Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods of use for identifying modulators of NOTUM, e.g., NOTUM inhibitors. In some aspects, identified compounds are useful for modulating Wnt signaling at sites of tissue damage. The invention further provides methods of promoting regeneration by inhibiting NOTUM.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, a biomedical material is provided. The biomedical material includes a biocompatible material having a surface and a carrier distributed over the surface of the biocompatible material, wherein both of the biocompatible material and the carrier have no charges, one of them has charges or both of them have charges with different electricity. The biomedical material is utilized for dentistry, orthopedics, wound healing or medical beauty and applied in the repair and regeneration of various soft and hard tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for multiplex decoding of microsphere array sensors.

Abstract: This invention relates to adsorbents and methods for highly selective removal of anti-von Willebrand Factor-cleaving protease antibodies (“anti-vWF-cp-abs”) from human plasma using human von Willebrand Factor-cleaving protease (“hvWF-cp”) or fragments thereof as affinity ligands. The adsorbents can be used for treating disorders associated with the occurrence of anti-vWF-cp-abs in patients, such as thromboembolic diseases.

Abstract: The invention is directed to enzyme preparations which are obtainable by providing enzyme immobilizates which comprise enzymes or microorganisms comprising enzymes immobilized on an inert support with a polyethersilicone coating obtained by hydrosilylation, to a process for preparing such enzyme preparations and to the use of enzyme preparations as an industrial biocatalyst.

Abstract: A cell tissue gel containing collagen and hyaluronan at a weight ratio of 0.01-100:1 and uses thereof for stem cell delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for the utilization of the specific interaction of replication termination sequences with their binding proteins in molecular biology applications.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing an adsorbent for bacterial toxins, a method for removal of such toxins by adsorption, and an adsorber packed with said adsorbent. Provided are an adsorbent for bacterial toxins, which comprises a water-insoluble porous material having a mode of pore radius of 20 angstroms to 1,000 angstroms, a method for removal of bacterial toxins using said adsorbent, and an adsorber packed with said adsorbent.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines.

Abstract: A microcapsule comprising A) a core containing a hydrophobic liquid or wax, B) a polymeric shell comprising a) a polymer formed from a monomer mixture containing: i) 1 to 95% by weight of a hydrophobic mono functional ethylenically unsaturated monomer, ii) 5 to 99% by weight of a polyfunctional ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and iii) 0 to 60% by weight of other mono functional monomer, and b) a further hydrophobic polymer which is insoluble in the hydrophobic liquid or wax. The invention includes a process for the manufacture of particles and the use of particles in articles, such as fabrics, and coating compositions, especially for textiles.

Abstract: A bioartificial liver system is described that incorporates a cell reservoir and hepatocyte spheroids to both increase the number of and longevity of cells in the system. Additional methods are also described for forming spheroid aggregates from isolated hepatocytes.

Abstract: A biological composite and method for reducing H2S are disclosed. The biological composite for reducing H2S includes a carrier and Thermus sp. immobilized on the carrier. Therefore, if a sample containing H2S has contact with Thermus sp. or the carrier with Thermus sp. immobilized thereon, the amount of H2S can be reduced.

Abstract: An affinity ligand-matrix conjugate of the structure Z-Spacer-[NX-A]m-NY-A-NK2 is useful for the isolation, separation, purification, characterization, identification or quantification of endotoxins in an aqueous system, wherein m is an integer of at least one; each A independently represents an optionally substituted linear, branched or cyclic saturated hydrocarbon chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; each X independently represents hydrogen or alkyl; Y is X or A-NX2; and Z is a support matrix attached to the ligand through an optional spacer arm (Spacer).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biosensing systems and biosensing elements having increased storage capability and increased functional lifetimes through using compositions and methods for recycling cofactors.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for analyzing a biomaterial. The apparatus includes: a first substrate including a plurality of micro-pillars formed to protrude to a predetermined height, the biomaterial being attached to one surface of the micro-pillar; a second substrate including a plurality of micro-wells, the micro-pillars being insertable into the micro-wells when the first substrate-and the second substrate are combined with each other; and at least one spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate when the first substrate and the second substrate are combined with each other.

