Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for a cell-free assay platform that enables measurement of membrane protein function by measuring the events that are induced by ligand binding or other stimuli.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to functionalized graphene substrates, methods of making such substrates and methods of using such substrates. In one aspect, the present invention provides a graphene substrate. The substrate comprises edge and non-edge regions, and organic or inorganic molecules are bound to the edge regions of the substrate. The organic or inorganic molecules are present on the substrate edges at a population greater than about one molecule per 10,000 nm.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to internally functionalized graphene substrates, methods of making such substrates and methods of using such substrates. In one aspect, the present invention is a graphene substrate. The substrate comprises edge and non-edge regions. Organic or inorganic molecules are bound to the non-edge regions of the substrate, and the organic or inorganic molecules are present on the substrate edges at a population greater than about one molecule per 10,000 nm2.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to internally functionalized graphene substrates, methods of making such substrates and methods of using such substrates. In one aspect, the present invention is a graphene substrate. The substrate comprises edge and non-edge regions. Organic or inorganic molecules are bound to the non-edge regions of the substrate, and the organic or inorganic molecules are present on the substrate edges at a population greater than about one molecule per 10,000 nm2.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for sensing a variety of biologically-related substances. In a device aspect, the present invention is directed to a multilayer device for sensing metal ions, biological molecules, or whole cells. The device comprises: a) one or more cavities that provide for the introduction of a sample to be analyzed and one or more channels that provide for exit of the sample, or one or more channels that provide for the introduction and exit of the sample; b) one or more single-walled carbon nanotubes presented to the one or more cavities or one or more channels; c) a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to the one or more single-walled carbon nanotubes; and, a reference gate electrode presented to the one or more cavities or one or more channels. In a method aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for sensing species such as a metal, biological cells, and one or more biological molecules using the device.

Abstract: An abradable coating composition for use on shrouds in gas turbine engines or other hot gas path metal components exposed to high temperatures containing an initial porous coating phase created by adding an amount of inorganic microspheres, preferably alumina-ceramic microballoons, to a base metal alloy containing high Al, Cr or Ti such as ?-NiAl or, alternatively, MCrAlY that serves to increase the brittle nature of the metal matrix, thereby increasing the abradability and oxidation resistance of the coating at elevated temperatures. Coatings having a total open and closed porosity of between 20% and 55% by volume due to the presence of ceramic microballoons ranging in size from about 10 microns to about 200 microns have been found to exhibit excellent abradability for applications involving turbine shroud coatings. An abradable coating thickness in the range of between 40 and 60 ml provides improved performance for turbine shrouds exposed to gas temperatures between 1380° F. and 1800° F.

Abstract: An abradable coating composition for use on shrouds in gas turbine engines or other hot gas path metal components exposed to high temperatures containing an initial porous coating phase created by adding an amount of inorganic microspheres, preferably alumina-ceramic microballoons, to a base metal alloy containing high Al, Cr or Ti such as &bgr;-NiAl or, alternatively, MCrAlY that serves to increase the brittle nature of the metal matrix, thereby increasing the abradability and oxidation resistance of the coating at elevated temperatures. Coatings having a total open and closed porosity of between 20% and 55% by volume due to the presence of ceramic microballoons ranging in size from about 10 microns to about 200 microns have been found to exhibit excellent abradability for applications involving turbine shroud coatings. An abradable coating thickness in the range of between 40 and 60 ml provides improved performance for turbine shrouds exposed to gas temperatures between 1380° F. and 1800° F.