Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments concern a bioremediation composition comprising microbial cells, at least one co-metabolism substrate to induce selected enzyme production by the microbial cells, and a bead or gel encapsulating the microbial cells, such as bacterial or fungi cells, and the at least one co-metabolism substrate. For certain embodiments, the substrate is a slow release compound, such as an orthosilicate that hydrolyzes to produce an alcohol growth substrate. Embodiments of a method for using the composition to transform contaminants of concern also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme-carrier complex, and more particularly to the adsorption and stabilization of an enzyme on the surface of a carrier, and an enzyme-carrier complex with secured enzyme stability so that an enzyme immobilized by a hydrophobic interaction exhibits long-term enzymatic activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the cultivation of the Methylobacterium genus of bacteria. In particular the method provides methods for the efficient and inexpensive cultivation of these bacteria. Additionally, the invention provides methods for the utilization of these bacterial cultures to improve plant agriculture.

Abstract: A blood treatment method includes the steps of inducing flow of a patient's blood through an extracorporeal device inlet and outlet in fluid connection to the circulatory system of the patient. Metastatic DNA contained within patient blood can be rendered non-oncogenic by passing patient blood over a biochemical reactor surface having attached or immobilized DNase 1 enzyme, with the biochemical reactor being contained within the extracorporeal device. The treatment method is performed without adding any chemicals to the blood of the patient.

Abstract: The present application provides methods for preparing soluble lipidated ligand agents comprising a ligand entity and a lipid entity, and in some embodiments, provides relevant parameters of each of these components, thereby enabling appropriate selection of components to assemble active agents for any given target of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an eco-friendly methodology for the conversion of alcohols and aldehydes to amines and amides using an integrated enzyme cascade system with metal- and organocatalysis. More specifically, the present invention relates to synthesis of capsaicinoids starting from vanillin alcohol and using a combination of an enzyme cascade system and catalysts. Furthermore, the method also relates to synthesis of capsaicinoids derivatives starting from vanillin alcohol derivatives and using a combination of an enzyme cascade system and catalysts.

Abstract: A catalyst having a porous support having at least one of thermally or electrically conductive particles bonded by a polymer, and enzymes embedded into pores of the porous support. A process of manufacturing an enzyme-embedded porous support includes forming solution of monomers, enzymes, a solvent, and at least one of electrically and thermally conductive particles, polymerizing the monomers by adding initiators to the solution, and evaporating the solvent to produce an enzyme-embedded porous support. A process of manufacturing an enzyme embedded porous support, includes mixing enzymes, at least one of electrically conductive or thermally conductive particles, and a polymer in a solvent, and evaporating the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test element for the detection of an analyte comprising an enzyme, wherein the enzyme is incorporated in a nanocapsule.

Abstract: Provided is an enzyme immobilized on an enzyme. Also provided is a viscosified fracture fluid 1 formed by combining a solid proppant, a binding agent and an enzyme to form a proppant-immobilized enzyme 2, mixing the proppant-immobilized enzyme 2 with a second proppant 3 to form a heterogeneous proppant pack 4 and mixing said heterogeneous proppant pack 4 with a gelled liquid fracturing fluid 5 to form a viscosified fracture fluid 1 containing the heterogeneous proppant pack 4. The viscosified fracture fluid 1 containing the heterogeneous proppant pack 4 is pumped 6 into a subterranean zone 7 to form one or more fractures 8 therein. The proppant-immobilized enzyme 2 that is part of the heterogeneous proppant pack 4 has the dual purpose of propping open the subterranean fractures 8 and reducing the viscosity of the viscosified fracture fluid 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to improve chromatography beads. More closely, the invention relates to a novel method for production of dextran-containing porous media and chromatography media produced with this method. In the method, the chromatography media is subjected to dextranase-treatment leading to improved pressure-flow properties of the media.

