Abstract: An approach of producing recombinant trimers that mimic native HIV-1 envelope trimers is developed. A recombinant protein forming the recombinant trimers encompasses a recombinant HIV-1 gp140 fused to a tag through a linker at C-terminus of the recombinant HIV-1 gp140. The linker is sufficiently long so that the tag is accessible for binding by a binding molecule bound on a solid matrix. After expressed in a cell, the recombinant protein is secreted into the culture medium and assembles into recombinant trimers therein. The recombinant trimers may be directly purified from the culture medium. Cleaved and uncleaved trimers from different clade viruses are produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for converting hazardous waste glass into safe and usable material. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for producing ceramic products from toxic-metal-containing waste glass, thereby safely encapsulating the metals and other hazardous components within the ceramic products.

Abstract: Described herein is a soluble HIV-1 retrovirus transmembrane glycoprotein gp41 trimer (Soc-gp41M-Fd) containing a partial ectodomain and the cytoplasmic domain, that is fused to the small outer capsid (Soc) protein of bacteriophage T4 and the Foldon domain of the bacteriophage T4 fibritin (Fd). The gp41 trimer that has a prehairpin structure could be utilized to understand the mechanism of viral entry and as a candidate for development of HIV-1 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Other secondary embodiments of the gp41 proteins containing different modifications are also disclosed. According to one embodiment, the gp41 trimer is further attached to a cell penetration peptide (CPP). Methods of producing gp41 trimers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An approach of producing recombinant trimers that mimic native HIV-1 envelope trimers is developed. A recombinant protein forming the recombinant trimers encompasses a recombinant HIV-1 gp140 fused to a tag through a linker at C-terminus of the recombinant HIV-1 gp140. The linker is sufficiently long so that the tag is accessible for binding by a binding molecule bound on a solid matrix. After expressed in a cell, the recombinant protein is secreted into the culture medium and assembles into recombinant trimers therein. The recombinant trimers may be directly purified from the culture medium. Cleaved and uncleaved trimers from different clade viruses are produced.

Abstract: Complex viruses are assembled from simple protein subunits by sequential and irreversible assembly. During genome packaging in bacteriophages, a powerful molecular motor assembles at the special portal vertex of an empty prohead to initiate packaging. An aspect of the invention relates to the phage T4 packaging machine being highly promiscuous, translocating DNA into finished phage heads as well as into proheads. Single motors can force exogenous DNA into phage heads at the same rate as into proheads and phage heads undergo repeated initiations, packaging multiple DNA molecules into the same head. This shows that the phage DNA packaging machine has unusual conformational plasticity, powering DNA into an apparently passive capsid receptacle, including the highly stable virus shell, until it is full. These features allow for the design of a novel class of nanocapsid delivery vehicles.

Abstract: Complex viruses are assembled from simple protein subunits by sequential and irreversible assembly. During genome packaging in bacteriophages, a powerful molecular motor assembles at the special portal vertex of an empty prohead to initiate packaging. An aspect of the invention relates to the phage T4 packaging machine being highly promiscuous, translocating DNA into finished phage heads as well as into proheads. Single motors can force exogenous DNA into phage heads at the same rate as into proheads and phage heads undergo repeated initiations, packaging multiple DNA molecules into the same head. This shows that the phage DNA packaging machine has unusual conformational plasticity, powering DNA into an apparently passive capsid receptacle, including the highly stable virus shell, until it is full. These features allow for the design of a novel class of nanocapsid delivery vehicles.

Abstract: A geopolymer composite binder is provided herein, the composite binder including (i) at least one fly ash material having less than or equal to 15 wt % of calcium oxide; (ii) at least one gelation enhancer; and (iii) at least one hardening enhancer having a different composition from a composition of the at least one fly ash material.

Abstract: Techniques from two basic approaches, structure-based immunogen design and phage T4 nanoparticle delivery, are developed to construct new plague vaccines. The NH2-terminal ?-strand of F1 of Yersinia pestis is transplanted to the COOH-terminus of F1 of Yersinia pestis and the NH2-terminus sequence flanking the ?-strand of F1 of Yersinia pestis is duplicated to eliminate polymerization but to retain the T cell epitopes. The mutated F1 is fused to the V antigen of Yersinia pestis to thereby form a fusion protein F1mut-V mutant, which produces a completely soluble monomer. The fusion protein F1mut-V is then arrayed on phage T4 nanoparticles via a small outer capsid protein, Soc, from a T4 phage or a T4-related phage. Both the soluble and T4 decorated F1mut-V provided approximately 100% protection to mice and rats against pneumonic plague evoked by high doses of Yersinia pestis CO92.

Abstract: Described herein is a soluble HIV-1 retrovirus transmembrane glycoprotein gp41 trimer (Soc-gp41M-Fd) containing a partial ectodomain and the cytoplasmic domain, that is fused to the small outer capsid (Soc) protein of bacteriophage T4 and the Foldon domain of the bacteriophage T4 fibritin (Fd). The gp41 trimer that has a prehairpin structure could be utilized to understand the mechanism of viral entry and as a candidate for development of HIV-1 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Other secondary embodiments of the gp41 proteins containing different modifications are also disclosed. According to one embodiment, the gp41 trimer is further attached to a cell penetration peptide (CPP). Methods of producing gp41 trimers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described is T4 DNA packaging machine comprising: one or more DNA molecules packaged in a head of the T4 DNA packaging machine, one or more Hoc-fused proteins displayed on the head of the T4 DNA packaging machine, and one or more Soc-fused proteins displayed on the head of the T4 DNA packaging machine. Also described are methods of making and using such a T4 DNA packaging machine.

