Abstract: The present invention relates to micellar nanocomplexes and a method of forming the same. The micellar nanocomplex comprises a micelle and an agent encapsulated within said micelle, where the micelle comprises a polymer-flavonoid conjugate, wherein said polymer is bonded to the B ring of said flavonoid. The micellar nanocomplex may have useful applications as a drug-delivery system.

Abstract: A cell culture substrate comprising a substrate having a coating of a plurality of amine functionalized nanoparticles is disclosed. In one embodiment, the amine functionalized nanoparticle is a polymer of an acrylamide monomer, a cross-linker and an amine monomer. There is also provided a method of making the cell culture substrate either by drying the amine functionalized nanoparticles when spread onto the said substrate or by covalent linkages of the substrate with thiol terminated nanoparticles. In addition, there is provided a method of culturing stem cells on the cell culture substrate having a coating of a plurality of the amine functionalized nanoparticles thereon.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprising (i) a plurality of monomers selected from (a) a carboxylic acryloyi monomer; (b) a sulfonic acryloyi monomer; (c) an amine acryloyi monomer; (d) a hydroxyl acryloyi monomer; (e) an alkyl acryloyi monomer; and (f) a polyalkylene hydroxyl acryloyi monomer; (ii) a divalent metallic crosslinking agent; and (c) a stabilizing agent is disclosed herein. Also provided are the use of said polymeric composition as a hydrogel coating material, a method of synthesizing the polymeric composition and the use of the hydrogel material.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus for a diaper. The apparatus has two electrodes and an electronic device. The electronic device is coupled to the two electrodes. The two electrodes are operable to generate a potential difference when they are electrically connected together by ionized liquid. The electronic device is operable to generate an alarm signal when the potential difference is generated. Various other embodiments relate to a corresponding system, diaper and method of manufacturing an electrode.

Abstract: There is provided an optical structure including an opening configured to receive a chip, the chip comprising a plurality of wells configured for receiving therein a fluid sample to be analysed, and an optical mask comprising a plurality of apertures. The optical mask is positioned adjacent to the opening such that the optical mask faces the chip when the chip is received in the opening. Furthermore, the plurality of apertures is configured to extend through the optical mask for receiving and guiding light from the plurality of wells, respectively. There is also provided an optical light detection system including the optical structure, a method of manufacturing the optical structure, and a method of assembling the optical fluorescence detection system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micellar nanocomplexes and a method of forming the same. The micellar nanocomplex comprises a micelle and an agent encapsulated within said micelle, where the micelle comprises a polymer-flavonoid conjugate, wherein said polymer is bonded to the B ring of said flavonoid. The micellar nanocomplex may have useful applications as a drug-delivery system.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting a genetic variant associated with a disease or disorder, including incompatibility with a pharmaceutical. The method and kit using a first nano-particle coupled to at least one morpholino nucleic acid probe comprising a target complimentary region base sequence that is a perfect match to a genetic variant sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microarray device for detecting a target molecule such as miRNA in a sample. The device comprises a carrier substrate such as glass, an anti-fouling polymer layer which is functionalised with N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) or carboxyl-groups and a capture probe. In an embodiment, the capture probe is an oligonucleotide with a stem-loop structure. The invention further defines a method for fabricating the device, a kit for detecting the target nucleic acid molecule comprising the device and a detection probe.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polymer material comprising mesopores extending between melamine-formaldehyde co-polymer nano-particles and wherein micropores extend within the co-polymer nano-particles, methods of producing the same and uses thereof.

Abstract: A column-based device and method for retrieving cells of interest were enclosed. The said device comprises a column comprising (i) an inner wall defining an inner chamber with inlet and outlet openings, (ii) a perforated plug disposed adjacent to the outlet opening, (iii) a sleeve insert with a channel and disposed within the chamber and adjacent to the perforated plug, and (iv) a filtering means housed within sleeve insert sandwiched between two sealing means. In particular, Tumor-derived endothelial cell clusters (TECCs) as characterized multiple nuclei, expression of endothelial markers (PECAM1, VWF and CDH5), and non-expression of leukocyte, megakaryocyte and platelets markers, may be retrieved using the disclosed device. Also encompassed are methods, reagents and kits for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers by detecting for the presence of TECCs isolated from blood samples using the claimed device.

