Abstract: Methods of detecting cysteine-containing peptides are provided. The methods include steps of contacting a resistive-pulse nanopore sensing system with a sample containing cysteine-containing peptides of at least 10 amino acid residues in length, wherein the resistive-pulse nanopore sensing system comprises thiolate-capped gold clusters arranged in a cis side of nanopores and detecting a change in current indicative of exchange between a cysteine-containing peptide and the thiolate-capped gold clusters.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates in part to coating compositions comprising a bactericidal layer further comprising a bactericidal element and a columnar microstructure, which exerts bactericidal activity toward proximal and distal bacteria within an electrolyte solution (i.e. blood or other bodily fluid). The present disclosure further relates to coating compositions stably adhered to an electrode, which exerts bactericidal activity toward proximal and distal bacteria within an electrolyte solution upon application of an electric potential to the underlying electrode without a loss in efficiency of charge transfer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to coatings that contain silver, either in the form of metallic silver, silver oxides, salts of silver, or combinations of these. The silver is present in a microparticulate or nanoparticulate form, which exerts antimicrobial activity when bacteria (e.g., in a body fluid) contact the coated surface. The coatings are applied through accumulation of silver-containing particles on the surface, such as by sputtering or electron beam vapor deposition. As a result, their thickness, particle size, and density can be controlled. Furthermore, the surface can also be coated with other substances, such as diamond-like carbon or alumina, either as a discrete layer or intermixed with the silver-containing particles.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to coatings that contain silver, either in the form of metallic silver, silver oxides, salts of silver, or combinations of these. The silver is present in a microparticulate or nanoparticulate form, which exerts antimicrobial activity when bacteria (e.g., in a body fluid) contact the coated surface. The coatings are applied through accumulation of silver-containing particles on the surface, such as by sputtering or electron beam vapor deposition. As a result, their thickness, particle size, and density can be controlled. Furthermore, the surface can also be coated with other substances, such as diamond-like carbon or alumina, either as a discrete layer or intermixed with the silver-containing particles.

Abstract: Biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles for delivery of bioactive agents, and methods for preparing the particles, are described. Polyoxalate nanoparticles of the subject technology show desired particle sizes suitable for use in drug delivery and a substantially uniform or narrow particle size distribution. The polyoxalate nanoparticles can contain water-soluble, poorly water-soluble, or water-insoluble drugs. The nanoparticles are nontoxic and are generally safe for use in humans. After being administered into the body, the nanoparticles with a high content of a bioactive agent entrapped therein can safely deliver the agent to target sites and stably release the drug at a controlled rate.