Abstract: An anti-fouling surface having micron scale pillars embedded with Fe3O4 nanoparticles is designed. The pillars may be repeatedly induced to move according to a predetermined frequency, such as one that mimic that of the beating movement of natural cilia, through the application of a magnetic field. When square-shaped pillars with a height of 10 ?m, width of 2 ?m, and inter-pattern distance of 5 ?m actuated for three minutes, more than 99.9 percent of biofilm cells were detached and via gentle rinsing from the surface having the pillars. The anti-fouling surface enables effective prevention of biofilm formation and removal of established biofilms, and can be applied to a broad spectrum of polymers.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor based on magnetically coupled LC sensors for the rapid detection of microbial growth and sensitivity to microbials. The engineered LC sensors can be placed in 96 well plates and communicate the reading remotely with a receiver coil for signal analysis. The sensors were validated by testing the growth of Escherichia. coli, Staphylococcus. aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the presence and absence of different antibiotics. Drug-resistant strains were used as controls. Bacterial growth was detected within 30 mins of culture inoculation, allowing rapid determination of antibiotic susceptibility at the phenotypic level. The pattern shown in the LC sensor AST is consistent with results collected with traditional optical density (OD) 600 nm measurement, additional validation was also performed with lysogeny broth (LB) dosed with fetal bovine serum (FBS). With the compatibility with 96-well plates, this rapid AST may be used for low-cost, point-of-care applications.

Abstract: A system of topographic patterns for the prevention of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The patterns may be provided on the surfaces of certain devices that are prone to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, such as urinary catheters. To reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, and to remove existing biofilms, the patterns are induced to transform from a first topography to a second topography. For example, the surface patterns may be formed from a shape memory polymer and then heated to transform the patterns from the first topography to the second topography to dislodge bacteria and prevent fouling.

Abstract: A system of topographic patterns for the prevention of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The patterns may be provided on the surfaces of certain devices that are prone to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, such as urinary catheters. To reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, and to remove existing biofilms, the patterns are induced to transform from a first topography to a second topography. For example, the surface patterns may be formed from a shape memory polymer and then heated to transform the patterns from the first topography to the second topography to dislodge bacteria and prevent fouling.

Abstract: A system of topographic patterns for the prevention of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The patterns may be provided on the surfaces of certain devices that are prone to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, such as urinary catheters. To reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, and to remove existing biofilms, the patterns are induced to transform from a first topography to a second topography. For example, the surface patterns may be formed from a shape memory polymer and then heated to transform the patterns from the first topography to the second topography to dislodge bacteria and prevent fouling.

Abstract: A Tris-Acetate-Phosphate-Pluronic (TAPP) medium that undergoes thermoreversible sol-gel transitions to efficiently culture and harvest microalgae without affecting productivity. After seeding microalgae in a TAPP medium in solution phase at 15 degrees C., the temperature is increased by 7 degrees C. to induce gelation. Within the gel, microalgae grow in large clusters rather than as isolated cells. Such clusters are easily harvested gravimetrically by decreasing the temperature to bring the medium to a solution phase. The settling velocity of the microalgal clusters is approximately ten times larger than that of individual cells cultured in typical solution media. Hence, microalgae can be cultured without constant mixing and about 90 percent of the biomass can be harvested in an energy efficient fashion.

Abstract: An anti-fouling surface having micron scale pillars embedded with Fe3O4 nanoparticles is designed. The pillars may be repeatedly induced to move according to a predetermined frequency, such as one that mimic that of the beating movement of natural cilia, through the application of a magnetic field. When square-shaped pillars with a height of 10 ?m, width of 2 ?m, and inter-pattern distance of 5 ?m actuated for three minutes, more than 99.9 percent of biofilm cells were detached and via gentle rinsing from the surface having the pillars. The anti-fouling surface enables effective prevention of biofilm formation and removal of established biofilms, and can be applied to a broad spectrum of polymers.

Abstract: A medical device having DC treatment electrodes that can be wirelessly induced to produce the appropriate electrical current across the implant to eradicate any biofilm that has formed on the implant shell, such as that of a cochlear implant. The implant may also be configured to sample any changes in the redox properties of electrodes to detect the formation of biofilm on the implant and provide a notification that DC treatment is needed.

Abstract: A system of topographic patterns for the prevention of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The patterns may be provided on the surfaces of certain devices that are prone to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, such as urinary catheters. To reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, and to remove existing biofilms, the patterns are induced to transform from a first topography to a second topography. For example, the surface patterns may be formed from a shape memory polymer and then heated to transform the patterns from the first topography to the second topography to dislodge bacteria and prevent fouling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to host immune factors and antibiotics and, more particularly, to a system and method for controlling and reducing the antibiotic tolerance of bacterial persister cells with host immune factors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion composition. The non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion composition includes a water-soluble polymer, a non-amphiphilic lyotropic mesogen encapsulated by the water-soluble polymer; and water. In one embodiment, the non-amphiphilic lyotropic mesogen includes, without limitation, a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal, and more specifically disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). In another embodiment, the water-soluble polymer can include, without limitation, a polyacrylamide, a polyol, a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a polysaccharide, or a water-soluble fluoride-bearing polymer. The present invention also relates to a porous hydrogel made with the use of the non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion. The present invention further relates to using the emulsion and hydrogel for various applications.

