Abstract: A stabilized enzyme product comprising composite particles that comprise an enzyme component within a nanoporous organopolysiloxane matrix. The enzyme component is capable of hydrolyzing one or more acyl-homoserine lactones and constitutes about 0.01 wt % to about 40 wt % of the composite particles on a dry weight basis. The composite particles have a density in a range of about 0.02 g/cm3 to about 0.5 g/cm3, an accessible surface area in a range of about 250 m2/g to about 600 m2/g, and fractal three-dimensional structures.

Abstract: One or more quorum silencing enzymes entrapped in an organopolysiloxane matrix, formulations comprising the enzymes, methods for obtaining the entrapped enzymes by co-gelation and methods of treating intestinal diseases.

Abstract: A pick-and-place system for plant embryos includes a tray for receiving a suspension of plant embryos. The tray is movable to repeatedly reposition the plant embryos. An identification system is proximate the tray for identifying a target plant embryo amongst the plant embryos in the suspension. The identification system is configured to identify the target plant embryo while the tray is moving. A robotic arm is proximate the tray and is in communication with the identification system. The robotic arm is actuatable to pick the target plant embryo out of the suspension while the tray is moving, and deposit the target plant embryo at a target location.

Abstract: Polypeptide scaffolds comprising enzymatic proteins are provided. The enzymatic polypeptide scaffolds comprise heterologous enzymes to form a heterologous metabolic pathway, and can be targeted to a substrate through a surface anchoring domain. The enzymatic polypeptide scaffolds leverage the high specificity and affinity protein/protein interaction between the cohesins and dockerins of microorganismal cellulosomes to form custom enzymatic arrays.

Abstract: Provided are methods of inserting seedlings into soil plugs. The method includes: a) automatically identifying a target seedling located in a pick-up area using seedling detection apparatus; b) pick-up up the target seedling with an automated seedling handling apparatus; c) transporting the target seedling to an insertion area; d) providing a first soil plug in the insertion area to receive the target seedling, the first soil plug having a first plug end, a second plug end longitudinally spaced apart from the first plug end and a longitudinal slit extending from the first plug end toward the second plug end; e) spreading the slit in the first soil plug; f) inserting a root portion of the seedling into the slit while a stem portion of the seedling is positioned outside the first soil plug; and g) stripping the target seedling from the handling apparatus whereby the seedling remains received within the slit in the first soil plug.

Abstract: A pick-and-place system for plant embryos includes a tray for receiving a suspension of plant embryos. The tray is movable to repeatedly reposition the plant embryos. An identification system is proximate the tray for identifying a target plant embryo amongst the plant embryos in the suspension. The identification system is configured to identify the target plant embryo while the tray is moving. A robotic arm is proximate the tray and is in communication with the identification system. The robotic arm is actuatable to pick the target plant embryo out of the suspension while the tray is moving, and deposit the target plant embryo at a target location.

Abstract: An improved exercise apparatus is a stationary bicycle or a treadmill with an attached video screen and controllers that enable the user to exercise while engaging in the playing of video games or other entertainment activities that utilize a video screen and controllers.

Abstract: Polypeptide scaffolds comprising enzymatic proteins are provided. The enzymatic polypeptide scaffolds comprise heterologous enzymes to form a heterologous metabolic pathway, and can be targeted to a substrate through a surface anchoring domain. The enzymatic polypeptide scaffolds leverage the high specificity and affinity protein/protein interaction between the cohesins and dockerins of microorganismal cellulosomes to form custom enzymatic arrays.

Abstract: A method of making a nanoporous structure comprising a matrix and at least one nanosized pore within the matrix, wherein the method comprises contacting at least a portion of a templated matrix with an acid solution, wherein the templated matrix comprises a matrix that selected from the group consisting of an organic polymer, a sol-based ceramic, an inorganic salt, an organoaluminate, and combinations thereof, and one or more nanosized templates within the matrix, wherein each nanosized template comprises a core that comprises an inorganic oxide, to dissolve at least a portion of the inorganic oxide of at least one of the cores and form the at least one nanosized pore within the matrix thereby forming the nanoporous structure.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for nitrogen sensitive regulation of expression of a transcribable nucleic acid molecule. One aspect provides a nitrogen-sensitive expression system that includes a transcription factor region comprising an NtcA binding site and a core promoter region comprising a RuBisCo promoter or a variant or a functional fragment thereof. Another aspect provides a method of transforming a host cell with an expression system. Also provided are expression cassettes, transformed host cells, and kits.

Abstract: A functionalized nanoporous structure comprising: (a) a matrix that comprises a first sol-based ceramic; and (b) one or more functionalized nanosized pores within the matrix, wherein each functionalized nanosized pore is defined by (i) a coating that comprises a second sol-based ceramic and, optionally, a first functional material; and (ii) a second functional material bound to the coating, wherein the second functional material is optional if the coating comprises the first functional material; and (c) optionally, a hybrid component that comprises one or more particles of a composition different from that of the matrix.

Abstract: A method of making a nanoporous structure comprising a matrix and at least one nanosized pore within the matrix, wherein the method comprises contacting at least a portion of a templated matrix with an acid t solution, wherein the templated matrix comprises a matrix that selected from the group consisting of an organic polymer, a sol-based ceramic, an inorganic salt, an organoaluminate, and combinations thereof, and one or more nanosized templates within the matrix, wherein each nanosized template comprises a core that comprises an inorganic oxide, to dissolve at least a portion of the inorganic oxide of at least one of the cores and form the at least one nanosized pore within the matrix thereby forming the nanoporous structure.

Abstract: Provided herein is a transgenic bacteria engineered to accumulate carbohydrates, for example disaccharides. Also provided is a photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a non-gelatinous, solid cultivation support suitable for providing nutrients and moisture to photosynthetic microorganisms and a physical barrier covering at least a portion of the surface of the cultivation support. Devices for the large scale and continuous cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms incorporating photobioreactors and methods of use are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing fermentable sugar from photosynthetic microorganisms using a photobioreactor of the invention.

Abstract: Provided herein is a transgenic bacteria engineered to accumulate carbohydrates, for example disaccharides. Also provided is a photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a non-gelatinous, solid cultivation support suitable for providing nutrients and moisture to photosynthetic microorganisms and a physical barrier covering at least a portion of the surface of the cultivation support. Devices for the large scale and continuous cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms incorporating photobioreactors and methods of use are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing fermentable sugar from photosynthetic microorganisms using a photobioreactor of the invention.