Abstract: A system includes an aqueous solution containing a positively charged peptide, a molecular counterion thereto, and a molecular beacon. The molecular beacon includes a DNA construct including single-stranded DNA tending to form a hairpin (HP) configuration and having (1) a central loop region complementary to a target sequence, (2) regions at opposing ends complementary to one another, and (3) a fluorophore and a quencher thereof at the opposing ends, such that binding with the target sequence results in dissociation of the DNA regions at the opposing ends, thereby separating the fluorophore and quencher with a resulting increase in fluorescence. The system may be useful in nucleotide detection methods.

Abstract: A thin film that has a flexible polymer layer and a peptide layer. The peptide layer is disposed on the flexible polymer layer and has a peptide selected from HYF, DYF and YFD. The thin film reversibly curves with changes in humidity.

Abstract: A thin film that has a flexible polymer layer and a peptide layer. The peptide layer is disposed on the flexible polymer layer and has a peptide selected from HYF, DYF and YFD. The thin film reversibly curves with changes in humidity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting the propensity of tripeptides to from aggregates in solution. The present invention also provides tripeptides which are able to form aggregates in solution, as well as uses thereof. The present invention also provides nanostructures formed by self-aggregation of tripeptides of the present invention. The present invention also provides pH responsive aggregates as well as methods of screening for the ability of a tripeptide to form a pH dependent aggregate or gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting the propensity of tripeptides to from aggregates in solution. The present invention also provides tripeptides which are able to form aggregates in solution, as well as uses thereof. The present invention also provides nanostructures formed by self-aggregation of tripeptides of the present invention. The present invention also provides pH responsive aggregates as well as methods of screening for the ability of a tripeptide to form a pH dependent aggregate or gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation of emulsions using small amphipathic molecules, such as peptides which self-assemble to form an interface between at least two substantially immiscible liquids. The emulsions may find application is a variety of technological fields, such as in food, cosmetics, life style products, coating, catalysis, encapsulation, drug delivery and/or cell assays. There is also provided a method of making such emulsions, as well as methods of tailoring the stability of the emulsions for particular applications.

Abstract: A method for screening catalytic peptides using phage display technology is disclosed. A compound is exposed to a phage library. If a peptide in the library catalyzes a reaction, a gel is formed about the phage that displays the peptide. The gel, including the first phage, is separated from un-reacted phages and released from the gel. The phage is then replicated and analyzed to determine the composition of the peptide that functioned as a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particle aggregate comprising particles linked to other particles via linkers that are capable of being cleaved by an enzyme. The particles may be linked directly to other particles by the linkers or may be linked indirectly by means of a binding moiety. The invention also provides a particle coupled to a binding moiety via a linker that can be cleaved by an enzyme. The present invention may be used in diagnosing a disease or condition associated with the enzyme, or may be used to treat such a disease or condition whereby the drug is retained in the particle aggregate until the linkers are cleaved by the enzyme.

Abstract: A substrate is provided having a biomolecule immobilised thereon, wherein the biomolecule is connected via an enzyme-cleavable link to a blocking moiety such that cleavage of the link causes removal of the blocking moiety and activation of the biomolecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particle aggregate comprising particles linked to other particles via linkers that are capable of being cleaved by an enzyme. The particles may be linked directly to other particles by the linkers or may be linked indirectly by means of a binding moiety. The invention also provides a particle coupled to a binding moiety via a linker that can be cleaved by an enzyme. The present invention may be used in diagnosing a disease or condition associated with the enzyme, or may be used to treat such a disease or condition whereby the drug is retained in the particle aggregate until the linkers are cleaved by the enzyme.

Abstract: Hydrogel compositions comprise an aqueous dispersion phase and a plurality of peptides, or derivatives, or analogues thereof. Each peptide comprises at least two amino acid residues and an aromatic stacking ligand and the hydrogel is formed by self-assembly of said peptides in said aqueous dispersion medium. The aqueous dispersion phase is physiologically acceptable and may have a pH of 6 to 8, as may the hydrogel itself. The hydrogel may be used for cell culture or for treatment of medical conditions characterised by tissue loss/damage.