Abstract: The present invention uses externally applied electromagnetic stimulus to control and heat porous magnetic particles and material associated with the particles. The particles contain magnetic material, such as superparamagnetic iron oxide and are infused with a material. Application of a DC magnetic field allows them to be moved with their infused material, and application of an AC RF electromagnetic field allows them to be heated with their infused material. The material can be infused into pores of the particles and the particles can also adhere to an aqueous droplet. The present invention also provides a multi-layer porous magnetic particle. The particle includes a host layer having pores sized to accept magnetic nanoparticles. Magnetic nanoparticles are infused within pores of the host layer. An encoding layer includes pores that define a spectral code. The pores in the encoding layer are sized to substantially exclude the magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods for the in vitro preparation of bioartificial tissue equivalents and their enhanced integration after implantation in vivo. These methods include submitting a tissue construct to a biomimetic electrical stimulation during cultivation in vitro to improve its structural and functional properties, and/or in vivo, after implantation of the construct, to enhance its integration with host tissue and increase cell survival and functionality. The inventive methods are particularly useful for the production of bioartificial equivalents and/or the repair and replacement of native tissues that contain electrically excitable cells and are subject to electrical stimulation in vivo, such as, for example, cardiac muscle tissue, striated skeletal muscle tissue, smooth muscle tissue, bone, vasculature, and nerve tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting phycocyanin algae or bacteria in water from reflected light, and also includes devices for the measurement, calculation and transmission of data relating to that method.

Abstract: Azuvirin peptides are small peptide agents useful in delivering functional moieties, such as sensitizers, chemotherapeutic agents and the like to cancer cells expressing ephrin receptors. The peptides are also useful for administration to a patient suffering from a viral infection, or to an individual facing exposure to a viral infection, especially one caused by the HIV-1 retrovirus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the anti-tumor response in a mammal. More particularly, the invention is concerned with combinations comprising a cytokine-secreting cell and an anti-PD-1 antibody, and methods of administering the combination for enhanced immune response to tumor cells in a patient with a cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are polynucleotides and methods for expressing light activated proteins in animal cells and altering an action potential of the cells by optical stimulation. The disclosure also provides animal cells and non-human animals comprising cells expressing the light-activated proteins.

Abstract: A method of optoperforation of the membrane of a cell by application of laser pulses characterized by focusing the pulsed laser beam onto the cell membrane to be perforated, applying a series of laser pulses of predetermined pulse energy, measuring the oscillation time of the bubbles formed in the laser focus from the change in laser intensity of a test laser beam transmitted through the laser focus and caused by the bubbles in the laser focus, and increasing the pulse energy to a level at which the oscillation time of the bubbles attains a predetermined value.

Abstract: Shock waves are applied to clean and sterilize fluids in containers and conveyances. Shock waves destroy pathogens and pollutants in blood, water, food liquids and other fluids.

Abstract: A method is described by which a growth medium is exposed to an electric field of sufficient magnitude to kill competing microorganisms and insufficient magnitude to cause flocculation to an algae population.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of compositions, methods, devices, systems, kits, or products regarding rejuvenation or preservation of stem cells. Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, methods of modifying stem cells, or methods of administering modified stem cells to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: The present invention includes the use of a nucleic acid sequence encoding an shRNA to target RNA interference against a cellular factor where such use can enhance oncolytic adenovius replication. The nucleic acid sequence encoding an shRNA can be introduced into an oncolytic adenovius construct via a recombination event, and such nucleic acid sequence encoding an shRNA can reside in either the E1 region or Fiber region of the oncolytic adenovius construct. In particular, the oncolytic adenovius construct optionally include a prostate specific promoter or prostate specific enhancer for issue specific expression in prostate cancer cells. The oncolytic adenovius constructs of the invention provides utility for the treatment of cancers, in particular prostate cancer.

