Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods that enable the stabilization and storage of samples by contacting a sample with an assembly of particles, and reducing the water activity level of the contacted sample. By reducing the water activity level of the sample, the assembly of particles minimizes the degradation of the sample. Stabilizers may or may not be added to the assembly of particles to further minimize the degradation of the sample. Subsequently to storage in the assembly of particles, the samples are recoverable by eluting the assembly of particles with a fluid solution. In one embodiment, the entire assembly of particles will dissolve into the solution. In another embodiment, only part of the assembly of particles will dissolve into the solution. The assembly of particles provides the advantage that while it is porous, it comprises non-porous particulate material.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods that enable the stabilization and storage of samples by contacting a sample with an assembly of particles, and reducing the water activity level of the contacted sample. By reducing the water activity level of the sample, the assembly of particles minimizes the degradation of the sample. Stabilizers may or may not be added to the assembly of particles to further minimize the degradation of the sample. Subsequently to storage in the assembly of particles, the samples are recoverable by eluting the assembly of particles with a fluid solution. In one embodiment, the entire assembly of particles will dissolve into the solution. In another embodiment, only part of the assembly of particles will dissolve into the solution. The assembly of particles provides the advantage that while it is porous, it comprises non-porous particulate material.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for modulating a cellular process by contacting a cell in culture with a cell process-modifying molecule attached to a translocating polypeptide. For example, in one embodiment, a cell in culture is transfected with a target gene by contacting the cell in culture with a polynucleotide (that contains the target gene) attached to a translocating polypeptide. In another embodiment, expression of a target gene product in a cell in culture that contains a target gene under control of one or more regulatory elements is modulated by contacting the cell in culture with one or more regulatory agents attached to a translocating polypeptide. The one or more regulatory agents are translocated into the cell in culture and interact therein with the one or more regulatory elements to modulate expression of the target gene product by the cell.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides compositions for the cellular delivery of nucleic acids, polypeptides and/or flourophores, molecular complexes comprising fluorescent molecules or moieties, nucleic acids and polypeptides, and methods of making and using such compositions. Light-activated dispersal of the complexes leads to the intracellular release of one or more nucleic acids and/or peptides from the compositions or complexes. The biological activities of nucleic acids, polypeptides and flourophores may be repressed within the complexes, and these activities are restored upon release from the complexes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for modulating a cellular process by contacting a cell in culture with a cell process-modifying molecule attached to a translocating polypeptide. For example, in one embodiment, a cell in culture is transfected with a target gene by contacting the cell in culture with a polynucleotide (that contains the target gene) attached to a translocating polypeptide. In another embodiment, expression of a target gene product in a cell in culture that contains a target gene under control of one or more regulatory elements is modulated by contacting the cell in culture with one or more regulatory agents attached to a translocating polypeptide. The one or more regulatory agents are translocated into the cell in culture and interact therein with the one or more regulatory elements to modulate expression of the target gene product by the cell.