Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide vectors for high expression of heterologous genes, and methods for constructing such vectors. Some vectors further comprise novel transposons and transposases that further improve expression. Further disclosed are vectors that can be used in a gene transfer system for stably introducing nucleic acids into the DNA of a cell. The gene transfer systems can be used in methods, for example, but not limited to, gene expression, gene therapy, insertional mutagenesis, or gene discovery.

Abstract: A method of repairing tissue includes implanting into a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition including microparticles including a biodegradable, biocompatible material having cells of interest or fragments thereof adhered to at least a portion of a surface; and at least one substance active on the cells or their environment upon implantation of the microparticles in a patient associated with the material wherein the substances is released in a controlled or extended manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to developing an optimally efficient arginine-histidine-cysteine based peptide comprising nanocomplex that can deliver biomolecules across varied cell lines without any oxidative procedure through formation of monodisperse nanoparticles with sizes ranging between 50 and 110 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide vectors for high expression of heterologous genes, and methods for constructing such vectors. Some vectors further comprise novel transposons and transposases that further improve expression. Further disclosed are vectors that can be used in a gene transfer system for stably introducing nucleic acids into the DNA of a cell. The gene transfer systems can be used in methods, for example, but not limited to, gene expression, gene therapy, insertional mutagenesis, or gene discovery.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating oxidative stress in a subject by administering a therapeutic composition to the subject. In some embodiments, the therapeutic composition comprises a carbon nanomaterial with anti-oxidant activity. In some embodiments, the anti-oxidant activity of the carbon nanomaterial corresponds to ORAC values between about 200 to about 15,000. In some embodiments, the administered carbon nanomaterials include at least one of single-walled nanotubes, double-walled nanotubes, triple-walled nanotubes, multi-walled nanotubes, ultra-short nanotubes, graphene, graphene nanoribbons, graphite, graphite oxide nanoribbons, carbon black, oxidized carbon black, hydrophilic carbon clusters, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the carbon nanomaterial is an ultra-short single-walled nanotube that is functionalized with a plurality of solubilizing groups.

Abstract: Poly(amine-co-ester) polymers, methods of forming active agent-load nanoparticles therefrom, and methods of using the nanoparticles for drug delivery are disclosed. The nanoparticles can be coated with an agent that reduces surface charge, an agent that increases cell-specific targeting, or a combination thereof. Typically, the loaded nanoparticles are less toxic, more efficient at drug delivery, or a combination thereof compared to a control other transfection reagents. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are suitable for in vivo delivery, and can be administered systemically to a subject to treat a disease or condition.

Abstract: A method for modulating RNA with tetracycline compounds is described.

Abstract: A method of instantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections while smoothing the skin, which comprises applying a cosmetic composition comprising a fractal particle based gel.

Abstract: The present application relates to sunscreen formulations, including foamable sunscreen formulations, that comprise zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles, suitably in the size range of about 1-100 nm. The compositions suitably produce a minimal residual whitening effect when applied to a skin surface.

Abstract: Bone matrix compositions having nanoscale textured surfaces and methods for their production are provided. In some embodiments, bone matrix is prepared for implantation and retains nanoscale textured surfaces. In other embodiments, nanostructures are imparted to bone matrix wherein collagen fibrils on the surface of the bone matrix have been compromised, thus imparting a nanoscale textured surface to the bone matrix. Generally, these methods may be applied to mineralized or demineralized bone including partially or surface demineralized bone.

