Abstract: Disclosed are targeted particles comprising or consisting of a plurality of landscape phage fusion proteins complexed with heterologous nucleic acid, the landscape phage fusion proteins displaying a heterologous peptide and the targeted particle binding specifically to a target site. The particles may be utilized in methods for modulating expression of genes in target cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, zona pellucida binding peptides and polypeptides, and expression vectors for use in species-specific immunocontraception of animals, which include landscape bacteriophage. The disclosed compositions may include immunogenic compositions or vaccines.

Abstract: Disclosed are targeted particles comprising or consisting of a plurality of landscape phage fusion proteins complexed with heterologous nucleic acid, the landscape phage fusion proteins displaying a heterologous peptide and the targeted particle binding specifically to a target site. The particles may be utilized in methods for modulating expression of genes in target cells.

Abstract: A targeted drug delivery nanocarrier and a method of forming the same is disclosed herein. The targeted drug delivery nanocarrier includes a plurality of amphipathic molecules forming a carrier particle having a plurality of drug molecules contained therein. A targeted landscape phage protein assembly is complexed to the carrier particle preferably using the unique method disclosed herein. The targeted landscape phage protein assembly displays a binding peptide that is selected to specifically and selectively bind to a target site. The method for forming targeted drug delivery nanocarriers includes the steps of obtaining a plurality of bacteriophage displaying a binding peptide for a desired target site, treating the bacteriophage with a denaturing agent, mixing the treated bacteriophage with a plurality of carrier particles and purifying the mixture to obtain a plurality of targeted drug delivery nanocarriers.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant bacteriophage constructs and related heterologous peptide sequences for contraception in animals. The disclosed recombinant phage constructs bind to antibodies against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and can be administered to an animal to generate an immune response against GnRH, including generating anti-GnRH antibodies. The disclosed recombinant phage may comprise an amino acid sequence of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), epitopic fragments, variants, or functional mimics thereof. Also disclosed are methods for making and selecting such recombinant phage constructs and compositions that comprise such constructs (e.g., compositions for inducing an immune response against GnRH including pharmaceutical or veterinary compositions used as vaccines). Also disclosed are recombinant polynucleotides comprising genomic nucleic acid of the recombinant phage constructs disclosed herein.

Abstract: A targeted drug delivery nanocarrier and a method of forming the same is disclosed herein. The targeted drug delivery nanocarrier includes a plurality of amphipathic molecules forming a carrier particle having a plurality of drug molecules contained therein. A targeted landscape phage protein assembly is complexed to the carrier particle preferably using the unique method disclosed herein. The targeted landscape phage protein assembly displays a binding peptide that is selected to specifically and selectively bind to a target site. The method for forming targeted drug delivery nanocarriers includes the steps of obtaining a plurality of bacteriophage displaying a binding peptide for a desired target site, treating the bacteriophage with a denaturing agent, mixing the treated bacteriophage with a plurality of carrier particles and purifying the mixture to obtain a plurality of targeted drug delivery nanocarriers.

Abstract: A targeted drug delivery nanocarrier and a method of forming the same is disclosed herein. The targeted drug delivery nanocarrier includes a plurality of amphipathic molecules forming a carrier particle having a plurality of drug molecules contained therein. A targeted landscape phage protein assembly is complexed to the carrier particle preferably using the unique method disclosed herein. The targeted landscape phage protein assembly displays a binding peptide that is selected to specifically and selectively bind to a target site. The method for forming targeted drug delivery nanocarriers includes the steps of obtaining a plurality of bacteriophage displaying a binding peptide for a desired target site, treating the bacteriophage with a denaturing agent, mixing the treated bacteriophage with a plurality of carrier particles and purifying the mixture to obtain a plurality of targeted drug delivery nanocarriers.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, zona pellucida binding peptides and polypeptides, and expression vectors for use in species-specific immunocontraception of animals, which include landscape bacteriophage. The disclosed compositions may include immunogenic compositions or vaccines.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive ligand sensor device (MLSD), system and method are provided having at least one magnetostrictive particle (MSP) to which is bound at least one binding element. The MSP may be dispersed in a sample containing a target ligand such that the target ligand binds thereto. A driver is also provided to emit a varying magnetic field such that the MSP produces a resonance response detectable by a measurement device configured to receive and detect changes in the resonance response that are due to alterations of the binding element. The MLSD and assays find use in identifying and quantitating ligands as well as chemicals and environmental conditions in a sample or patient.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying and characterizing the affinity of one or more ligands of a peptide are provided. In particular, a “stripped phage ligand sensor device” (SPLSD) is provided comprising a sensor coupled to a binding element of interest. Binding elements of the invention comprise phage which in most embodiments express a peptide of interest on the phage surface. Assays using the SPLSD allow detection and quantitation of ligands. Also provided are improved methods for forming monolayers using phage. In particular, methods for the formation of monolayers using “stripped phage” are provided. Further provided are monolayers and Langmuir-Blodgett films formed by the methods of the invention as well as substrates having deposited thereon the films of the invention. The monolayers, films and substrates of the invention are useful as components of biosensors and/or chemosensors.

