Abstract: A method for forming an enzymatic biosensor includes preparing a first deposition solution comprising an enzyme, placing a substrate in the first deposition solution, applying an electrical potential to a working electrode of the substrate to deposit the enzyme on the working electrode, placing the substrate in a second deposition solution comprising electro-polymerizable monomers, and passing a current through the working electrode to polymerize the monomers to form an electropolymerized polymer layer over the enzyme deposited on the working electrode.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods associated with trans-tissue substance delivery using non-thermal plasma to porate skin or tissues using contoured dielectrics/electrodes and grounding techniques. In some embodiments, a substance delivery system may be incorporated into the plasma generating device for automatically controlled skin treatments. In other embodiments, a skin treatment patch may include the electrode and the treatment substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoglobulin preparation comprising immunoglobulin in a mass-volume percentage of at least 4%, wherein the concentration of oxygen dissolved in the preparation at room temperature is less than 40 ?mol/l.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photo-induced damage of one or more reactants in an illuminated analytical reaction by addition of one or more photoprotective compounds to the reaction mixture and allowing the reaction to proceed for a period that is less than a photo-induced damage threshold period.

Abstract: Systems and methods include directing limited frequencies of microwave signals toward target molecules, driving a motion of the target molecules to impact molecular recognition. In one implementation, a microwave spectra associated with the rotational modes of a target molecule is obtained. From peaks in the spectra, a mode of molecular movement is identified and a microwave signal profile is generated for driving a motion of binding portions of the molecule associated with the identified mode. Microwave signals are generated based on the signal profile for output by antennas. For example, the microwave signals can be can be used to impede the binding of quorum sensing molecules by receptors of P. aeruginosa. In one implementation, the antennas can be placed in a catheter for placement in a patient. In another implementation, the antennas can be placed in a sleeve or other device for use adjacent to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating a tissue matrix with a proteolytic enzyme to produce a desired pliability of the tissue matrix and/or to control the immunogenicity of the tissue matrix. The methods can also comprise performing an assay to determine if contacting the at least one collagen-containing tissue matrix with a proteolytic enzyme has altered the at least one collagen-containing tissue matrix to reduce a human immune response to the tissue matrix. The methods can comprise treatment with alcalase under conditions controlled to produce a desired pliability without unacceptable alteration in collagen structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analysis method comprising the steps of: (a) reacting a substance to be analyzed with at least a specific partner which exhibits a selective interaction with the substance, converting a soluble substance to an insoluble substance by an insolubilization reaction, in correlation with the amount of the substance to be analyzed contained in a sample, and depositing the insoluble substance on a sensing part, and (b) electrically analyzing the insoluble substance deposited on the sensing part, wherein at least one of steps (a) and (b) is carried out under flow conditions.

Abstract: This invention has as its object a method for releasing a product by subjecting a compound of Formula (II?): R?7R?8(HX)C1-C2(YH)R?9R?10 to a chemical oxidation that cleaves the bond C1-C2 to obtain the product. In the compound of Formula (II?): R?7 to R?10, which are identical or different, correspond to a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted functional group; X and Y, which are identical or different, are an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or an amine of Formula —NR11R12, wherein R11 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and R12 is not a hydrogen atom. The invention also has as its object a method for releasing a product that comprises, before the chemical oxidation stage, a first step for preparing the compound of Formula (II?). The released product can be a volatile molecule or an active substance or else a specific product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing chaperone activity by irradiating peroxiredoxin (Prx) proteins. More particularly, the present invention may be useful for preparing recombinant proteins imparting resistance against various environmental stresses by increasing the chaperone activity of peroxiredoxin, since it has been observed that irradiated peroxiredoxin has enhanced chaperone activity characteristics, wherein an ?-helix structure decreases while a ?-sheet structure increases, from analysis results of a protein structure change and chaperone activity after irradiating two types of peroxiredoxins (2-Cys, 3-Cys) which are two active cysteine motifs of peroxiredoxin.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a delivery of a molecule into an interior space of a cell includes the steps of introducing a molecule into a biological structure comprising a cell and applying a substantially continuous low-level electric field, in the form of non-thermal plasma (ionized gas) generated by a direct current voltage applied to an electrode, to the molecule and biological structure. The field is applied for a duration sufficient to effect a change in porosity the cell of the biological structure sufficient to facilitate an entry of a desired molecule into an interior thereof.

