Abstract: Methods for detecting biomarkers of inflammation, infection, and/or bacterial activity in dairy production, which indicate issues with the milk itself or issues related to the health of the cow. The methods generally comprise contacting a milk sample with a nanoplatform assembly to create an assay solution, and detecting spectral changes in the assay solution that are triggered by enzymatic activity (when present) in the sample. The nanoplatform assembly comprises a first particle, a second particle, and a linkage therebetween, wherein the linkage comprises a protease consensus sequence (the sequence of amino acids cleaved by the protease), or an ester linkage (cleaved by a protease or lipase). A plurality of second particles can also be linked to the first particle. Test strips are also described, which undergo a visual color change in the presence of the target enzyme in the milk sample.

Abstract: A nanoplatform assembly for detection of arginase, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, and/or tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. The nanoplatform comprises an oligopeptide, which is used as a linker between two particles. More preferably, the linker is comprised of an oligopeptide containing a substrate for the target enzyme, where the substrate is chemically or physically modified by the target enzyme (but not cleaved). A central particle with a plurality of oligopeptide-tethered detectable particles and a plurality of directly attached detectable particles is described. Posttranslational modification of the oligopeptide leads to changes in the detectable signals from the first and/or second particles in the nanoplatform, which can be correlated to enzyme activity and concentration.

Abstract: A nanoplatform assembly for detection of arginase, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, and/or tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. The nanoplatform comprises an oligopeptide, which is used as a linker between two particles. More preferably, the linker is comprised of an oligopeptide containing a substrate for the target enzyme, where the substrate is chemically or physically modified by the target enzyme (but not cleaved). A central particle with a plurality of oligopeptide-tethered detectable particles and a plurality of directly attached detectable particles is described. Posttranslational modification of the oligopeptide leads to changes in the detectable signals from the first and/or second particles in the nanoplatform, which can be correlated to enzyme activity and concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: Methods for detecting biomarkers of inflammation, infection, and/or bacterial activity in dairy production, which indicate issues with the milk itself or issues related to the health of the cow. The methods generally comprise contacting a milk sample with a nanoplatform assembly to create an assay solution, and detecting spectral changes in the assay solution that are triggered by enzymatic activity (when present) in the sample. The nanoplatform assembly comprises a first particle, a second particle, and a linkage therebetween, wherein the linkage comprises a protease consensus sequence (the sequence of amino acids cleaved by the protease), or an ester linkage (cleaved by a protease or lipase). A plurality of second particles can also be linked to the first particle. Test strips are also described, which undergo a visual color change in the presence of the target enzyme in the milk sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: Nanocatalysts and methods of using the same to obtain aromatic hydrocarbon compounds from a source of carbon atoms and a source of hydrogen atoms in a single reaction step is provided. The catalyst comprises an Fe/Fe3O4 nanocatalyst that may be supported on a non-reactive support material such as a zeolite or alumina CO2 and H2 are preferred sources of carbon and hydrogen atoms for the reaction. The aromatic hydrocarbon compounds produced are suitable for direct usage as fuel without need for further refining.

Abstract: Supramolecular assemblies for delivering active agents to cancerous or precancerous tissues in a subject are provided. These supramolecular assemblies are also useful in assays for detecting and imaging of cancerous and precancerous cells. The assemblies are protease-sensitive and comprise a peptide linkage containing a protease consensus sequence. The assemblies can be selectively targeted to cancerous tissue where the protease enzymes degrade the peptide linkage thereby releasing the active agents which were physically or mechanically contained in or retained by the supramolecular assembly.

Abstract: Theranostic methods are described herein, which are useful in diagnosing and/or treating infection, inflammation, and/or cancer. The methods utilize naturally-occurring leukocytes for in situ photodynamic therapy and imaging, and for the delivery of targeted therapies to the infection, inflammation, and/or cancer.

Abstract: Nanocatalysts and methods of using the same to obtain aromatic hydrocarbon compounds from a source of carbon atoms and a source of hydrogen atoms in a single reaction step is provided. The catalyst comprises an Fe/Fe3O4 nanocatalyst that may be supported on a non-reactive support material such as a zeolite or alumina CO2 and H2 are preferred sources of carbon and hydrogen atoms for the reaction. The aromatic hydrocarbon compounds produced are suitable for direct usage as fuel without need for further refining.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: A method for photodynamic therapy treatment of cancerous cells and tissue is provided. The method comprises administering tumor-trophic cells expressing a luminescent protein to a subject. A photosensitizing agent is then separately administered to the subject, followed by an optional iron chelator. On the day of treatment, a luminogenic substrate corresponding to the luminescent protein is administered to the subject. The substrate reacts with the luminescent protein in the vicinity of the cancerous tissue to produce light which activates the photosensitizing agent resulting in the selective destruction of the cancerous tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: Stem cells from human sources can have a variety of useful applications in disease treatment and biotechnology. More particularly the umbilical cord matrix cell cultures of the invention have a variety of totipotent, pluripotent, or multipotent cells for a variety of end uses from a non-controversial, universally available, species-specific source. The technology can have application to any amniotic animal, including agricultural and laboratory animals and humans. The invention relates to isolating the stem cells, culturing the stem cells, maintaining the stem cells, transforming the stem cells into useful cell types using genetic or other transformation technologies, stem cell and tissue banking and using untransformed or transformed cells in disease treatment.

Abstract: Stem cells from human sources can have a variety of useful applications in disease treatment and biotechnology. More particularly the umbilical cord matrix cell cultures of the invention have a variety of totipotent, pluripotent, or multipotent cells for a variety of end uses from a non-controversial, universally available, species-specific source. The technology can have application to any amniotic animal, including agricultural and laboratory animals and humans. The invention relates to isolating the stem cells, culturing the stem cells, maintaining the stem cells, transforming the stem cells into useful cell types using genetic or other transformation technologies, stem cell and tissue banking and using untransformed or transformed cells in disease treatment.

Abstract: Stem cells from human sources can have a variety of useful applications in disease treatment and biotechnology. More particularly the umbilical cord matrix cell cultures of the invention have a variety of totipotent, pluripotent, or multipotent cells for a variety of end uses from a non-controversial, universally available, species-specific source. The technology can have application to any amniotic animal, including agricultural and laboratory animals and humans. The invention relates to isolating the stem cells, culturing the stem cells, maintaining the stem cells, transforming the stem cells into useful cell types using genetic or other transformation technologies, stem cell and tissue banking and using untransformed or transformed cells in disease treatment.

Abstract: Stem cells from human sources can have a variety of useful applications in disease treatment and biotechnology. More particularly the umbilical cord matrix stem (UCMS) cell cultures of the invention have a variety of totipotent, pluriotent, or multipotent cells for a variety of end uses from a non-controversial, universally available, species-specific source. The technology can have application to any placental animal, including agricultural and laboratory animals and humans. The invention relates to isolating, culturing the stem cells, maintaining the stem cells, transforming the stem cells into useful cell types using genetic or other transformation technologies, stem cell and tissue banking and using untransformed or transformed cells in disease treatment.