Abstract: Herein provided are innovative methods and techniques for improving seedling germination and plant establishment including a seed composition of at least one seed having a seed protective coating applied to the seed and a soil surfactant coating applied to the seed protective coating. The seed protective coating is positioned between the seed and the soil surfactant. The seed protective coating is formulated to keep the soil surfactant from contacting the seed and the soil surfactant coating is formulated to increase wettability of soil and being a sufficient quantity of soil surfactant to treat the soil in contact with the seed composition such that the soil is conditioned for growing the seed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel library for the generation of muteins and to novel muteins derived from human lipocalin 2 (Lcn2, hNGAL) and related proteins that bind a given target with detectable affinity. The invention also relates to corresponding nucleic acid molecules encoding such a mutein and to a method for their generation. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a mutein. For example, such muteins may serve to bind and deplete pathological forms of natural biomolecules such as the amyloid beta peptide in Alzheimer's disease or may target the fibronectin extra-domain B, which is associated with tumor neovasculature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lipid compounds and uses thereof. In particular, the compounds include a class of cationic lipids having an amine moiety, such as an amino-amine or an amino-amide moiety. The lipid compounds are useful for in vivo or in vitro delivery of one or more agents (e.g., a polyanionic payload or an antisense payload, such as an RNAi agent).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the production of substitute skin that advantageously reduces the amount of donor dermal cells needed from non-wound areas of a patient having a wound to be auto-grafted is reduced by using all of the harvested skin cells. A 3D printer is used to construct a wound graft product from the harvested skin cells without wasting any of the harvested skin cells. In a case of an irregularly shaped wound, wastage of harvested skin associated with trimming is avoided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and systems for delivery of nanocarriers to cells of the immune system. The invention provides vaccine nanocarriers capable of stimulating an immune response in T cells and/or B cells, in some embodiments, comprising at least one immunomodulatory agent, and optionally comprising at last one targeting moiety and optionally at least one immunostimulatory agent. The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising inventive vaccine nanocarriers. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using inventive vaccine nanocarriers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The invention provides methods of prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions comprising administering at least one inventive vaccine nanocarrier to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing and an actuator. The housing, which defines a reagent volume that can receive a reagent container, can be removably coupled to a reaction chamber. The housing includes a puncturer that defines a transfer pathway in fluid communication with the reagent volume. A delivery portion of the housing defines a delivery pathway between the transfer pathway and the reaction chamber when the housing is coupled to the reaction chamber. The actuator has a plunger portion disposed within the reagent volume. An engagement portion of the actuator can be manipulated to move the plunger portion within the reagent volume to deform the reagent container. The puncturer can pierce a frangible portion of the reagent container to convey a reagent from the reagent container into the reaction chamber via the transfer pathway and/or the delivery pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene delivery stent using titanium oxide thin film coating and a method for fabricating the gene delivery stent. The gene delivery stent according to the present invention may be loaded with a drug having anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects and simultaneously deliver a gene capable of inhibiting proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Accordingly, late thrombosis and metal allergy may be reduced, and vascular restenosis in the stent region may be prevented, thereby making it possible to increase treatment effects of the bare metal stent.

Abstract: The method for direct detection of lipid binding agents in membrane includes dissolving a lipid in an organic solvent in a container; evaporating off the organic solvent to create a lipid film on the inside wall of the container; adding a buffer solution; adding a known volume of a membrane active agent to the buffer solution; incubating the solution in the dark for a period of time; removing the buffer solution from the container to provide a solution of sample A; washing the container with a buffer solution; adding an organic solvent while stirring the container to dissolve the lipid film to create a homogenous solution B; and measuring the absorbance of the samples A and B by absorption spectroscopy. The method may further include developing a universal probability function to test and quantify a membrane-based cytotoxicity of general drug candidates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for tissue regeneration, particularly for treating skin lesions such as wounds. In one aspect, the invention provides a wound healing composition comprising living cells such as fibroblasts within a support matrix such as fibrin, in which the cells have a wound healing phenotype, and in which the composition is single layered and has been incubated for up to about 8 days to allow development of the wound healing phenotype. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful especially for assisting the process of wound healing, particularly chronic open lesions that are slow to heal or resistant to healing.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and process to enhance pollination success and thereby increase seed yield in corn seed production. The invention discloses use of Gibberellins to increase hybrid seed production in corn.