Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous compositions of associative polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), optionally containing surfactants, biocidal agents and/or oxidants, which can provide a cleaning benefit and surface protection to treated articles including reduced soiling tendency, reduced cleaning effort and improved soil repellancy, as well as providing bacteriostatic properties to treated surfaces that thereby gain resistance to water, environmental exposure and microbial challenge.

Abstract: Described herein are beverage compositions that include a compound having increased solubility and increased bioavailability. Specifically, the beverage composition may include turmeric or a component or compound derived from turmeric, with increased solubility and bioavailability of turmeric or turmeric-derived components and compounds. Also provided are methods of making and using the beverage compositions.

Abstract: A waste treatment, pyrolysis and gasification and concerns an apparatus for syngas bio-methanation include a unit for pyrolysis/gasification receiving organic material, the unit for pyrolysis/gasification generating syngas, comprising at least one membrane reactor inside a liquid bath comprising at least one bacteria population, the membrane reactor comprising at least one hollow fiber in contact with the liquid bath, around which a biofilm is formed and into which the syngas from the unit for pyrolysis/gasification flows, so as to convert the syngas into methane. A method for bio-methanation of syngas comprising a step of providing syngas from a unit for pyrolysis/gasification to a membrane reactor inside a liquid bath comprising at least one suitable bacteria population, the membrane reactor comprising at least one hollow fiber in contact with the liquid bath, around which a biofilm is formed and into which the output syngas of the unit for pyrolysis flows, so as to convert the syngas into methane.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a gel network, which gel network comprises a plurality of joined gel objects, which process comprises: forming a plurality of gel objects in one or more microfluidic channels; dispensing the gel objects from the one or more microfluidic channels into a region for producing the network; and contacting each gel object with at least one other gel object in said region to join each gel object to at least one other gel object at a region of contact between the gel objects. The invention also provides a network of joined gel objects, comprising a plurality of gel objects, wherein each gel object is joined to an adjacent gel object at a region of contact between the gel objects. Also provided are various possible uses of the gel network.

Abstract: An aseptic bioprocess package is provided herein. The aseptic bioprocess package includes a 2D flexible container including an interior compartment, a height having an upper half and a lower half, an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being disposed on the same half of the 2D flexible container and a channel-forming feature in the interior compartment of the container, the channel-forming feature being configured to maintain a fluid flow path that fluidly connects the interior compartment of the flexible container with the outlet.

Abstract: Provided herein are microfluidic vascularized platforms and methods of using the platforms. Further provided herein are skin model systems comprising hydrogel layers of cells.

Abstract: A system and method of using a microfluidic electroporation device for cell treatment is provided. The cell or exosome treatment system can include a microfluidic electroporation device, a voltage source coupled to a plurality of electrodes and a controller coupled to the voltage source. The microfluidic electroporation device can include a fluid receptacle, a semipermeable membrane, and a base including a channel in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and the semipermeable membrane. A first electrode can be positioned within the fluid receptacle and a second electrode coupled to the base. The second electrode is positioned relative to the first electrode to create an electric field sufficient to electroporate cells or exosomes disposed in the fluid receptacle. The controller can be configured to cause the first and second electrodes to apply voltage electroporating the cells and exosomes.

Abstract: A bioreactor for culturing of microorganisms or cells comprising: a casing defining an interior space of the bioreactor, wherein said interior space is configured to receive and hold a culture medium with microbial or cellular liquid cultures; and at least one coupling element provided on the casing for coupling with a foam mitigation device for mitigation of foam built-up in the interior space of the bioreactor during use of the bioreactor for culturing of microorganisms or cells; wherein the coupling element is configured to allow ultrasonic waves generated by the foam mitigation device act upon foam built-up in the interior space of the bioreactor.

Abstract: Anaerobic digestion apparatus comprises a first chamber for retaining organic matter before and/or during anaerobic digestion and a second chamber for retaining organic matter during anaerobic digestion. The anaerobic digestion apparatus is configured to refrigerate or heat the first chamber to suppress methanogenesis in the first chamber. The anaerobic digestion apparatus comprises a controller programmed to regulate the anaerobic digestion process and to thereby reduce system perturbations. The flow of organic matter to the second chamber where methanogenesis is regulated. There is disclosed an inoculum for anaerobic digestion comprising Acetobacterium woodii and Methanosaeta concilii.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods to perform in-vitro probing of cell interior using a nanoneedle. Some aspects of the present application relate to an apparatus with a vertical nanoneedle disposed in a flow channel, wherein the flow channel is shaped to facilitate immobilization of a cell recirculating in a fluid in the flow channel with the nanoneedle and penetration of the cell membrane with the nanoneedle. Aspects of the present application also provide an integration between the flow channel and a cell sorter to form a medical system that selectively and continuously communicates intracellularly with screened cells of interests.

