Abstract: A unique class of perfluorocarbon-free Dextran-based oxygen nanobubbles (DONBs) and formulations thereof. The critical components in the formulation are chosen among the U.S. Food, and Drug Administration's (FDA) approved compounds, which provide a biocompatible environment for incorporating pharmaceutical agents. Moreover, the nanobubbles are fabricated with simple sonication and homogenization method that easily fulfills the current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) requirements, which will promote scaleup production for commercial manufacturing. The formulated DONBs release oxygen over an extended period to keep the partial pressure of oxygen within the inner retina high and thus preserve retinal tissue from ischemia.

Abstract: Herein is described an oxygen nanobubbles-embedded hydrogel (ONB-G) with carbopol for oxygenation of wounds to accelerate the wound healing process. We integrate carbopol hydrogel and dextran-based ONBs, to prepare ONB-G that can hold oxygen and release it to accelerate wound healing. Oxygen release tests showed that the proposed ONB-G could maintain oxygen in the hydrogels for up to 34 days. Also, fluorescence studies indicated that the ONB-G could maintain the high oxygen levels for up to 8 weeks. Histological evaluation of tissues with a pig model with incision and punch wounds showed that treatment with ONB-G exhibited improved healing compared with hydrogel without ONBs or treated without gel. Our studies show that dextran-shell ONBs embedded in a gel (ONB-G) has the potential to accelerate wound healing given its oxygen holding capacity and release properties.

Abstract: A system and method to detect the presence of bed bugs are disclosed. A system detecting the presence of bed bugs comprises an aptamer solution that includes a base ligand, a fluorophore ligand that includes at least one fluorophore, and a quencher ligand that includes at least one quencher, a liquid application tool, and a fluorescent light source. A method of detecting the presence of bed bugs, comprising providing a liquid application tool that carries an aptamer solution, applying the aptamer solution to a target area, shining fluorescent light on the target area, and observing the target area under the fluorescent light. If there are light spots under the fluorescent light, bed bugs have been present.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of detecting enzymatic activity on a fluorophore-labeled substrate using by monitoring the fluorescence lifetime of the fluorophore.