Abstract: A system and method for treating bacterial cells with an electrochemical process, alone or in combination with antibiotics. Weak electric currents are used to effectively eliminate bacterial cells. The method may be adapted for novel therapies of chronic infections and strategies to control persistent biofouling. The system has broad spectrum applications in treating chronic and drug resistant infections, such as those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and may also be used for decontamination of medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to host immune factors and antibiotics and, more particularly, to a system and method for controlling and reducing the antibiotic tolerance of bacterial persister cells with host immune factors.

Abstract: A system and method for treating persister cells with an electrochemical process, alone or in combination with antibiotics. Weak electric currents are used to effectively eliminate persister cells and the efficacy can be further improved through synergistic effects with antibiotics. The method may be adapted for novel therapies of chronic infections and strategies to control persistent biofouling. The system has a broad spectrum applications in treating chronic and drug resistant infections, such as those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and may also be used for decontamination of medical devices.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the growth of a microorganism using an effective amount of one or more of the following synthetic brominated furanones: (i) 4-bromo-5Z-(bromomethylene)-3-methylfuran-2-one; (ii) 3-(dibromomethyl)-5-(dibromomethylene)furan-2-one; (iii) 3-(bromomethyl)-5-(dibromomethylene)furan-2-one; (iv) 4-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-5Z-(bromomethylene)furan-2-one; or (v) 4-bromo-5-(dibromomethyl)-3-methylfuran-2(5H)-one. The brominated furanones inhibit the growth of both fungi and bacteria, including the fungal species Candida albicans, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Chaetomium globosum, and Trametes versicolor and the bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The brominated furanones can be used topically or internally to treat human infections, and can be used to treat other objects, such as wood building supplies, to prevent fungal rot.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the growth of a microorganism using an effective amount of one or more of the following synthetic brominated furanones: (i) 4-bromo-5Z-(bromomethylene)-3-methylfuran-2-one; (ii) 3-(dibromomethyl)-5-(dibromomethylene)furan-2-one; (iii) 3-(bromomethyl)-5-(dibromomethylene)furan-2-one; (iv) 4-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-5Z-(bromomethylene)furan-2-one; or (v) 4-bromo-5-(dibromomethyl)-3-methylfuran-2(5H)-one. The brominated furanones inhibit the growth of both fungi and bacteria, including the fungal species Candida albicans, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Chaetomium globosum, and Trametes versicolor and the bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The brominated furanones can be used topically or internally to treat human infections, and can be used to treat other objects, such as wood building supplies, to prevent fungal rot.

Abstract: Robust polymeric hydrogels and a method to fabricate antimicrobial non-woven fibrous wound dressing with controlled silver release that may be used for anti-infective medical implants and anti-infective coating for implantable medical device. The hydrogels may be provided in non-woven fibrous wound dressing and anti-infective implantable medical devices, especially for reconstructive oral and bone surgery.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the growth of a microorganism using an effective amount of one or more of the following synthetic brominated furanones: (i) 4-bromo-5Z-(bromomethylene)-3-methylfuran-2-one; (ii) 3-(dibromomethyl)-5-(dibromomethylene)furan-2-one; (iii) 3-(bromomethyl)-5-(dibromomethylene)furan-2-one; (iv) 4-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-5Z-(bromomethylene)furan-2-one; or (v) 4-bromo-5-(dibromomethyl)-3-methylfuran-2(5H)-one. The brominated furanones inhibit the growth of both fungi and bacteria, including the fungal species Candida albicans, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Chaetomium globosum, and Trametes versicolor and the bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The brominated furanones can be used topically or internally to treat human infections, and can be used to treat other objects, such as wood building supplies, to prevent fungal rot.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the discovery that B. anthracis possesses a luxS gene that encodes a functional LuxS polypeptide, and that B. anthracis synthesizes a functional AI-2 quorum-sensing molecule. The invention provides mutant B. anthracis bacteria lacking the function of the luxS gene, which do not produce a functional AI-2 molecule and have growth defects compared to wild-type B. anthracis. The invention also concerns methods for inhibiting the growth of B. anthracis, or for preventing or treating B. anthracis infection, by inhibiting the activity of the B. anthracis LuxS polypeptide, or by exposure of the B. anthracis to furanone. In particular, the invention concerns the use of furanone, a compound that inhibits AI-2-mediated quorum-sensing, to inhibit the growth of B. anthracis, to inhibit B. anthracis toxin production, particularly that of protective antigen, and to prevent or treat B. anthracis infection. The invention also provides methods to prevent B.

Abstract: A system and method for reverting the antibiotic tolerance of persister cells. Brominated furanones, which are quorum sensing inhibitors, are used to revert the antibiotic tolerance of persister cells and enhance their susceptibility to antibiotics by up to one hundred fold. Brominated furanones can be used against bacterial persister cells in biofilms or planktonic form.