Abstract: A cell culturing method employing biomechanical stimulation loading and a system for applying, in in vitro culture, stimulation similar to vertical weight load stimulation or sideward shear stress stimulation acting on tissues in an aboveground living body as repeated biomechanical stimulation to culture cells, culture tissues or a construct including the culture cells. The system includes a mechanical stimulation loading device and a culture receptacle that are placed in a carbon dioxide incubator, and a control computer. The device includes a weight loading piston, a piston raising and lowering stage supporting piston to allow vertical movement of a piston within a designated range, and a stage lifting and lowering mechanism for vertically moving the stage. A computer drives the mechanism in a specified cycle to effect the vertical movement of the stage. When the stage is lowered, a culture in the receptacle is weighted with the piston.

Abstract: Matrices for manipulation of biopolymers, including the separation, purification, immobilization and archival storage of biopolymers is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device and method to prevent migration of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) from a delivery site while allowing communication between the stem cells and native cardiomyocytes. The device is characterized by scaffold pore size, fiber diameter and biomaterial selection. The invention includes a two part polyurethane scaffold that prevents migration of stem cells, allows gap junction formation through pores and is packaged for minimally invasive delivery.

Abstract: An electrode comprising: a conducting substrate for detecting an electroactive agent; a catalytic agent held on the substrate for converting a non-electroactive agent to an electroactive agent by a catalytic process which consumes oxygen; and an oxygen reservoir, for releasing oxygen to feed the catalytic process, held within a polymer matrix on the substrate. The electrode allows for detection of materials such as glucose when using oxidase enzymes. The invention solves the problem of fluctuation or depletion of oxygen in the environment in which the measurements are being taken.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of efficiently producing nitrate nitrogen as inorganic nutrients from an organic material without performing any operation using constant electrical power such as aeration. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a solid medium for cultivating a plant, which allows hydroponics to be performed through the direct addition of an organic fertilizer even in the case of performing hydroponics with solid medium cultivation.

Abstract: Sorption reinforced catalytic coating system for the degradation of threat agents including a synzyme coating about a material configured for the degradation of the threat agents, the synzyme coating including bucket-shaped molecules configured for the sorption of the threat agents A binding agent is configured for synzyme immobilization to maximize loading and retention of the synzyme coating on the material.

Abstract: A multi-layered microcapsule has an inner extracellular matrix and an outer shell. The inner extracellular matrix includes a first inner layer of biopolymer and a second intermediate layer of polymer that provides partial immune-protection and holds the first layer in place. The outer shell can form an exoskeleton to provide mechanical stability. Each of the individual layers can be varied to optimize mechanical stability, cell function, and immuno-protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for delivery of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) to the eye utilizing encapsulated PEDF-secreting cells and related methods for the treatment and prevention of ophthalmic diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing one or several substances. According to said method, a tissue equivalent is cultivated, the substance/s is/are made to affect the tissue equivalent, and it is determined whether the effect of the substance/s has resulted in a modification of the tissue equivalent and/or the substance/s. The tissue equivalent comprises at least one cell and a porous matrix based on a biologically compatible polymer or polymer mixture. The matrix is provided with pores having a maximum size of 150 ?m as well as pores having a minimum size of 300 ?m while the degree of porosity is 93 to 98 percent.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes feeding animals with probiotic microbes encapsulated in a mixture of xanthan gum and chitosan, or in gelatin, specifically Pediococcus acidilactici and Saccharomyces boulardii. Such encapsulation protects the viability of the probiotic microbes against unfavorable temperatures. An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes methods of using viable probiotics in therapy of birds and mammals infected with infectious diseases. Probiotics acted as adjuvants in stimulating antibody reaction and stimulated a cellular immunity response. In particular, probiotics were shown to reduce the number of viable oocytes from fecal samples, stimulate antibody production, and stimulate of proliferation of splenocytes in chickens infected with Elimeria. In addition, probiotics were shown to relieve symptoms of parvovirus infection in dogs.

Abstract: Disclosed are a tyrosinase enzyme electrode containing metal nanoparticles and its producing method. Metal nanoparticles are applied to a surface of a support with high chemical stability. Also, a buffer layer consisting of a self-assembled monolayer is formed on the metal nanoparticles. Such self-assembled monolayer is used to immobilize tyrosinase enzyme which was subsequently prepared. In other words, the self-assembled monolayer is arranged between the metal nanoparticles and the tyrosinase enzyme so as to immobilize the tyrosinase enzyme on the support. Introduction of the metal nanoparticles into the electrode contributes to improvement in detection limits of the tyrosinase enzyme electrode. In addition, the introduction of substrate induces the activation of enzyme.