Abstract: Methods for adapting or selecting microorganisms with increased product tolerance are provided. Additionally, a bioreactor capable of operation in either packed bed or fluidized bed is disclosed along with methods to use the bioreactor for culturing microorganisms adapted or selected increased product tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and uses of a novel Dunaliella salina HT04 microorganism. In addition, the present invention relates to novel methods for culturing harvesting, preservation, storage, and production of algae seedstock and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method for making a tissue includes seeding cells at a selected concentration on a support to form a cell spot, incubating the cells to allow the cells to partially attach, rinsing the cells to remove any unattached cells, adding culture medium to enable the cells to proliferate at a periphery of the cell spot and to differentiate toward a center of the cell spot, and further incubating the cells to form the tissue. The cells may be C2C12 cells or other subclones of the C2 cell line, H9c2(2-1) cells, L6 cells, L8 cells, QM7 cells, Sol8 cells, G-7 cells, G-8 cells, other myoblast cells, cells from other tissues, or stem cells. The selected concentration is in a range from about 1×105 cells/ml to about 1×106 cells/ml. The tissue formed may be a skeletal muscle tissue, a cardiac muscle tissue, nerve tissue, or a bone tissue.

Abstract: In on aspect, the invention includes a microcarrier bead having a porous three-dimensional core having (a) a polymeric porous three-dimensional body having porosity of about 15 to about 90% such that at least 99% of pores are interconnected and have diameters of at most 200 microns, (b) an outer protective layer and optionally (c) a filler. In another aspect, the invention includes a method of making an artificial scaffold wherein a scaffolding material is extruded into a coolant and thereby creating a porous material having a porosity of between 15-90% such that at least 99% of pores are interconnected and have diameters of at most 200 microns.

Abstract: Structures and methods for tissue engineering include a multicellular body including a plurality of living cells. A plurality of multicellular bodies can be arranged in a pattern and allowed to fuse to form an engineered tissue. The arrangement can include filler bodies including a biocompatible material that resists migration and ingrowth of cells from the multicellular bodies and that is resistant to adherence of cells to it. Three-dimensional constructs can be assembled by printing or otherwise stacking the multicellular bodies and filler bodies such that there is direct contact between adjoining multicellular bodies, suitably along a contact area that has a substantial length. The direct contact between the multicellular bodies promotes efficient and reliable fusion. The increased contact area between adjoining multicellular bodies also promotes efficient and reliable fusion.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for site-specific modification of proteins by incorporation of an aldehyde tag. Enzymatic modification at a sulfatase motif of the aldehyde tag through action of a formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE) generates a formylglycine (FGly) residue. The aldehyde moiety of FGly residue can be exploited as a chemical handle for site-specific attachment of a moiety of interest to a polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to xylanases and to polynucleotides encoding the xylanases. In addition, methods of designing new xylanases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The xylanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: A biological soil nutrient system that combines beneficial soil fungi and bacteria in a growth promoting nutrient medium, embedded in an inorganic porous ceramic particle for direct delivery during soil aerification to the rhizosphere of adventitious plants, including sports turf, landscape and agricultural applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for stabilising viruses or bacteria, the method comprising embedding the viruses or bacteria in an aqueous solution, wherein the solution comprises: (i) at least three different amino acids; or (ii) at least one dipeptide or tripeptide and wherein the solution is free or substantially free of sugar(s), silanes and protein(s).

