Abstract: The present invention relates to the display of bioactive molecules at the surface of spores for both in vitro and in vivo applications. Three small open reading frames (ORFs) have been identified which are very useful for display of bioactive molecules at the spore surface. The encoded small proteins have a molecular weight of less than 12 kDa, which corresponds to about less than 100 amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-assembling membranes. In particular, the present invention provides self-assembling membranes configured for securing and/or delivering bioactive agents. In some embodiments, the self-assembling membranes are used in the treatment of diseases, and related methods (e.g., diagnostic methods, research methods, drug screening).

Abstract: A method that modifies surface properties of a substrate by manipulating the immobilized biomolecules in mild biological condition. The manipulation comprised steps of: providing a biomolecule combined with at least one ssDNA combined with a first protein through an affinity binding tag; adding a second ssDNA conjugated with a second protein with a concentration greater than that of the first protein; and replacing the first protein on the ssDNA with the second protein through chemical competitive principle. The invention may comprise the steps with proper design of biotinylated DNA probes, the functionalized ssDNA nanotemplates can be recovered to its unbound state through a thermodynamic principle.

Abstract: An integrated optimization and control technique performs process control and optimization using stochastic optimization similar to the manner in which biological immune systems work, and thus without the use of historical process models that must be created prior to placing the control and optimization routine in operation within a plant. An integrated optimization and control technique collects various indications of process control states during the on-line operation of the process, and attempts to optimize the process operation by developing a series of sets of process control inputs to be provided to the process, wherein the control inputs may be developed from the stored process control states using an objective function that defines a particular optimality criteria to be used in optimizing the operation of the process.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition for controlled-release of polypeptide growth factors useful in tissue repair or engineering. The composition include a polypeptide growth factor covalently cross-linked to a biocompatible substrate by a transgultaminase. The cross-linking tethers the growth factor to a substrate so that it will not diffuse away from the desired site of application. It also concomitantly inactivates the growth factor. Release and reactivation of the growth factor can be achieved by endogenously produced metalloproteinase (MMPs) or exogenously provided proteases such as collagenases.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to compositions, methods, and systems for performing single-molecule, real-time analysis of a variety of different biological reactions. The ability to analyze such reactions provides an opportunity to study those reactions as well as to potentially identify factors and/or approaches for impacting such reactions, e.g., to either enhance or inhibit such reactions. In certain preferred embodiments, RNA templates are used in single-molecule real-time sequencing reactions.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide functionalized nanoparticles and methods of use thereof. Certain embodiments provide nanoparticles functionalized with streptokinase. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods for treating a pathological fibrin associated disorder (e.g., cancer) in an animal.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes feeding animals with probiotic microbes encapsulated in a mixture of xanthan gum and chitosan, or in gelatin, specifically Pediococcus acidilactici and Saccharomyces boulardii. Such encapsulation protects the viability of the probiotic microbes against unfavorable temperatures. An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes methods of using viable probiotics in therapy of birds and mammals infected with infectious diseases. Probiotics acted as adjuvants in stimulating antibody reaction and stimulated a cellular immunity response. In particular, probiotics were shown to reduce the number of viable oocytes from fecal samples, stimulate antibody production, and stimulate of proliferation of splenocytes in chickens infected with Eimeria. In addition, probiotics were shown to relieve symptoms of parvovirus infection in dogs.

Abstract: In one form, a mutant fructosyl amino acid oxidase modified at an amino acid residue involved in a proton relay system is provided. The mutant fructosyl amino acid oxidase has reduced oxidase activity while substantially maintaining its dehydrogenase activity. Other forms include an assay device and assay method for measuring glycated protein. Still, other forms include unique methods, techniques, systems and devices involving a mutant fructosyl amino acid oxidase.

Abstract: A heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) is provided having a hydrolytically degradable linkage, a first terminus comprising an acrylate group, and a second terminus comprising a target such as a protein or pharmaceutical agent or a reactive moiety capable of coupling to a target. Hydrogels can be prepared. The hydrogels can be used as a carrier for a protein or a pharmaceutical agent that can be readily released in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: A method of reacting a first chemical entity and a second chemical entity to form a conjugate in which the first and second chemical entities are covalently bound with respect to each other, comprises bringing into simultaneous contact the first chemical entity, the second chemical entity and a thiol generator, wherein the thiol generator reacts with the first chemical entity in a thiolation reaction resulting in formation of a free sulfhydryl group on the first chemical entity, and the free sulfhydryl group reacts with the second chemical entity to form the conjugate, and wherein the second chemical entity is polyvalent with respect to its reactivity with sulfhydryl groups. The present invention primarily differs from the prior art in that no separation step is involved between reaction of the thiol generator and first chemical entity and reaction with the second chemical entity. The invention also provides a conjugation kit.

