Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain a zinc oxide-protein complex which can be a source of nanoparticles of zinc oxide utilizing a protein having a cavity inside thereof. The process for producing a zinc oxide-protein complex according to the present invention includes a hydrogen peroxide addition step for adding hydrogen peroxide so that the concentration would be 60 mM or greater and 150 mM or less to a buffer containing a protein having a cavity inside thereof such as ferritin, zinc ion, and ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical agents and compositions useful for the treatment and prevention of amyloid disease in a subject. The invention further relates to isolated antibodies that recognize a common conformational epitope of amyloidogenic proteins or peptides that are useful for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of amyloid disease.

Abstract: There is provided a metal recovery device 10 for removing and recovering predetermined metal, from a liquid to be processed, by passing the liquid to be processed through a filter 41, wherein a constituent material of the filter 41 contains a protein that absorbs iron, radium, or heavy metal (except iron).

Abstract: Indirectly labelled assay conjugates prepared by a method that includes the step of submitting the binding member comprised by the conjugate to denaturing conditions prior to labelling the binding member. The indirectly labelled assay conjugates demonstrate an increased sensitivity when employed in diagnostic assays compared to assay conjugates prepared by methods that do not include a step of submitting the binding member to denaturing conditions prior to labelling. Processes for the preparation of the indirectly labelled assay conjugates, methods of detecting an analyte comprising the use of the indirectly labelled assay conjugate and kits comprising the indirectly labelled conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns the application of silintaphin-1 in the sustainable fabrication of hierarchically ordered silica structures from nano- to macro-scale at environmentally benign conditions and low energy costs (low temperature, low pressure, absence of caustic chemicals).

Abstract: The present invention provides modified cupredoxin derived peptides with pharmacologic activity that have improved pharmacokinetic properties, and methods to use them to treat mammals suffering from various conditions related to the pharmacologic activities. Modifications of the cupredoxin derived peptides include amino acid sequence variants and structural derivations that increase the plasma half-life of the peptide, increase the specific activity of the pharmacologic activity, decrease immunogenicity, and decrease the biotransformation of the peptides. The modified cupredoxin derived peptides can be used in methods to treat mammals for cancer, conditions related to inappropriate angiogenesis, viral and bacterial infections, and specifically HIV and malaria, conditions related to ephrin signaling, and to deliver cargo compounds, including diagnostic compounds, to cancer cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for differentially labelling one or more entities, together comprising distinct reactive sites. The invention further relates to an entity that has been labelled by a method according to the invention and to a diagnostic kit comprising a labelled entity and to a diagnostic kit to employ a method according to the invention.

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: The present invention concerns the use of binding agent-functionalized silver nanoparticles for a variety of uses, including molecular diagnostic labels, synthons in programmable materials synthesis approaches, and functional components for nanoelectronic devices. More specifically, the invention provides a new strategy for preparing silver nanoparticle-binding agent conjugates that are based upon moieties with triple cyclic disulfide-anchoring groups.

Abstract: [Purpose] A purpose of this invention is to provide a robust and flexible free-standing ultrathin (nano) or thin pure protein membrane which enables a rapid and simple separation (or condensation) of relatively small (M.W.=ca. 1,000 Da) molecules. [Summary] A flexible free-standing ultrathin (nano) or thin protein membrane can be fabricated by a method comprising following steps: (1) A dilute metal (Cd, Cu or Zn) nitrate or chloride solution is kept under neutral or weak basic pH to spontaneously form metal (Cd, Cu or Zn) hydroxide nanostrands; (2) The above metal (Cd, Cu or Zn) hydroxide nanostrands and protein solution are mixed to obtain composite nanofibers made of protein and the said metal hydroxide nanostrands; (3) The obtained dispersion of composite nanofibers is filtered on a filter. (4) Proteins contained in the composite nanofibers are cross-linked by bifunctional cross-linkers; and (5) Metal (Cd, Cu or Zn) hydroxide nanostrands are removed from them.