Abstract: A composition for use in bioseparation. The composition includes a plurality of hollow particles having a siliceous surface. The composition further includes a surface-modifying agent bonded to the hollow particles. The surface-modifying agent includes a binding segment and a reactive segment. The binding segment includes a silyl group and the reactive segment includes a reactive nitrogen group.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are formulations, substrates, and arrays. Also disclosed herein are methods for manufacturing and using the formulations, substrates, and arrays. Also disclosed are methods for identifying peptide sequences useful for diagnosis and treatment of disorders, and methods for using the peptide sequences for diagnosis and treatment of disorders, e.g., celiac disorder. In certain embodiments, substrates and arrays comprise a porous layer for synthesis and attachment of polymers or biomolecules.

Abstract: Soft actuators are fabricated from materials that enable the actuators to be constructed with an open-celled architecture such as an interconnected network of pore elements. The movement of a soft actuator is controlled by manipulating the open-celled architecture, for example inflating/deflating select portions of the open-celled architecture using a substance such as compressed fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved automatic sampling and biochemical monitoring system for a microbial or cell culture or a biochemical reaction in a bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microcapsule composition produced by crosslinking of a polybranched polyamine and a small amine, which is used for stabilizing detergent components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of silicic acid to transform biological materials, including cellular architecture into inorganic materials to provide biocomposites (nanomaterials) with stabilized structure and function. In the present invention, there has been discovered a means to stabilize the structure and function of biological materials, including cells, biomolecules, peptides, proteins (especially including enzymes), lipids, lipid vesicles, polysaccharides, cytoskeletal filaments, tissue and organs with silicic acid such that these materials may be used as biocomposites. In many instances, these materials retain their original biological activity and may be used in harsh conditions which would otherwise destroy the integrity of the biological material. In certain instances, these biomaterials may be storage stable for long periods of time and reconstituted after storage to return the biological material back to its original form.

Abstract: A method of proteolyzing a protein, including immobilizing a protein in at least one pore of a porous body, and contacting the protein immobilized in the pore and a protease immobilized on a solid surface such that the protease selectively accesses a site of the protein and proteolyzes the protein at the site.

Abstract: The present disclosure addresses biologically active formulations for agricultural and other applications that comprise a solid growth substrate that defines an open cell matrix and an active population of one or more microorganisms adhered thereto. The formulation is configured to be applied directly to a plant growth environment and does not require additional isolation and/or processing steps that would separate the microorganisms from the solid growth substrate prior to deployment. The disclosure also addresses related methods.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a cleaning member configured to retain specific particles having a smaller equivalent sphere diameter than toner particles at a contact region. The specific particles contain an organosilicon polymer having a partial structure represented by R—SiO3/2, wherein R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The atomic concentration dSi of silicon in the specific particles satisfies 1.0 atomic %?dSi?29.0 atomic % when the total atomic concentration of silicon, oxygen, and carbon in the specific particles is measured to be 100.0 atomic % by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). Also, the specific particles satisfy L2/L3?3/4 or L2/L3?4/3 when assuming that the specific particles have three lengths L1, L2, and L3 in three axis directions in a three-dimensional coordinate system, wherein L1 is the longest one of the three lengths, in an average value of a unit volume.

Abstract: Medical adhesive applicators are disclosed which allow medical adhesives to have long storage life and be easily dispensed in a controlled manner. In one embodiment, the applicator has a frangible glass vial with the medical adhesive. The frangible glass vial is held in a plastic enclosure with a dispensing tip. Attached to the plastic enclosure is a squeeze tube capable of imparting air pressure into the enclosure. To dispense medical adhesive quickly and with precision, one simply breaks the frangible glass vial and pushes on the squeeze tube. In another embodiment, the applicator has a proximal chamber containing medical adhesive, a distal chamber for dispensing medical adhesive and one or more rupturable membranes between them. To achieve long shelf life, the applicator chambers and membrane(s) are formed from fluorinated plastic. To dispense medical adhesive, one ruptures the membrane(s) and pushes on the sides of the proximal chamber.