Abstract: The invention discloses a carrier made from an organic foam having open pores for enzymes or cells immobilization and the methods for preparing immobilized enzymes or cells. The invention uses flocculation and crosslinking technology to immobilize enzyme protein or cells on the organic foam material having open pores. The resultant immobilized products have larger specific surface area, higher specific activity and can be made into various shapes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to enzyme preparations which are obtainable by providing enzyme immobilizates which comprise enzymes or microorganisms comprising enzymes immobilized on an inert support with a polyethersilicone coating obtained by hydrosilylation, to a process for preparing such enzyme preparations and to the use of enzyme preparations as an industrial biocatalyst.

Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly concerned with the crafting and manufacturability of an implantable enzymatic-based sensor characterized by a small size, optimum geometry, linearity of response over the concentration range of interest, extended shelf-life, selectivity for the analyte in question, and the ability to exclude bioactive interferents. More particularly, it is preferably concerned with a general approach to optimize the performance of the biorecognition elements required to produce biosensors of the type designed to provide, and in conjunction with a suitable signal processing unit, a current which is proportional to the concentration of the analyte of interest. The biosensors described herein may be implanted in vivo, including intra-cerebral, sub-cutaneous, intra-muscular, inter-peritoneal oral, serum, and vascular implantation, the majority of which may act as a surrogate for systemic monitoring and used to monitor analytes of interest in real-time.

Abstract: A method, system, and kit are provided for diagnosing L. intracellularis infection or exposure in a subject. The method includes purifying whole L. intracellularis from host cells and host debris produced in or on a suitable medium and adhering the purified whole L. intracellularis on a suitable material to form an antigen substrate for determining whether a subject produces L. intracellularis-specific antibodies against the antigen to thereby indicate L. intracellularis exposure or infection in the subject. The kit includes purified whole L. intracellularis produced from host cells and host debris adhered to a suitable material to form an antigen substrate adapted for screening serum from a subject. A method for diagnosing L. intracellularis exposure or infection in a subject includes acquiring a serum sample from a subject, introducing the serum sample to an antigen substrate followed by detecting a presence of L. intracellularis-specific antibodies in the serum.

Abstract: Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation on the three-dimensional structure of Candida anrtarctica lipase B revealed two hitherto unknown lids with a marked mobility, and this discovery was used to design lipolytic enzyme variants with increased lipolytic enzyme activity.

Abstract: Functionalized substrate materials, for example inorganic particles and/or synthetic polymeric particles, are used to enhance bioprocesses such as saccharification and fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of the presence of PV-neutralizing antibodies in a sample, comprising a) contacting said sample with infectious PV particles comprising a reporter gene, wherein the gene product of said reporter gene is secreted into the growth medium, b) contacting the PV particles from a) with host cells, and c) determining PV-neutralizing antibodies based on the amount of gene product from said reporter gene, wherein, preferably, a lower amount of said gene product as compared to a reference amount is indicative of the presence of PV-neutralizing antibodies. It further relates to a host cell strongly adhering to multi-cluster plates for use in a method for diagnosing anti-PV immunity comprising the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for separating CO2 from gas mixtures uses a slurried media impregnated with buffer compounds and coating the solid media with a catalyst or enzyme that promotes the transformation of CO2 to carbonic acid. Buffer sorbent pebbles with a catalyst or enzyme coating are provided for rapid separation of CO2 from gas mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioartificial devices and systems that mimic kidney or nephron function and methods of making them.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoresponsive nanoparticle useful for the stabilization of enzymes in environments having a temperature greater than thirty degrees Centigrade. The thermoresponsive nanoparticle has (a) a functionalized enzyme conjugate having one or more enzymes or biological catalysts, the enzymes or biological catalysts are modified with palmitic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester and acrylic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, and (b) a thermally responsive polymer, wherein the functionalized enzyme conjugate is encapsulated within the thermally responsive polymer. A nanocatalyst is provided that has one or more proteins. The proteins are covalently immobilized and encapsulated within a thermally responsive polymer shell. The proteins are one or more enzymes or biological catalysts. A method for protecting the proteins is also set forth.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of the healing agent in cement-based materials and structures, wherein said healing agent comprises organic compounds and/or bacteria-loaded porous particles, which porous particles comprise expanded clay- or sintered fly-ash. Furthermore, said porous particles are intact spheres, broken or crushed particles derived from said intact spheres, having a specific density between 0.4 and 2 g cm?3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture medium formulation that supports the in vitro cultivation, particularly in suspension, of mammalian cells, particularly epithelial cells and fibroblast cells, and methods for cultivating mammalian cells in suspension in vitro using these media. The media comprise a basal medium and a polyanionic or polyanionic compound, preferably a polysulfonated or polysulfated compound, and more preferably dextran sulfate. The present invention also provides chemically defined, protein-free eukaryotic cell culture media comprising an iron chelate and zinc, which is capable of supporting the growth (and particularly the high-density growth of mammalian cells) in suspension culture, increasing the level of expression of recombinant protein in cultured cells, and/or increasing virus production in cultured cells.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for determining insulin resistance and/or pancreatic ?-cell dysfunction in a subject. The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating a subject according to the insulin resistance and/or pancreatic ?-cell dysfunction in the subject.