Abstract: Azido-diarylpyrimidine (azido-DAPY) compounds, and compositions containing such compounds, are provided. In addition, methods of using azido-diarylpyrimidines to inactivate reverse transcriptases, prepare inactivated viruses, and treat or prevent viral infections are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are presented for microwave assisted, enzymatic deglycosylation of proteins. The rate at which deglycosylation is achieved and without protein degradation facilitates rapid and accurate molecular weight determination by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: An object is to move a rail molecule by means of a biomolecular motor deposited on a base and inactivate the biomolecular motor through irradiation with light having a predetermined wavelength, to thereby readily and reliably fix the rail molecule at a predetermined position, while orienting the rail molecule in a predetermined direction without employment of any reagent. A method for fixing a rail molecule which has polarity and on which a biomolecular motor moves in a direction corresponding to the polarity includes depositing a biomolecular motor on a base; moving a rail molecule by means of the biomolecular motor; and inactivating the biomolecular motor by irradiating the biomolecular motor with light having a predetermined wavelength when the rail molecule reaches a predetermined position, to thereby fix the rail molecule so that it is oriented in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Superantibodies having enhanced autophilic, catalytic, and/or membrane-penetrating properties are prepared by affinity-based conjugation of a photoactivatable organic molecule to a target immunoglobulin. The photoactivatable organic molecule bears a chromophoric aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, which has affinity for the immunoglobulin. Upon photolysis, the organic molecule is covalently linked to the immunoglobulin. A preferred organic molecule is a peptide and a preferred aromatic hydrocarbon moiety is a tryptophan residue. The photoactivatable organic molecule need not bear a purine, pyrimidine or azido group to effect binding to the immunoglobulin and/or photoactivation. Autophilic superantibodies can promote apoptosis of target cells and/or enhance therapeutic efficacies in the treatment of patients with diseases or disorders responsive to antibody therapy. Exemplary of such diseases are atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for stabilizing labile biomolecules in an aqueous solution without the use of chemicals. For example, some embodiments involve exposing an aqueous solution of a labile biomolecule, such as a protein, to light energy to stabilize the biomolecule in the solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for patterning a substrate. The method comprises providing at least one magnetic pattern generator configured and operable to modulate the magnetic field to induce varying magnetic properties to a magnetic field according to a desired pattern; applying the modulated magnetic field in the vicinity of the substrate creating a certain pattern of regions of interaction to be obtained on top of the substrate; and; interacting the substrate with magnetic particles, while under the application of the modulated magnetic field, the magnetic particles being attracted to selected regions of interaction defined by the certain pattern while being substantially not attracted to regions outside the regions of interaction, thus creating on top of the substrate the certain pattern of regions interacted with the magnetic particles.