Abstract: Genetically modified microorganisms useful in fermentation and methods of using such microorganisms are provided. Such microorganisms contain a [GAR+] prion or are modified to contain a [GAR+] prion. Exemplary microorganisms include yeast such as S. cerevisiae. The microorganisms can be further modified to convert xylose and/or arabinose. Methods of fermentation using such microorganisms exhibit improved fermentation efficiency and improved microorganism viability.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently obtaining a lactic bacterium having a high double-stranded RNA content obtained by the method. The object is achieved by: (1) a method for producing a double-stranded RNA-containing lactic acid bacterium, including a step of culturing a lactic acid bacterium under at least one condition of an aeration condition and a low-temperature condition lower than an optimum temperature, thereby obtaining the double-stranded RNA-containing lactic acid bacterium; (2) a double-stranded RNA-containing lactic acid bacterium, in which the content of double-stranded RNA is 2.0 times or more as compared with the content of double stranded RNA when a bacterium of the same strain is cultured for the same culture time under an optimum temperature and non-aeration condition; or the like.

Abstract: A hydrogel capsule comprising a stem cell core that has been induced to differentiate into a hematopoietic lineage cell, and methods for the production of hematopoietic lineage cells from stem cells encapsulated in a hydrogel.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of a hydrogel-based substrate comprising an aldehyde-containing component, such as N-ethanal acrylamide. The hydrogel component allows for functionalization of a hydrogel through conjugation of proteins (e.g., collagen) to the hydrogel in the absence of a post hoc crosslinking component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing reprogramming of urine cells into keratinocyte stem cells by introducing reprogramming factors Bmi1 and dNP63a, and a composition for promoting skin regeneration which includes an induced reprogrammed keratinocyte stem cell conditioned medium as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions, and kits for forming engineered in vitro biomimetic, three-dimensional, tubular organoid structures by directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells within tubular channels formed in a hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and materials for culturing expanding cells in a three-dimensional culture. The material comprises plant-derived anionic nanofibrillar cellulose, wherein the anionic nanofibrillar cellulose is in a form of hydrogel. The invention also provides methods for producing materials and compositions comprising plant-derived anionic nanofibrillar cellulose.

Abstract: Bone marrow containers are described herein. Separation systems for separating activated immune cells from other components are described herein. Methods of activating an immune cell are described herein.

Abstract: Methods of expanding T lymphocytes in a microfluidic device are provided. The methods can include introducing one or more T lymphocytes into a microfluidic device; contacting the one or more T lymphocytes with an activating agent; and perfusing culture medium through the microfluidic device for a period of time sufficient to allow the one or more T lymphocytes to undergo at least one round of mitotic cell division. The expansion can be non-specific or antigen-specific. T lymphocytes produced according to the disclosed methods are also provided, along with methods of treating cancer in a subject. The methods of treating cancer can include isolating T lymphocytes from a tissue sample obtained from the subject; expanding the isolated T lymphocytes in a microfluidic device; exporting the expanded T lymphocytes from the microfluidic device; and reintroducing the expanded T lymphocytes into the subject.

Abstract: Applications in transfusion medicine requiring platelets, and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantations require either platelets or enhancement of in vivo platelet biogenesis. Gene therapy applications of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) require effective and specific modification of HSPCs by DNA, RNA or other biological molecules. Here we disclose methods for the generation, and modification of megakaryocytic microparticles (MkMPs), proplatelets, preplatelets, platelet-like particles and megakaryocyte extracellular vesicles, that can be used in the aforementioned transfusion and transplantation medicine applications and in gene therapy applications involving hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to three-dimensional, engineered, bioprinted biological tissue constructs exhibiting a liver disorder, methods of making the constructs, and use of the constructs in assays, such as drug testing and molecular diagnostic testing, including methods of assessing the ability of a candidate therapeutic agent to reverse, reduce, or prevent a liver disorder, and methods for biomarker discovery.

Abstract: Provided are a method of preparing in vitro-matured intestinal organoids, and intestinal organoids prepared by the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a HLA-A2 subtype-specific PLK1-derived epitope inducing an antigen-specific T cell immune response to a PLK1 protein. More specifically, a HLA-A2 subtype-specific PLK-1-derived epitope inducing an antigen-specific T cell immune response to a PLK1 protein according to the present invention can provide a CD8+ T cell immune response specific for tumor cells.

Abstract: A formulation comprising an ingestible carrier and an isolated strain of Bifidobacterium longum.