Abstract: Methods and sensors for detection and quantification of one or more analyte in a test sample are described. A response profile of an ion sensor to a control sample of a known interrogator ion is determined. The ion sensor is exposed to a test sample then to a second sample comprising the known interrogator ion, and a test sample response profile of the ion sensor is determined. One or more test sample sensor response profiles are compared with one or more control sensor response profiles for detecting, identifying, and quantifying one or more analytes in the test sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bioreactor obtained by compressing a mixture of an enzyme, a conductor and chitosan. The conductor can consist of carbon nanotubes. This bioreactor can be produced according to the following steps: preparing a mixture of powders in which the proportion of enzyme powder relative to a carbon nanotube powder is of the order of 50/50 by weight; preparing a viscous solution of chitosan in a ratio of 5 to 15 (in mg) of chitosan to 0.75 to 1.25 (in ml) of acetic acid diluted to 0.4 to 0.6% by volume in water; adding the viscous chitosan to the mixture of powders in a proportion be weight of 3 to 5 of powder to 5 to 10 of chitosan; carrying out a first compression followed by light grinding; carrying out a second compression to produce a pellet; and drying at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Methods of converting lignocellulosic derivatives form 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) in ionic liquids are provided herein. Glucose is enzymatically converted to fructose by isomerization with glucose isomerase and a borate salt. Conversion of fructose to HMF includes dehydration of fructose using ionic liquids or ionic liquids with an acid catalyst to achieve high yield of HMF.

Abstract: The present invention provides crosslinked epoxy-functional copolymer films and microarrays built from the crosslinked epoxy-functional copolymer films. Microarrays incorporating the copolymers include a substrate on which a film of the crosslinked epoxy-functional copolymer is disposed and target molecules bound to the copolymer film. The crosslinked polymer films are well-suited for use as scaffolds for target molecules in microarrays because they provide a high density of binding sites for the target molecules, are mechanically stable, and may be coated onto a wide range of substrates.

Abstract: Methods of making polycationic nanofibers by grafting cationic polymers onto electrospun neutral nanofibers and polycationic nanofibers produced by the methods are provided herein. In addition, methods of using the polycationic nanofibers to reduce inflammation, to adsorb anionic compounds such as heparin or nucleic acids, to inhibit the growth of microbes or inhibit the formation of a biofilm are also provided. The polycationic nanofibers may be in a mesh and may be included in a medical device, wound dressing, bandage, or as part of a graft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a solid coated carrier carrying biological material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a solid coated carrier to which biological material is attached and uses of the solid coated carrier for the preparation of a medical product. Moreover, the invention provides a method for the contacting, filtration or cleaning of blood, lymph or liquor cerebrospinalis of a patient, a method for the diagnosis of a disease and a diagnostic composition.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method capable of inexpensively and conveniently preparing cells having pluripotency and a very low risk of tumorigenic transformation.

Abstract: A process is provided for releasably encapsulating a biological entity. The process comprises combining a solution of a surfactant in a non-polar solvent with a precursor material and the biological entity to form an emulsion. The emulsion comprises a polar phase dispersed in a non-polar phase, wherein the polar phase comprises the biological entity. The particles comprising the biological entity are then formed from the polar phase.

Abstract: Multi-biotinylated reactants are provided which can be used in divalent complexes for various applications such as colocalization, labeling, immobilization, and purification. Methods for constructing, purifying, and using the bis-biotinylated reactants are also provided. In certain embodiments, two bis-biotinylated reactants are bound to a single streptavidin tetramer to provide a complex having a 1:1 stoichiometry with respect to the bis-biotinylated reactants.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the encapsulation of living cells with a silica glass layer. The methods comprise adding a sol solution to cells in buffered media, forming a sol-gel layer on the cells and then diluting the media or removing the cells from the media.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for assessing microbiota of skin are described which include: a skin-covering material with an inner surface conforming in shape to a topography of a skin surface and including a plurality of specific microbe-binding elements; an image capture device to capture an image of the inner surface of the skin-covering material and to transform the image into a digital output including information associated with at least one property and a spatial distribution of at least one type of microbe bound to the specific microbe-binding elements; and a computing device including circuitry configured to receive the digital output from the image-capture device, compare the at least one property of the at least one type of microbe bound to the specific microbe-binding elements with a database of reference microbe properties, and generate a digital profile including the at least one property and the spatial distribution of the at least one type of microbe bound to the specific microbe-binding eleme

Abstract: Functionalized substrate materials, for example inorganic particles and/or synthetic polymeric particles, are used to enhance bioprocesses such as saccharification and fermentation.