Abstract: Lysing may include agitating a specimen in a chamber along with a medium that includes a particulate lysing material that has an affinity for a biological material. Lysing material may include beads or other material which may be coated that facilitates binding. The medium may include a fluid with a high salt or low pH level. Binding of biological materials to solid surfaces may be induced by particular media. The biological material may be eluted by lowering a concentration of salt or increasing a pH level. Lysing materials with two or more different affinities may be employed. Lysing materials may include particles of different sizes. Heating may be used. Lysing may be performed in a flow through apparatus. Surfaces of solid materials may be modified to capture bacteria with high cell wall lipid content.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a toluene, benzene, p-toluate, terephthalate, (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, (2-hydroxy-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, benzoate, styrene, 2,4-pentadienoate, 3-butene-1ol or 1,3-butadiene pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce toluene, benzene, p-toluate, terephthalate, (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, (2-hydroxy-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, benzoate, styrene, 2,4-pentadienoate, 3-butene-1ol or 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: Networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) decorated with Au-coated Pd (Au/Pd) nanocubes are employed as electrochemical biosensors that exhibit excellent sensitivity (2.6 mA mM?1 cm?2) and a low estimated detection limit (2.3 nM) at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 (S/N=3) in the amperometric sensing of hydrogen peroxide. Biofunctionalization of the Au/Pd nanocube-SWCNT biosensor is demonstrated with the selective immobilization of fluorescently labeled streptavidin on the nanocube surfaces via thiol linking. Similarly, glucose oxidase (GOx) is linked to the surface of the nanocubes for amperometric glucose sensing. The exhibited glucose detection limit of 1.3_M (S/N=3) and linear range spanning from 10 ?M to 50 mM substantially surpass other CNT-based biosensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit and method for the capture of tumor cells in a body fluid sample or a serum-containing sample. The kit and method of the invention can capture living tumor cells but not non-living tumor cells or cell fragments so that the tumor species can be further identified by further culture of the captured tumor cells. Also, the kit and method of the invention can readily identify whether a sample contains tumor cells and collect these tumor cells for further identification so that the presence of cancer and development of the metastasis and early relapse can be identified.

Abstract: A device having a substrate and an enzyme attached to the substrate. The substrate has a polymeric surface having at least two conductivity states. A minimum voltage that does not cause a redox reaction in the enzyme may be applied to the polymeric surface to change the conductivity state of the surface. A method of controlling enzyme activity by providing the above substrate with polymeric surface, attaching an enzyme to the substrate, and altering the conductivity state of the polymeric surface. Changing the conductivity of the polymer can change the activity of the enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellular screening substrata which can be formed in simple processing steps. The cellular screening substrata can be formed which are characterized in that plural cellular screening substances are positioned and immobilized at predetermined positions on a base by micro-droplet discharging means, and plural areas having different cellular screening functions are formed thereon.

Abstract: The present compositions and methods relate to a thermostable carbonic anhydrases, polynucleotides encoding the carbonic anhydrase, and methods of make and/or use thereof. Formulations containing the carbonic anhydrase are suitable for use in extracting carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process for the modification of a substrate comprising passing the substrate through a packed bed column of a specific volume of immobilized enzyme wherein the substrate enters the column at or near one end of the column (the ‘inlet end’) and the modified substrate exits at or near the opposite end of the column (the ‘outlet end’), a portion of the volume of immobilized enzyme is periodically removed at or near to the inlet end of the column, and an equivalent portion of immobilized enzyme is periodically added at or near to the outlet end of the column.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electrochemical proximity assay (ECPA) which leverages two aptamer or antibody-oligonucleotide probes and proximity-dependent DNA hybridization to move a redox active molecule near an electrically conductive base. The ECPA of the present disclosure produces rapid, quantitative results, enabling point-of-care use in the detection of biomarkers of disease.

Abstract: A novel high throughput screening (HTS) technique to rapidly identify eukaryotic topoisomerase I active agents is presented. The method is based on genetic tagging of the topoisomerase I enzyme to directly immobilize the enzyme on a solid surface in a microtiter well format. For HTS operations, DNA is added to the wells and a fraction of the input plasmid is retained on the enzyme attached to the solid phase substratum. The retained DNA is detected by Picogreen fluorescence. Compounds that result in an increase in Picogreen staining represent potential topoisomerase interfacial poisons while those that reduce fluorescence report the presence of a catalytic inhibitor; therefore, the solid phase assay represents a ‘bimodal’ readout that reveals mechanisms of action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vivo detection of a biofilm infection residing in a mammal, the method comprising (i) administering to the mammal a diagnostic-effective amount of a biofilm-specific probe, wherein the probe comprises a bio film-targeting moiety and a paramagnetic nanoparticle core; and (ii) imaging the mammal to detect the presence of the biofilm infection by observing the mammal using a magnetic resonance diagnostic technique after the biofilm-specific probe has been provided sufficient time to selectively bind to the bio film infection that may be present in the mammal. The invention also relates to methods of treatment of a bio film infection, and compositions and kits useful in the detection and/or treatment of bio film infections.

