Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and compositions for reducing turf thatch and/or preventing turf thatch buildup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to culturing cells utilizing a matrix of microfibrillated thermoplastic polymeric materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of culturing cells. In addition, the invention relates to a microfibrillated article for culturing cells dispersed in a cell culture medium. The matrix of thermoplastic polymeric materials for culturing cells of this invention finds use in tissue engineering and wound healing applications.

Abstract: Processes for microbial digestion of organic material, and preparation of substrates for microbial digestion, suitable for the production of biomethane, from municipal and industrial waste water or from municipal or agricultural waste. In addition, a method for identifying a composition of matter that is suitable for microbial digestion, more particularly anaerobic digestion and/or mixed aerobic and anaerobic digestion. Also, a system and process for detoxifying organic wastes, such as those which may be present in waste water from industrial processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a cleaning agent that contains surfactants and has a pH value of at least 11 when diluted in an aqueous solution and ready for use. Said cleaning agent is used to destabilize prions during mechanical and manual cleaning and/or disinfection of medical and/or surgical instruments and appliances. It has been recognized that this combination enables a reliable destabilization of prions during the mechanical reconditioning of surgical instruments.

Abstract: A method for formulating and immobilizing a protein and a protein matrix formed by the method. The protein matrix preparation method results in a physically and chemically stable protein matrix that has low swelling, non-leaching, high activity, and high mechanical strength properties. The method includes cross-linking and hardening the protein mixture and using a mold to form a protein into a desired shape and size.

Abstract: Reactive surfaces, substrates and methods of producing and using such substrates and surfaces are provided. The substrates and surfaces provide low density reactive groups preferably on an otherwise non-reactive surface for use in different applications including single molecule analyses.

Abstract: 1,3-Dipole-functional compounds (e.g., azide functional compounds) can be reacted with certain alkynes in a cyclization reaction to form heterocyclic compounds. Useful alkynes (e.g., strained, cyclic alkynes) and methods of making such alkynes are also disclosed. The reaction of 1,3-dipole-functional compounds with alkynes can be used for a wide variety of applications including the immobilization of biomolecules on a substrate.

Abstract: 1,3-Dipole-functional compounds (e.g., azide functional compounds) can be reacted with certain alkynes in a cyclization reaction to form heterocyclic compounds. Useful alkynes (e.g., strained, cyclic alkynes) and methods of making such alkynes are also disclosed. The reaction of 1,3-dipole-functional compounds with alkynes can be used for a wide variety of applications including the immobilization of biomolecules on a substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a gel includes a liquid droplet ejection step in which a first liquid is ejected in the form of a droplet to a second liquid to allow the first liquid and the second liquid to react with each other, thereby producing a gel. The first liquid is a gel forming solution containing an alcohol-based solvent, wherein the alcohol-based solvent is contained therein in an amount of 4% or more by weight and less than 70% by weight of the total amount of the gel forming solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic-inorganic composite material obtained by chemically modifying a microorganism-derived ceramic material with an organic group, and a process for producing the organic-inorganic composite material. The process is characterized by reacting a microorganism-derived ceramic material with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of silane coupling agents represented by formula (1), silane coupling agents represented by formula (2), and titanate coupling agents represented by formula (3). The organic-inorganic complex can be used in applications for immobilized catalysts and immobilized enzyme catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, multilayer film coating compositions, coated substrates and methods thereof In some embodiments, a structure, comprising a substrate and a multilayer film on the substrate, wherein the multilayer film comprises a first plurality of first units, each first unit comprising a protamine polypeptide. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a microneedle substrate and a multilayer film coated on at least portion of the microneedle substrate, wherein the multilayer film comprises an agent for release and a first plurality of first unit; each first unit comprising a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer and the second layer are associated with one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a crystal structure of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) with a modulator of ALDH bound thereto. The present disclosure provides a computer readable medium comprising atomic coordinates for an ALDH polypeptide and a modulator bound to a site within the polypeptide. A method is also provided. In general terms, the method comprises computationally identifying a compound that binds to an ALDH polypeptide, using the atomic coordinates.