Abstract: A peptide targeted conjugate is disclosed. The conjugate comprises: (a) an isolated or a synthetic targeting peptide of less than 15 amino acid residues in length, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2 and 3; and (b) a component, to which the targeting peptide is conjugated, the component being selected from the group consisting of a drug delivery vehicle, an anti-cancer drug, a micelle, a nanoparticle, liposomes, a polymer, a lipid, an oligonucleotide, a peptide, a polypeptide, a protein, a cell, an imaging agent, and a labeling agent. The conjugate may further comprise an anti-cancer agent encapsulated within the drug delivery vehicle. Compositions and methods of treating cancer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for assessing microbiota of skin are described which include: a skin-covering material with an inner surface conforming in shape to a topography of a skin surface and including a microbe-capture region; an image-capture device to capture a least one image of the inner surface of the skin-covering material and to transform the captured at least one image into a digital output including information associated with at least one property and a spatial distribution of at least one type of microbe bound to the microbe-capture region; and a computing device including circuitry configured to receive the digital output from the image-capture device, compare the at least one property of the at least one type of microbe with a database of reference microbe properties, and generate a digital profile including the at least one property and the spatial distribution of the at least one type of microbe bound to the microbe-capture region of the skin-covering material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the immobilization of enzymes by adsorbing enzymes, a polyfunctional amine and a cross-linking agent onto a particulate porous carrier in a mixer apparatus or in a fluid bed apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the cultivation of the Methylobacterium genus of bacteria. In particular the method provides methods for the efficient and inexpensive cultivation of these bacteria. Additionally, the invention provides methods for the utilization of these bacterial cultures to improve plant agriculture.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical prosthetic device or medical implants which exhibit improved biocompatibility. The devices or implants include a metal material, e.g., titanium, in which the metal surfaces are coated with a corresponding hydride material that contains one or more biomolecule substance. The biomolecule substance may contain one or more biologically active molecules, e.g., bio-adhesives, biopolymers, blood proteins, enzymes, extracellular matrix proteins, extracellular matrix biomolecules, growth factors and hormones, peptide hormones, deoxyribonucleic acids, ribonucleic acids, receptors, inhibitors, drugs, biologically active anions and cations; vitamins; adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or adenosine triphosphate (ATP), marker biomolecules, amino acids, fatty acids, nucleotides (RNA and DNA bases), or sugars.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are an immobilized cycloaliphatic peptide acyltransferase and a preparation method and use thereof. The cycloaliphatic peptide acyltransferase is immobilized on a carrier; the cycloaliphatic peptide acyltransferase is derived from natural or artificial mutants or variants thereof, or can be obtained by introducing a foreign cyclic acyltransferase gene and transforming thereafter; the material of the carrier is selected from an inorganic carrier or a polypropylene resin carrier. Also disclosed in the present invention are the preparation method for the immobilized cycloaliphatic peptide acyltransferase and uses thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for programming a cell. The compositions include a substrate and a cell adhesion agent. The substrate includes a surface having a micropatterned object and the cell adhesion agent is immobilized within a first area defined by the micropatterned object.

