Abstract: Methods and devices for microfluidic detection of a biological maker in a biospecimen collected from a subject are disclosed. The microfluidic devices include nanoparticle-based nanosensors comprising supramolecular recognition sequences, protease consensus sequences, post-translationally modifiable sequences, or sterically hindered benzylether bonds for specific interaction with a biological marker. Also disclosed are particular nanosensors for detecting cytokines, and other proteins based upon supramolecular recognition without chemical modification or enzymatic cleavage.

Abstract: Nanoparticle-based nanosensors comprising supramolecular recognition sequences, protease consensus sequences, post-translationally modifiable sequences, or sterically hindered benzylether bonds for specific interaction with a biological marker, and methods for rapid diagnosis of lung conditions using specified panels of target biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of rapid detection and quantification of tissue/organ injury, and more particularly, to a novel platform for monitoring and quantification of circulating cell-free DNA including within extracellular vesicles, together with extracellular vesicles specific markers, and extracellular vesicles sizes also in combination with PCR-related technologies in biospecimens, and liquid biopsies for the assessment and prediction of severity of tissue/organ injury, monitoring of disease progression as well as the assessment of the response to therapeutic interventions.

Abstract: Provided herein are graphene biosensors and related core particles, compositions methods and systems in which more than one pristine graphene sheet is coated with a coating layer of an organic or inorganic material to provide a core graphene particle, to which detectable components comprising a detectable moiety and a peptide linkage are attached through binding of the peptide linkage.

Abstract: Methods of preparing graphene/graphene oxide particulates under mild conditions, comprising reacting pristine graphene with hydrogen peroxide and a source of iron to oxidize the outer surface of the pristine graphene particulates in solution and yield graphene/graphene oxide particulates. Methods and articles incorporating the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and nanobiosensors comprising a magnetic nanoparticle attached to a reporter molecule via a release unit for microfluidic-based detection of a target analyte in a biological sample. The nanobiosensors can be magnetically manipulated or guided through the microfluidics channels for incubation with the biological sample, concentration of the nanobiosensors, and detection of target analytes, without having to pump the entire initial sample through a microfluidic channel of the microfluidic device. The magnetic nanoparticles are separated from the reporter molecules before detection and can be re-used.

Abstract: Heterocyclic compounds with a novel pyrazole thioamide-based NNSN structural motif, having highly effective zinc- or copper-activated toxicity against microbial infections at micromolar or nanomolar minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: Methods and devices for microfluidic detection of a biological maker in a biospecimen collected from a subject are disclosed. The microfluidic devices include nanoparticle-based nanosensors comprising supramolecular recognition sequences, protease consensus sequences, post-translationally modifiable sequences, or sterically hindered benzylether bonds for specific interaction with a biological marker. Also disclosed are particular nanosensors for detecting cytokines, and other proteins based upon supramolecular recognition without chemical modification or enzymatic cleavage.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and nanobiosensors comprising a magnetic nanoparticle attached to a reporter molecule via a release unit for microfluidic-based detection of a target analyte in a biological sample. The nanobiosensor can be magnetically manipulated or guided through the microfluidics channels for incubation with the biological sample, concentration of the nanobiosensors, and detection of target analytes, without having to pump the entire initial sample through the microfluidic channel. The magnetic nanoparticles are separated from the reporter molecules before detection and can be re-used.

Abstract: Methods for detecting biomarkers of inflammation, infection, and/or bacterial activity in dairy production, which indicate issues with the milk itself or issues related to the health of the cow. The methods generally comprise contacting a milk sample with a nanoplatform assembly to create an assay solution, and detecting spectral changes in the assay solution that are triggered by enzymatic activity (when present) in the sample. The nanoplatform assembly comprises a first particle, a second particle, and a linkage therebetween, wherein the linkage comprises a protease consensus sequence (the sequence of amino acids cleaved by the protease), or an ester linkage (cleaved by a protease or lipase). A plurality of second particles can also be linked to the first particle. Test strips are also described, which undergo a visual color change in the presence of the target enzyme in the milk sample.

