Abstract: The invention provides polymer-grafted and functionalized nonwoven membranes adapted for use in bioseparation processes, the membranes including a nonwoven web of polyester fibers having an average fiber diameter of less than about 1.5 microns, each of the plurality of polyester fibers having grafted thereon a plurality of polymer segments constructed of a methacrylate polymer, each polymer segment carrying a functional group adapted for binding to a target molecule. The invention also provides a method of bioseparation comprising passing a solution comprising the target molecule, such as a protein, through the nonwoven membrane of the invention such that at least a portion of the target molecule in the solution binds to the nonwoven membrane. A method for preparing a polymer-grafted and functionalized nonwoven membrane adapted for use in bioseparation processes is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing a polymer-grafted and functionalized nonwoven membrane adapted for use in separation processes. The invention further provides so-formed membranes as well as improved separation methods utilizing the membranes. The polymer-grafted and functionalized nonwoven membranes are particularly formed utilizing thermal grafting. In particular, an acrylate or methacrylate polymer can be grafted onto a nonwoven web comprising a plurality of polymeric fibers to form a plurality of polymer segments covalently attached to the polymeric fibers. Thermal grafting particularly can comprise using a thermal initiator and exposing the nonwoven web to heat to initiate polymerization of the acrylate or methacrylate monomer. The grafted polymeric fibers can be functionalized to attach at least one functional group adapted for binding to a target molecule to the polymer segments of the grafted polymeric fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the discovery of novel protease-resistant peptide ligands and uses thereof. Specifically, the present invention provides a protease-resistant peptide with three to twenty amino acids capable of binding a biological and comprising one or more basic amino acid(s) and I or aromatic amino acids, wherein one or more of the amino acids is substituted with a non-naturally occurring amino acid analog.

Abstract: The invention provides polymer-grafted and functionalized nonwoven membranes adapted for use in bioseparation processes, the membranes including a nonwoven web of polyester fibers having an average fiber diameter of less than about 1.5 microns, each of the plurality of polyester fibers having grafted thereon a plurality of polymer segments constructed of a methacrylate polymer, each polymer segment carrying a functional group adapted for binding to a target molecule. The invention also provides a method of bioseparation comprising passing a solution comprising the target molecule, such as a protein, through the nonwoven membrane of the invention such that at least a portion of the target molecule in the solution binds to the nonwoven membrane. A method for preparing a polymer-grafted and functionalized nonwoven membrane adapted for use in bioseparation processes is also provided.

Abstract: Ligands that bind to prion proteins and methods for using the ligands for detecting or removing a prion protein from a sample, such as a biological fluid or an environmental sample. The ligands are capable of binding to one or more forms of prion protein including cellular prion protein (PrPc), infectious prion protein (PrPsc), and recombinant prion protein (PrPr). Prions from various species, including humans and hamsters, are bound by the ligands. Also provided is a method of treating or retarding the development of a prion-associated pathology in a subject.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the discovery of novel protease-resistant peptide ligands and uses thereof. Specifically, the present invention provides a protease-resistant peptide with three to twenty amino acids capable of binding a biological and comprising one or more basic amino acid(s) and I or aromatic amino acids, wherein one or more of the amino acids is substituted with a non-naturally occurring amino acid analog.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the production of improved chromatographic resins and method of making and using such resins.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel process for the conformal coating of polymer fibers on nonwoven substrates. This process is based on the modification of polymer fiber surfaces by controlling the degree of etching and oxidation, which improves adhesion of initiators to the surface and facilitates subsequent conformal polymer grafting. The modified fiber surfaces render new functionalities to the surface, such as increasing hydrophilicity, attaching ligands or changing surface energy. The invention includes the modified polymer fibers produced by the process described herein.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel process for the conformal coating of polymer fibers of nonwoven substrates. This process is based on modification of polymer fiber surfaces by controlling the degree of etching and oxidation to improve adhesion of initiators to the surface and to facilitate subsequent conformal polymer grafting. The modified fiber surfaces render new functionalities to the surface, such as increased hydrophilicity, attached ligands or changed surface energy. The invention includes the modified polymer fibers produced by the process described herein.

Abstract: Ligands that bind to prion proteins and methods for using the ligands for detecting or removing a prion protein from a sample, such as a biological fluid or an environmental sample. The ligands are capable of binding to one or more forms of prion protein including cellular prion protein (PrPc), infectious prion protein (PrPsc), and recombinant prion protein (PrPr). Prions from various species, including humans and hamsters, are bound by the ligands.

Abstract: Ligands that bind to prion proteins and methods for using the ligands for detecting or removing a prion protein from a sample, such as a biological fluid or an environmental sample. The ligands are capable of binding to one or more forms of prion protein including cellular prion protein (PrPc), infectious prion protein (PrPsc), and recombinant prion protein (PrPr). Prions from various species, including humans and hamsters, are bound by the ligands. Also provided is a method of treating or retarding the development of a prion-associated pathology in a subject.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly solvents used to dissolve or remove residues and/or substances from substrates wherein the residue and/or substance is contacted with a Generally Recognized As Safe solvent to dissolve the residue and/or substance in the solvent followed by the extraction of the residue and/or substance from the solvent such as by contact with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly solvents used to dissolve or remove residues and/or substances from substrates wherein the residue and/or substance is contacted with a Generally Recognized As Safe solvent to dissolve the residue and/or substance in the solvent followed by the extraction of the residue and/or substance from the solvent such as by contact with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, test kits and methods for removing target agents from a sample. The device contains one or more porous matrices having pore sizes larger than 10 ?m, and a plurality of particles impregnated therein. The target agents attach the device and are removed from the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, test kits and methods for removing target agents from a sample. The device contains one or more porous matrices having pore sizes larger than 10 ?m, and a plurality of particles impregnated therein. The target agents attach the device and are removed from the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, test kits and methods for removing target agents from a sample. The device contains one or more porous matrices having pore sizes larger than 10 ?m, and a plurality of particles impregnated therein. The target agents attach the device and are removed from the sample.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly solvents used to dissolve or remove residues and/or substances from substrates wherein the residue and/or substance is contacted with a Generally Recognized As Safe solvent to dissolve the residue and/or substance in the solvent followed by the extraction of the residue and/or substance from the solvent such as by contact with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel process for the conformal coating of polymer fibers on nonwoven substrates. This process is based on the modification of polymer fiber surfaces by controlling the degree of etching and oxidation, which improves adhesion of initiators to the surface and facilitates subsequent conformal polymer grafting. The modified fiber surfaces render new functionalities to the surface, such as increasing hydrophilicity, attaching ligands or changing surface energy. The invention includes the modified polymer fibers produced by the process described herein.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly solvents used to dissolve or remove residues and/or substances from substrates wherein the residue and/or substance is contacted with a Generally Recognized As Safe solvent to dissolve the residue and/or substance in the solvent followed by the extraction of the residue and/or substance from the solvent such as by contact with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Ligands that bind to prion proteins and methods for using the ligands for detecting or removing a prion protein from a sample, such as a biological fluid or an environmental sample. The ligands are capable of binding to one or more forms of prion protein including cellular prion protein (PrPc), infectious prion protein (PrPsc), and recombinant prion protein (PrPr). Prions from various species, including humans and hamsters, are bound by the ligands. Also provided is a method of treating or retarding the development of a prion-associated pathology in a subject.