Abstract: An artificial tissue capable of carrying necessary nutrients for maintaining activities of cells and tissues, and method of manufacturing artificial blood vessel. A plurality of forms of blood vessels are extracted from an image of living tissue and made into blood vessel form image. Each of the blood vessel forms of the blood vessel form image is adjusted and a blood vessel formation pattern is formed. A blood vessel cell culturing pattern of forming is formed, in a cell culturing layer. The blood vessel cell culturing pattern includes: a cell adhesion portion having adhesive properties with blood vessel cell and formed to the blood vessel formation pattern; and a cell adhesion-inhibiting portion having cell adhesion-inhibiting properties for inhibiting adhesion with a blood vessel cell and formed in an area other than the cell adhesion portion. A blood vessel cell is adhered to the cell adhesion portion, and cultured into tissue.

Abstract: Molds for making cell aggregation devices include upper and lower surfaces. Methods of aggregating cells include depositing cells on in a seeding chamber, incubating the cells and removing aggregated cells. Devices for encapsulating aggregates of cells include biocompatible, bio-sustainable substrates compartments and a coating of a biocompatible, bio-sustainable polymer that completely surrounds the substrate and cell-encapsulating compartments.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant Csy4 endoribonucleases, nucleic acids encoding the variant Csy4 endoribonucleases, and host cells genetically modified with the nucleic acids. The variant Csy4 endoribonucleases find use in a variety of applications, which are also provided. The present disclosure also provides methods of detecting a specific sequence in a target polyribonucleotide; and methods of regulating production of a target RNA in a eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: A composition of matter for use in an immunoassay devices and method comprising a signal antibody, e.g., FAB fragment, covalently linked to a first nucleotide; and one or more signal elements, e.g., signal enzymes such as ALP or fluorescent dyes, each covalently linked to a second nucleotide, wherein the first nucleotide has one or more repeated sequences, and the second nucleotide is bound to one of the one or more repeated sequences on said first nucleotide, and wherein the ratio of the signal antibody to the signal element is controlled by the number of repeated sequences.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inducing desired activity in enzymes or microorganisms capable of producing the enzymes. The invention is further directed to methods of stabilizing activity in microorganisms. In specific embodiments, the invention provides methods for inducing and stabilizing nitrile hydratase activity, amidase activity, and asparaginase I activity. The invention further provides compositions comprising enzymes or microorganisms having induced and/or stabilized activity.

Abstract: Provided is a bacterium-based microrobot, wherein bacteria are attached to a part of a surface of a microstructure including at least one or more magnetic particle, for actuating a bacterium-based microrobot more effectively.

Abstract: A biological composite and method for reducing H2S are disclosed. The biological composite for reducing H2S includes a carrier and Thermus sp. immobilized on the carrier. Therefore, if a sample containing H2S has contact with Thermus sp. or the carrier with Thermus sp. immobilized thereon, the amount of H2S can be reduced.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a fungus of the Conidiobolus species bearing accession number MTCC 5185. The invention further relates to the process for preparing an enzyme mix of proteases, carbohydrases, and lipases for the Conidiobolus species. Such enzymes find use in the leather, silk and other industries.

Abstract: A chemical composite useful for preparing a bioelectronic device includes a biologically active compound, such as an enzyme, that is bound directly or indirectly to a polyelectrolyte, which can be reversibly coupled to a chemically treated electrically conductive substrate by electrostatic forces to provide biomimetic sensors, catalyst systems, and other devices having an electrode that can be regenerated and reused. Required or desired cofactors, mediators or the like may be incorporated into the devices, typically by bonding them to the treated substrate and/or the polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marking system for marking objects wherein said system comprises a microparticle comprising a cross-linked polymer and a marker component wherein the release of said marker component is triggered by contact of the microparticle with an external stimulus and wherein said polymer is a carbohydrate or a protein.

Abstract: Process wherein the fatty acid residues on a glyceride moiety are randomised over the terminal and middle positions, wherein the process proceeds to a conversion degree on the terminal positions, Re, ranging from 0.3 to 0.95, and wherein a conversion degree on the middle position, Ra, ranges from 0.06 to 0.75, and wherein Ra is greater than 0.32Re-0.08, the process comprises the exposure of a triglyceride fat to a catalyst comprising a lipase wherein the lipase is a Thermomyces lanuginosa lipase which has an activity of at least 250 IUN corresponding to 22 g/(g*h) at the onset of the process.