Abstract: A dialysate regeneration chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the dialysate regeneration chamber may include a toxin trap configured to selectively trap toxins and repel select cations.

Abstract: Engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins, methods of making, and specifically to their uses in the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of disease are provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for culturing pluripotent or multipotent cells in vitro, the method comprising attaching pluripotent or multipotent cells to a plurality of microcarriers to form microcarrier-cell complexes, and culturing the microcarrier-cell complexes in suspension culture in the presence of a ROCK inhibitor.

Abstract: This invention relates to cytotoxic variants of human ribonuclease 1 (RNase 1) identified through analysis of the interaction between RNase 1 and the human ribonuclease inhibitor (hRI) as defined by the three dimensional (3-D) atomic structure of the RNase1 hRI complex. Also disclosed is the 3-D structure of the hRI•RNase 1 complex and methods for designing the RNase 1 variants.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a biocomposite useful in artificial tissue replacement, methods for its production, and methods of use. The biocomposite can be implanted into humans or animals as an artificial tissue for treatment of a tissue defect. The biocomposite can be formed or manipulated into a desired shape for implantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for capturing rare cells. The devices and methods described herein can be used to facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of metastatic cancers.

Abstract: A method for preparing a biomaterial comprising a gel layer which forms a core region, and cells (cover cells) which cover around the gel layer, said method comprising the steps of: (a) bringing a biocompatible oil or a vegetable oil or a mixture thereof with a mineral oil into contact with a solution containing a gel-forming component to form monodisperse droplets; (b) inducing gelation of the monodisperse droplets to give gel beads; and (c) seeding the cover cells over the surface of the gel beads.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oil degumming method that is free of emulsification. This method includes the steps of treating crude oil first with immobilized phospholipase and then extracting the phospholipase-treated crude oil with pure water or an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A granule with an allergenic component has reduced dust by including antifoam added during the production of the granule. The antifoam may be dispersed throughout the granule or added to one of the components of the granule. The granule with antifoam produces at least 30% less dust than a comparable granule produced according to a process in which no antifoam is added.

Abstract: A biocompatible article including (a) a biocompatible hydrogel; (b) an adhesive coating on at least a portion of the hydrogel; and (c) one or more organisms adhered to at least a portion of the adhesive coating is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention features devices and methods for detecting, enriching, and analyzing circulating tumor cells and other particles. The invention further features methods of diagnosing a condition, e.g., cancer, in a subject by analyzing a cellular sample from the subject.

Abstract: Methods and systems capturing particles suspended in a fluid flowed through a micro-channel, can include flowing the fluid including the particles to be captured through a micro-channel and past a groove defined in a surface of a wall of the micro-channel such that flowing the fluid past the groove forms microvortices in the fluid; contacting at least some of the particles against an adherent disposed on one or more of walls of the microchannel after the microvortices form in the fluid; and capturing at least some of the particles contacting the adherent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA polymerase immobilized by covalent bonding. More particularly, the present invention relates to an immobilized DNA polymerase whose activity is maximally preserved by masking the active site of the DNA polymerase and optimizing interaction of the masked molecule to the substrate material. In one embodiment, the average activity of the immobilized DNA polymerase is more than about 10% relative to that of the solution phase DNA polymerase. Further provided by the invention are methods and kits for performing polymerase chain reactions (PCR).

Abstract: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.

Abstract: Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) activity reporters can be used in high throughput assays for drug screening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure having: a porous polymeric film permeated by a first extracellular matrix material; and a topcoat layer comprising a second extracellular matrix gel disposed on the film. Also disclosed herein is a method of: providing a porous polymeric film; permeating the film with a first extracellular matrix material; and applying a topcoat layer of a second extracellular matrix material to the film. Also disclosed herein is a method of: laser-machining holes through a film comprising collagen to form a web-like structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are bioanodes comprising a quaternary ammonium treated Nafion® polymer membrane and a dehydrogenase incorporated within the treated Nafion® polymer. The dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of an organic fuel and reduces an adenine dinucleotide. The ion conducting polymer membrane lies juxtaposed to a polymethylene green redox polymer membrane, which serves to electro-oxidize the reduced adenine dinucleotide. The bioanode is used in a fuel cell to produce high power densities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of tumor growth and biology. The invention relates to activities and characteristics of tumor-associated macrophages, and uses of such for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and tumor growth.