Abstract: Composite probes for super resolution optical techniques using super resolution via transiently activated quenchers (STAQ) include a donor moiety and an acceptor moiety joined by a linker, wherein the acceptor moiety, when excited by incident radiation, is excited to a state which, for example, absorbs in the donor emission region, such that the acceptor moiety in its excited state quenches at least a portion of the donor moiety emission. Other transiently activated quenching mechanisms and moieties could accomplish the same task by reducing donor population. Also disclosed are methods for irradiating a selected region of a target material including the composite probe, wherein the composite probe enables improved resolution by point spread function modification and/or nanoscale chemical reactions.

Abstract: A micromachined patch-clamp apparatus is disclosed for holding one or more cells and providing electrical, chemical, or mechanical stimulation to the cells during analysis with the patch-clamp technique for studying ion channels in cell membranes. The apparatus formed on a silicon substrate utilizes a lower chamber formed from silicon nitride using surface micromachining and an upper chamber formed from a molded polymer material. An opening in a common wall between the chambers is used to trap and hold a cell for analysis using the patch-clamp technique with sensing electrodes on each side of the cell. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more electrostatic actuators formed on the substrate to provide mechanical stimulation to the cell being analyzed, or to provide information about mechanical movement of the cell in response to electrical or chemical stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods, devices and compositions for treating mental, neurological, and cognitive diseases related to deficiencies in the biosynthesis and/or metabolism of neurotransmitters.

Abstract: The present inventions relates to methods of producing an antigenic response in which an antigen is contacted to an antigen-presenting cell, wherein the improvement comprises contacting the antigen-presenting cell with an A1 adenosine receptor activating agent in an amount sufficient to increase the antigenic response of the antigen-presenting cell to the antigen. The present invention further provides methods, compositions, combination therapies, imaging techniques, and diagnostic kits that may improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and/or survival of cancer patients, pathogen-infected patients, and infectious or non-infectious immune-deficient patients.

Abstract: The invention provides a particle comprising a metal oxide which is doped with at least one rare earth element, wherein the metal oxide is selected from titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, cerium oxide and mixtures of two or more thereof. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the particles, and to uses of the particles and composition in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for processing a sample includes a microfluidic CD in the form a rotatable disc, the disc containing a plurality of separate lysis chambers therein. A magnetic lysis blade and lysis beads are disposed in each of the lysis chambers and a plurality of stationary magnets are disposed adjacent to and separate from the microfluidic CD. The stationary magnets are configured to magnetically interact with each of the magnetic lysis blades upon rotation of the microfluidic CD. Each lysis chamber may have its own separate sample inlet port or, alternatively, the lysis chambers may be connected to one another with a single inlet port coupled to one of the lysis chambers. Downstream processing may include nucleic acid amplification using thermoelectric heating as well as detection using a nucleic acid microarray.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for the photo-inactivation of microorganisms. More specifically, the present invention is directed towards the photo-inactivation of microorganisms, such as viruses, using at least one furanocoumarin and broad spectrum pulsed light. For example, an aspect of the present invention includes a method for inactivating a herpesvirus, such as herpes B virus or herpes virus papio 2 using a psoralen and broad spectrum pulsed light.

Abstract: A method for preparing animal cells with good adhesion and proliferation properties which are capable of proliferation is provided. the method permits the detachment of cultured cells without damaging the cells. A method for preparing a sheet of animal cells such as skin cells which are capable of proliferation is also provided. A method for preparing animal cells capable of proliferation, comprising the steps of (1) culturing animal cells on a substrate at least one portion of which is an electrode, and (2) applying a high-frequency wave potential to the electrode to detach the cells that have adhered to the substrate surface through culturing. The high-frequency wave potential is of a frequency falling within a range of 1 KHz to 10 MHz with a potential falling within a range of ±1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) or less. The culture medium during separation does not contain calcium or magnesium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for introducing an siRNA molecule into the cytosol of a cell, said method comprising i) contacting said cell with an siRNA molecule, a carrier and a photosensitising agent, and ii) irradiating the cell with light of a wavelength effective to activate the photosensitising agent, wherein said carrier comprises a cationic polyamine such as a lipopolyamine in a non-liposomal formulation, polyethyleneimine (PEI), a betacyclodextrin amine polymer, an amine group containing dendrimer, and a cationic peptide. Cells or a population of cells obtainable by the method, a composition containing an siRNA molecule and the carrier molecule, kits and therapeutic uses of the above are also provided.

