or more urinary protein aggregation in order to determine the content of both the target protein and the total urinary proteins in a subject. The device is useful at home or at clinical level for monitoring human health on regular basis.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator (TTI) uses polymer hardening properties to “set” or retain indications of temperature history. The TTI includes a mesh layer affixed to a thermo-conductive adhesive layer and a photonic crystal patterned film affixed to the mesh layer. The photonic crystal shows a property of bandgap shift vs temperature and responds to a predetermined range of temperatures to provide a visible indication of the range of temperatures. A hardener pouch is affixed to one end of the mesh layer and releases hardener in response to an initiating event, so that the photonic crystal material responds to the hardener by presenting a fixed state.