Abstract: A method for separating CO2 from gas mixtures uses a slurried media impregnated with buffer compounds and coating the solid media with a catalyst or enzyme that promotes the transformation of CO2 to carbonic acid. Buffer sorbent pebbles with a catalyst or enzyme coating are provided for rapid separation of CO2 from gas mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: A biochip and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The biochip can increase a surface area on which biomaterials can be immobilized and improve efficiency of reaction. The biochip includes: a substrate; a coating layer formed on the substrate; and a nanoparticle immobilized on the substrate by the coating layer, a material to be bound to a target material being attached on a surface of the nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to immobilized biocatalysts or immobilized enzymes for use in carbon capture and sequestration technology. Thiol-ene chemistry is used to couple a biocatalyst, particularly carbonic anhydrase, to a substrate including a substrate, a solid support, a microparticle, a nanoparticle, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods of assaying the leukocyte adhesion cascade (LAC) and monitoring leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and/or migration can be implemented with an apparatus that includes an idealized microvascular network (IMN) of one or more interconnected idealized flow channels in fluid communication through a porous wall with a tissue space (e.g., idealized tissue space). The methods of assaying the LAC can be implemented with means for quantifying modulation of the leukocyte adhesion cascade. Methods of assaying the LAC can be implemented with the device and one or more active agents to monitor leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and/or migration in the presence of absence of the active agent. Migration can be through the idealized flow channels, through the porous wall, and/or into the tissue space.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to internally functionalized graphene substrates, methods of making such substrates and methods of using such substrates. In one aspect, the present invention is a graphene substrate. The substrate comprises edge and non-edge regions. Organic or inorganic molecules are bound to the non-edge regions of the substrate, and the organic or inorganic molecules are present on the substrate edges at a population greater than about one molecule per 10,000 nm2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a ground product of a lipase powder composition comprising an immobilized lipase in which a lipase derived from Thermomyces sp. is immobilized to a silica carrier and a hydrophilic powder other than a silica carrier, the method comprising the steps of wetting the hydrophilic powder with oil; separating the hydrophilic powder wetted with oil from the oil to obtain an oil-containing hydrophilic powder; mixing the oil-containing hydrophilic powder and the immobilized lipase at a ratio of 0.45:1 to 0.85:1 based on mass of the hydrophilic powder and the immobilized lipase before oil wetting; and grinding the obtained mixture, the steps being conducted in the above order.

Abstract: Materials and Methods are provided for producing cell-surface directed, non-naturally occurring, bioinorganic membranes for association with the cell surfaces of living cells. The methods comprise exposing a cell to an acidic biomineralization buffer environment for cell-mediated deposition of the biomineral membrane onto the surface of the cell. The methods also comprise attaching a peptide, having a net positive charge under the acidic conditions, to the cell surface for serving as a template in directing the cell-mediated deposition of the biomineral membrane onto the surface of the cell.

Abstract: Adult autologous stem cells cultured on a porous, three-dimensional tissue scaffold-implant for bone regeneration by the use of a hyaluronan and/or dexamethasone to accelerate bone healing alone or in combination with recombinant growth factors or transfected osteogenic genes. The scaffold-implant may be machined into a custom-shaped three-dimensional cell culture system for support of cell growth, reservoir for peptides, recombinant growth factors, cytokines and antineoplastic drugs in the presence of a hyaluronan and/or dexamethasone alone or in combination with growth factors or transfected osteogenic genes, to be assembled ex vivo in a tissue incubator for implantation into bone tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an efficient and economical process for producing a protein A-like protein. Hosts such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis have been used in the production of a protein A-like protein using a genetic recombination technique and however, their low productivity has been a big cause of high cost. Thus, it has been desired strongly to immediately establish a technique enabling the inexpensive, large-scale production of a protein A-like protein using recombinant DNA techniques other than Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The present invention provides a process for producing a protein A-like protein in large amounts, for example, a process comprising allowing a recombinant Brevibacillus genus bacterium to express and secrete the protein in large amounts into a culture solution and separating and collecting the accumulated protein A-like protein from the culture solution.

Abstract: A method for detecting and counting the microorganisms in a sample is described. The method comprises: a) selectively enriching the microorganism sought in the sample, b) inducing or activating at least one enzymatic activity of the microorganism, c) immunomagnetically concentrating the microorganism, d) fluorescently labeling the microorganism, and e) detecting and analyzing the fluorescence making possible the numeration or counting of the microorganisms sought by flow cytometry, filtration cytometry or fluorescence microscopy.