Abstract: Provided are a biomolecule-immobilized carrier obtained by immobilizing a biomolecule having a membrane-binding peptide containing a C terminal polypeptide of fucosyltransferase derived from Helicobacter pylori or a membrane-binding molecule having the membrane-binding peptide and various biomolecules and a method for immobilizing a biomolecule to a carrier, particularly a biomolecule-immobilized magnetic microparticle, a probe-immobilized carrier using the biomolecule and/or the membrane-binding molecule are/is used as a probe, and a separating agent for a biomolecule to which the biomolecule-immobilized magnetic microparticle is applied. A biomolecule having a membrane-binding peptide containing either an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or an amino acid sequence encoded by a base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 and/or a membrane-binding molecule having the membrane-binding peptide and the biomolecule are/is attached to a carrier coated with an organic membrane containing a phospholipid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and methods capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage stable forms are also discussed.

Abstract: A skin dressing comprises a first dressing component (16) carrying oxidoreductase enzyme in dried condition; and a second dressing component (18) carrying a source of water, such that when the first and second dressing components are placed in fluid communication with each other, water migrates from the second component towards the first comportent and acts to hydrate enzyme carried by the first component, at least at the surface of the first component. The dressing components are kept separate before use, e.g. being sealed in separate sterile, water-impervious packages such as laminated aluminum foil pouches. In use of the dressing, the second dressing component is located on the skin of a human or animal, e.g. over a wound to be treated or on a region of skin to be treated for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes such as for treatment of acne or other skin conditions. The first dressing component is placed on top of the second component in fluid communication therewith.

Abstract: A floating element for separating components of a physiological fluid comprises two parts that are relatively movable. The two parts define a prescribed volume between them when at their maximum separation, and one of the parts may be moved toward the other to express the fluid contained in the volume between the parts. The parts are made of materials having densities so that they assume a desired position in the fluid to allow selected components to be easily obtained and expressed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of cell encapsulation using multi-component hydrogels. The hydrogels may include a natural component having nucleophilic functional groups as well as an electrophilic component. In embodiments, at least one of the components may be branched, having drugs, antibodies, enzymes, and the like incorporated therein, which may react with at least one of the other components of the hydrogel.

Abstract: A fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, wherein at least one type of enzyme and coenzyme are confined in a minute space, an enzyme reaction is effected while this space serves as a reaction field. Thereby, electrons can be taken out of the fuel efficiently to generate electrical energy, and immobilization of these enzyme and coenzyme on an electrode can be performed easily. The enzyme and the coenzyme required for an enzyme reaction are encapsulated in a liposome, and the resulting liposome is immobilized on the surface of an electrode formed from porous carbon or the like so as to form an enzyme immobilization electrode. A transporter is incorporated in the liposome, as necessary. An electron mediator is also immobilized on the surface of the electrode. The resulting enzyme immobilization electrode is used as, for example, a negative electrode of a biofuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides and polypeptides having the sequence SAVTFAVCAL or variants thereof, capable of binding to Calcineurin and/or to NS5A-TP2 and to their use in therapy, as well as to nucleic acid sequences and vectors encoding these peptides and polypeptides, and to cells comprising said polypeptides, nucleic acid sequences or vectors. The invention further relates to the use of the peptides, polypeptides or their derivatives to bring about phenotypic changes in mammalian cells, particularly to up-regulate calcineurin activity. The invention finally relates to a method for intracellular identification of substances which bind to calcineurin and which modulate the physiological effects of calcineurin.

Abstract: A device for receiving implanted biological material includes a porous outer wall defining an inner space, a fluid manifold assembly for selectively infusing at least one of immunosuppressive and growth factor media to said space, and a pump structure operatively coupled to the manifold assembly. The device may comprise an additional plunger body for being disposed in said space and so as to define a peripheral gap between the plunger and the perforated wall of the device.

Abstract: An encapsulated material containing an oxidation-sensitive core is covered by at least a dried phospholipid layer, and contains at least one phytosterol in the core, the phospholipid layer or in a further layer or layers. By using microencapsulation, oxidatively unstable materials may be provided with a synthetic protective barrier and rendered less susceptible to oxidative degradation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material made of non-metallic inorganic grains and plastics particles. The composite material is particularly suitable as a carrier material for bacteria for use in sewage treatment plants. It is characterized by a large surface suitable for the colonization of bacteria and also by a density which allows the composite material to be suspended in the medium present in the sewage treatment plant. A further advantage of the composite material according to the invention is the property that due to the surface structure of the composite material adhering sludge and saturated bacteria can fall off its surface, and this thus allows regeneration of the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioassay element and its producing method. The bioassay element includes a carrier, a testing material, and a coating film, in which the testing material is dispersed in the coating film which covers on the surface of the carrier and comprises a casein and calcium ions. The bioassay element is produced by applying a bioassay solution which includes a testing material, a casein and calcium ions to the carrier, and then drying the bioassay solution.

