Abstract: Hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles are prepared by a water-in-oil method from natural polymers that are water miscible, a hydrophobic polyol and a crosslinking agent. The hydrogel nanoparticles are auto fluorescent and can be used for imaging of cells and a biological entity. The hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles can include magnetic nanoparticles and carry desired bioactive entities. The hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles are useful for diagnostics and as therapeutics purposes including drug delivery, imaging of drug migration, and selectivity by the tagging or binding of the hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles with appropriate antibodies or antigens.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for detecting Zika virus. Specific embodiments provide an electrochemical immunosensing device and the methods of making and using the same for detecting Zika virus with exceptionally low detection limit. In some embodiments, the immunosensing device is capable of detecting picomolar (pM) level of Zika virus present in a sample by employing immunosensors functionalized with Zika virus binding ligands such as monoclonal Zika virus antibodies and Zika non-structural proteins. In an exemplary embodiment, the immunosensing device can be integrated with microelectronics to be adopted as point-of-care sensing systems. Advantageously, technologies provided herein offer rapid, on-site biosensing methods for the accurate detection of diseases caused by Zika virus.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for detecting Zika virus. Specific embodiments provide an electrochemical immunosensing device and the methods of making and using the same for detecting Zika virus with exceptionally low detection limit. In some embodiments, the immunosensing device is capable of detecting picomolar (pM) level of Zika virus present in a sample by employing immunosensors functionalized with Zika virus binding ligands such as monoclonal Zika virus antibodies and Zika non-structural proteins. In an exemplary embodiment, the immunosensing device can be integrated with microelectronics to be adopted as point-of-care sensing systems. Advantageously, technologies provided herein offer rapid, on-site biosensing methods for the accurate detection of diseases caused by Zika virus.

Abstract: Materials and methods for magnetically guided delivery of nanoparticles across the blood brain barrier (BBB) in the central nervous system (CNS) are provided. The method can comprise injecting a subject with an aqueous solution comprising magneto-electro nanoparticles and applying a static magnetic field directed toward the subject brain, thereby inducing a stimulus response of the nanoparticles in a controlled manner. Materials and methods provided herein are effective in delivering the nanoparticles across the BBB in the brains of animal subjects including mice and non-human primate such as baboon.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for detecting the presence and progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the presence of a substance of abuse and/or at least one therapeutic agent. Preferred embodiments provide that the detection of HIV infection is accomplished by applying electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to an apparatus comprising cultured cells of the central nervous system (CNS) such as, for example, human astrocytes (HA), and/or of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in contact with at least one sensing electrode. In some embodiments, the detection apparatus can be integrated with electronic components such as, for example, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), and miniaturized potentiostats. Advantageously, technology provided herein enables rapid (e.g., less than 20 minute) assessment of HIV infections suitable for point-of-care (POC) disease monitoring and treatment.