Abstract: A high concentration H2S elimination system and a method using the same are disclosed. The system of the present invention comprises: a chemical H2S elimination module with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet, wherein H2 S-containing gas is introduced into the chemical H2S elimination module; a reagent storage unit containing an oxidant; a liquid spray unit, wherein the oxidant contained in the reagent storage unit is introduced into the chemical H2S elimination module from the liquid inlet thereof through the liquid spray unit; a bio-regeneration unit comprising a microorganism to regenerate oxidant and connecting to the reagent storage unit; and a sulfur-removing module connecting to the liquid outlet of the chemical H2S elimination module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a tissue engineering product designed to regenerate cartilage tissue, said product comprising expanded bone marrow mesenchymal cells, a non-cellular matrix and a fibrin gel, the method comprising the steps of: (a) expanding the mesenchymal cells; (b) conjugating the mesenchymal cells to the matrix; (c) washing the product obtained in step (b); and (d) mixing the product obtained in step (c) with a fibrin gel.

Abstract: Silk is purified to eliminate immunogenic components (particularly sericin) and is used to form fabric that is used to form tissue-supporting prosthetic devices for implantation. The fabrics can carry functional groups, drugs, and other biological reagents. Applications include hernia repair, tissue wall reconstruction, and organ support, such as bladder slings. The silk fibers are arranged in parallel and, optionally, intertwined (e.g., twisted) to form a construct; sericin may be extracted at any point during the formation of the fabric, leaving a construct of silk fibroin fibers having excellent tensile strength and other mechanical properties.

Abstract: Described herein are novel compositions comprising multimodal TRAIL agents and cells engineered to express such multimodal TRAIL agents, including cells encapsulated in a scaffold or matrix, for use in the treatment of disorders such as cancer.

Abstract: A real-time method employing a portable peptide-containing potentiometric biosensor, can directly detect and/or quantify bacterial spores. Two peptides for specific recognition of B. subtilis and B. anthracis Sterne may be immobilized by a polysiloxane monolayer immobilization (PMI) technique. The sensors translate the biological recognition event into a potential change by detecting, for example, B. subtilis spores in a concentration range of 0.08-7.3×104 CFU/ml. The sensing method exhibited highly selective recognition properties towards Bacillus subtilis spores over other kinds of spores. The selectivity coefficients of the sensors for other kinds of spores are in the range of 0-1.0×10?5. The biosensor method not only has the specificity to distinguish Bacillus subtilis spores in a mixture of B. subtilis and B. thuringiensis (thur.) Kurstaki spores, but also can discriminate between live and dead B. subtilis spores. Furthermore, the sensing method can distinguish a Bacillus subtilis 1A700 from other B.

Abstract: The presently described subject matter is directed to a water-soluble conjugated polyene compound and the derivatives thereof that exhibit aggregation induced emission, as well as any water dispersible, fluorescent, polymeric microparticles, nanoparticles, and/or pharmaceutical composition comprising the water-soluble conjugated polyene compound and/or the derivatives thereof. Also provided are methods of making and using the compound, derivatives and particles of the presently described subject matter. The presently described water-soluble conjugated polyene compound are useful as bioprobes for the detection of biomacromolecules, in the manufacture of sensors, in monitoring and retarding formation of amyloid protein fibril in vitro and in vivo, and in developing anti-cancer drugs.