Abstract: A process for isolation and purification of a target protein by chromatography wherein the chromatography removes or depletes prions (PrPSC), comprising the steps of contacting a potentially PrPSC contaminated sample comprising a target protein with a multimodal chromatographic material; setting buffer conditions so that the target protein is bound to the multimodal chromatographic material and whereas PrPSC is not binding to the multimodal chromatographic material; followed by elution of the target protein. a process for isolation and purification of a target protein free of prion protein (prpSC).

Abstract: This invention includes compositions and methods for combination chemotherapy, particularly involving at least one chemotherapeutic agent used in combination with chlorotoxin or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptide-platinum conjugates comprising an anti-cancer platinum complex conjugated to polypeptides that bind relatively specifically to cancer cells, so as to direct the conjugates to cancer cells resulting in increased anti-cancer efficacy and decreased side-effects as compared to cisplatin and other conventional anti-cancer platinum complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexes comprising one or more marker(s) and one or more biomolecules. The complexes according to the present invention have a variety of utilities, such as utility as a contrast agent in imaging methods, for example magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Metal chelators of Formula I and Formula II are disclosed: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also disclosed are metal chelator-targeting moiety complexes, metal chelator-targeting moiety-metal conjugates, kits, and methods of their preparation and use in diagnosis and/or treatment of diseases and conditions, including, inter alia, cancer and thrombosis.

Abstract: Provided is a label for an analyte, which label is attached to a magnetic or magnetizable substance, the label comprising: (a) a recognition moiety for attaching the label to the analyte; and (b) a moiety for binding or encapsulating the magnetic or magnetizable substance; wherein the moiety for binding or encapsulating the magnetic or magnetizable substance comprises a metal-binding protein, polypeptide, or peptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a labeled transition metal complex comprising a transition metal atom, a reactive moiety for allowing a chemical or biological entity to become attached to the transition metal atom, an inert tridentate moiety as a stabilizing bridge, and a marker. The invention also relates to a labeled chemical or biological entity comprising a chemical or biological entity which is attached to said labeled transition metal complex, to the use of said complex for creating a defined shift in the molecular mass of said entity in order to facilitate mass spectrometric analysis of said entity, to methods for rendering chemical or biological entities distinguishable by mass spectrometry as well as to methods for mass spectrometric analysis of the chemical or biological entities.

Abstract: The present application describes methods for detecting influenza A and/or influenza B and/or distinguishing between pathogenic and seasonal influenza A subtypes. Many of these preferred formats employ pan-specific antibodies (i.e., that react with all or at least multiple strains within an influenza type) to detect presence of influenza A and/or influenza B and PDZ domains in combination with panspecific antibodies to influenza A to distinguish pathogenic and seasonal influenza A subtypes.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a pure preparation of an apo- form of an [Fe2S2] ferredoxin is provided. The process comprising, applying a solution comprising a holo- form of the [Fe2S2] ferredoxin on an anion exchange column; and eluting the [Fe2S2] ferredoxin from the anion exchange column with a solution comprising a salt, thereby obtaining the pure preparation of the apo- form of the [Fe2S2] ferredoxin. Also provided are pure preparations of apo-ferredoxin as well as methods of using same.