Abstract: Solubilizing compositions are provided. The compositions comprise at least one zwitterionic surfactant and at least one nonionic surfactant. In one embodiment, the compositions may be useful for solubilizing and remodeling and/or removing tissue on or beneath a patient's skin, optionally in conjunction with the application of energy to a region of interest on the skin. In one embodiment, at least one analyte may be collected and analyzed from the solubilized tissue.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods and kits used in the detection of invasive glioblastoma based upon the expression of NHERF-1. The methods and kits also allow prediction of disease outcome as well as therapeutic outcome.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for light controlled protein-protein interactions in a living cell. Two interacting PICL (protein interaction controlled by light) polypeptides are provided. The first polypeptide comprises an LOV (Light, Oxygen or Voltage) domain, which domain is a light sensor that uses flavin mononucleotide (FMN) as a chromophore. The second polypeptide, specifically interacts with the L polypeptide upon light activation of the LOV domain. One or both of the polypeptides are fused to a cellular protein of interest. Upon exposure to light, a targeted interaction between cellular proteins occurs. The ability to regulate protein-protein interactions with subcellular resolution using light is useful for controlling biochemical processes such transcription, receptor activation, protein degradation, synapse formation, etc. in cells and animals.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The container includes at least one flexible wall defining the chamber. The apparatus also includes a transducer for impacting an external surface of the flexible wall to generate pressure waves in the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pressure source for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressurization of the chamber ensures effective coupling between the transducer and the flexible wall. The apparatus may also include beads in the chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses.

Abstract: The present application includes systems and methods for identifying a compound capable of interacting with a G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) or Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) including providing a device capable of measuring cell-substrate impedance operably connected to an impedance analyzer, adding test cells expressing a GPCR or a RTK to wells of the device, measuring first impedances of the wells and optionally determining first cell indices from the first impedances, adding a compound to at least one well containing test cells to form at least one compound well and adding a vehicle control to at least another well containing test cells to form at least one control well, measuring second impedances of the compound well and the control well and optionally determining second cell indices from the second impedances, determining the change in the impedance or cell index for the compound well and the one control well, comparing the change in impedance or cell index between the compound well and the control

Abstract: Enhancing the effectiveness of therapeutic ionizing radiation and other treatments of disease in which cells are to be destroyed or modified, by subjecting cells in need thereof to low-dose radiation to increase the sensitivity of the cells to subsequent subjection with a lethal dose of high dose radiation (HDR), a chemotherapeutic agent, or other type of therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: An extracellular potential measuring device includes a plate portion having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an electrode provided on the second surface of the plate portion. In the plate portion, a pocket having an opening which opens to the first surface is formed, and a through-hole communicating to the second surface from the pocket. The through-hole communicates from a position which is closer to the opening than a deepest point of the first pocket. The electrode is provided around of the opening of the through-hole. In this device, even if a cell to be examined does not reach the deepest point of the pocket, a cell membrane of the cell can tightly attaches onto the through-hole securely without a clearance. Hence, culture solution inside the through-hole is isolated from culture solution over an upper surface of the plate portion, thereby allowing electrochemical changes caused by activities of the cell to be detected efficiently with a detector electrode.