Abstract: There is provided a method for covalent immobilization of at least one molecule comprising at least one amino group, said method comprising the sequential steps of: a) providing a surface comprising —SH groups, b) oxidizing the surface comprising —SH groups using redox reactions in the presence of noble metal ions, and c) contacting the surface with at least one molecule comprising at least one amino group to obtain a covalent binding of the at least one molecule to the surface, wherein said at least one amino group is involved in obtaining said covalent bond. The immobilized molecules are immobilized via stable covalent bonds. The method is more versatile since it can be performed as a one step method. All reaction steps are performed in aqueous solution. All steps can be performed at room temperature. The chemicals used are less expensive and less toxic compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A particle is disclosed. The particle comprising: (i) at least one inner core which comprises a solid matrix of nutrients for microorganism growth; (ii) an inner membrane being fabricated from a water-soluble polymer, the inner membrane surrounding the inner core and a population of dried microorganisms; and (iii) an outer porous membrane surrounding the inner membrane, the outer porous membrane being insoluble in water. Methods of generating same, propagating microorganisms within and uses of same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for handling tissue samples for analysis. In particular the present invention relates to a composition and method for orientating tissue for histological and/or pathological laboratory analysis.

Abstract: This invention describes a device consisting of a micro channel plate, filter, and porous holder for filter, which is substituted by a pure agar block during method performance, and supportive structural elements. The device is intended for rapid detection and/or identification of microorganisms. Microorganisms are trapped by filtration in long (diameter/length=1/10-1/100), cylindrical, parallel, micro-channels that are open from both sides and attached to a filter from one side. A micro channel plate houses a multiplicity of micro channels (possible diameter of each channel=1-30 ?m, length 100-1000 ?m, and number on centimeter2=100,000-1,000,000). The micro channel plate with cells trapped on the surface of the filter is attached to an agar block impregnated by artificial substrate(s) so that the molecules of the artificial substrates will fill all micro channels. Trapped cells produce colored or fluorescent molecules from artificial substrates.

Abstract: Specific applications of particles and particle agglomerates with semiconductor surfaces are provided. The particles and particle agglomerates display a high affinity for viral particles, and may be used therapeutically and/or prophylactically to treat or prevent viral infections. The particles and particle agglomerates may also be used to remove viral particles from a surface or fluid, e.g., as an absorbent in a filter, applied to surfaces to render them virostatic, and as tool to handle viral particles, e.g., for research, diagnostic, or decontamination purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peptide derived from HIV-1 gp120 which forms insoluble aggregates when introduced into an aqueous solution and its use for enhancing viral infection of cells. In addition, the invention comprises methods for enhancing viral infection of cells, for concentrating a virus and for separating a virus from a fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of detecting and quantifying misfolded proteins/peptides. In particular the detection and quantification of misfolded proteins/peptides in body fluids, on cell surfaces of humans and mammals, the detection of misfolded proteins/peptides in reagents to be tested for scientific research and/or diagnostic use and in pharmaceutical medication or their additives and it concerns as well the removal of misfolded proteins/peptides from reagents to be tested for scientific research and/or for diagnostic purposes and from pharmaceutical medication or their additives.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic cell platforms. The synthetic cell platforms can be used for culturing cells in vitro. The synthetic cell platforms can also be implanted together with bound cells into an individual. The present invention provides methods of using the platforms to provide cells or progeny of such cells for use in various applications, including clinical applications; and methods of use of the platforms to introduce cells into an individual.

Abstract: By using engineered sequence specific DNA nuclease (“SSDN”), the composition, reagent kit and method of the present invention can cut and release a DNA sequence of interest 1×104-1×107-base pairs long from a source DNA as large as the whole genome. The SSDN further includes an affinity tag or is bound to a solid support that facilitates the isolation of the DNA sequence of interest. The SSDN can include a RecA and Ref combination, a transcription activator like effector nuclease, or a sequence specific chemical nuclease. When applied to genomic sequencing, specific region(s) of interest in the genome can be cut and isolated. Because the irrelevant part of the genome is removed from the sequencing reaction, the speed, cost, and accuracy of genomic sequencing can be improved.