Abstract: Transmembrane receptors in the signaling pathways of bacterial chemotaxis systems influence cell motility by forming noncovalent complexes with the cytoplasmic signaling proteins to regulate their activity. The requirements for receptor-mediated activation of CheA, the principal kinase of the Escherichia coli chemotaxis signaling pathway, can be demonstrated using self-assembled clusters of a receptor fragment (CF) derived from the cytoplasmic domain of the aspartate receptor, Tar. Histidine-tagged Tar CF can be assembled on the surface of unilamellar vesicles via a lipid containing the Nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid moiety as a headgroup. The stability of such a complex can be controlled by the properties of the template including the size and composition, which can be used, for example, to vary the 2-dimensional concentration of receptor fragments. Surface-assembled CF is also found to serve as a substrate for receptor methylation, which is catalyzed by the receptor transferase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a milk fraction obtainable by acidification of micellar casein and separation from precipitated casein named acid soluble protein from micellar casein. It was found that the milk fraction and especially certain sub-fractions thereof are bioactive and promote GLP-1 release in vitro. Based on these results, acid soluble protein from micellar casein may be useful in the treatment and the prevention of diabetes type II, obesity and may further be added to formulas directed at other purposes addressing the gastro-intestinal tract.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomarkers for preeclampsia as well as treatment of this disease. In particular, the invention relates to methods for diagnosis or aiding in the diagnosis of preeclampsia of a pregnant female mammal to detect elevated levels of free haemoglobin, particularly free fetal haemoglobin. This facilitates and makes possible early diagnosis and clinical intervention when a preeclamptic condition is found. In addition, the invention relates to a method to treat female mammals with preeclampsia with the purpose to reverse the pathological conditions associated with this disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blood products, and more particularly to compositions comprising a modified oxygenated hemoglobin having a high affinity for oxygen and methods for making such compositions. Such compositions according to the present invention have better stability to autooxidation and superior oxygen carrying characteristics.

Abstract: Method for the in vitro diagnostic or for the monitoring of a disease involving an inflammatory reaction within a patient, which comprises the steps of: a) providing a biological sample from the patient; b) measuring the amount of selenoprotein P which is contained in the biological sample; c) comparing the amount of selenoprotein P measured at step b) i) with the amount of selenoprotein P which is contained in a biological sample from an individual which is not affected with the disease; or ii) with the amount of selenoprotein P which was contained in a biological sample from the same patient.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, system and method for forming nanoscale architectures having nanoparticles bound thereto. The present invention provides a photon beam crosslinked polymer matrix, wherein the crosslinked matrix includes one or more polymers crosslinked to one or more crosslinking agents and one or more protein-coated metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for generating a single-stranded break in a target sequence, which facilitates targeted integration of one or more exogenous sequences.

Abstract: A functional protein crystal, wherein each protein in the crystal comprises a cavity containing a core nano-particle, the core nano-particle formed from an elemental metal, a metal alloy, or a metal compound, with the proviso that the protein is not apoferritin Dpr or E. Coli dps when the core particle is ferrihydrite.

Abstract: It is to provide an inorganic thin film of titanium dioxide or the like which is controlled at the nanoscale and a three-dimensional structure of a functional material such as semiconductor nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for imaging with magnetic resonance contrast agents. In particular, the present invention provides targeted contrast agents for selective imaging.

Abstract: Devices comprising functionalized materials, and embodiments of a method for making and using such devices, are disclosed. Exemplary devices include ophthalmic devices, nanoparticles, quartz crystal microbalances, microarrays, and nanocomposites. In particular embodiments, device surfaces are modified with monomers and/or polymers, typically carbohydrate monomers and/or polymers. Embodiments of a method for making and using such devices are disclosed. Monomers and/or polymers are covalently bonded to surfaces using functionalized perhalophenylazides. In some embodiments, device surfaces are functionalized with a perhalophenylazide. One or more monomers and/or polymers subsequently are covalently bonded to the device surface using the perhalophenylazide. In other embodiments, monomers and/or polymers are derivatized with a functionalized perhalophenylazide. The derivatized monomers and/or polymers then are covalently bonded to the device surface using the perhalophenylazide.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to efficiently recognize carbon nanotubes, carbon nanohorns or modifiers thereof and to support functional compounds by fusing the ability of ferritin molecules capable of forming nanoparticles of inorganic metal atoms or inorganic metal compounds. In addition, because ferritin molecules are capable of forming two-dimensional crystals at the interface, the present invention makes it possible to align carbon nanotubes, carbon nanohorns with the use of the molecular arrangement ability of ferritin fused with nanographite structure recognition peptides.