Abstract: A nanoplatform assembly for detection of arginase, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, and/or tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. The nanoplatform comprises an oligopeptide, which is used as a linker between two particles. More preferably, the linker is comprised of an oligopeptide containing a substrate for the target enzyme, where the substrate is chemically or physically modified by the target enzyme (but not cleaved). A central particle with a plurality of oligopeptide-tethered detectable particles and a plurality of directly attached detectable particles is described. Posttranslational modification of the oligopeptide leads to changes in the detectable signals from the first and/or second particles in the nanoplatform, which can be correlated to enzyme activity and concentration.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering in vivo hyperthermia treatments to a subject and methods of performing such treatments are provided. The apparatus comprises an imaging device, such as an MRI scanner, a microwave applicator, and a controller to target particular tissues within the subjects body for hyperthermia treatment. The microwave applicator emits microwave energy toward the target tissue and the imaging device provides real-time feedback as to the position of the applicator relative to the target tissues and thermometry data so as to permit real-time adjustment of the applicators operating parameters.

Abstract: A nanoplatform assembly for detection of arginase, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, and/or tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. The nanoplatform comprises an oligopeptide, which is used as a linker between two particles. More preferably, the linker is comprised of an oligopeptide containing a substrate for the target enzyme, where the substrate is chemically or physically modified by the target enzyme (but not cleaved). A central particle with a plurality of oligopeptide-tethered detectable particles and a plurality of directly attached detectable particles is described. Posttranslational modification of the oligopeptide leads to changes in the detectable signals from the first and/or second particles in the nanoplatform, which can be correlated to enzyme activity and concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: Methods for detecting biomarkers of inflammation, infection, and/or bacterial activity in dairy production, which indicate issues with the milk itself or issues related to the health of the cow. The methods generally comprise contacting a milk sample with a nanoplatform assembly to create an assay solution, and detecting spectral changes in the assay solution that are triggered by enzymatic activity (when present) in the sample. The nanoplatform assembly comprises a first particle, a second particle, and a linkage therebetween, wherein the linkage comprises a protease consensus sequence (the sequence of amino acids cleaved by the protease), or an ester linkage (cleaved by a protease or lipase). A plurality of second particles can also be linked to the first particle. Test strips are also described, which undergo a visual color change in the presence of the target enzyme in the milk sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: Nanocatalysts and methods of using the same to obtain aromatic hydrocarbon compounds from a source of carbon atoms and a source of hydrogen atoms in a single reaction step is provided. The catalyst comprises an Fe/Fe3O4 nanocatalyst that may be supported on a non-reactive support material such as a zeolite or alumina CO2 and H2 are preferred sources of carbon and hydrogen atoms for the reaction. The aromatic hydrocarbon compounds produced are suitable for direct usage as fuel without need for further refining.

Abstract: Supramolecular assemblies for delivering active agents to cancerous or precancerous tissues in a subject are provided. These supramolecular assemblies are also useful in assays for detecting and imaging of cancerous and precancerous cells. The assemblies are protease-sensitive and comprise a peptide linkage containing a protease consensus sequence. The assemblies can be selectively targeted to cancerous tissue where the protease enzymes degrade the peptide linkage thereby releasing the active agents which were physically or mechanically contained in or retained by the supramolecular assembly.

Abstract: Theranostic methods are described herein, which are useful in diagnosing and/or treating infection, inflammation, and/or cancer. The methods utilize naturally-occurring leukocytes for in situ photodynamic therapy and imaging, and for the delivery of targeted therapies to the infection, inflammation, and/or cancer.

Abstract: Nanocatalysts and methods of using the same to obtain aromatic hydrocarbon compounds from a source of carbon atoms and a source of hydrogen atoms in a single reaction step is provided. The catalyst comprises an Fe/Fe3O4 nanocatalyst that may be supported on a non-reactive support material such as a zeolite or alumina CO2 and H2 are preferred sources of carbon and hydrogen atoms for the reaction. The aromatic hydrocarbon compounds produced are suitable for direct usage as fuel without need for further refining.