Abstract: An encapsulated material is formed by congealing droplets of a molten blend of oxidatively unstable material and phytosterol in a chilling gas stream to form prilled cores containing oxidatively unstable material and phytosterol, and encapsulating the prilled cores in one or more protective shell layers to form free-flowing microparticles.

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: Levetiracetam (LEV) derivatives, methods for synthesizing LEV derivatives, and immunodiagnostic assays for LEV. The synthesis methods described herein include chirally-selective, liquid-phase synthesis steps to produce selected LEV derivatives in high-yield. LEV derivatives can include operative groups, such as: immunogenic moieties that can be used to prepare anti-LEV antibodies; antigenic moieties that can be used in immunodiagnostic assays for LEV; or tracer moieties that can be used in immunodiagnostic assays. Additionally, the LEV derivatives can be used in immunodiagnostic assays to compete with LEV for anti-LEV antibodies.

Abstract: A tissue engineering composition adapted for application to an interior surface of a body lumen of a patient. The composition comprises (a) a carrier medium that is adapted to flow and to stably adhere the composition to the body lumen and (b) microcapsules, which are dispersed within the carrier medium and which contain one or more living cells encapsulated within a coating that includes a biodegradable polymer. The composition promotes growth of the cells on the lumen surface subsequent to application of the composition to the lumen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an enzyme electrode and its producing method, which comprises: providing a substrate with a carbon surface; forming a gold surface on the carbon surface and thus forming an electrode; covalently bonding a mediator containing an aldehyde group to the electrode; and covalently bonding a glucose oxidase to the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate for cell culture capable of controlling at least one function selected from adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, survival, maintenance of undifferentiated state, and apoptosis of a cell. The substrate comprises an immobilization area of controlling substances involved in at least one of the functions of adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, survival, maintenance of undifferentiated state and apoptosis of cells, for example: and the areas are formed by supplying a liquid containing the controlling substances to the substrate by small microdroplet ejection means and immobilizing the controlling substance on the substrate.

Abstract: A protein system is described in which a protein is bound within a matrix material that has pores that are sized to achieve excellent properties such as: activity, protein density, and stability. In a preferred embodiment, the pore sizes range from 50 to 400 ?. One protein that has demonstrated surprisingly good results in this system is OPH. This protein is known to degrade organophosphorus compounds such as are found in chemical weapons and pesticides. Novel methods of forming the protein system and methods of making OPH are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of quantifying the amount or concentration of one or more peptides and/or proteins in one or more samples using differentially isotopically-labeled peptides and/or proteins. The invention also provides methods of identifying one or more peptides and/or proteins in one or more samples.

Abstract: Use of a biological material containing: e) a three-dimensional matrix based on a hyaluronic acid derivative and optionally f) chondrocytes and/or mesenchymal cells partially or completely differentiated towards chondrocytes for the preparation of a graft to be surgically implanted into a joint cartilage damaged by or to be protected against a degenerative and/or inflammatory pathology.

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: The object of the present invention is to provide particles of a polymeric material containing cells therein, wherein said particles have a strength that is substantially greater than the microcapsules known in the state of the art.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an enriched preparation of multipotent mesenchymal cells obtained from human hair follicle stem cells, preferably adult human hair follicle cells. These cells can be differentiated into adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic cells as well as smooth muscle cells. The present invention is also directed to a method of producing a tissue-engineered vascular vessel containing the preparation of isolated smooth muscle cells or progenitors thereof. The resulting tissue-engineered vascular vessel and a method of producing a tissue-engineered vascular vessel for a particular patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for storing entrapping immobilization pellets in which microorganisms are entrapped and immobilized in an immobilizing material until the entrapping immobilization pellets are used in a treatment tank, the process comprising: storing a large pellet block in water at 15° C. or less or in air at a relative humidity of 90% or more and a temperature of 15° C. or less until the pellet block is cut into the entrapping immobilization pellets and used.

Abstract: There is provided a method for immobilizing a bio-material on a surface of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) as a highly reflective material to enhance sensitivity of a resonant reflection biosensor. The method for immobilizing a bio-material may be useful to easily immobilize bio-materials such as proteins, DNA, RNA and enzymes on surfaces of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles using the chemical reaction, and significantly improve sensitivity of a resonant reflection biosensor by determining the antigen-antibody reaction in the resonant reflection biosensor using the immobilized secondary antien.

Abstract: This invention relates to coated digestive enzyme preparations and enzyme delivery systems and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the preparations. This invention further relates to methods of preparation and use of the systems, pharmaceutical compositions and preparations to treat persons having ADD, ADHD, autism, cystic fibrosis and other behavioral and neurological disorders.