Abstract: A quantum dot (QD) conjugate comprises a QD and a ligand conjugated with the QD, in which the ligand has at least one thiol and at least one other functional group. The QD conjugate may further comprise a bioactive agent covalently coupled to the ligand to form a bioactive agent-tagged QD conjugate. A method for preparing a QD conjugate comprises the steps of: (1) providing a solution comprising a QD encapsulated within a dendrimer; (2) adding into the solution a ligand; and (3) allowing an exchange between the ligand and the dendrimer for the QD to obtain a ligand-QD conjugate, in which the ligand is covalently conjugated to the surface of the QD. The method may further comprise the step of coupling the ligand-QD conjugate to a bioactive agent to obtain a bioactive agent-tagged ligand-QD conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using lactoferrin (LF) to reduce pain in conditions associated with severe or intractable pain by administering a composition of lactoferrin either alone or in combination with other therapy for pain.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the therapeutic potential of a reduced form of thionein. Accordingly, the invention features modified metallothionein or thionein proteins, for example, where at least one sulfur atom is substituted with selenium (e.g., a cysteine substituted with selenocysteine), and fragments thereof. The invention also features methods for screening for candidate compounds that (i) decrease binding of metal (e.g., zinc) to metallothionein or thionein and (ii) do not change the oxidation state of metallothionein, thionein, or another protein. Also featured are methods for generating modified thionein proteins with reduced metal affinity and methods for treating patients with a disease associated with oxidative stress.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for purifying lactoferrin, stabilizing it in solution and improving its activity. In one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided methods for lactoferrin purification employing hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic adsorbent under specific conditions for maintaining or preserving lactoferrin protein stability. It is also provided a process to remove inhibitor of lactoferrin activity.

Abstract: An isolated ferritin fusion protein is provided in which ferritin is fused with a protein or peptide capable of being fused to ferritin without interfering with the polymeric self-assembly of the resulting fusion protein, and the protein may be of the endocapsid form when fused at the C terminus or an exocapsid form when fused at the N terminus. These fusion proteins may self-assemble into a variety of useful higher polymeric forms, e.g., capsid or other polymeric aggregate, and they are advantageous in that they are useful in a variety of applications, including human and veterinary vaccines and therapeutics, blood substitutes, image contrast agents, metal chelating agents, gelling agents, protein purification platforms, and therapeutic receptor-binding proteins.

Abstract: Certain thiol and acylthiol compounds inhibit retrovirus growth by attacking the highly conserved zinc finger regions of essential viral proteins. These compounds, compositions containing them, and methods of using them to treat retroviral infections such as HIV are described. These compounds are also useful for preparation of vaccines comprised of inactivated retroviruses such as HIV, prevention of the transmission of such retroviruses, and detection of retroviral proteins.

Abstract: A method for the fluorescent detection of a substance, the method comprising providing particles comprising a metal or a metal oxide core, wherein one or more optionally fluorescently tagged antibodies or human specific peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers for binding to a substance is/are bound, directly or indirectly, to the surface of the metal or metal oxide; contacting a substrate, which may or may not have the substance on its surface, with the particles for a time sufficient to allow the antibody/PNA oligomer to bind with the substance; removing those particles which have not bound to the substrate; if the antibodies or PNA oligomers are not fluorescently tagged, contacting the substrate with one or more fluorophores that selectively bind with the antibody and/or substance, then optionally washing the substrate to remove unbound fluorophores; and illuminating the substrate with appropriate radiation to show the fluorophores on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of enhancing the rate of iron release from ferritin. By increasing the amount of iron available for chelation, the invention also provides methods of treating conditions associated with iron overload. The invention also provides in one embodiment agents which are useful for treating iron overload.

