Abstract: Methods and systems for synthesizing multicompartment capsules are disclosed, as well as multicompartment polymer capsules formed in accordance with disclosed techniques. At least one plurality of polymer capsules are formed via a capsule-forming process. A feed solution and a reservoir solution are provided, each comprising a biopolymer. The feed solution biopolymer and the reservoir solution biopolymer have opposite charges. Droplets of the feed solution are introduced into the reservoir solution, thereby forming via electrostatic complexation a plurality of polymer capsules. At least a portion of the resulting polymer capsules are then encapsulated in a larger polymer capsule via a similar process, wherein the feed solution utilized for the encapsulation process also comprises the formed smaller capsules.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to systems, methods, and devices for performing electrochemical control and monitoring of bacterial gene expression to a precisely assigned level, and may be used, for example, for controlling the production of a protein of interest.

Abstract: The presently disclosure relates to a system and method for bioelectronic communications. In certain embodiments the system comprises a bacterial cell or cells that comprise a genetic system for high-efficiency over-expression and secretion of recombinant proteins in bacteria. In certain embodiments, the system and method operate in a “pump-then-burst release” fashion to rapidly achieve high yields extracellularly. In certain embodiments, the system and method include quorum sensing-derived regulation, which may enable auto-induction of a protein's expression and secretion.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a bioprocess parameter. The apparatus includes: a housing; a bioprocess sensor attached to an outer surface of the housing; a power supply contained within the housing; and an electronics module contained within the housing and in communication with the power supply and the sensor, where the electronics module includes a wireless communication unit.

Abstract: A method for measuring discriminating redox-based chemical signatures includes adding a chemical input to a body fluid, applying an electrical signal to a combination of the chemical input and the body fluid, measuring an electrical output and an optical output of the combination for a predetermined time period, and determining a cross-modal response that characterizes an interaction between the electrical output and the optical output.

Abstract: Methods and systems for synthesizing multicompartment capsules are disclosed, as well as multicompartment polymer capsules formed in accordance with disclosed techniques. At least one plurality of polymer capsules are formed via a capsule-forming process. A feed solution and a reservoir solution are provided, each comprising a biopolymer. The feed solution biopolymer and the reservoir solution biopolymer have opposite charges. Droplets of the feed solution are introduced into the reservoir solution, thereby forming via electrostatic complexation a plurality of polymer capsules. At least a portion of the resulting polymer capsules are then encapsulated in a larger polymer capsule via a similar process, wherein the feed solution utilized for the encapsulation process also comprises the formed smaller capsules.

Abstract: Methods are provided that allow global access to redox-based molecular information by coupling electrochemical measurements with signal processing approaches. More specifically, the disclosure provides methods that rely on the use of redox probes to assay samples for redox activities that act to exchange electrons with the probe thereby generating detectable optical and electrochemical signature signals that can then be assigned to a sample feature of interest. In particular embodiments, the disclosed assay methods are useful for diagnosis and prognosis of disorders, such as schizophrenia, that are found to be associated with a specific redox-based signature within a subject sample.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave (SAW) biofilm sensor includes a transmitting electric to acoustic wave transducer defining an upper surface and a lower surface, a receiving acoustic wave to electric transducer defining an upper surface and a lower surface, a piezoelectric film layer defining an upper surface and a lower surface, and a passivation film layer defining an upper surface and a lower surface. Portions of the lower surface of the piezoelectric film layer are disposed on the upper surface of the transmitting electric to acoustic wave transducer and on the upper surface of the receiving acoustic wave to electric transducer, and the lower surface of the passivation film layer is disposed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric film layer such that the upper surface of the passivation film layer is configured to enable contact with a biofilm.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for modulating quorum sensing in microbes. The compounds are AI-2 analogs and as such have structures similar to 4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione that can act as agonists/antagonists of quorum sensing. The compounds are useful for modulating quorum sensing in bacteria and can be used in methods for prophylaxis or therapy of bacterial infections and for reduction of biofilms.