Abstract: A targeted drug delivery nanocarrier and a method of forming the same is disclosed herein. The targeted drug delivery nanocarrier includes a plurality of amphipathic molecules forming a carrier particle having a plurality of drug molecules contained therein. A targeted landscape phage protein assembly is complexed to the carrier particle preferably using the unique method disclosed herein. The targeted landscape phage protein assembly displays a binding peptide that is selected to specifically and selectively bind to a target site. The method for forming targeted drug delivery nanocarriers includes the steps of obtaining a plurality of bacteriophage displaying a binding peptide for a desired target site, treating the bacteriophage with a denaturing agent, mixing the treated bacteriophage with a plurality of carrier particles and purifying the mixture to obtain a plurality of targeted drug delivery nanocarriers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying and characterizing the affinity of one or more ligands of a peptide are provided. In particular, a “stripped phage ligand sensor device” (SPLSD) is provided comprising a sensor coupled to a binding element of interest. Binding elements of the invention comprise phage which in most embodiments express a peptide of interest on the phage surface. Assays using the SPLSD allow detection and quantitation of ligands. Also provided are improved methods for forming monolayers using phage. In particular, methods for the formation of monolayers using “stripped phage” are provided. Further provided are monolayers and Langmuir-Blodgett films formed by the methods of the invention as well as substrates having deposited thereon the films of the invention. The monolayers, films and substrates of the invention are useful as components of biosensors and/or chemosensors.

Abstract: Several peptides for selectively and specifically binding Bacillus anthracis spores are disclosed herein. It is contemplated that the isolated peptides will be incorporated into diagnostic probes. The diagnostic probes may include landscape page probes and antibody probes, as well as any other probes known in the art. Inventors contemplate that the probes could be further used in real-time continuous monitoring of the environment so that detection systems for monitoring the low concentrations of Bacillus anthracis spores may be developed.

Abstract: Compositions for use in characterization, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of cancer cells are provided. The compositions comprise peptides and variants thereof which were isolated based on their ability to selectively bind glioma cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for binding to Salmonella bacteria are provided. The compositions comprise peptide sequences which bind to Salmonella bacteria with high specificity. The compositions are useful in identification, detection, and isolation of Salmonella bacteria. The compositions are also useful for the delivery of a wide variety of compounds to Salmonella bacteria or their vicinity. Such compounds include nucleotides, proteins (including, for example, toxins), liposomes, and small molecule pharmaceuticals. The compositions are also useful in identifying bacterial cell surface markers to which the compositions bind.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive ligand sensor device (MLSD), system and method are provided having at least one magnetostrictive particle (MSP) to which is bound at least one binding element. The MSP may be dispersed in a sample containing a target ligand such that the target ligand binds thereto. A driver is also provided to emit a varying magnetic field such that the MSP produces a resonance response detectable by a measurement device configured to receive and detect changes in the resonance response that are due to alterations of the binding element. The MLSD and assays find use in identifying and quantitating ligands as well as chemicals and environmental conditions in a sample or patient.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying and characterizing the affinity of one or more ligands of a peptide are provided. In particular, a “stripped phage ligand sensor device” (SPLSD) is provided comprising a sensor coupled to a binding element of interest. Binding elements of the invention comprise phage which in most embodiments express a peptide of interest on the phage surface. Assays using the SPLSD allow detection and quantitation of ligands. Also provided are improved methods for forming monolayers using phage. In particular, methods for the formation of monolayers using “stripped phage” are provided. Further provided are monolayers and Langmuir-Blodgett films formed by the methods of the invention as well as substrates having deposited thereon the films of the invention. The monolayers, films and substrates of the invention are useful as components of biosensors and/or chemosensors.

Abstract: A direct-view optical microscope system is provided which uses high-energy light from a phenomenon known as non-resonant Raman-scattering to illuminate a biological specimen. One embodiment of the system combines two discrete light sources to form a combined incident light source for the microscope. The system includes a method and apparatus for modulating the intensity of the scattered light when two light waves are combined to produce the incident light. By varying the frequency of the two source light waves, the intensity of the combined Raman-scattered light can be modulated to achieve finer resolution. In one embodiment, the system provides illumination and observation of microscopic agglutination events between pathogenic antigens and specific antibodies, for prompt detection and identification in the field.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying and characterizing one or more ligands of a peptide are provided. In particular, the invention provides a phage ligand sensor device (PLSD) comprising a sensor coupled to a binding element of interest. Binding elements of interest comprise phage displaying at least one foreign peptide. The PLSD and assays find particular use in identifying and characterizing ligand-peptide interactions.

Abstract: Compositions for use in characterization, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of cancer cells are provided. The compositions comprise peptides and variants thereof which were isolated based on their ability to selectively bind glioma cells.