Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a sensor that alters its photoluminescent properties upon a binding event between a food-borne analyte and an analyte-specific aptamer (ASA). The ASA may recognize and bind the food-borne analyte, which is referred to herein as the binding event. In some embodiments of the present disclosure the ASA is a strand of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Some embodiments of the present disclosure the ASA may be conjugated with a chemically modified photoluminescent matrix material. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the food-borne analyte may be conjugated with a quencher that may be incorporated into the system for reducing false signals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating biofilms by exposure to heavy metals selected from the group comprising metal cations such as manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, aluminum, silver, mercury, lead, cadmium and tin; metal oxyanions such as molybdate, tungstate and chromate; and metalloid oxyanions, alone or in combination with antimicrobials. The present invention also includes compositions and methods for preparing or treating medical devices and medications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for secretion of functional proteins in a soluble form by host cells. In particular, the invention relates to membrane targeting and translocation proteins, MttA, MttB and MttC and to variants and homologs thereof. The membrane targeting and translocation proteins are useful in targeting protein expression to the periplasm of gram negative bacteria and to extracellular media of other host cells. Such expression allows secretion of expressed proteins of interest in a functional and soluble form, thus facilitating purification and increasing the yield of functional proteins of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for secretion of functional proteins in a soluble form by host cells. In particular, the invention relates to membrane targeting and translocation proteins, MttA, MttB and MttC and to variants and homologs thereof. The membrane targeting and translocation proteins are useful in targeting protein expression to the periplasm of gram negative bacteria and to extracellular media of other host cells. Such expression allows secretion of expressed proteins of interest in a functional and soluble form, thus facilitating purification and increasing the yield of functional proteins of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for secretion of functional proteins in a soluble form by host cells. In particular, the invention relates to membrane targeting and translocation proteins, MttA, MttB and MttC and to variants and homologs thereof. The membrane targeting and translocation proteins are useful in targeting protein expression to the periplasm of gram negative bacteria and to extracellular media of other host cells. Such expression allows secretion of expressed proteins of interest in a functional and soluble form, thus facilitating purification and increasing the yield of functional proteins of interest.