Abstract: Synthetic cellular support systems in the form of engineered extracellular matrices are provided. The cellular support system may include a three-dimensional scaffold structure comprising at least one void. At least one suspended fibril spans across the at least one void in the three-dimensional scaffold structure. The suspended fibril comprises at least one extracellular matrix protein, such as fibronectin, and at least one glycan, such as a hyaluronic acid. The suspended fibril is capable of supporting cells and promoting three-dimensional cellular growth. In various aspects, a plurality of suspended fibrils may span the void to form a three-dimensional suspended fibrillar network.

Abstract: Protein-based nanoparticles and methods of forming such protein-based nanoparticles via electrohydrodynamic jetting methods are provided. The nanoparticle may comprise a water-soluble protein having an average molecular weight of ? about 8 kDa and < about 700 kDa. In certain variations, the water-soluble protein is cross-linked (e.g., with an optional crosslinking agent) and defines a mesh structure having an average linear mesh size of ? about 1 nm to ? about 4 nm. Methods of making such nanoparticles may include jetting a liquid comprising the water-soluble protein through a nozzle, followed by exposing the liquid to an electric field sufficient to solidify the liquid and form the protein-based nanoparticles described above.

Abstract: A cellular support system comprises a three-dimensional scaffold structure comprising at least one void. At least one suspended protein bridge spans across the at least one void in the three-dimensional scaffold structure. The suspended protein bridge is capable of supporting cells and promotes three-dimensional cellular growth. In certain aspects, the protein in the suspended protein bridge is an extracellular matrix protein, such as collagens, laminins, fibronectins, and combinations thereof. Such a cellular support system supports thriving cell cultures in three-dimensions emulating cell growth in vivo in an extracellular matrix, including promoting cell remodeling. Methods for making such cellular support systems are also provided.

Abstract: Protein-based nanoparticles for treating cancer, such as those characterized by intracranial tumors, and methods of forming such protein-based nanoparticles via electrohydrodynamic jetting methods are provided. The nanoparticle may comprise a water-soluble protein having an average molecular weight of ?about 8 kDa and ?about 700 kDa. In certain variations, the water-soluble protein is cross-linked (e.g., with an optional crosslinking agent) and defines a mesh structure having an average linear mesh size of ?about 1 nm to ?about 4 nm. The nanoparticle may have a transcription factor such as a therapeutic nucleic acid in the mesh structure. Methods of making such nanoparticles may include jetting a liquid comprising the water-soluble protein through a nozzle, followed by exposing the liquid to an electric field sufficient to solidify the liquid and form the protein-based nanoparticles described above.

Abstract: Components, for example, nanoparticles for detecting and/or treating one or more active carious lesions or microcavities in teeth of a subject are provided. The component or nanoparticle may comprise a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer (e.g., a starch) bearing at least one cationic region and/or having a net positive charge and thereby capable of associating with one or more active and/or early carious lesions on a tooth in an oral cavity of a subject. The components or nanoparticles are optionally water soluble or dispersible. The components or nanoparticle also comprises an imaging agent (e.g., a fluorophore or dye) bonded to the biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. The component or nanoparticle is thus capable of indicating the presence of one or more active carious lesions when the component or nanoparticle is associated therewith. Oral care compositions comprising such compounds/nanoparticles and methods of making and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanoparticle compositions and methods of use such as for chemoprevention of cancer, for example oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The nanoparticle composition comprises a Janus particle comprising at least two chemopreventive agents, wherein at least one of the chemopreventive agents is selected from freeze-dried black raspberries (BRB), a synthetic vitamin A analogue, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and an anti-interleukin 6 agent. Methods for improving oral health comprising administering to a subject the nanoparticle compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Components, for example, nanoparticles for detecting and/or treating one or more active carious lesions or microcavities in teeth of a subject are provided. The component or nanoparticle may comprise a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer (e.g., a starch) bearing at least one cationic region and/or having a net positive charge and thereby capable of associating with one or more active and/or early carious lesions on a tooth in an oral cavity of a subject. The components or nanoparticles are optionally water soluble or dispersible. The components or nanoparticle also comprises an imaging agent (e.g., a fluorophore or dye) bonded to the biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. The component or nanoparticle is thus capable of indicating the presence of one or more active carious lesions when the component or nanoparticle is associated therewith. Oral care compositions comprising such compounds/nanoparticles and methods of making and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating functional nanostructures (e.g., nanowires/nanofibers) via chemical vapor deposition polymerization of paracyclophanes or substituted paracyclophanes onto and through a structured fluid, such as a film of liquid crystals, on a substrate. A one-step process is provided that does not require the use of any solid templates, nor does it require any volatile solvents, additives or catalysts. The resulting nanowires/nanofibers can be in the form of aligned nanowires/nanofibers arrays supported on any solid material, in the form of nanofibers mats supported on porous materials, or as individual free-standing nanowires/nanofibers. By using chiral liquid crystals, chiral nanofibers can be fabricated. The functional nanowires/nanofibers can contain one or more type of surface reactive groups that allows for post surface chemical modifications on the nanowires/nanofibers. Such nanostructures can be used in a range of different applications, including in biomedical applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating an implantable micro-component electrode. The method includes disposing an electrically non-conductive material directly onto a surface of an electrically conductive carbon fiber core to generate an electrically non-conductive coating on the electrically conductive carbon fiber core, and removing a portion of the electrically non-conductive coating to expose a region of the electrically conductive carbon fiber core. The micro-component electrode has at least one dimension of less than or equal to about 10 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanoparticle compositions and methods of use such as for chemoprevention of cancer, for example oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The nanoparticle composition comprises a Janus particle comprising at least two chemopreventive agents, wherein at least one of the chemopreventive agents is selected from freeze-dried black raspberries (BRB), a synthetic vitamin A analogue, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and an anti-interleukin 6 agent. Methods for improving oral health comprising administering to a subject the nanoparticle compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical sensing system includes a substrate material, a detector capable of indicating a presence of a target compound, gas, or vapor, and a heater for rapidly releasing compounds, gases and vapors from the substrate material. The substrate material acts to concentrate the compounds, gases, and vapors from a sample area for improved detection by the detector.