Abstract: Described is T4 DNA packaging machine comprising: one or more DNA molecules packaged in a head of the T4 DNA packaging machine, one or more Hoc-fused proteins displayed on the head of the T4 DNA packaging machine, and one or more Soc-fused proteins displayed on the head of the T4 DNA packaging machine. Also described are methods of making and using such a T4 DNA packaging machine.

Abstract: A geopolymer composite ultra high performance concrete (GUHPC), and methods of making the same, are provided herein, the GUHPC comprising: (a) a binder comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of reactive aluminosilicate and reactive alkali-earth aluminosilicate; (b) an alkali activator comprising an aqueous solution of metal hydroxide and metal silicate; and (c) one or more aggregate.

Abstract: Complexing or chelating agents that offer strong, selective bonding with uranium as well as a broad pH range of effectiveness, specifically including the pH range around 8.2, together with the acrylic double bonds required for radiation-induced grafting on polymers to remove uranium from a solution such as seawater. The novel adsorbing species are phosphorus-containing molecules, in particular organic phosphates, phosphonates and phosphoric acids. Organic phosphorus compounds, for example, organic phosphates, phosphonates, and phosphoric acids, are attached to polymer fibers to form fibers, fiber fabrics or membranes that are effective, or show activity, in uranium adsorption.

Abstract: A composite binder comprises: one or more Class F fly ash materials, one or more gelation enhancers, and one or more hardening enhancers, wherein each of the one or more Class F fly ash materials comprises 15 wt. % or less calcium oxide, and wherein the composite binder is a Portland cement-free binder for concrete. Also provided are Geopolymer Composite Cellular Concretes (GCCCs) including the composite binder and methods of making these GCCCs.

Abstract: Described is T4 DNA packaging machine comprising: one or more DNA molecules packaged in a head of the T4 DNA packaging machine, one or more Hoc-fused proteins displayed on the head of the T4 DNA packaging machine, and one or more Soc-fused proteins displayed on the head of the T4 DNA packaging machine. Also described are methods of making and using such a T4 DNA packaging machine.

Abstract: Complex viruses are assembled from simple protein subunits by sequential and irreversible assembly. During genome packaging in bacteriophages, a powerful molecular motor assembles at the special portal vertex of an empty prohead to initiate packaging. An aspect of the invention relates to the phage T4 packaging machine being highly promiscuous, translocating DNA into finished phage heads as well as into proheads. Single motors can force exogenous DNA into phage heads at the same rate as into proheads and phage heads undergo repeated initiations, packaging multiple DNA molecules into the same head. This shows that the phage DNA packaging machine has unusual conformational plasticity, powering DNA into an apparently passive capsid receptacle, including the highly stable virus shell, until it is full. These features allow for the design of a novel class of nanocapsid delivery vehicles.

Abstract: Described herein is a soluble HIV-1 retrovirus transmembrane glycoprotein gp41 trimer (Soc-gp41M-Fd) containing a partial ectodomain and the cytoplasmic domain, that is fused to the small outer capsid (Soc) protein of bacteriophage T4 and the Foldon domain of the bacteriophage T4 fibritin (Fd). The gp41 trimer that has a prehairpin structure could be utilized to understand the mechanism of viral entry and as a candidate for development of HIV-1 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Other secondary embodiments of the gp41 proteins containing different modifications are also disclosed. According to one embodiment, the gp41 trimer is further attached to a cell penetration peptide (CPP). Methods of producing gp41 trimers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising bacteriophages are provided. In particular, the present invention includes novel and customized T4 bacteriophages uniquely designed for effective antigen and foreign particle presentation. The present invention also provides in vitro methods for the making of customized T4 bacteriophages. The compositions and methods of the present invention may be used for effective vaccine delivery systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for converting hazardous waste glass into safe and usable material. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for producing ceramic products from toxic-metal-containing waste glass, thereby safely encapsulating the metals and other hazardous components within the ceramic products.

Abstract: Complex viruses are assembled from simple protein subunits by sequential and irreversible assembly. During genome packaging in bacteriophages, a powerful molecular motor assembles at the special portal vertex of an empty prohead to initiate packaging. An aspect of the invention relates to the phage T4 packaging machine being highly promiscuous, translocating DNA into finished phage heads as well as into proheads. Single motors can force exogenous DNA into phage heads at the same rate as into proheads and phage heads undergo repeated initiations, packaging multiple DNA molecules into the same head. This shows that the phage DNA packaging machine has unusual conformational plasticity, powering DNA into an apparently passive capsid receptacle, including the highly stable virus shell, until it is full. These features allow for the design of a novel class of nanocapsid delivery vehicles.