Abstract: A signature of a condition of a live cell is established in an assay that allows distribution of the receptors on the cell surface in response to binding a ligand. The receptors can be optically detected and quantified to provide a value for the condition, Test drugs can be screened for therapeutic potential in the assay: a potentially efficacious drug is identified by an ability to modulate an established signature. The receptor distribution signature can be corroborated with an mRNA expression profile of several genes, indicating, for example, metastasis.

Abstract: A method and assay are described for measuring the interaction between a ligand and an analyte. The assay can include a suspension of colloidal particles that are associated with a ligand of interest. The colloidal particles are maintained in the suspension at or near a phase transition state from a condensed phase to a dispersed phase. An analyte to be tested is then added to the suspension. If the analyte binds to the ligand, a phase change occurs to indicate that the binding was successful.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel class of substituted macrocyclic metallic compounds. The compounds are useful as peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts. Pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and using the compounds, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or prodrug thereof are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for electrostatic-based sensing and detection of charges and charged materials displayed on a surface. In a general embodiment, a method for electrostatically sensing charges or charged materials by comparing the electrostatic interaction between a capture surface and a reference surface. Assays to detect binding or interactions between a capture surface and a material to be detected are also described. We also describe a sensitive and label-free electrostatic readout of DNA or RNA hybridization in a microarray format and using a microfluidic device. The electrostatic properties of the hybridized particles are measured using the positions and motions of charged microspheres. This approach enables sensitive, non-destructive electrostatic imaging. Changes in surface charge density as a result of specific molecular interaction can be detected and quantified with great sensitivity, and in the presence of a complex background.

Abstract: A membrane-coated particle composition and methods comprising a particle surrounded by a native cell membrane are disclosed. The cell membrane may contain selected receptors or binding components. At least a portion of the receptors or binding components are oriented on the membrane-coated particle in the same or similar orientation as in the native cell membrane. The membrane-coated particle(s) finds use, for example, in contexts of basic research, proteomics, drug discovery, drug delivery, medical diagnostics, and aspects of patient care.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel class of substituted macrocyclic porphyrin compounds. The compounds are useful as peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts. Pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and using the compounds, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or prodrug thereof are also described.

Abstract: Assays for the identification of antibacterial agents that inhibit mycobacterial growth by interfering with the iron acquisition pathway in host cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting mycobacterial growth by interfering with iron uptake or by delivering antibacterial agents to mycobacteria in host cells through the iron uptake pathway, as well as certain compounds that are useful in the assay methods, and also as antibacterial agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of generating tethered extracellular or intracellular domains of transmembrane proteins using expression vectors. The invention also provides the expression vectors for use in the world.

Abstract: A supported membrane based, strategy for the presentation of soluble signaling molecules to living cells is described. In this system, the fluidity of the supported membrane enables localized enrichment of ligand density in a configuration reflecting cognate receptor distribution on the cell surface. Display of a ligand in non-fluid supported membranes produces significantly less cell adhesion and spreading, thus demonstrating that this technique provides a means to control functional soluble ligand exposure in a surface array format. Furthermore, this technique can be applied to tether natively membrane-bound signaling molecules such as ephrin A1 to a supported lipid bilayer. Such a surface can modulate the spreading behavior of metastatic human breast cancer cells displaying ligands and biomolecules of choice. The SLB microenvironment provides a versatile platform that can be tailored to controllably and functionally present a multitude of cell signaling events in a parallel surface array format.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting an analyte of interest via a bio-barcode assay. The present invention provides a calorimetric bio-barcode method that is capable of detecting minute concentrations of an analyte by relying on porous particles, which enable loading of a large number of barcode DNA per particle, and a metal particle-based colorimetric barcode detection method.

Abstract: Membrane-based assays using surface detector array devices suitable for use with a biosensor are disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by an aqueous film, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface. Arrays may be engineered to display natural membrane materials in a native fluid bilayer configuration, permitting high-throughput discovery of drugs that target and affect membrane components. The membrane-based assays detect binding events by monitoring binding-induced changes in one or more physical properties of fluid bilayers.

Abstract: Membrane-based assays using surface detector array devices suitable for use with a biosensor are disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by an aqueous film, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface. Arrays may be engineered to display natural membrane materials in a native fluid bilayer configuration, permitting high-throughput discovery of drugs that target and affect membrane components. The membrane-based assays detect binding events by monitoring binding-induced changes in one or more physical properties of fluid bilayers.

Abstract: Membrane-based assays using surface detector array devices suitable for use with a biosensor are disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by an aqueous film, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface. Arrays may be engineered to display natural membrane materials in a native fluid bilayer configuration, permitting high-throughput discovery of drugs that target and affect membrane components. The membrane-based assays detect binding events by monitoring binding-induced changes in one or more physical properties of fluid bilayers.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel class of substituted macrocyclic metallic complexes. The complexes are useful as peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts. Pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and using the compounds, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, prodrug, or mixture thereof are also described.

Abstract: Membrane-based assays using surface detector array devices suitable for use with a biosensor are disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by an aqueous film, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface. Arrays may be engineered to display natural membrane materials in a native fluid bilayer configuration, permitting high-throughput discovery of drugs that target and affect membrane components. The membrane-based assays detect binding events by monitoring binding-induced changes in one or more physical properties of fluid bilayers.

Abstract: A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by a film of aqueous, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface. Multiplexed assays using the surface detector array device of the present invention are disclosed, as are automated methods for making the surface detector array device that enable formation of arrays wherein the composition of the individual, addressable bilayer regions is unrestricted.

Abstract: A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by a film of aqueous, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface. Multiplexed assays using the surface detector array device of the present invention are disclosed, as are automated methods for making the surface detector array device that enable formation of arrays wherein the composition of the individual, addressable bilayer regions is unrestricted.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel class of substituted macrocyclic metallic complexes. The complexes are useful as peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts. Pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and using the compounds, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, prodrug, or mixture thereof are also described.

Abstract: A method and device for controlled cell adhesion is provided. The device comprises lipid bilayer membranes arranged into discrete areas in a micro-array. They are useful for screening and modulation of living cell adhesion and growth on a solid substrate. The lipid bilayer membranes are doped with various lipids and/or proteins to modulate the adherence of the cells being used in the device.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel class of substituted macrocyclic metallic complexes. The complexes are useful as peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts. Pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and using the compounds, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, prodrug, or mixture thereof are also described.