Abstract: An on-line method and system for obtaining samples for proteomic analysis that utilizes pressure and a preselected agent to obtain a processing sample in a significantly shorter period of time than prior art methods and which maintains the integrity of the processing sample through the preparatory process, and provides enhanced protein capture. In one embodiment of the invention, a sample and an enzyme are combined and subjected to a pressure, preferably a pressure cycle range that varies between 0 to 35 kpsi, for a period of time of preferably less than 60 seconds. This process results in producing a sample suitable for analysis, which is preferably introduced to another analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometry instrument, or other device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to eliminate undesired parallel conductive paths of nanogap devices for aqueous sensing. The method involves the electrical insulation of an electrode pair, except for the nanogap region wherein electrical response is measured. The magnitude of undesired ionic current in a measurement is reduced by two orders of magnitude. The process to accomplish the present invention is self-aligned and avoids fabrication complexity. The invention has a great potential in nanogap device applications.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor is provided. The lateral flow assay device utilizes a molecular substrate to facilitate the detection of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor via detection of the substrate and/or a product formed in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction of the substrate. In one embodiment, for example, upon contacting a molecular substrate, an enzyme catalyzes a reaction with the molecular substrate and forms a product. The lateral flow assay device also includes a detectable substance that may generate a detectable signal for determining the presence or amount of enzyme in a test sample. For example, the detectable substance may be directly or indirectly attached to a specific binding member that has affinity for the product. Following the enzyme catalyzed reaction, the product may bind the detectable substance which may, in turn, generate the detectable signal.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for increasing enzymatic activity during continuous processing by applying ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: Fluorescent substrates for beta-lactamases having the general formula shown above are provided. Z includes a fluorophore or chromophore and includes a group that may link to the lactam-containing group; R1 and R2 are independently selected from H, aliphatic, aromatic, alkyl, and acyl; R4 may be H and lower alkyl; B may be H, physiologically acceptable salts or metal, ester groups, ammonium cations, —CHR5OCO(CH2)nCH3, —CHR5OCOC(CH3)3, acylthiomethyl, acyloxy-alpha-benz, deltabutyrolactonyl, methoxycarbonyloxymethyl, phenyl, methylsulphinylmethyl, beta-morpholinoethyl, dialkylaminoethyl, and dialkylaminocarbonyloxymethyl, in which R5 is selected from the group consisting of H and lower alkyl; n is an integer between 0 and 10, inclusive; and A may be S, O, SO, SO2 or CH2. In embodiments, the beta-lactam ring may be cleaved by a beta-lactamase enzyme effective to free a fluorophore.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the sterilization of functional biological materials, and for their preservation for shelf storage at uncontrolled temperatures. Biological contaminants are significantly reduced in titer or eliminated while maintaining preservation of functional integrity of sterilized and stabilized products. The sterilized and stabilized functional biological material can be stored at room temperature, thereby making it much more available and easier to use versus, lyophilized, conventional frozen or cold stored biologics. The present invention is further directed to inactivation of metalloenzymes, which are often degradative enzymes in biological systems. Reduction or elimination of the degradative function can be achieved by exposure to ionizing radiation, chemical agents or processes that inactivate the metalloenzymes. Inactivation of metalloenzymes enhances the stability of functional biological materials at ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the process of selectively exposing matter to a specific wavelength of electromagnetic energy in sufficient flux density per wavelength to cause or promote a desired effect. The process includes, but is not limited to, destroying, disinfecting, denaturing, disinfesting, disrupting, or dehydration of one or more of the substances present. More specifically, present invention relates to subjecting matter, which may contain a mixture of substances, to electromagnetic energy, in concurrence with its spectral properties to exploit the spectral differences within the substance or within a mixture of substances. Energies are applied to cause wavelength-dependent reactions resulting from differential absorption; this additional applied energy manifests itself in changes, or quantum transitions, in the vibrational, rotational, magnetic, and electronic states of the molecules.

Abstract: Provided are fluorescent substrates for ?-lactamases having the general formula I: in which R is a benzyl, 2-thienylmethyl, or cyanomethyl group; R? is selected from the group consisting of H, physiologically acceptable salts or metal, ester groups, ammonium cations, —CHR2OCO(CH2)nCH3, —CHR2OCOC(CH3)3, acylthiomethyl, acyloxy-alpha-benzyl, deltabutyrolactonyl, methoxycarbonyloxymethyl, phenyl, methylsulphinylmethyl, ?-morpholinoethyl, dialkylaminoethyl, and dialkylaminocarbonyloxymethyl, in which R2 is selected from the group consisting of H and lower alkyl; A is selected from the group consisting of S, O, SO, SO2 and CH2; and Z is a donor fluorescent moiety. Also provided are methods of use of the compound of general formula I.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for converting cellulosic material to ethanol comprising adding an enzyme capable of releasing sugars to cellulosic material to form a cellulosic material and enzyme mixture; treating the mixture with microwave energy to enhance enzymatic digestion of the cellulosic material by the enzyme to release sugars; and carrying out a fermentation reaction on the treated mixture to form ethanol.

Abstract: We disclose methods of sorting or separating mixtures of living cells (e.g., eukaryotic, prokaryotic, mammalian, pathogenic, bacterial, viral, etc.). We perform our methods by activating cell-selective photophoric labels, which photosensitize and chemically reduce a photosensitive metal compound to form metal grains, particles or crystals. The metal adheres to the cells and forms the basis for sorting or separating different cell types. Photophoric labels may include chemiluminescent agents such as peroxidase enzymes activated with peroxidase substrates capable of luminescence. Photosensitive metal compounds may be present in a light-sensitive matrix or emulsion containing photosensitizable metal compounds, which form metal grains, particles or crystals upon exposure to a developer solution. Developer solutions are formulated to substantially allow living cells to remain viable after exposure to the developing solution.

Abstract: A method for killing or inactivating spores, by contacting the spores with a haloperoxidase, a source of hydrogen peroxide and a source of iodide ions. The spores may additionally be contacted with a haloperoxidase enhancing agent.

