Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for simultaneously expressing amyloid precursor protein and TonB protein. These devices and methods increase the production of these two proteins while also minimizing costs, making the proteins more widely accessible for medical research purposes, including the development of diagnostic tests for numerous diseases associated with elevated production of amyloid proteins. The amyloid precursor protein and TonB produced by the devices and methods described herein, as well as the devices themselves, can be used in experiments designed to model the interactions between metals and amyloids such as ?-amyloid that are characteristic of numerous diseases such as Alzheimer's. Finally, provided herein are diagnostic tests that can detect Alzheimer's disease in samples from patients; the tests are sensitive enough to identify diseases such as Alzheimer's even at pre-clinical stages, before the appearance of symptoms.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for using the same to produce carotenoids. The carotenoids produced by the devices and methods disclosed herein do not require the ultra purification that is common in conventional or commercial methods. The devices and methods disclosed herein also enhance one or more physical properties of plants treated with the devices described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are biological devices and methods for using the same to produce a polyactive carbohydrate. The biological devices include microbial cells transformed with a DNA construct containing genes for producing a chitin synthase, a chitosanase, and a chitin deacetylase. In some instances, the biological devices also include a gene for lipase. Methods for using the polyactive carbohydrate are also provided herein, including, but not limited to, enhancing the physiological properties of plants; medical applications; applications in the construction, materials science, and home goods industries; personal care, grooming, cosmetics, and oral care compositions containing the polyactive carbohydrate; methods for water decontamination; and the production of polyurethanes.

Abstract: Described herein are biological devices and methods for using the same to produce oxidized zinc. The biological devices include microbial cells transformed with a DNA construct containing genes for producing a zinc-related protein, an alkaline phosphatase, and an alcohol dehydrogenase. In some instances, the biological devices also include a gene for lipase. The oxidized zinc compositions produced herein have numerous applications.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for increasing the production of steviol glycosides, which have industrial and economic value. The steviol glycosides produced by the devices and methods disclosed herein do not require the ultra purification that is common in conventional or commercial methods and do not have a bitter aftertaste, making them better suited as flavor-enhancing N additives to food, pharmaceutical, and nutritional supplement products.

Abstract: Described herein are UV-resistant or UV-protective biological devices and extracts produced therefrom. The biological devices include microbial cells transformed with a DNA construct containing genes for producing UV-resistant proteins such as, for example, hexokinase, heat shock proteins, alcohol dehydrogenase, transferrin, flavonol synthase, zinc oxidase, and iron oxidase. Methods for producing and using the devices are also described herein. Finally, compositions and methods for using the devices and extracts to reduce or prevent UV-induced damage or exposure to materials, items, plants, and human and animal subjects are described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are biological devices and methods for using the same to produce carbo sugars. The biological devices include microbial cells transformed with a DNA construct containing genes for producing a cellulose synthase and galactomannan galactosyltransferase. In some instances, the biological devices also include a gene for lipase. Methods for altering the viscosity of petroleum oil using the carbo sugars are also described herein. Finally, methods for degreasing or decontaminating water mixed with petroleum oil or other fatty substances or a surface coated with petroleum oil or other fatty substances using the carbo sugars are described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are glucose and insulin sensors. The sensors are composed of host cells with DNA specifically designed to produce fluorescence when the cells come into contact with glucose and/or insulin in the sample. Once the fluorescence has been quantified, it can be correlated with the amount of glucose and/or insulin present in the sample.

Abstract: Described herein are biological devices and methods for using the same to produce carbo sugars. The biological devices include microbial cells transformed with a DNA construct containing genes for producing a cellulose synthase and galactomannan galactosyltransferase. In some instances, the biological devices also include a gene for lipase. Methods for altering the viscosity of petroleum oil using the carbo sugars are also described herein. Finally, methods for degreasing or decontaminating water mixed with petroleum oil or other fatty substances or a surface coated with petroleum oil or other fatty substances using the carbo sugars are described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are glucose and insulin sensors. The sensors are composed of host cells with DNA specifically designed to produce fluorescence when the cells come into contact with glucose and/or insulin in the sample. Once the fluorescence has been quantified, it can be correlated with the amount of glucose and/or insulin present in the sample.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for ligating nucleic acids or nucleic acid fragments as well as methods for transforming or transfecting cells with exogenous DNA. The methods and devices generally involve exposing the nucleic acids, nucleic acid fragments, and/or cells to an electromagnetic field, for example, a mini-current electromagnetic field, while performing the steps of ligation or transformation. The methods and devices provide numerous advantages over conventional ligation and transformation techniques and systems such as reduced reaction times, no heating requirements, and reduced amounts of reagents. Finally, as shown in the examples below, the methods and devices described herein are more effective compared to conventional ligation and transformation techniques and systems.

Abstract: Described herein are glucose and insulin sensors. The sensors are composed of host cells with DNA specifically designed to produce fluorescence when the cells come into contact with glucose and/or insulin in the sample. Once the fluorescence has been quantified, it can be correlated with the amount of glucose and/or insulin present in the sample.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for simultaneously expressing amyloid precursor protein and TonB protein. For example, the biological devices and methods described herein increase the production of these two proteins while also reducing the cost, making these proteins more widely accessible for medical research purposes, including for the development of diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease. The amyloid precursor protein and TonB protein produced by the devices and methods described herein, as well as the devices themselves, can be used in experiments designed to model the interactions between metals and ?-amyloid that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Described herein are polyurethane compositions based on natural materials, as well as methods for making and using the compositions. Also described herein are biofoams made from the polyurethane compositions. The biofoams described herein are resistant to degradation by acid and heat and are able to recover their original shapes after the application of pressure.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for enhancing the physiological properties of plants. For example, the devices and methods described herein increase the production of lycopene, which has industrial and economic value. The lycopene produced by the devices and methods does not require the ultra purification that is common in conventional or commercial methods. The devices and methods described herein also enhance the growth rate of plants.

Abstract: Described herein are glucose and insulin sensors. The sensors are composed of host cells with DNA specifically designed to produce fluorescence when the cells come into contact with glucose and/or insulin in the sample. Once the fluorescence has been quantified, it can be correlated with the amount of glucose and/or insulin present in the sample.

Abstract: Described herein are glucose and insulin sensors. The sensors are composed of host cells with DNA specifically designed to produce fluorescence when the cells come into contact with glucose and/or insulin in the sample. Once the fluorescence has been quantified, it can be correlated with the amount of glucose and/or insulin present in the sample.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds and compositions useful for removing contaminants from water, as well as methods for making and using the compounds and compositions. In one aspect, the compositions contain a source of gallium ions and a polysaccharide such as chitosan, which are inexpensive and safe for the environment.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for enhancing the production of phenolic compounds from Theobroma cacao. For example, the devices and methods described herein increase the production of phenolic compounds from cocoa plants, which has industrial and economic value. The phenolic compounds produced by the devices and methods do not require the ultra purification that is common in conventional or commercial methods. The devices and methods described herein also enhance the growth rate of plants.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for simultaneously expressing amyloid precursor protein and TonB protein. For example, the biological devices and methods described herein increase the production of these two proteins while also reducing the cost, making these proteins more widely accessible for medical research purposes, including for the development of diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease. The amyloid precursor protein and TonB protein produced by the devices and methods described herein, as well as the devices themselves, can be used in experiments designed to model the interactions between metals and ?-amyloid that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.