Abstract: Devices and methods for using changes in the orientation of micrometer sized dispersed liquid crystal domains to detect or quantify analytes in a test sample, including amphiphilic analytes, are disclosed. The dispersed liquid crystal domains are defined by an interface, and one or more nanoparticles or nanoparticle-containing complexes are adsorbed to the interface. As a result of the adsorption of the nanoparticles or nanoparticle-containing complexes at the interface, the microdomains are stabilized, and resist coalescing for extended periods of time, unlike previously known devices using liquid crystal emulsions for analyte detection. When the dispersed liquid crystal microdomains are exposed to the test sample, any changes in the orientation of the liquid crystal microdomains (such as from the bipolar to radial) are detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid crystal (LC)-infused materials and methods for detecting compounds or impurities in liquid samples using such materials. These slippery materials comprise a lubricating liquid, preferably a thermotropic liquid crystal, and a solid substrate able to immobilize or host the lubricating liquid. The portion of the substrate coated by the lubricating fluid forms a slippery surface able to allow droplets of various materials to slide off the slippery surface in a manner dependent on the chemical composition of the droplet, which can be used to detect the presence of analytes, impurities and other molecules within the droplet.

Abstract: A protective mesh system for distributing electrical power. The protective mesh system may include a body that supports and positions a protective mesh within its outer edges. The protective mesh may be of a single polarity and includes conductors and circuit opening devices. The protective mesh may provide for connecting to one or more power devices. One or more connectors may be electrically connected to the protective mesh and positioned along one or more of the edges of the body. The connectors may provide for connecting to an external power source.

Abstract: The present technology provides a system for monitoring quorum-sensing in bacteria comprising bacteria that release at least one membrane-lytic toxin when the bacteria are at a quorum-sensing density; synthetic lipid vesicles comprising an environmentally sensitive indicator, wherein the synthetic lipid vesicles release the environmentally sensitive dye in the presence of an effective amount of the membrane-lytic toxins; and a growth medium; wherein the bacteria and synthetic lipid vesicles are in contact with the growth medium. Methods using the system and compounds discovered with the system (e.g., compounds of Formulas I and II) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present technology provides a system for monitoring quorum-sensing in bacteria comprising bacteria that release at least one membrane-lytic toxin when the bacteria are at a quorum-sensing density; synthetic lipid vesicles comprising an environmentally sensitive indicator, wherein the synthetic lipid vesicles release the environmentally sensitive dye in the presence of an effective amount of the membrane-lytic toxins; and a growth medium; wherein the bacteria and synthetic lipid vesicles are in contact with the growth medium. Methods using the system and compounds discovered with the system (e.g., compounds of Formulas I and II) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective mesh system for distributing electrical power. The protective mesh system may include a body that supports and positions a protective mesh within its outer edges. The protective mesh may be of a single polarity and includes conductors and circuit opening devices. The protective mesh may provide for connecting to one or more power devices. One or more connectors may be electrically connected to the protective mesh and positioned along one or more of the edges of the body. The connectors may provide for connecting to an external power source.

Abstract: The present invention provides slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS), slippery nanoemulsion-infused porous surfaces (SNIPS), lubricant-impregnated surfaces (LIS), and other materials fabricated using polymers, linkers, and/or liquids and emulsions that are degradable (preferably biodegradable) and biocompatible. In addition to having reduced negative environmental effects, these coatings exhibit durable and robust anti-fouling properties against a wide range of substances and organisms, and advance new approaches to the design of biodegradable and sustainable liquid-infused materials.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for generating ClO2 gas are disclosed. A composition that includes a chlorite salt is activated by exposure to ultraviolet light. After an optional storage period, the composition is then exposed to moisture, resulting in the generation of ClO2 gas. Exemplary compositions include polymers in which the chlorite salt is dispersed. The polymers may be used to form films that can be used to package, e.g., food products, pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and/or laboratory devices. Upon exposure to ultraviolet light and moisture, the packaging releases controlled quantities of ClO2 gas, which may disinfect and/or deodorize the packaged device or product.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using changes in the orientation of micrometer sized dispersed liquid crystal domains to detect or quantify analytes in a test sample, including amphiphilic analytes, are disclosed. The dispersed liquid crystal domains are defined by an interface, and one or more nanoparticles or nanoparticle-containing complexes are adsorbed to the interface. As a result of the adsorption of the nanoparticles or nanoparticle-containing complexes at the interface, the microdomains are stabilized, and resist coalescing for extended periods of time, unlike previously known devices using liquid crystal emulsions for analyte detection. When the dispersed liquid crystal microdomains are exposed to the test sample, any changes in the orientation of the liquid crystal microdomains (such as from the bipolar to radial) are detected.