Abstract: A method for constructing a compound of immunologically modified nanotubes and method for using the compound to deliver immunoadjuvants to tumor cells and to produce targeted, synergistic photophysical and immunological reactions for cancer treatment. To prepare the immunologically modified nanotubes, carbon nanotubes are dissolved in a solution of glycated chitosan, an immunostimulant, hence using glycated chitosan as a surfactant for rendering the aqueous solution of nanotubes stable. The compound can be used for treatment of cancer. The method includes steps of intratumorally administering immunologically modified nanotubes and administering laser irradiation of the target tumor. The nanotube serves as a carrier to deliver immunoadjuvants to the tumor cells and serves as a light-absorbing agent in a cell body of a tumor in a host.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of viral inactivation by dry heating of a virus present or potentially present in a biological product that has been dried according to the glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for the concentration and lysis of cells or viruses and a method of concentrating and lysing cells or viruses using the microfluidic device include: magnetic beads, a reaction chamber in which the magnetic beads are accommodated and a laser source. The reaction chamber includes a plurality of electrodes which cross each other and are separated by a dielectric to generate an electric field and a vibrating part agitating the magnetic beads in the chamber. The laser source radiates a laser onto the magnetic beads in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided assembling an analyte sensor with an analyte sensor insertion device, packaging the assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device in a substantially airtight seal, and irradiating the packaged assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device at a predetermined dose using one or more electron beam accelerators.

Abstract: The invention, in some aspects relates to compositions and methods for altering cell activity and function and the use of light-activated ion channels (LAICs).

Abstract: Methods are provided for the three dimensional manipulation of cells, and for the formation of an organized engineered cell tissue. Also provided are the organized engineered cell tissues produced by the methods. In one method, a plurality of magnetically labeled cells are mixed with a cross-linkable hydrogel to form a cell-hydrogel mixture, the at least a portion of the plurality of magnetically labeled cells are manipulated with a magnetic field to arrange the magnetically labeled cells into a specific cellular arrangement, and the hydrogel is crosslinked to form the organized engineered cell tissue. The approach presented herein offers a means to circumvent the deficiencies in the field of regenerative medicine, and allows for the production of organized tissues in situ with specific cellular organizations that mimic the native tissue.

Abstract: Magnetic enrichment method, wherein the desired biological component is collected from a solution, which component is thereafter enriched in a liquid in such a manner that by means of the micro particles attached to the magnet or attached by means of at least one magnet at least one biological component is collected in a closed reactor vessel. Thereafter at least one biological component is enriched in such a manner that the desired component is released to the solution. The reactor unit is a closed vessel, wherein the prevailing conditions are controllable. The shape and the location of the magnet unit in the reactor unit are adjusted in a preferable manner to collect the desired biological component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell carrier (10) for receiving a biological sample. The carrier comprises a magnetic element (20) and a floor element (30) that forms a stable support (31) that can be displaced on a solid base surface in at least one direction. The invention also relates to a manipulation device for biological samples and to a method for manipulating biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods for performing pulsed field mobility shift assays in microfluidic devices. In particular the devices and methods of the invention utilize differences between electrophoretic mobilities (e.g., as between reactants and products, especially in non-fluorogenic reactions) in order to separate the species and thus analyze the reaction.

Abstract: The present application relates to activable nanoparticles which can be used in the health sector, in particular in human health, to disturb, alter or destroy target cells, tissues or organs. It more particularly relates to nanoparticles which can generate a significantly efficient therapeutic effect, when exposed to ionizing radiations. The inventive nanoparticle is a metallic nanoparticle having, as the largest size, a size comprised between about 80 and 105 nm, the metal having preferably an atomic number (Z) of at least 25. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a population of nanoparticles as defined previously, as well as to their uses.

Abstract: Systems and method for releasing a biological factor in a tissue or organ are disclosed. The system includes one or more nanoparticles distributed in the tissue or organ, the nanoparticles including the biological factor; and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field at a first frequency and to apply to the tissue or organ the magnetic field at the first frequency thereby causing at least some of the biological factor to be released from each of the nanoparticles into the tissue or organ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a latent neural stem cell population which is capable of activation by membrane depolarization of a neural cell population, isolation and culture of same, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a composition which comprises yeast cells treated with, or grown from yeast cells treated with electromagnetic waves in the range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz. Said composition may be used for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases or disorders. A method relating to the composition is also provided.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a living cell is disclosed. The method comprises, directing a pulsed optical field to at least one conductive nanoparticle present in the vicinity of the cell, so as to generate cavitations at or near the conductive nanoparticle at sufficient amount to effect at least one cell modification selected from the group consisting of cell-damage and cell-fusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic regulator of protein function, which regulator is a light-sensitive regulator. The present invention further provides a light-regulated polypeptide that includes a subject synthetic regulator. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated polypeptide. The present invention further provides methods of modulating protein function, involving use of light. The present invention further provides methods of identifying agents that modulate protein function.