Abstract: Provided are a phi29 DNA polymerase mutant with increased thermo stability, a method for preparing the mutant, the use of the mutant, and a method for increasing the stability of the phi29 DNA polymerase.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for altering expression of target gene sequences and related gene products. Provided are structural information on the Cas protein of the CRISPR-Cas system, use of this information in generating modified components of the CRISPR complex, vectors and vector systems which encode one or more components or modified components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors and components. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in eukaryotic cells and methods for utilizing the CRISPR-Cas system. In particular the present invention comprehends optimized functional CRISPR-Cas enzyme systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composition comprising an RNA-guided endonuclease and an agent that decreases the acidity of an endosome. The present disclosure provides a composition comprising: a) a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex comprising: i) an RNA-guided endonuclease; and ii) a guide RNA comprising a segment that binds to the RNA-guided endonuclease and a segment that binds to a target nucleic acid; and b) an agent that decreases the acidity of an endosome. The present disclosure provides methods of binding a target nucleic acid in a eukaryotic cell; and methods of genetically modifying a target eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: A recombinant ribonuclease is disclosed. The recombinant ribonuclease is produced by introducing a recombinant DNA sequence into a host; activating expression of the recombinant DNA sequence within the host to produce the recombinant ribonuclease; and isolating the recombinant ribonuclease from the host. Additionally, a method of analyzing an RNA sequence includes digesting the RNA with a first recombinant ribonuclease to give digestion products comprising nucleotides of the RNA sequence; and analyzing the digestion products using an analytical method to provide the identity of at least some of the nucleotides. The recombinant ribonuclease includes at least one of a uridine-specific recombinant RNase MC1 and a cytidine-specific recombinant RNase Cusativin.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered human extracellular DNASE proteins (e.g., variants of DNASE1 (D1), DNASE1-LIKE 1 (D1L1), DNASE1-LIKE 2 (D1L2), DNASE1-LIKE 3 Isoform 1 (D1L3), DNASE1-LIKE 3 Isoform 2 (D1L3-2), DNASE2A (D2A), and DNASE2B (D2B)) that are useful for treating conditions characterized by neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) accumulation and/or release. In accordance with the invention, the DNase variant has advantages for therapy and/or large-scale manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to xylanase variants, polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; compositions comprising the xylanase variants and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides the sequence of a Paenibacillus polymyxa preproenzyme which is the precursor of a neutral protease, expression thereof in a transformed host organism, and methods for production of the neutral protease, by recombinant means. Further, use of the recombinantly produced neutral protease is disclosed in the field of cell biology, particularly for the purpose of tissue dissociation. The disclosure also includes blends with other proteases. Further disclosed are nucleotide sequences encoding the neutral protease.

Abstract: Aspects of the present compositions and methods relate to novel metalloproteases polynucleotides encoding the novel metalloprotease, compositions and methods for use thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a method for purifying ?-thrombin and for quantifying ?-thrombin and its degradation polypeptides in a liquid proteinatious solution. The method employs a one-step anion exchange chromatography method. The method allows purification and/or quantification of a homogenous post-translationally modified ?-thrombin. The method can also be used for purification and/or quantification of ?-thrombin.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nitrilase mutant and application thereof. The mutant is obtained by mutating the amino acid at position 201 or replacing one or more amino acids at region 324-381 of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 2. In the present invention, by the protein molecular modification, thermostability of the purified nitrilase LNIT5 is increased by up to 4.5 folds; and by utilizing recombinant E. coli containing the nitrilase mutant to hydrolyze 1-cyanocyclohexylacetonitrile at a high temperature (45° C.), product tolerance is increased, activity of NIT5-L201F is increased by 20%, and the mutant NITLNIT5-AcN can completely hydrolyze 750 mM 1-cyanocyclohexylacetonitrile within 8 hours and achieve an doubled conversion rate. Therefore, the mutants obtained by the present invention have a good application prospect in efficiently catalyzing 1-cyanocyclohexylacetonitrile to synthesize gabapentin intermediate, 1-cyanocyclohexyl acetic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered penicillin G acylase (PGA) enzymes, polynucleotides encoding the enzymes, compositions comprising the enzymes, and methods of using the engineered PGA enzymes.

