Abstract: Methods for quality control and optimizing the formation and characterization of micelles, vesicles or other aggregates are described herein. Pharmaceutically relevant peptides may be modified to form glycopeptide surfactants which form micelles or other aggregates with another surfactant. Glycopeptide and glycolipid surfactants can aggregate to form particles that enhance drug delivery. The glycopeptide surfactants may be drugs or prodrugs which are delivered via the micelles or other aggregated structures.

Abstract: A low-cost, portable potentiostat capable of performing several different electrochemical experiments (e.g. cyclic voltammetry and anodic stripping voltammetry) was designed. The potentiostat runs on one or more batteries and has a battery life of over two weeks. Further, the potentiostat of the present invention is capable of self-calibrating and has a linear dynamic range spanning several orders of magnitude. It is also capable of saving data onto an onboard data storage card and is able to export the data to a computer for additional analysis. The potentiostat requires no peripheral hardware and is suitable for use by those with even minimal training in electrochemistry.

Abstract: Glycopeptide analogs of secretin family peptides, including PACAP and VIP, are described herein. These glycopeptides analogs can have neuroprotective properties and enhanced ability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and/or enhanced stability. These glycosylated peptides can be used as drugs for treatment of CNS disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Methods for quality control and optimizing the formation and characterization of micelles, vesicles or other aggregates are described herein. Pharmaceutically relevant peptides may be modified to form glycopeptide surfactants which form micelles or other aggregates with another surfactant. Glycopeptide and glycolipid surfactants can aggregate to form particles that enhance drug delivery. The glycopeptide surfactants may be drugs or pro-drugs which are delivered via the micelles or other aggregated structures.

Abstract: Methods for quality control and optimizing the formation and characterization of micelles, vesicles or other aggregates are described herein. Pharmaceutically relevant peptides may be modified to form glycopeptide surfactants which form micelles or other aggregates with another surfactant. Glycopeptide and glycolipid surfactants can aggregate to form particles that enhance drug delivery. The glycopeptide surfactants may be drugs or pro-drugs which are delivered via the micelles or other aggregated structures.

Abstract: Methods and systems for quantifying blood brain barrier (BBB) permeation of glycosylated peptides. The methods and systems feature microdialysis probes and mechanisms for infusing preservative agents into the outflow tubes of the microdialysis probes. The preservative agents help reduce unwanted degradation of the glycosylated peptides or other compounds, which can lead to a more accurate and complete analysis of the outflow tube perfusate.

Abstract: Glycosylated peptides with glycosylation at or near the C-terminal domain of the peptide have an enhanced ability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and/or enhanced half-lives. These glycosylated peptides may be used as drugs. For example, a PACAP peptide with a C-terminal glycosylation, e.g., in lieu of the terminal leucine, functions as a PAC1 agonist with enhanced ability to cross the BBB and with enhanced half-life. The peptides can have a pseudoproline residue with glycosylation at or near the C-terminal domain.

Abstract: Glycosylated peptides with glycosyiatiou at or near the C-terminal domain of the peptide have an enhanced ability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and/or enhanced half-lives. These glycosylated peptides may be used as drugs. For example, a PACAP peptide with a C-terminal glycosylation, e.g., in lieu of the terminal leucine, functions as a PAC1 agonist with enhanced ability to cross the BBB and with enhanced half-life. The peptides can have a pseudoproline residue with glycosylation at or near the C-terminal domain.

Abstract: A low-cost, portable potentiostat capable of performing several different electrochemical experiments (e.g. cyclic voltammetry and anodic stripping voltammetry) was designed. The potentiostat runs on one or more batteries and has a battery life of over two weeks. Further, the potentiostat of the present invention is capable of self-calibrating and has a linear dynamic range spanning several orders of magnitude. It is also capable of saving data onto an onboard data storage card and is able to export the data to a computer for additional analysis. The potentiostat requires no peripheral hardware and is suitable for use by those with even minimal training in electrochemistry.

Abstract: The present invention provides glycopeptides comprising a peptide that is covalently linked to a saccharide. The peptide portion of the glycopeptides of the invention has from about 20 to about 40 amino acid residues and at least 75% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1, 2, or 3. The saccharide moiety portion of the glycopeptides of the present invention comprises from 1 to about 8 carbohydrates. The present invention also relates to using the glycopeptides of the invention in treating various neurodegenerative diseases.