Abstract: A biosensor capable of analyzing an object, such as antigen, antibody, DNA or RNA, through detection of magnetic field to thereby allow washout of unbound label molecules to be unnecessary, which biosensor is compact and available at low price, excelling in detection precision. Coils are arranged at an upper part and a lower part of a magnetic sensor using a hall element as a magnetic field detection element. An object and magnetic particles having an antibody capable of specific bonding with the object bound to the surface thereof are introduced in the magnetic sensor having a molecular receptor capable of specific bonding with the object attached to the surface thereof. Therefore, a change in magnetic field by magnetic particles bonded through the molecular receptor to the surface of the magnetic sensor is detected by means of the hall element.

Abstract: A method and device for growing plant, animal or stem cells in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A material comprising positively and negatively charged nanoparticles, wherein one of said nanoparticles contained a magnetically responsive element, are combined with a support molecule, which is a long natural or synthetic molecule or polymer to make a magnetic nanoparticle assembly. When the magnetic nanoparticle assembly is combined with cells, it will magnetize those cells. The magnetized cells can then be washed to remove the magnetic nanoparticle assembly and the magnetized cells manipulated in a magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for the manipulation of at least one cell, the method comprising the steps of depositing a metal onto the surface of a substrate, placing the at least one cell at or near the surface of the substrate, and irradiating the surface of the substrate with at least one laser pulse. The inventive method is characterized by the formation of surface structures with a size of one micrometer or less on the surface of the substrate prior to depositing the metal thereon. The invention is also directed to a system for the manipulation of at least one cell, the system comprising a substrate with surface structures having a size of 1 micrometer or less, wherein a metal is deposited on the surface structures, and wherein the system further comprises a laser for irradiating the surface structures.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus capable of selectively damaging and killing tumor cells includes a step of irradiating tumor cells with a UV pulse flash having continuous emission spectra ranging at least from 230 to 270 nm, outside a living body of a human or a living body of a non-human animal or in a living body of a non-human animal. The UV pulse flash may have an accumulated irradiation amount per unit area that is achieved at a distance of 8 cm from a light source having an integrated output of, for example, 90, 180-7100 or 14200 J.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of inducing spatial organization of cells an in vitro culture system using ultrasound technology. The invention is further directed to methods of inducing extracellular matrix remodeling and neovessel formation in an in vitro culture system and generating vascularized engineered tissue constructs using ultrasound technology.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for interfering with pathological cells survival processes, i.e. inducing directly or indirectly apoptosis, on living pathological cells, by using magnetic fields without adversely affecting normal cells. Static (S) and extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields are used having low intensity comprised between 1 and 100 mT, preferably comprised between 1 and 30 mT. In particular SELF fields are used which are different sequences of S and/or ELF fields, i.e. S fields followed by ELF fields, ELF fields followed by S fields, S and ELF field together, as well as the presence of S or ELF fields alone, said ELF fields having a field frequency comprised between 1 and 1000 Hz. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises means for generating static magnetic (S) fields crossing a working environment and/or means for generating electromagnetic extremely low frequency (ELF) fields over the working environment in addition to the S fields.

Abstract: A method and apparatus converts host cells of a first type into cells of a second type when the host cells are placed in intimate contact with donor cells of the second type. Under predetermined conditions there is transport of a sufficient number of mRNA molecules from the donor cells into the host cells to reprogram the host cells into the second type. The host and donor cells may be subjected to while in intimate contact to a transporting force that enables the mRNA molecules of the donor cells to penetrate an outer membrane wall of host cells without damaging the membrane wall. The transporting force may include an electric field, a magnetic field, or a combined electric field and magnetic field.