Abstract: There is provided an engineered host cells comprising (a) one or more mutations in one or more endogenous genes encoding a protein associated with iron metabolism; and (b) at least one gene encoding a polypeptide having xylose isomerase activity, and methods of their use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical combination for treatment of Fabry disease and use thereof. The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical combination for treating Fabry disease, and the pharmaceutical combination includes (i) a protein which has mutations in an amino acid sequence of ?-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and has ?-galactosidase activity and (ii) an active site specific chaperone.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the cultivation of the Methylobacterium genus of bacteria. In particular the method provides methods for the efficient and inexpensive cultivation of these bacteria. Additionally, the invention provides methods for the utilization of these bacterial cultures to improve plant agriculture.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying the coding sequence of endogenous genes using rare-cutting endonucleases and transposases. The methods and compositions described herein can be used to modify the coding sequence of endogenous genes.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to methods, kits and devices for performing automated sequential nucleic acid isolation and conversion/purification in a single closed system. In various embodiments, the present teaching enable a user to (i) load a device with test samples, reagents and consumables; (ii) select or program the device for the desired nucleic acid isolation and subsequent chemical treatment and/or conversion reaction(s) without further user intervention; and recovering the isolated and treated and/or converted nucleic acid at the conclusion of the program once the device is activated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to VNAR single chain antibodies and more particularly, to semi-synthetic VNAR libraries derived from nurse shark which may be used to identify individual clones, nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides which encode binding moieties that specifically bind to a cellular target of interest, thereby altering (e.g., antagonizing) target activity in a cell or mimicking the activity of a native molecule. The present invention thus also relates to compounds and compositions comprising a target specific VNAR binding moiety, methods for preparing them, and diagnostic and therapeutic methods of use relating to regulation, e.g., agonism or antagonism of the selected cellular target or target pathway e.g., to treat and/or prevent a pathological condition, disorder or disease in which it is beneficial to alter, e.g., agonize or augment, antagonize, reduce or eliminate the specific cellular target activity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sorting droplets are provided. In some cases, occupied droplets may be sorted from unoccupied droplets. In some cases, singularly occupied droplets may be sorted from unoccupied droplets and multiply occupied droplets. Methods and systems for sorting cell beads are provided. In some cases, cell beads may be sorted from particles unoccupied with cell derivatives. In some cases, singularly occupied cell beads may be sorted from unoccupied particles and multiply occupied cell beads. Methods and systems for selectively polymerizing droplets based on occupancy and size of the droplets are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for screening for and identifying a desirable plant improving trait, said method comprises steps of: (a) obtaining genetic material from a sampling of a predefined source and (b) constructing an expression library from said genetic material. The aforementioned method further comprises steps of: (c) producing plants transformed with said expression library at a transformation efficiency of at least 0.05%-30%, representing at least 102-1010 transgenes; (d) screening for transformed plants expressing said desirable trait; and (e) identifying said transgene of said transformed plants expressing said desirable trait.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a HTP microbial genomic engineering platform for Saccharopolyspora spp. that is computationally driven and integrates molecular biology, automation, and advanced machine learning protocols. This integrative platform utilizes a suite of HTP molecular tool sets to create HTP genetic design libraries, which are derived from, inter alia, scientific insight and iterative pattern recognition.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of altering a cell including providing the cell with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a Cas1 protein and/or a Cas2 protein of a CRISPR adaptation system, providing the cell with a CRISPR array nucleic acid sequence including a leader sequence and at least one repeat sequence, and providing the cell with one or more retron systems, wherein the cell expresses the Cas1 protein and/or the Cas2 protein.

Abstract: Systems, methods and compositions provided herein relate to the preparation of nucleic acid libraries. Some embodiments include the preparation of nucleic acid libraries by ligation of single-stranded nucleic acids.

Abstract: A DNA probe library for hybridization with microsatellite loci associated with microsatellite instability (MSI) detection. The said DNA probe library comprises one or more DNA probes that are capable of hybridizing with the MSI status-related microsatellite loci. Among the said DNA probes, probes for the MSI-related microsatellite loci are shown in the following sequences: SEQ ID NOS. 1-66. In addition, the present invention provides a method for enriching and detecting the MSI-related microsatellite loci using the probe library. The combination of this method and next-generation sequencing technology (NGS) can greatly improve the sensitivity, accuracy and comprehensiveness of the MSI detection.

Abstract: Functionally-modified oligonucleotide analogues comprising modified intersubunit linkages and/or modified 3? and/or 5?-end groups are provided. The disclosed compounds are useful for the treatment of diseases where inhibition of protein expression or correction of aberrant mRNA splice products produces beneficial therapeutic effects.

Abstract: Provided is a nucleic acid inhibiting a function of a target miRNA. Provided is a double-stranded nucleic acid complex comprising a first nucleic acid strand of 6 to 30 nucleotide length that hybridizes to a target miRNA to inhibit a function of the target miRNA, and a second nucleic acid strand complementary to the first nucleic acid strand, wherein the first nucleic acid strand is a mixmer comprising a natural nucleoside and a non-natural nucleoside, and the second nucleic acid strand comprises at least one of one or more modified internucleoside linkages and one or more sugar modified nucleosides.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of an ANGPTL3 mRNA and protein in an animal. Also provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing plasma lipids, plasma glucose and atherosclerotic plaques in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate any one or more of cardiovascular disease or metabolic disease, or a symptom thereof.