Abstract: A multilayer enzyme immobilization process is provided comprising adsorbing a polyethyleneimine (PEI) solution in a fibrous matrix, and adding an enzyme to the fibrous matrix, which comprises a plurality of fibrils. The process further comprises forming at least two layers of PEI-enzyme aggregates on the fibrils, and cross-linking the multilayer PEI-enzyme aggregates. The process can further comprise washing the fibrils containing the cross-linked PEI-enzyme aggregates with distilled water and acetic acid buffer subsequent to cross-linking. However, the PEI-containing matrix is not washed prior to the addition of enzyme. The enzyme can be ?-galactosidase and the fibrous matrix can be cotton cloth. The multilayer immobilized enzyme can be employed in a biocatalyst reactor for production of galacto-oligosaccharides from lactose and the hydrolysis of lactose to glucose and galactose.

Abstract: A method for producing an immobilized enzyme which includes the steps of immobilizing an enzyme used for hydrolyzing fats and oils on a immobilization carrier by adsorption, bringing the immobilized enzyme into contact with an organic solvent in which fat-soluble fatty acids or the derivatives thereof have been dissolved, and adjusting the moisture content of the immobilized enzyme from 1 to 20% by weight based on the weight of the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of stem cells particularly development of a novel human embryonic model using human embryoid bodies obtained from the human embryonic stem cell. The novel human embryonic model disclosed thus can provide a screening assay for determining the toxic activity of the compound and/or drug.

Abstract: A porous solid ion exchange wafer having a combination of a biomolecule capture-resin and an ion-exchange resin forming a charged capture resin within said wafer. Also disclosed is a porous solid ion exchange wafer having a combination of a biomolecule capture-resin and an ion-exchange resin forming a charged capture resin within said wafer containing a biomolecule with a tag. A separate bioreactor is also disclosed incorporating the wafer described above.

Abstract: Microbially colonised charred biological material, such as charcoal, wherein the colonising microbes are capable of metabolising at least one selected environmental substance, such as a pollutant, and wherein a selective amount of the substance is present in the charred material provide protected colonies of environmentally active microbes useful in bioremediation, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed are preparations of modified interfacial enzymes, particularly lipases and phospholipases, immobilized on a solid support, wherein the enzyme is surrounded by hydrophobic microenvironment, thereby protected from deactivation and/or aggregation in the presence of hydrophilic agents, substrates and/or reaction products. The enzyme may be protected by being covalently bonded with lipid groups which coat the enzyme, or by being immobilized or embedded in a hydrophobic solid support. Also disclosed are processes for the preparation of the hydrophobically protected enzymes. The enzymes may be efficiently used in the preparation of biodiesel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for reversible staining and functional isolation or characterization of cells, e.g. antigen-specific T cells. With this technique, the original functional status of cells can be substantially maintained after their identification and purification. Thus, this new method is of broad benefit for basic research and clinical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging agents suitable for in vivo optical imaging, which comprise conjugates of benzopyrylium dyes with biological targeting moieties, such as peptides Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and kits, as well as in vivo imaging methods.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to biopolymer structures. The biopolymer structures are spatially organized from the nanometer to centimeter length scales and incorporate functionally active cells. Applications of the biopolymer structures include use with stem cells.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides having a lignocellulolytic activity, e.g., a glycosyl hydrolase, a cellulase, an endoglucanase, a cellobiohydrolase, a beta-glucosidase, a xylanase, a mannanse, a xylosidase (e.g., a ?-xylosidase), an arabinofuranosidase, and/or a glucose oxidase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides polypeptides that can enzymatically process (hydrolyze) sugarcane bagasse, i.e., for sugarcane bagasse degradation, or for biomass processing, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one embodiment, the invention provides thermostable and thermotolerant forms of polypeptides of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabrication method for the formation of a cell-microparticle hybrid. A biotin-avidin binding system also employs the use of a biodegradable polymer and any cell type that self-assemble to form a hybrid system.

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: Biocompatible materials that have the ability to release nitric oxide (NO) in situ at the surface-blood interface when in contact with blood. The materials which may be polymers (e.g., polyurethane, poly(vinyl chloride), silicone rubbers), metals, such as stainless steel, carbon, and the like are provided with biocatalysts or biomimetic catalysts on their surface that have nitrite, nitrate, and/or nitrosothiol-reducing capability. Illustratively, the catalysts are adsorbed or immobilized at the surface of the material. The catalysts can act on endogenous nitrite, nitrate, or nitrosothiols within the blood creating a local increase in the NO levels at the surface of the material. An illustrative enzymatic biocatalyst is mammalian xanthine oxidase. In another illustrative embodiment, a biomimetic catalyst is a copper (Cu(II)-ligand complex, e.g. dibenzo[e,k]-2,3,8,9-tetraphenyl-1,4,7,10-tetraaza-cyclododeca-1,3,7,9-tetraene. In some cases, lipophilic salts of nitrite/nitrate (e.g.