Abstract: The present technology provides a system for monitoring quorum-sensing in bacteria comprising bacteria that release at least one membrane-lytic toxin when the bacteria are at a quorum-sensing density; synthetic lipid vesicles comprising an environmentally sensitive indicator, wherein the synthetic lipid vesicles release the environmentally sensitive dye in the presence of an effective amount of the membrane-lytic toxins; and a growth medium; wherein the bacteria and synthetic lipid vesicles are in contact with the growth medium. Methods using the system and compounds discovered with the system (e.g., compounds of Formulas I and II) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for generating ClO2 gas are disclosed. A composition that includes a chlorite salt is activated by exposure to ultraviolet light. After an optional storage period, the composition is then exposed to moisture, resulting in the generation of ClO2 gas. Exemplary compositions include polymers in which the chlorite salt is dispersed. The polymers may be used to form films that can be used to package, e.g., food products, pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and/or laboratory devices. Upon exposure to ultraviolet light and moisture, the packaging releases controlled quantities of ClO2 gas, which may disinfect and/or deodorize the packaged device or product.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid crystal (LC)-infused materials and methods for detecting compounds or impurities in liquid samples using such materials. These slippery materials comprise a lubricating liquid, preferably a thermotropic liquid crystal, and a solid substrate able to immobilize or host the lubricating liquid. The portion of the substrate coated by the lubricating fluid forms a slippery surface able to allow droplets of various materials to slide off the slippery surface in a manner dependent on the chemical composition of the droplet, which can be used to detect the presence of analytes, impurities and other molecules within the droplet.

Abstract: A multilayer produce packaging film includes a first layer and a chlorine dioxide-producing layer. The chlorine dioxide-producing layer includes a polymer composition and a plurality of chlorite ions. The chlorine dioxide-producing layer is substantially free of an energy-activated catalyst and is substantially free of an acid-releasing compound. However, the film is capable of generating chlorine dioxide when exposed to UV light and moisture.

Abstract: A multilayer medical packaging film includes a first layer and a chlorine dioxide-producing layer. The chlorine dioxide-producing layer includes a polymer composition and a plurality of chlorite ions. The chlorine dioxide-producing layer is substantially free of an energy-activated catalyst and is substantially free of an acid-releasing compound. However, the film is capable of generating chlorine dioxide when exposed to UV light and moisture.

Abstract: A connection interface between a panel and a support structure. The panel includes one or more connectors. The support structure supports the panel and is configured to engage with the one or more connectors. The connection interface between the panel and the support structure provides a mechanical connection to secure the panel. The connection interface can also provide for electrical connections between the panel and the support structure and/or between the panel and one or more other panels or remote components.

Abstract: A data signal translation device for translating a data signal between a frontend interface and a backend server that is in communication with a processing network is described. Additionally, a method and a computer-readable storage medium for translating a data signal between a frontend interface and a backend server that is in communication with a processing network are described.

Abstract: This invention provides slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) using nanoporous or microporous and chemically reactive polymer multilayers. This approach permits fabrication of slippery anti-fouling coatings on complex surfaces and provides new means to manipulate the mobilities of contacting aqueous fluids. The results expand the range of tools that can be used to manipulate the behaviors of SLIPS and open the door to new applications of this emerging class of soft materials.

Abstract: Panels equipped with magnetically-controlled connectors that are movable between an open position and a closed position. When the connectors are in the open position, the panels can be moved relative to the support frame. In the closed position, the connectors engage with the support frame to secure the panel to the frame.

Abstract: A connection interface between a panel and a support structure. The panel includes one or more connectors. The support structure supports the panel and is configured to engage with the one or more connectors. The connection interface between the panel and the support structure provides a mechanical connection to secure the panel. The connection interface can also provide for electrical connections between the panel and the support structure and/or between the panel and one or more other panels or remote components.

Abstract: This invention provides slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) using nanoporous or microporous and chemically reactive polymer multilayers. This approach permits fabrication of slippery anti-fouling coatings on complex surfaces and provides new means to manipulate the mobilities of contacting aqueous fluids. The results expand the range of tools that can be used to manipulate the behaviors of SLIPS and open the door to new applications of this emerging class of soft materials.