Abstract: Neurotrophin receptor binding conjugate compositions for delivering an active agent to nerve cells are provided. Conjugate compositions of the present disclosure according to certain embodiments include a one or more active agent compounds (e.g., a dye or small molecule therapeutic) covalently bonded to a protein, peptide or peptidomimetic that binds selectively to a neurotrophin receptor. In embodiments of the compositions, the average ratio of active agent compound to protein, peptide or peptidomimetic in the conjugates is 5 or less. Dual color imaging compositions are also described. Methods for delivering an active agent conjugate selectively into nerve cells (e.g., intraocular delivery) are provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to fusion proteins comprised of one or more protein sequences of the glioma pathogenesis-related (GLIPR) family of proteins coupled to non-GLIPR protein sequences, to nucleic acid constructs and vectors comprising encoding fusion proteins and peptides, and to methods related to fusion proteins and peptides in the treatment of diseases. In particular, the invention is directed to GLIPR sequences coupled to sequences of antibodies and/or other immune system proteins and peptides, and methods related to fusion proteins in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Abstract: Devices for detecting biomarkers in a sample and methods for detecting such biomarkers are discussed. The biomarkers may be associated with a particular disease such as cancer or another health condition. The devices may contain a disc including a plurality of microfluidic channels extending in a radial direction of the disc, the microfluidic channels pre-loaded with a plurality of capture molecules specific to at least one biomarker. The methods may include introducing a fluid sample into at least one microfluidic channel of a disc, rotating the disc, such that the fluid sample flows radially outward through the at least one microfluidic channel to combine with capture molecules specific to at least one biomarker, and detecting a signal from the disc indicative of a presence of the at least one biomarker contained in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are drawn to microfluidic devices. An exemplary microfluidic device may include a disc having at least one microfluidic channel pathway extending radially outward from a center of the disc. The channel pathway may include an inlet for receiving a sample, a first chamber fluidly connected to the inlet, and a second chamber positioned radially inward relative to and fluidly connected to the first chamber. The channel pathway may also include at least one third chamber positioned radially outward of the second chamber and fluidly connected to the second chamber via an outlet channel The channel pathway may include at least one fourth chamber fluidly connected to the at least one third chamber and positioned radially outward of the at least one third chamber. At least one of the first, second, third, or fourth chambers may contain at least one reagent pre-loaded into the disc.

Abstract: Devices for detecting targets in a sample and methods for detecting such targets are discussed. The targets may be biomarkers associated with a disease or other health condition. The devices may contain a disc including a plurality of microfluidic channels each extending in a radial direction of the disc, the microfluidic channels containing a plurality of capture molecules specific to at least one target. The capture molecules may include an aptamer and/or an oligonucleotide capable of hybridizing to the target. The methods may include introducing a fluid sample into one or more microfluidic channels of a disc, rotating the disc, such that the fluid sample flows radially outward through the microfluidic channel(s) to combine with capture molecules in the disc, and detecting a signal from the disc indicative of a presence of the target.

Abstract: Devices for detecting biomarkers in a sample and methods for detecting such biomarkers are discussed. The biomarkers may be associated with a particular disease such as breast cancer or another health condition. The devices may contain a disc including a plurality of microfluidic channels extending in a radial direction of the disc, the microfluidic channels pre-loaded with a plurality of capture molecules specific to at least one biomarker. The methods may include introducing a fluid sample into at least one microfluidic channel of a disc, rotating the disc, such that the fluid sample flows radially outward through the at least one microfluidic channel to combine with capture molecules specific to at least one biomarker, and detecting a signal from the disc indicative of a presence of the at least one biomarker contained in the fluid sample.