Abstract: A method and structure for encoding information on an integrated circuit chip. The method includes selecting a set of chip pads of the integrated circuit chip for encoding the information; encoding the information during a wirebonding process, the wirebonding process comprising forming ball bonds on chip pads of the integrated circuit chip and wedge bonds on leadframe fingers adjacent to one or more edges of the integrated circuit chip, the ball bonds and the wedge bonds connected by respective and integral wires; and wherein the information is encoded by varying one or more wirebonding parameters on each chip pad of the set of chip pads, the wirebonding parameters selected from the group consisting of the location of a ball bond, the diameter of a ball bond, both the location and diameter of a ball bond, the location of a wedge bond and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method and structure for encoding information on an integrated circuit chip. The method includes selecting a set of chip pads of the integrated circuit chip for encoding the information; encoding the information during a wirebonding process, the wirebonding process comprising forming ball bonds on chip pads of the integrated circuit chip and wedge bonds on leadframe fingers adjacent to one or more edges of the integrated circuit chip, the ball bonds and the wedge bonds connected by respective and integral wires; and wherein the information is encoded by varying one or more wirebonding parameters on each chip pad of the set of chip pads, the wirebonding parameters selected from the group consisting of the location of a ball bond, the diameter of a ball bond, both the location and diameter of a ball bond, the location of a wedge bond and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Biofunctionalized fibers including a fiber platform and a histidine-tagged protein and, optionally, an antibody. Chitosan is a fiber useful as the fiber platform. The fiber platform may be treated with nickel or may be directly linked to the histidine-tagged protein e.g., histidine-tagged streptococcal IgG-binding protein, protein G, protein G3T, GFP or RFP. The resulting biofunctionalized fibers can be assembled into protein fiber assemblies by a variety of biofabrication methods. The fiber assemblies, e.g., in the form of woven fabrics, are useful for (i) antigen capture; (ii) immunoanalysis, and/or (iii) multiplexed analysis. In one fabrication, each fiber of a fiber assembly presents a specific antibody, and mixing and matching of fibers, for example by weaving of fabrics from various antibody-presenting fibers, allows for multiple antigens to be captured simultaneously for multiplexed analysis.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for modulating quorum sensing in microbes. The compounds are AI-2 analogs and as such have structures similar to 4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione that can act as agonists/antagonists of quorum sensing. The compounds are useful for modulating quorum sensing in bacteria and can be used in methods for prophylaxis or therapy of bacterial infections and for reduction of biofilms.

Abstract: Biofunctionalized fibers including a fiber platform and a histidine-tagged protein and, optionally, an antibody. Chitosan is a fiber useful as the fiber platform. The fiber platform may be treated with nickel or may be directly linked to the histidine-tagged protein e.g., histidine-tagged streptococcal IgG-binding protein, protein G, protein G3T, GFP or RFP. The resulting biofunctionalized fibers can be assembled into protein fiber assemblies by a variety of biofabrication methods. The fiber assemblies, e.g., in the form of woven fabrics, are useful for (i) antigen capture; (ii) immunoanalysis, and/or (iii) multiplexed analysis. In one fabrication, each fiber of a fiber assembly presents a specific antibody, and mixing and matching of fibers, for example by weaving of fabrics from various antibody-presenting fibers, allows for multiple antigens to be captured simultaneously for multiplexed analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biofabricated Active Microfluidic Membrane (AMM) in a microfluidic network of a microfluidic device and a method for the in situ biofabrication of such a microfluidic network. More specifically, the invention relates to devices exhibiting (and methods of) positioning (i.e., erecting, modifying or removing a membrane matrix in situ in a microchannel of a microfluidic network of a microfluidic device. In one embodiment, the membrane comprises a single type of matrix constituent, such as chitosan, alginate, etc. Alternatively, the membrane may be composed of two or more matrix constituents, which may be integrated into one another or layered adjacent to one another.

Abstract: A method is provided for electrochemically depositing a polysaccharide mass having a selected physical state. According to an embodiment, an electrically conductive support of a substrate is contacted with an aqueous solution including a selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide, and the selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide is electrochemically deposited on the electrically conductive support while controlling deposition conditions to form the polysaccharide mass having the selected physical state, such as that of a hydrogel. Deposition may be performed in a spatially and/or temporally controlled manner.

Abstract: A method for biolithographical deposition of molecules is provided. According to an embodiment of the method, a reactive layer (e.g., a polysaccharide mass) having a surface region coated with a biologically compatible resist is provided. A portion of the biologically compatible resist is selectively removed to expose an exposed portion of the reactive layer. Molecules, such as biomolecules and/or cellular species, are then conjugated to the exposed portion of the reactive layer. Also provided are materials and devices related to the method.

Abstract: A method is provided for electrochemically depositing a polymer with spatial selectivity. A substrate having a substrate surface is contacted with an aqueous solution containing a selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide, such as chitosan, which is subjected to electrochemically treatment to deposit, with spatial selectivity, the selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide on a patterned electrically conductive portion of the substrate surface.

Abstract: A process for producing recombinant anti-botulinum toxin antibody comprising the steps of fermenting recombinant E. Coli cells in broth, concentrating the cells by removing the broth, crushing the concentrated cells, separating a permeate derived from the crushed cells from cell debris, purifying a recombinant antibotulinum antibody (Fab) from said permeate, and separating said Fab from impurities by diafiltration.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a recombinant insect larvae and a process of manufacturing proteins utilizing insect larvae that allows for the selection of individual larvae for harvest at the point of their optimal expression of a protein of interest. This invention also provides for a process to manufacture proteins in larvae that does not require synchronization of the infection, growth and harvest larvae to optimally manufacture a protein of interest. The invention further provides for a process of producing interleukin-2 in larvae.