Abstract: New chelating agents as well as their tricarbonyl complexes with technetium and rhenium and the use of these compounds in radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy are described. As a peculiarity of this invention, synthesis and coupling of the chelating systems to (bio)molecules is performed simultaneously. The new chelating agents are coupled to substances that accumulate in the diseased/targeted tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide monobody which includes a modified acid sequence and renders the polypeptide monobody able to bind selectively to ???3 integrin. Fusion proteins and conjugates which include the polypeptide monobody, as well as compositions containing the polypeptide monobody, fusion proteins, or conjugates are also disclosed. Uses thereof include: treating or preventing an ???3 integrin-mediated disease or disorder, inhibiting ???3 integrin activity, treating a cancerous or precancerous condition, imaging tissues using positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, assessing the metastatic characteristics of a tumor, and delivering DNA to a cell.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel fluorescent protein derived from organisms other than Aequorea victoria. According to the present invention, there is provided a fluorescent protein derived from Fungia sp., which has the following properties: (1) the excitation maximum wavelength is 455 nm, and the fluorescence maximum wavelength is 488 nm; (2) the molar absorption coefficient at 455 nm is 38700 or 27700; (3) the quantum yield is 0.85 or 0.81; and (4) the pH sensitivity of the fluorescent property is stable at pH 5 to 9; and a fluorescent protein derived from Fungia sp., which has the following properties: (1) the excitation maximum wavelength is 548 nm, and the fluorescence maximum wavelength is 561 nm; (2) the molar absorption coefficient at 548 nm is 75900 or 51000; (3) the quantum yield is 0.44 or 0.50; and (4) the pH sensitivity of the fluorescent property is pKa<5.0.

Abstract: A method of staining a poly(amino acid) by contacting a poly(amino acid) with a complex of at least one of transition metal ion, and a plurality of donor ligands each of which is fully coordinated to the transition metal ion and is either a nitrogen donor ligand or a cyclometalated donor ligand, such that at least one of the donor ligands is a cyclometalated donor ligand. Donor ligands in a single complex can be the same or different. Nitrogen donor ligands will contain heteroaryl ring systems having from 10 to 40 ring atoms, where from 2 to 8 ring atoms are N, O, S, or combinations thereof, such that at least two ring atoms are N, wherein each nitrogen donor ligand is substituted with from 0 to 4 R1 groups. Cyclometalated donor ligands will likewise contain heteroaryl ring systems having from 10 to 40 ring atoms, where from 1 to 4 ring atoms are N, O, S or combinations thereof, such that at least one ring atom is N, wherein each Cyclometalated donor ligand is substituted with from 0 to 4 R1 groups.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating or preventing, for example, overweight or obesity are provided. Compositions provided comprise zinc-charged, protease digested serum or milk proteins. Compositions are administered in a therapeutically effective amount to treat or prevent, for example, overweight or obesity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lactoferrin compositions and methods of using the compositions to treat wounds. The compositions can be administered alone or in combination with other standard wound healing therapies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles the surface of which is modified by deposition of proteins. The invention further relates to a method for producing said nanoparticles and to their use in biological research and in the biomedical field (for example labelling and diagnosis).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a chromoprotein derived from Cnidopus japonicus. The present invention provides a chromoprotein derived from Cnidopus japonicus having the following properties: (1) the absorption maximum wavelength is 610 nm, and fluorescence is not emitted; (2) the molar absorption coefficient is 66,700 at 610 nm; and (3) the pH sensitivity of light-absorbing property is stable at between pH 4 and pH 10.

Abstract: This invention provides for labeling reagents, labeled targets and processes for preparing labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can take the form of cyanine dyes, xanthene dyes, porphyrin dyes, coumarin dyes or composite dyes. These labeling reagents are useful for labeling probes or targets, including nucleic acids and proteins. These reagents can be usefully applied to protein and nucleic acid probe based assays. They are also applicable to real-time detection processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.

Abstract: Methods are provided for predicting the presence, subtype and stage of ovarian cancer, as well as for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of a cancer treatment and determining whether a subject potentially is developing cancer. Associated test kits, computer and analytical systems as well as software and diagnostic models are also provided.