Abstract: There is provided compound for use in therapy, the compound comprising repeating units of hydrophilic heterocyclic amine monomers that are coupled by hydrophobic linkers selected to confer a therapeutic effect. There is also provided the use of the above compound in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a fungal infection and a method of treating a fungal infection using the above compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a test strip for paper based assay, the test strip comprising a substrate addition zone for receiving a substrate and a test zone, the test zone comprising a capture agent, wherein the substrate addition zone is located upstream of the test zone. The invention 5 also relates to a paper-based enzyme assay comprising a test strip of the invention and methods of detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample using a test strip of the invention.

Abstract: There is provided a test strip assembly for detecting the possible presence of at least one analyte in a sample, a device for detecting the possible presence of at least one analyte in a sample comprising the test strip assembly and methods of detecting the possible presence of at least one analyte in a sample using the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micellar nanocomplexes and a method of forming the same. The micellar nanocomplex comprises a micelle and an agent encapsulated within said micelle, where the micelle comprises a polymer-flavonoid conjugate, wherein said polymer is bonded to the B ring of said flavonoid. The micellar nanocomplex may have useful applications as a drug-delivery system.

Abstract: There is provided a conjugate of a delivery agent containing a chemical moiety and at least one flavonoid. The flavonoid exists in a monomeric form or dimeric form before conjugation and remains in the monomeric form or dimeric form after conjugation. Preferably, the conjugate comprises two flavonoids. The delivery agent is conjugated at the C6 and/or the C8 position of the A ring of the flavonoid. An anti-cancer agent delivery vehicle comprising an anti-cancer agent and the conjugate is also provided.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a reagent fluid dispensing device may be provided. The reagent fluid dispensing device may include a chamber for receiving a reagent fluid, the chamber having a first opening and a second opening; a first fluid conduit connected to the first opening of the chamber; a reservoir connected to the first fluid conduit, the reservoir having a first opening, wherein the first opening of the reservoir is connected to the first fluid conduit to form a passive valve, wherein the reservoir is dimensionalized for storing a predetermined volume of the reagent fluid; and a pneumatic conduit connected to the second opening of the chamber, wherein selective application of pneumatic pressure to the chamber through the pneumatic conduit transfers the reagent fluid from the reservoir to the chamber through the first fluid conduit. According to various embodiments, a microfluidic device including the reagent fluid dispensing device, and a method of dispensing a reagent fluid may be provided.

Abstract: A particle exhibiting catalytic activity comprising (a) an inner core formed of an alloy material; and (b) an outer shell formed of a metal material surrounding the inner core, wherein the alloy material is selected such that the inner core exerts a compressive strain on the outer shell.

Abstract: There is provided a conjugate of a delivery agent containing a chemical moiety and at least one flavonoid. The flavonoid exists in a monomeric form or dimeric form before conjugation and remains in the monomeric form or dimeric form after conjugation. Preferably, the conjugate comprises two flavonoids. The delivery agent is conjugated at the C6 and/or the C8 position of the A ring of the flavonoid. An anti-cancer agent delivery vehicle comprising an anti-cancer agent and the conjugate is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polymer material comprising mesopores extending between melamine-formaldehyde co-polymer nano-particles and wherein micropores extend within the co-polymer nano-particles, methods of producing the same and uses thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a device, and related method and uses, for drawing a polymer fiber, the device comprising: a. at least two polymer compartments, wherein each polymer compartment is capable of retaining a polymer solution, and wherein adjacent compartments comprise different polymer solutions; and b. a slider comprising at least one prong, wherein the prong is capable of contacting the different polymer solutions, and wherein the slider is arranged in a retractable manner from the at least two polymer compartments. There is further provided a system and a related method for manufacturing a polymer fiber.