Abstract: Bifunctional molecules and methods for their use are provided. The subject bifunctional molecules are conjugates of a drug moiety and a pharmacokinetic modulating moiety, where these two moieties are optionally joined by a linking group. The bifunctional molecules are further characterized in that they exhibit at least one modulated pharmacokinetic property upon administration to a host as compared to a free drug control. The subject bifunctional molecules find use in a variety of therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparation of a solid substrate capable of immobilizing at least one cell and/or at least one part of a cell, said method comprising a step consisting of fixing, to said solid substrate, a fusogenic compound capable of being inserted in cell membranes. The present invention also relates to a method for immobilizing at least one cell and/or at least one part of a cell using the solid substrate thus prepared, said solid substrate and its uses in the area of biomedical diagnostics or health monitoring of biological fluids or intended for human or animal use.

Abstract: A material includes a surface and a reactive agent that is located at the surface of the material, covalently attached to a backbone of the material, and/or located within the material. The reactive agent has nitrite reductase activity, nitrate reductase activity, and/or nitrosothiol reductase activity. The reactive agent also converts at least one of nitrites, nitrates and nitrosothiols to nitric oxide when in contact with blood. A reproducible nitrosothiol sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A large amount of entrapping immobilization pellets with highly stable quality are produced inexpensively by high-speed treatment. There is provided a process for producing entrapping immobilization pellets in which microorganisms are entrapped and immobilized in an immobilizing agent, the process comprising polymerizing a mixture containing the microorganisms and a solution of the immobilizing agent in a forming frame into a gel to prepare a pellet block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for affinity isolation, affinity purification and affinity assay based on microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. Particularly, the invention provides protein microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. In addition, the invention provides glass microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. Methods of using the microbubbles of the invention for isolating analytes and cells are specifically provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrogels wherein a polymer matrix is modified to contain a bifunctional poly(alkylene glycol) molecule covalently bonded to the polymer matrix. The hydrogels can be cross-linked using, for example, glutaraldehyde. The hydrogels may also be crosslinked via an interpenetrating network of a photopolymerizable acrylates. The hydrogels may also be modified to have pharmacologically-active agents covalently bonded to the poly(alkylene glycol) molecules or entrained within the hydrogel. Living cells may also be entrained within the hydrogels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to supports for bioassays and the use thereof in cell culturing and in cell-based methods and assays. More precisely, the invention provides solid materials coated with films of nanostructured titanium dioxide suitable for the immobilisation of viruses and for cell-adhesion. The nanostructured TiO2 film-coated support of the invention is particularly useful for the preparation of microarrays for genetic and phenotypic analysis.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of a lipid-nucleic acid composition are provided. According to the methods, a mixture of lipids containing a protonatable or deprotonatable lipid, for example an amino lipid and a lipid such as a PEG- or Polyamide oligomer-modified lipid is combined with a buffered aqueous solution of a charged therapeutic agent, for example polyanionic nucleic acids, to produce particles in which the therapeutic agent is encapsulated in a lipid vesicle. Surface charges on the lipid particles are at least partially neutralized to provide surface-neutralized lipid-encapsulated compositions of the therapeutic agents. The method permits the preparation of compositions with high ratios of therapeutic agent to lipid and with encapsulation efficiencies in excess of 50%.

Abstract: A system and method for recognition of images may include the use of alignment markers. The image recognized may be a pattern from an array, a character, a number, a shape, and/or irregular shapes. The pattern may be formed by elements in an array such as an identification marking and/or a sensor array. More particularly, the system and method relate to discriminating between images by accounting for the orientation of the image. The size and/or location of alignment markers may provide information about the orientation of an image. Information about the orientation of an image may reduce false recognitions. The system and method of image recognition may be used with identification markings, biosensors, micro-fluidic arrays, and/or optical character recognition systems.