Abstract: A self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device is designed and fabricated to actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex molecular biological reactions in microscopic formats. These reactions include nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen reactions, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micro-machining techniques. The device can electronically control the transport and attachment of specific binding entities to specific micro-locations. The specific binding entities include molecular biological molecules such as nucleic acids and polypeptides. The device can subsequently control the transport and reaction of analytes or reactants at the addressed specific micro-locations. The device is able to concentrate analytes and reactants, remove non-specifically bound molecules, provide stringency control for DNA hybridization reactions, and improve the detection of analytes. The device can be electronically replicated.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit for detecting the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor is provided. The diagnostic kit utilizes reactive complexes to facilitate the detection of the enzyme or enzyme inhibitor. The reactive complexes include a substrate joined (e.g., covalently bonded, physically adsorbed, etc.) to a reporter and magnetic substance. In one embodiment, for example, a peptide, protein, or glycoprotein substrate is joined to a reporter (e.g., dyed latex particle) and magnetic particle. In this embodiment, the substrate provides a cleavage target for a proteolytic enzyme. Specifically, upon contacting the reactive complexes, the proteolytic enzyme cleaves the substrate and releases the reporter and/or magnetic particle. The signal exhibited by the released reporters may then be used to indicate the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor within the test sample.

Abstract: A method comprising the indirect electrochemical regeneration of NAD(P)H in enzymatic substrate conversions which are catalyzed by monooxygenases, for example, is described. In particular, a method for the electroenzymatic preparation of 2,3-dihydroxyphenyl derivatives, which is catalyzed by the enzyme 2-hydroxybiphenyl 3-monooxygenase and in which simultaneously the NAD+ formed by reductive cleavage of oxygen is electrochemically reduced, is described.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing preparations of glycosidases to reduce the level therein of one or more active biological contaminants or pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria (including inter- and intracellular bacteria, such as mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, nanobacteria, chlamydia, rickettsias), yeasts, molds, fungi, single or multicellular parasites, prions or similar agents responsible, alone or in combination, for TSEs. These methods involve sterilizing preparations of glycosidases, such as alpha-glucosidase or alpha-galactosidase, with irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of solubilizing and recycling polymers using irradiation, wherein the polymers comprise photoreactive moieties. These polymers have many applications including use in disposable consumer products such as beverage bottles, eating utensils and diapers.

Abstract: A method is described for treating biological cells and/or their cell components with electrical fields in a reaction medium, in which an inhibitor is added to the reaction medium to counteract the action of enzymes that break down protein.

Abstract: A process for purifying and concentrating a gluconic acid derivative, such as 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, comprising introducing a non-viable and/or acidified fermentation medium or an in-vitro reactor medium comprising at least the gluconic acid derivative and/or salt thereof to electrodialysis thereby purifying and concentrating the gluconic acid derivative.

Abstract: The populating method for populating a substrate with living cells provides a population with at least one populating phase and at least one perfusion phase. During the populating phase the substrate can be held in contact with the cell suspension by continuous rotation in various spatial arrangements. The populating device of the invention (10) comprises a rollable container (10a) and a removable insert in it with a means (12) for inserting the substrate being populated, such as a plastic or collagen matrix. The insert is designed so that in interaction with the inserted substrate, two liquid-tight chambers are formed within the container on opposite sides of the inserted substrate, so as to allow separate populating of both sides of the substrate. The container have liquid inlets and outlets (16) and may also have gas inlets and outlets. The rollable populating reactor (10) is inserted into a roller cabinet for certain phases of the populating.

Abstract: This invention presents a method of improving enzymatic degradation of lignocellulose, as in the production of ethanol from lignocellulosic material, through the use of ultrasonic treatment. The invention shows that ultrasonic treatment reduces cellulase requirements by ⅓ to ½. With the cost of enzymes being a major problem in the cost-effective production of ethanol from lignocellulosic material, this invention presents a significant improvement over presently available methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating nucleic acids from other cellular debris, especially substances that carry a net positive charge at low pH, by electrophoresis under acid conditions. In the purification method of the present invention, nucleic acids are separated from proteins found in the same biological sample by applying the sample to an electrophesis gel and subjecting the sample to electrophoresis under acid conditions to separate the nucleic acids from the proteins. The optimum pH may differ for different sample types but can be readily determined by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the separation is performed at a pH of about 2 to about 4. More preferably, electrophoresis is carried out at a pH of 2.

Abstract: A method for altering or affecting ionic interactions in systems containing an unhydrated ion in a chemical or biological system comprising controlling the orientation and varying the intensity and fluctuation frequency of perpendicular or perpendicular and parallel paired static and sinusoidally varying magnetic fields so as to create magnetic interactions between ions and the molecules with which the ions are associated. Using the ion parametric resonance (IPR) model of the present invention, the magnetic fields can be adjusted to control precisely the desired orientation, intensity and fluctuation frequency of the magnetic fields.