Abstract: A cellular support system comprises a three-dimensional scaffold structure comprising at least one void. At least one suspended protein bridge spans across the at least one void in the three-dimensional scaffold structure. The suspended protein bridge is capable of supporting cells and promotes three-dimensional cellular growth. In certain aspects, the protein in the suspended protein bridge is an extracellular matrix protein, such as collagens, laminins, fibronectins, and combinations thereof. Such a cellular support system supports thriving cell cultures in three-dimensions emulating cell growth in vivo in an extracellular matrix, including promoting cell remodeling. Methods for making such cellular support systems are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating functional nanostructures (e.g., nanowires/nanofibers) via chemical vapor deposition polymerization of paracyclophanes or substituted paracyclophanes onto and through a structured fluid, such as a film of liquid crystals, on a substrate. A one-step process is provided that does not require the use of any solid templates, nor does it require any volatile solvents, additives or catalysts. The resulting nanowires/nanofibers can be in the form of aligned nanowires/nanofibers arrays supported on any solid material, in the form of nanofibers mats supported on porous materials, or as individual free-standing nanowires/nanofibers. By using chiral liquid crystals, chiral nanofibers can be fabricated. The functional nanowires/nanofibers can contain one or more type of surface reactive groups that allows for post surface chemical modifications on the nanowires/nanofibers. Such nanostructures can be used in a range of different applications, including in biomedical applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating an implantable micro-component electrode. The method includes disposing an electrically non-conductive material directly onto a surface of an electrically conductive carbon fiber core to generate an electrically non-conductive coating on the electrically conductive carbon fiber core, and removing a portion of the electrically non-conductive coating to expose a region of the electrically conductive carbon fiber core. The micro-component electrode has at least one dimension of less than or equal to about 10 ?m.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides robust implantable micro-component electrodes that can be used in a variety of medical devices. The medical device may be a neural probe that can monitor or stimulate neural activity in an organism's brain, spine, nerves, or organs, for example. The micro-component electrode has a small physical profile, with ultra-thin dimensions, while having high strength and flexibility. The micro-electrode has an electrically conductive core material, e.g., carbon. The surface of the core material includes one or more electrically conductive regions coated with an electrically conductive material and one or more non-conductive regions having an electrically non-conductive biocompatible polymeric coating. Implantable devices having such micro-components are capable of implantation in an organism for very long durations.

Abstract: Components, for example, nanoparticles for detecting and/or treating one or more active carious lesions or microcavities in teeth of a subject are provided. The component or nanoparticle may comprise a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer (e.g., a starch) bearing at least one cationic region and/or having a net positive charge and thereby capable of associating with one or more active and/or early carious lesions on a tooth in an oral cavity of a subject. The components or nanoparticles are optionally water soluble or dispersible. The components or nanoparticle also comprises an imaging agent (e.g., a fluorophore or dye) bonded to the biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. The component or nanoparticle is thus capable of indicating the presence of one or more active carious lesions when the component or nanoparticle is associated therewith. Oral care compositions comprising such compounds/nanoparticles and methods of making and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for establishing and maintaining growth of cells and embryonic tissue on a synthetic polymer matrix. For example, the present invention provides synthetic growth matrices for stem cells, gametes, mature differentiated cells, and embryonic tissue (e.g., blastomeres, embryos, and embryoid bodies). In certain embodiments, the cells are capable of going through multiple passages while remaining in an undifferentiated state as a result of the synthetic polymer matrix.

Abstract: Optical display devices and methods of operating such devices are provided. The optical device includes a display component having a plurality of anisotropic multiphasic particles with at least two optically distinct phases. The plurality of anisotropic multiphasic particles is disposed in one or more regions of the display component that define an optic feature. Further, at least one of the phases of the anisotropic multiphasic particle comprises a material receptive to a force field, such as a magnetic material is receptive to an applied magnetic field. In this manner, the display component can reversibly exhibit a first optical state in the presence of the force field and thus is optionally switchable.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable electronic device, including: providing a silicon wafer; building a plurality of layers coupled to the wafer including an oxide layer coupled to the silicon wafer; a first reactive parylene layer coupled to the oxide layer, an electrode layer coupled to the first reactive parylene layer, and a second reactive parylene layer, coupled to the electrode layer, that chemically bonds to the first reactive polymer layer, and a second polymer layer coupled to the second reactive parylene layer; coating the plurality of layers with an encapsulation, and modifying the encapsulation and at least one of the plurality of layers to expose an electrode site in the electrode layer.

Abstract: A chemical sensing system includes a substrate material, a detector capable of indicating a presence of a target compound, gas, or vapor, and a heater for rapidly releasing compounds, gases and vapors from the substrate material. The substrate material acts to concentrate the compounds, gases, and vapors from a sample area for improved detection by the detector.