Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosure, in one aspect, relates to gel-phase inks suitable for extrusion-based 3D printing and methods of making the same, as well as anisotropic hydrogels printed from the same. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to linear contractile elements constructed from the anisotropic hydrogels and 3D structures with programmed morphologies and motions comprising the linear contractile elements. In still another aspect, the disclosure relates to a process for preparing soft materials and a method to create 3D structures starting from the gel-phase inks disclosed herein. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A composition for sensing an analyte can include a photoluminescent nanostructure complexed to a sensing polymer, where the sensing polymer includes an organic polymer non-covalently bound to the photoluminescent nanostructure and an analyte-binding protein covalently bound to the organic polymer, and where the analyte-binding protein is capable of selectively binding the analyte, and the analyte-binding protein undergoes a substantial conformational change when binding the analyte. Separately, a composition for sensing an analyte, can include a complex, where the complex includes a photoluminescent nanostructure in an aqueous surfactant dispersion and a boronic acid capable of selectively reacting with an analyte. The compositions can be used in devices and methods for sensing an analyte.

Abstract: Methods for creating a transient nanoscale opening in a cell membrane and methods for transporting a desired species through the nanoscale opening are provided. A nano-sized needle-like tip can be used to mechanically slice the cell membrane to create a transient, localized nanoscale slit. The nanoscale slit may be used for transferring exogenous molecules into a living cell.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of controlled release of an agent into an intracellular environment of a biological cell using a needle nanoelectrode. The agent may be attached to an outer surface of the needle nanoelectrode through a linking molecule, wherein the attachment comprises an electroactive chemical bond. After penetrating a cellular membrane with the needle nanoelectrode to position at least a portion of the nanoelectrode in the intracellular environment, an electric potential may be applied to the needle nanoelectrode to break the electroactive chemical bond, thereby releasing the agent to the intracellular environment.

Abstract: Methods for creating a transient nanoscale opening in a cell membrane and methods for transporting a desired species through the nanoscale opening are provided. A nano-sized needle-like tip can be used to mechanically slice the cell membrane to create a transient, localized nanoscale slit.

Abstract: A composition for sensing an analyte can include a photoluminescent nanostructure complexed to a sensing polymer, where the sensing polymer includes an organic polymer non-covalently bound to the photoluminescent nanostructure and an analyte-binding protein covalently bound to the organic polymer, and where the analyte-binding protein is capable of selectively binding the analyte, and the analyte-binding protein undergoes a substantial conformational change when binding the analyte. Separately, a composition for sensing an analyte, can include a complex, where the complex includes a photoluminescent nanostructure in an aqueous surfactant dispersion and a boronic acid capable of selectively reacting with an analyte. The compositions can be used in devices and methods for sensing an analyte.

Abstract: Direct-write techniques are provided for the high speed (up to millimeter per second) and continuous fabrication of elongated nanostructures such as nanofibers. The nanofibers may be of an ionic solid, a hydrated salt, a molecular solid, or aggregated colloidal particles such as semiconductor particles. The nanofibers may also be converted to other forms.