Abstract: An activatable functionalised Nth generation dendrimer having: a core comprising a first monomer having at least two carboxylic acid functional groups; and N successive generations, where N=0 to 10, wherein each generation comprises: a second monomer having at least two alcohol functional groups, wherein at least one alcohol group is bonded to a carboxylic acid group of the first monomer of the prior generation, and an additional first monomer attached to a second alcohol function group of said second monomer of that generation; and the final generation having attached thereto at said second alcohol functional group of said second monomer, a moiety having a dicarboxylic acid functional group, activatable by treatment with a carboxylic acid activating reagent such that reactivity of the carboxylic acid functional group is increased. The dendrimer, when activated, may be used in applications such as polymer crosslinking and/or nanoshell production.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-immunogenic cellular composition comprising: a cell having a cell surface and antigenic determinants on the cell surface; an optional linker molecule covalently attached to the cell surface; and a hydrophilic, biocompatible, non-immunogenicity providing compound or polymer (e.g., polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof) covalently attached to the linker molecule or directly to the cell. In one embodiment, the linker molecule is covalently attached directly to the antigenic determinant on the cell surface. In an alternate embodiment, the linker molecule may be covalently attached to a non-antigenic site on the cell surface, but will camouflage the antigenic determinant on the cell surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to culturing cells utilizing a matrix of microfibrillated thermoplastic polymeric materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of culturing cells. In addition, the invention relates to a microfibrillated article for culturing cells dispersed in a cell culture medium. The matrix of thermoplastic polymeric materials for culturing cells of this invention finds use in tissue engineering and wound healing applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of adhering active enzymes to an inert support, the product produced thereby, and a method of using the enzyme-coated support in enzyme-catalyzed reactions such as the glucose isomerase-catalyzed conversion of glucose to fructose. The method includes the steps of coating an inert support with a cationic copolymer, preferably a polyamine, and most preferably a di-C1-C6-alkylamino-epichlorohydrin copolymer, and then adhering enzyme to the coated support in the absence of any intervening cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Reactive surfaces, substrates and methods of producing and using such substrates and surfaces are provided. The substrates and surfaces provide low density reactive groups preferably on an otherwise non-reactive surface for use in different applications including single molecule analyses.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position, and associated methods. The device includes a plate defining a surface and a plurality of cytophilic islands that adhere cells, isolated by cytophobic regions to which cells do not adhere, contiguous with the cytophilic islands. The islands or the regions or both may be formed of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM).

Abstract: The present invention provides a production process of an organic/inorganic composite hydrogel, which demonstrates superior mechanical properties, by uniformly dispersing a clay mineral in an organic polymer over a wide range of clay mineral content, and a dried form thereof, to be produced easily in a short period of time. The production process of an organic/inorganic composite hydrogel of the present invention comprises reacting a water-soluble organic monomer (a) in the presence of a water-swellable clay mineral (b) by irradiating with an energy beam in a solution in which a non-water-soluble polymerization initiator (d) is dispersed in an aqueous medium (c).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for producing androstenedione (4-androstenedione), of improved purity and for modulating its production, for example by deletion or inactivation of ksdA, cxgA, cxgB, cxgC, or cxgD. The invention also provides methods and compositions, including nucleic acids that encode enzymes, for producing 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione (ADD) and related pathway compounds, including 20-(hydroxymethyl)pregna-4-en-3-one and 20-(hydroxymethyl)pregna-1,4-dien-3-one. The compositions of the invention include nucleic acids, probes, vectors, cells, transgenic plants and seeds, transgenic animals, kits and arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioartificial devices and systems that mimic kidney or nephron function and methods of making them.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for the attachment of proteins to any solid support with control over the orientation of the attachment. The method is extremely efficient, not requiring the previous purification of the protein to be attached, and can be activated by UV-light. Spatially addressable arrays of multiple protein components can be generated by using standard photolithographic techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for culturing adherent PER.C6 cells and producing products therefrom.