Abstract: Methods of selecting an aptamer that specifically binds to a target molecule complexed with a derivatization agent. Also disclosed are specific aptamers and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are molecular automaton systems for identification, isolation, or elimination of a target biological object. Some embodiments include modules specific for a target biological object having a first biological object surface marker and a second biological object surface marker. Some embodiments include modules specific for a target biological object having a first biological object surface marker but not a second biological object surface marker.

Abstract: Methods of selecting an aptamer that specifically binds to a target molecule complexed with a derivatization agent. Also disclosed are specific aptamers and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A method for selecting and isolating aptamers that target M-Ig proteins with a microdevice including at least a first selection chamber is provided. The method includes preparing a first sample of M-Ig proteins from a serum; placing the M-Ig proteins in the first selection chamber; introducing a first group of oligomers including at least an M-Ig targeting oligomer into the first selection chamber, whereby the M-Ig targeting oligomer binds to the first sample of M-Ig proteins. The method further includes removing unbound oligomers of the first sample from the first selection chamber to isolate the M-Ig targeting oligomer.

Abstract: Methods of selecting an aptamer that specifically binds to a target molecule complexed with a derivatization agent. Also disclosed are specific aptamers and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a cocaine esterase (CocE) and a compound that thermostabilizes the CocE. Also provided are methods of thermostabilizing a cocaine esterase. Additionally provided are methods of treating a mammal undergoing a cocaine-induced condition. Methods of determining whether a compound is a thermostabilizing agent for a protein are also provided. Uses of the above-described compositions for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition is additionally provided. Additionally provided is an isolated nucleic acid encoding a CocE polypeptide having the substitutions L169K and G173Q, and the CocE polypeptide encoded by that nucleic acid, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided is the use of that composition for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition and for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a cocaine esterase (CocE) and a compound that thermostabilizes the CocE. Also provided are methods of thermostabilizing a cocaine esterase. Additionally provided are methods of treating a mammal undergoing a cocaine-induced condition. Methods of determining whether a compound is a thermostabilizing agent for a protein are also provided. Uses of the above-described compositions for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition is additionally provided. Additionally provided is an isolated nucleic acid encoding a CocE polypeptide having the substitutions L169K and G173Q, and the CocE polypeptide encoded by that nucleic acid, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided is the use of that composition for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition and for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition.

Abstract: The described subject matter includes techniques and components for minimally invasive, selective capture and release of analytes. An aptamer is selected for its binding affinity with a particular analyte(s). The aptamer is functionalized on a solid phase, for example, microbeads, polymer monolith, microfabricated solid phase, etc. The analyte is allowed to bind to the aptamer, for example, in a microchamber. Once the analyte has been bound, a temperature control sets the temperature to an appropriate temperature at which the captured analyte is released.

Abstract: Provided herein are molecular automaton systems for identification, isolation, or elimination of a target biological object. Some embodiments include modules specific for a target biological object having a first biological object surface marker and a second biological object surface marker. Some embodiments include modules specific for a target biological object having a first biological object surface marker but not a second biological object surface marker.

Abstract: Methods of selecting an aptamer that specifically binds to a target molecule complexed with a derivatization agent. Also disclosed are specific aptamers and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The described subject matter includes techniques and components for minimally invasive, selective capture and release of analytes. An aptamer is selected for its binding affinity with a particular analyte(s). The aptamer is functionalized on a solid phase, for example, microbeads, polymer monolith, microfabricated solid phase, etc. The analyte is allowed to bind to the aptamer, for example, in a microchamber. Once the analyte has been bound, a temperature control sets the temperature to an appropriate temperature at which the captured analyte is released.

Abstract: Disclosed are aptamer/drug conjugate complexes and the use of such complexes, together with a trigger compound, to inducibly release a drug. Also disclosed are methods for establishing a drug reservoir in a subject using these complexes, whereby drug may be released as needed. One example of such a complex is an aptamer/insulin conjugate complex from which insulin may be released by an innocuous, orally administrable trigger, such as quinine.

Abstract: Techniques for isolating, enriching, and/or amplifying target DNA molecules using MEMS-based microdevices are disclosed. The techniques can be used for detecting single nucleotide polymorphism, and for isolating and enriching desired DNA molecules, such as aptamers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for capturing and releasing target cells. The system includes a microdevice having a microchamber including surface-patterned aptamers capable of binding with the target cells. A sample including target cells is introduced to the microchamber, where the target cells bind to the aptamers at locally regulated temperatures. The captured target cells can be selectively released when the temperature of a region is changed to a second temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aptamer/drug conjugate complexes and the use of such complexes, together with a trigger compound, to inducibly release a drug. Through these complexes, the present invention provides a means for establishing a drug reservoir in a subject, whereby drug may be released as needed. One specific embodiment of the invention provides an aptamer/insulin conjugate complex from which insulin may be released by an innocuous, orally administrable trigger, such as quinine.

Abstract: The development of the first solution-phase molecular assembly comprising over 100 molecular logic gates, which more than quadruples the complexity performed by any previous system. “MAYA-II” is a second generation molecular automaton capable of playing a complete game of tic-tac-toe against a human opponent, and encompasses 76 permissible game plays. MAYA-II is more user-friendly than MAYA-I, as it signals both players move in a two-color output system and imposes no constraints on the position of the human player's first move. MAYA-II is constructed from three classes of stem-loop controlled deoxyribozyme-based logic gates that are allosterically modulated by input oligonucleotides to produce fluorescent output signals.

Abstract: Complex of an anti-cocaine aptamer and the dye diethylthiotricarbocyanine behaves as a calorimetric sensor with attenuation in absorbance at 760 nm for cocaine in the concentration range of 2-5000 ?M. Mechanistic studies indicate an intermolecular displacement of the dye as the mechanism of action of the sensor. As the dye is insoluble in buffer, cocaine binding can be detected as displaced dye precipitates and supernatant decolorizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rapid assays for neuro-humoral factors modulated in response to cardiovascular stress and integration of data obtained from such assays to provide profiles of response to cardiovascular stress that can guide therapy.

Abstract: The described subject matter includes techniques and components for minimally invasive, selective capture and release of analytes. An aptamer is selected for its binding affinity with a particular analyte(s). The aptamer is functionalized on a solid phase, for example, microbeads, polymer monolith, microfabricated solid phase, etc. The analyte is allowed to bind to the aptamer, for example, in a microchamber. Once the analyte has been bound, a temperature control sets the temperature to an appropriate temperature at which the captured analyte is released.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for optically detecting the presence of a plurality of oligonucleotides in a sample, wherein each oligonucleotide to be detected comprises consecutive nucleotides having a sequence different than the remaining oligonucleotides of the plurality are provided.