Abstract: Disclosed are fibrin-specific nanogels. The fibrin-specific nanogels can comprise a fibrin binding moiety conjugated to a polymeric matrix (e.g., a crosslinked polyacrylamide matrix). By varying the morphology of fibrin-specific nanogels (e.g., by varying the crosslinker density and/or the three-dimensional structure of the fibrin-specific nanogels), fibrin-specific materials which mimic the biophysical characteristics of platelets can be formed. The resulting materials can be used in a variety of biomedical applications (e.g., for drug delivery, to promote wound healing, to treat thrombotic events, and to treat coagulative disorders).

Abstract: Bio-ink compositions comprising bio-compatible microgels or nanogels are described. The bio-inks can comprise, for example, micro- or nanogels comprising crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (poly-NIPam). The bio-inks can further comprise viscosity control agents, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and/or surface tension agents. Three-dimensional (3D) printing (e.g., piezoelectric printing) of the bio-inks can provide 3D printed materials comprising microgel or nanogel assemblies of the bio-ink compositions. These materials can be used as scaffolds for preparing biological tissues for use, for instance, in regenerative medicine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for of determining the level of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a sample having blood cells from a patient comprising obtaining a test sample from a human subject; enriching circulating tumor cells (CTC); hybridizing the enriched cells in the sample with labeled nucleic acid probes that hybridize to regions of chromosomal DNA; evaluating the signal pattern for the selected cells by detecting fluorescence in situ hybridization from cells; detecting CTCs based on the pattern of hybridization to the labeled nucleic acid probes to said selected cells; and identifying the subject at risk for the development of lung cancer when the number of CTC per sample is above a predetermined cutoff value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are platelet-like particles incorporating antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles. The platelet-like particles include an ultra-low crosslinked polymeric microgel and fibrin targeting moiety. The antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles can be covalently or noncovalently incorporated into the platelet-like particles. The particles are useful to stop bleeding and to promote wound healing while at the same time suppressing bacterial infections that can accompany tissue damage.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hair wrap for securing cranial hair of a human during sleep, exertion, or exposure to the elements, for example. The wrap includes a slip-resistant material positioned at or near an inferior edge that extends about the hairline of the wearer. One or more fastener pairs have halves positioned at lateral ends of the wrap and are used to secure the wrap to the head. An extension of the wrap can enclose or envelop the hair, preventing disruption of hairstyles or undesired contact of the hair with external substances.

Abstract: Bio-ink compositions comprising bio-compatible microgels or nanogels are described. The bio-inks can comprise, for example, micro- or nanogels comprising crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (poly-NIPam). The bio-inks can further comprise viscosity control agents, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and/or surface tension agents. Three-dimensional (3D) printing (e.g., piezoelectric printing) of the bio-inks can provide 3D printed materials comprising microgel or nanogel assemblies of the bio-ink compositions. These materials can be used as scaffolds for preparing biological tissues for use, for instance, in regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are platelet-like particles incorporating antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles. The platelet-like particles include an ultra-low crosslinked polymeric microgel and fibrin targeting moiety. The antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles can be covalently or noncovalently incorporated into the platelet-like particles. The particles are useful to stop bleeding and to promote wound healing while at the same time suppressing bacterial infections that can accompany tissue damage.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hair wrap for securing cranial hair of a human during sleep, exertion, or exposure to the elements, for example. The wrap includes a slip-resistant material positioned at or near an inferior edge that extends about the hairline of the wearer. One or more fastener pairs have halves positioned at lateral ends of the wrap and are used to secure the wrap to the head. An extension of the wrap can enclose or envelop the hair, preventing disruption of hairstyles or undesired contact of the hair with external substances.