Abstract: Described herein are engineered organelles comprising multi-component proteins from different species incorporated into a membrane structure with interior and exterior aspects. In one embodiment the artificial organelle incorporates one or more protein complexes that absorb optical energy and catalyze electron transfer in biochemical reactions that can be used to reduce NAD+ to NADH or analogues thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are engineered organelles comprising multi-component proteins from different species incorporated into a membrane structure with interior and exterior aspects. In one embodiment the artificial organelle incorporates one or more protein complexes that absorb optical energy and catalyze electron transfer in biochemical reactions that can be used to reduce NAD+ to NADH or analogues thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are engineered organelles comprising multi-component proteins from different species incorporated into a membrane structure with interior and exterior aspects. In one embodiment the artificial organelle incorporates one or more protein complexes that absorb optical energy and catalyze electron transfer in biochemical reactions that can be used to reduce NAD+ to NADH or analogues thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are engineered organelles comprising multi-component proteins from different species incorporated into a membrane structure with interior and exterior aspects. In one embodiment the artificial organelle incorporates one or more protein complexes that absorb optical energy and catalyze electron transfer in biochemical reactions that can be used to reduce NAD+ to NADH or analogues thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing man-made devices which have the properties and functions of biological membranes and membrane proteins, and to the structure of such devices. Briefly, in one aspect of the invention, natural or genetically engineered proteins are incorporated into a polymeric vesicle that is conjugated to a thread to form a vesicle-thread conjugate. The engineered protein is preferably a transmembrane protein embedded in the wall of the polymeric vesicle. The vesicle-thread conjugate is then formed into a membrane or thin fabric having a wide variety of inherent functionality, including the ability to selectively transport and/or filter compounds between fluids. By selecting proteins with specific properties, membranes can be fabricated with a defined functionality including molecular scale addressability via directed electrostatic, electromagnetic, and chemical forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing man-made devices which have the properties and functions of biological membranes and membrane proteins, and to the structure of such devices. Briefly, in one aspect of the invention, natural or genetically engineered proteins are incorporated into a polymeric vesicle that is conjugated to a thread to form a vesicle-thread conjugate. The engineered protein is preferably a transmembrane protein embedded in the wall of the polymeric vesicle. The vesicle-thread conjugate is then formed into a membrane or thin fabric having a wide variety of inherent functionality, including the ability to selectively transport and/or filter compounds between fluids. By selecting proteins with specific properties, membranes can be fabricated with a defined functionality including molecular scale addressability via directed electrostatic, electromagnetic, and chemical forces.

Abstract: Movement of a gel structure is propagated by successively applying external stimuli to cause volume phase transition in the gel structure by alternately causing the gel structure to collapse and swell to move the center of mass of the gel structure in the direction of successive stimuli application. The movement is mediated by confining structure for the gel and anchoring the starting side of the gel in the swelling cycle.

Abstract: Movement of a gel structure is propagated by successively applying external stimuli to cause volume phase transition in the gel structure by alternately causing the gel structure to collapse and swell to move the center of mass of the gel structure in the direction of successive stimuli application. The movement is mediated by confining structure for the gel and anchoring—the starting side of the gel in the swelling cycle.

Abstract: Biological membrane proteins are incorporated into a co-polymer matrix to produce membranes with a wide variety of functionalities. In one form of the invention, a composite membrane incorporates two different proteins which cooperate to produce electricity from light. In another form, water transport proteins are embedded in a membrane to enable water purification.

Abstract: A microfluidic affinity system is designed to recognize, capture and separate target analytes from input solutions. This microfluidic affinity system employs fluidic channels fabricated by silicon-based lithography in a silicon substrate. The fluidic channels are patterned and replicated in a substrate, preferably polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS, by pattern transfer from a silicon wafer mold with reversed patterns fabricated by lithography. A novel three-step covalent binding method for surface modification employs the following steps to covalently immobilize an affinity ligand on the substrate: 1) a plasma treatment; 2) a silanization treatment; and 3) a crosslinking treatment.

Abstract: Cultured muscle tissue used as actuators in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for mechanical and electrical power generation can either be dissected or cultured from myoblasts and grown in situ. The MEMS is fabricated using conventional techniques (surface or bulk micromachining) and incorporating surface modification techniques and/or anchor structures to favor muscle attachment followed by post-processing to assemble dissected muscle tissue or grow the self-assembling muscle tissue at the desired sites. Initial post processing is done to incorporate PZT devices for energy conversion. Additional post-processing is then done for muscle tissue self-assembling; that includes coating the MEMS with polymers that will either repel or favor the muscle growth, and the culturing on the muscle tissue starting from myoblasts. The system is fueled by adding glucose to the medium in which it is contained.

Abstract: Biological membrane proteins are incorporated into a co-polymer matrix to produce membranes with a wide variety of functionalities. In one form of the invention, a composite membrane incorporates two different proteins which cooperate to produce electricity from light. In another form, water transport proteins are embedded in a membrane to enable water purification.

Abstract: A nanosyringe is constructed using micro fabrication and nano fabrication techniques on a silicon substrate. The nanosyringe includes a membrane of silicon carbide. The position and operation of individual nanosyringes, arranged in an array of nanosyringes, can be independently controlled. A nanosyringe array can inject or extract a fluid from one or more cells or other structures. Microfluidic structures coupled to the nanosyringe allow external pumping or extraction. A cell matrix or organelles of individual cells can be non-destructively sampled in real time.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting microorganisms and abiotic or biotic contaminants in fluids, including food and potable and environmental waters. Various embodiments of the system include a capillary transport element and a microsensor element. The capillary transport element isolates and purifies the targeted substance. The microsensor element includes a channel with electrodes for detecting dielectric properties of the targeted substance. Both the transport element and the microsensor may be fabricated using micromachining or nanofabrication techniques. In one embodiment, an output of the transport element is coupled to the input of a microsensor. The targeted substance can be retained in a storage vessel for further analysis. The system may be integrated into a handheld device using disposable cartridges for detecting different microorganisms or contaminants.

Abstract: A nanosyringe is constructed using micro fabrication and nano fabrication techniques on a silicon substrate. The nanosyringe includes a membrane of silicon carbide. The position and operation of individual nanosyringes, arranged in an array of nanosyringes, can be independently controlled. A nanosyringe array can inject or extract a fluid from one or more cells or other structures. Microfluidic structures coupled to the nanosyringe allow external pumping or extraction. A cell matrix or organelles of individual cells can be non-destructively sampled in real time.

Abstract: A periodic multistage process which minimizes fugitive pollutant emissions has been developed for the removal and destruction of volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile organic contaminants from either water, wastewater, or spent granular activated carbon. This invention relates to methods, materials, and systems for treating these contaminants by a process and devices which uniquely combine granular activated carbon adsorption and desorption with biological treatment. The process and devices extend existing treatment systems by: (1) providing biofilm growth in a Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor on gas permeable membrane which uses oxygen for the supply of the electron acceptor and other organics (e.g.