Abstract: Provided is a nanoparticle comprising a pH-responsive polymer, a pH-insensitive polymer and a payload molecule. The nanoparticle can act as a system for delivery of the payload that releases the payload in a pH sensitive manner.

Abstract: A device for collecting contaminants from water samples is provided. The device includes a solid sorbent that collects and stores the contaminants from water samples. The solid sorbent is configured to allow for the preservation of the stored contaminants. The concentrations of the contaminants in the water samples are determined via analysis of the solid sorbent or via elution of the stored contaminants from the sorbent and analysis of the eluate solution.

Abstract: A device for collecting contaminants from water samples is provided. The device includes a solid sorbent that collects and stores the contaminants from water samples. The solid sorbent is configured to allow for the preservation of the stored contaminants. The concentrations of the contaminants in the water samples are determined via analysis of the solid sorbent or via elution of the stored contaminants from the sorbent and analysis of the eluate solution.

Abstract: A device for collecting contaminants from water samples is provided. The device includes a solid sorbent that collects and stores the contaminants from water samples. The solid sorbent is configured to allow for the preservation of the stored contaminants. The concentrations of the contaminants in the water samples are determined via analysis of the solid sorbent or via elution of the stored contaminants from the sorbent and analysis of the eluate solution.

Abstract: Provided is a nanoparticle comprising a pH-responsive polymer, a pH-insensitive polymer and a payload molecule. The nanoparticle can act as a system for delivery of the payload that releases the payload in a pH sensitive manner.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions that contain a nanoparticle containing a plurality of polymers, wherein at least a fraction of the polymers comprise a hydrophobic polymer, a topoisomerase inhibitor, and a Pt-containing chemotherapeutic agent, where the polymers self-assemble in an aqueous liquid to form the nanoparticle, and where the Pt-containing chemotherapeutic agent and the topoisomerase inhibitor are present within the hydrophobic core of the nanoparticle in a ratio of between about 24:1 to about 1:24. Also provided are methods of reducing the proliferation of a cancer cell and methods of treating cancer in a subject that include the use of these compositions. Also provided are methods of making these nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material. In particular, it relates to a membrane for filtering water. More particularly, it relates to a membrane comprising carbon nanotubes and mixed cellulose ester porous membranes for water desalination and purification. Still more particular, the membrane comprising a fibrous substrate and carbon nanotubes formed on a fibrous substrate, wherein the surface of the carbon nanotubes is functionally modified. A microfluidic device comprising such a membrane and a method for filtering water are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for collecting contaminants from water samples is provided. The device includes a solid sorbent that collects and stores the contaminants from water samples. The solid sorbent is configured to allow for the preservation of the stored contaminants. The concentrations of the contaminants in the water samples are determined via analysis of the solid sorbent or via elution of the stored contaminants from the sorbent and analysis of the eluate solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic systems and methods for the production of particles (e.g., nanoparticles) for drug delivery. The present invention provides microfluidic devices useful for production of particles by nanoprecipitation. The present invention provides highly homogenous compositions of particles produced by inventive microfluidic devices.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions that contain a nanoparticle containing a plurality of polymers, wherein at least a fraction of the polymers comprise a hydrophobic polymer, a topoisomerase inhibitor, and a Pt-containing chemotherapeutic agent, where the polymers self-assemble in an aqueous liquid to form the nanoparticle, and where the Pt-containing chemotherapeutic agent and the topoisomerase inhibitor are present within the hydrophobic core of the nanoparticle in a ratio of between about 24:1 to about 1:24. Also provided are methods of reducing the proliferation of a cancer cell and methods of treating cancer in a subject that include the use of these compositions. Also provided are methods of making these nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material. In particular, it relates to a membrane for filtering water. More particularly, it relates to a membrane comprising carbon nanotubes and mixed cellulose ester porous membranes for water desalination and purification. Still more particular, the membrane comprising a fibrous substrate and carbon nanotubes formed on a fibrous substrate, wherein the surface of the carbon nanotubes is functionally modified. A microfluidic device comprising such a membrane and a method for filtering water are also disclosed.

Abstract: A functionalized nanofluidic channel and method for functionalization that provides control over the ionic environment and geometry of the nanofluidic channel with the immobilization of biomolecules on the inner surface of the channel and use of high ionic concentration solutions. In one embodiment, the surface charge of the nanochannel is controlled with the immobilization of a protein such as streptavidin in the nanochannel. In another embodiment, the biomolecules are receptors and changes in nanochannel conductance indicates ligand binding events. The functionalized nanofluidic channel can be easily adapted for use with microchannel arrays.

Abstract: A functionalized nanofluidic channel and method for functionalization that provides control over the ionic environment and geometry of the nanofluidic channel with the immobilization of biomolecules on the inner surface of the channel and use of high ionic concentration solutions. In one embodiment, the surface charge of the nanochannel is controlled with the immobilization of a protein such as streptavidin in the nanochannel. In another embodiment, the biomolecules are receptors and changes in nanochannel conductance indicates ligand binding events. The functionalized nanofluidic channel can be easily adapted for use with microchannel arrays.

Abstract: Nanofluidic devices incorporating inorganic nanotubes fluidly coupled to channels or nanopores for supplying a fluid containing chemical or bio-chemical species are described. In one aspect, two channels are fluidly interconnected with a nanotube. Electrodes on opposing sides of the nanotube establish electrical contact with the fluid therein. A bias current is passed between the electrodes through the fluid, and current changes are detected to ascertain the passage of select molecules, such as DNA, through the nanotube. In another aspect, a gate electrode is located proximal the nanotube between the two electrodes thus forming a nanofluidic transistor. The voltage applied to the gate controls the passage of ionic species through the nanotube selected as either or both ionic polarities. In either of these aspects the nanotube can be modified, or functionalized, to control the selectivity of detection or passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic systems and methods for the production of particles (e.g., nanoparticles) for drug delivery. The present invention provides microfluidic devices useful for production of particles by nanoprecipitation. The present invention provides highly homogenous compositions of particles produced by inventive microfluidic devices.

Abstract: Nanofluidic devices incorporating inorganic nanotubes fluidly coupled to channels or nanopores for supplying a fluid containing chemical or biochemical species are described. In one aspect, two channels are fluidly interconnected with a nanotube. Electrodes on opposing sides of the nanotube establish electrical contact with the fluid therein. A bias current is passed between the electrodes through the fluid, and current changes are detected to ascertain the passage of select molecules, such as DNA, through the nanotube. In another aspect, a gate electrode is located proximal the nanotube between the two electrodes thus forming a nanofluidic transistor. The voltage applied to the gate controls the passage of ionic species through the nanotube selected as either or both ionic polarities. In either of these aspects the nanotube can be modified, or functionalized, to control the selectivity of detection or passage.

Abstract: A heat pipe comprising a chamber; a wick in the chamber, and a heat sink, which is adjacent to a first portion of the wick. A heat source adjacent to a second portion of the wick, wherein the wick is configured such that a gas condenses at the first portion of the wick and a liquid evaporates at the second portion of the wick. The fluid moves from the first portion of the wick to the second portion of the wick, and wherein the wick comprises nanostructures having a differentially-spaced apart gradient along the length of the wick so as to promote capillary fluid flow therealong.