Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus and methods for analyte detection. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a microscale biosensing platform based upon the rehydration-mediated swelling of functionalized hydrogel structures and rapid capture of target analyte(s) by induced convective flow. In an embodiment is provided an apparatus for analyte detection that includes a fluidic channel coupled to a substrate and a hydrogel structure coupled to the fluidic channel. The hydrogel structure includes one or more surface-functionalized hydrogel features, wherein at least one of the one or more surface-functionalized hydrogel features comprises a chemically-bound probe, the chemically-bound probe to bind an analyte, and wherein the hydrogel structure is at least partially dehydrated. Apparatus described herein can also include a detector. Methods of detecting analytes are also described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid molecules and methods useful in controlling cell wall degradation in plants.

Abstract: The invention provides polynucleotides of the Capsicum annuum hemicellulase gene, and compositions and uses thereof for controlling plant development and other characteristics.