Abstract: A method of slowing progression of an amyloid disease by administration of cactus mucilage extract from Opuntia ficus-indicia is presented. Both gelling and non-gelling cactus mucilage extracts were found to induce changes in the secondary structures of the amyloid beta peptides thus interfering with formation of A? fibrils and aggregation of A? fibrils into plaques.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods and apparatuses for rapid production of organized tissue precursors with different sizes and geometry. An embodiment of the invention provides a method of producing 3D tissue structures, the method comprising: producing a plurality of patterned monolayers of cells and sequentially overlaying the plurality of patterned monolayers of cells to produce a stack of monolayers of cells. The patterns of cells in the plurality of monolayers can be designed in a manner which produces a tissue or a portion of a tissue when the plurality of monolayers is overlaid in to a stack. The invention also pertains to an apparatus for producing a 3D tissue module. The apparatus comprises: a three-dimensional positioning system, a contact stamp, a contact stamp storage container, a contact stamp holder, a contact stamp exchange unit, and a contact stamp actuator.

Abstract: A method of slowing progression of an amyloid disease by administration of cactus mucilage extract from Opuntia ficus-indicia is presented. Both gelling and non-gelling cactus mucilage extracts were found to induce changes in the secondary structures of the amyloid beta peptides thus interfering with formation of A? fibrils and aggregation of A? fibrils into plaques.

Abstract: A method of treating an amyloid disease by administration of cactus mucilage extract from Opuntia ficus-indicia is presented. Both gelling and non-gelling cactus mucilage extracts were found to induce changes in the secondary structures of the amyloid beta peptides thus interfering with formation of A? fibrils and aggregation of A? fibrils into plaques.

Abstract: The invention pertains to devices and methods for rapid release of a patterned tissue module. The invention pertains to a device comprising a substrate and a pattern of shape-memory polymer fabricated upon the substrate, wherein the shape-memory polymer is converted to a deformed state by exposure to an external stimulus, for example, a change in temperature, pH, ionic strength, solvent, salt, surfactant, or an electric or magnetic field. The invention also pertains to a method of releasing a patterned tissue module, the method comprising the steps of plating cells in the device of the invention, culturing the cells to produce the patterned tissue module on the pattern of shape-memory polymer, applying the external stimulus to the device, and collecting the patterned tissue module released from the pattern of shape-memory polymer.

Abstract: Alzheimer' s disease (AD) is the common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the formation of extraneuronal accumulation of amyloid fibrils and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of Amyloid ?-Protein (A?) into plaques. Cactus mucilage extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica was analyzed in disturbing the aggregation pathway of Amyloid ?-Protein (A?) fibrils and ?-synuclein. Mucilage is a pectin polysaccharide with a backbone of ?-D-galacturonic acid and ?-L-rhamnose and a branch of arabinose or xylose. Two different fractions of mucilage can be extracted: pectin gelling extract which forms gels in the presence of Ca2+ ions (GE) and non-gelling extract (NE). The effectiveness of mucilage in disturbing the formation of A? fibrils was evaluated. A? monomeric species have been incubated along with different concentration of the mucilage extract in vitro. The aggregation kinetics of the A? proteins were monitored by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Abstract: Specific drug delivery to tumor cells without affecting normal cells is a major challenge in cancer treatment. The present invention incorporates embedding nonionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) containing an anti-cancer therapeutic agent with chlorotoxin into a thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel network. Chitosan has mucoadhesive property which can be used in the targeting of the tumor cells with the mucin over expression. Chlorotoxin is a 36 amino acid peptide obtained from Leiurus quinquestriatus scorpion venom which binds preferentially to tumor cells of neuroectodermal origin but not to normal cells. The incorporation of chlorotoxin along with niosomes in the chitosan hydrogel is used as the second targeting strategy to further improve the specific delivery of drugs to tumor cells such as glioma.

Abstract: Despite advances in off-shore oil exploration and drilling technology, accidental oil spills do occur. Depending on their magnitude and location, irreparable damage may be inflicted on marine and coastal ecosystems. Emulsification of a water/surfactant/oil system results in the production of oil droplets and this depends on the formulation and composition variables, mixing characteristics and system preparation. Thus, research is ongoing on improving methods of cleaning up oil spills. Cactus mucilage was used to disperse and absorb oil from a simulated oil slick in different salt concentrations. Results show correlations between emulsion properties and interfacial characteristics of mucilage as function of aqueous phase salinity. Mucilage powder added to the oil floating on the water dispersed the oil film and absorbed the oil while remaining afloat, facilitates removal of the oil-mucilage aggregate.

Abstract: A system and method for improving electrochemical power sources through the dispensing encapsulation and dispersion into galvanic chambers of an electrochemical cell. Features of the method include the optimization of the concentration levels of chemicals involved in desired energy producing reactions.

Abstract: A system and method for improving electrochemical power sources through the dispensing, encapsulation and dispersion into galvanic chambers of an electrochemical cell. Features of the method include the optimization of the concentration levels of chemicals involved in desired energy producing reactions.

Abstract: A system and method for improving electrochemical power sources through the dispensing encapsulation and dispersion into galvanic chambers of an electrochemical cell. Features of the method include the optimization of the concentration levels of chemicals involved in desired energy producing reactions.