Abstract: A method of performing a transaction between a merchant and a customer is described. The method involves a customer computing device (11), a merchant computing device (12) and a payment facilitator computing system (19). Firstly, there is agreement upon a transaction between the customer computing device (11) and the merchant computing device (12), wherein a first one of said computing devices produces a code image representing elements of the transaction.

Abstract: A method of performing a transaction between a merchant and a customer is described. The method involves a customer computing device (11), a merchant computing device (12) and a payment facilitator computing system (19). Firstly, there is agreement upon a transaction between the customer computing device (11) and the merchant computing device (12), wherein a first one of said computing devices produces a code image representing elements of the transaction.

Abstract: Solubilizing compositions are provided that include a 3-(alkyl dimethyl ammonia) propane sulfonate zwitterionic surfactant and a polyethylene glycol alkyl ether nonionic surfactant, provided that the zwitterionic surfactant and the nonionic surfactant are not simultaneously and respectively 3-(decyl dimethyl ammonia) propane sulfonate and polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether. Also provided are methods for solubilizing cells and/or tissue of a subject in vivo and methods for recovering proteins from skin cells of a subject in vivo using the solubilizing compositions.

Abstract: Solubilizing compositions are provided. The compositions comprise 3-(decyl dimethyl ammonio) propane sulfonate and polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether. The compositions may be useful to solubilize or lyse cells and/or tissue. The compositions may be further useful to preserve and recover proteins, including cytosolic proteins, nuclear proteins, and surface proteins contained within the solubilized or lysed cells and/or tissue.

Abstract: The present technology provides synthesized particles that mimic key structural and functional features of red blood cells. Such RBC-mimicking particles possess the ability to carry oxygen (and carbon dioxide) and flow through capillaries smaller than their own diameter. Further, such particles can also deliver drugs and imaging agents. These particles provide a new paradigm for the design of drug delivery and imaging carriers since they combine the functionality of natural RBCs with the broad applicability and versatility of synthetic drug delivery particles. Further, such particles can be used for detoxification and other biomedical applications.