Abstract: Methods and devices for microfluidic detection of a biological maker in a biospecimen collected from a subject are disclosed. The microfluidic devices include nanoparticle-based nanosensors comprising supramolecular recognition sequences, protease consensus sequences, post-translationally modifiable sequences, or sterically hindered benzylether bonds for specific interaction with a biological marker. Also disclosed are particular nanosensors for detecting cytokines, and other proteins based upon supramolecular recognition without chemical modification or enzymatic cleavage.

Abstract: Methods and devices for microfluidic detection of a biological maker in a biospecimen collected from a subject are disclosed. The microfluidic devices include nanoparticle-based nanosensors comprising supramolecular recognition sequences, protease consensus sequences, post-translationally modifiable sequences, or sterically hindered benzylether bonds for specific interaction with a biological marker. Also disclosed are particular nanosensors for detecting cytokines, and other proteins based upon supramolecular recognition without chemical modification or enzymatic cleavage.

Abstract: Immunocompetent animal models having immunological tolerance to a xenograft and methods of producing the same. The animal models are tolerized to the xenograft in the pre-immune, fetal or embryonic stage, followed by transplanting the xenograft into the animal in the post-natal stage, such that the post-natal animal is immunologically tolerant to the xenograft, while remaining immunocompetent.

Abstract: Immunocompetent animal models having immunological tolerance to a xenograft and methods of producing the same. The animal models are tolerized to the xenograft in the pre-immune, fetal or embryonic stage, followed by transplanting the xenograft into the animal in the post-natal stage, such that the post-natal animal is immunologically tolerant to the xenograft, while remaining immunocompetent.

Abstract: The present invention provides multifunctional nanoplatforms for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro, along with methods of imaging and detecting the presence of cancerous or precancerous tissues, and the therapeutic treatment thereof, including monitoring of treatment. The diagnostic nanoplatforms comprise nanoparticles and are linked to each other or other particles 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 using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis. Individual unlinked nanoplatforms are also adaptable for therapeutic hyperthermia treatment of the cancerous tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the use of cells, such as stem cells or immune system cells, to deliver nanogels comprising an active agent to a desired site in the body. The present invention utilizes cells as a delivery system for active agents that are difficult to deliver, such as active agents with poor solubility, that degrade easily, or that are toxic to the body. The nanogels are preferably non-toxic and can optionally include a lytic agent to program apoptosis of the cell to deliver the nanogel and active agent to a desired sire within the body.