Abstract: A biological material fixed region enclosing tip, a biological material fixed region treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. The biological material fixed region enclosing tip comprises: a tip form vessel having an installation opening part that is installable to a nozzle that performs suction and discharge of gas, and an opening through which inflow and outflow of fluid is possible by means of the suction and discharge of gas; a fixing region provided in the tip form vessel, in which a predetermined biological material is fixed or fixable in a plurality of different positions that are determined beforehand that are distinguishable from the exterior; and an enclosing section that encloses the fixing region within the tip form vessel such that the fixing region is able to make contact in an immovable state with the fluid that has flown into the tip form vessel from the opening.

Abstract: A fungal strain Beauveria species bearing accession number MTCC 5184 is disclosed. The process for the preparation of an enzyme mix including at least one enzyme selected from, but not limited to protease, carbohydrase, and lipase from the disclosed Beauveria species and uses of the enzyme mix in various areas also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of microfluidic devices and methods for conducting assays and syntheses. The devices include a solid substrate layer having a surface that is capable of attaching ligand and or anti-ligand, and an elastomeric layer attached to said surface. Preferred embodiments have deflectable membrane valves and pumps, for example, rotary pumps associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for detecting a target nucleotide sequence in a sample. In particular, the methods and compositions of the present invention employ a reporter enzyme tethered to a solid support via a tether nucleotide sequence. A disclosed method for detecting a target nucleotide sequence comprises providing a linker nucleotide sequence comprising a probe sequence that can hybridize to the target sequence and a trigger which can hybridize to the tether nucleotide sequence when the probe sequence binds to the target. The linker nucleotide can have a stem-loop structure. When the trigger hybridizes to the tether nucleotide sequence, the tether is able to be digested by a nuclease, releasing the reporter enzyme from the solid support. The activity of the released reporter enzyme on a spatially or temporally separated substrate generates a detectable signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems (e.g., computer systems and computer program products) for characterizing cellular constituents, particularly genes and gene products. In particular, the invention provides methods for assigning or determining the biological function of uncharacterized genes and gene products by using “response profiles,” i.e., measurements of pluralities of cellular constituents in cells having a modified gene or gene product, as phenotypic markers for the gene or gene product. Methods are provided for clustering such response profiles so that similar or correlated response profiles are organized into the same cluster. The invention also provides databases or “compendiums” of response profiles to which the response profile of an uncharacterized gene or gene product can compared.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve system is disclosed that includes a matrix, a hydrophilic acceptor region a hydrophilic transfer region, and a hydrophobic gap between the acceptor region and the transfer region.

Abstract: A biodegradable material, capable of carrying a bioactive agent, comprising a polymer matrix and an enzyme capable of degrading the polymer matrix to enable the release of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with at least one fluid transporting structure located in the top and bottom surfaces situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. A wide variety of shapes of fibers and other materials can be produced from this system through the use of polymerizable material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for patterning biological and non-biological material at specific sites on a plate, as well as growing three dimensional structures. Preferred embodiments comprise a plate with regions that will trap gas, usually in the form of bubbles, when the plate is submerged in liquid. Other embodiment of the present invention include a method for placing materials on the plate at pre-determined locations through the use of trapped gas to prevent materials from collecting at unwanted regions. The plate has great utility for plating cells and tissues at specific sites, such as on an array. The disclosed method can also be used to coat the surface of a plate with coatings at specific locations for patterned coating applications and to build up materials to produce three dimensional structures, including micro-mechanical structures—where the structures may be formed from living or non-living material, tissue or non-tissue, organic or inorganic, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analyte detection system for detecting a target analyte in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a detection system capable of one-step amplification of the detection signal by incorporating a secondary flow path that can deliver reagents to a reaction zone. Methods of using the detection system to detect analytes in samples, particularly biological samples, and kits comprising the detection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a useful substance by supplying, to a fixed-bed reactor packed with an immobilized enzyme, a liquid mixture containing two liquid phases, in which the two liquid phases are allowed to flow in an identical, parallel direction, which method employs a fixed-bed reactor equipped with an insertion unit or tubes, so as to form a plurality of lumens in the fixed-bed reactor, each lumen having a cross section of a circular shape with a diameter of 100 mm or less or having a polygonal shape with a diagonal line of 100 mm or less, wherein the lumens are packed with an immobilized enzyme and the liquid mixture is supplied. In a reaction performed by passing a reaction mixture exhibiting two liquid phases through a fixed-bed reactor equipped with an immobilized enzyme, overall flow of the reaction liquid is made uniform.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits diagnosing, monitoring, and otherwise characterizing a myopathy and for detecting the presence of autoantibodies in a biological sample.

Abstract: A method of binding bacteriophage to particles. The method comprising the steps of exposing the particles to an electrical discharge and then mixing the activated particles with the bacteriophage. The bacteriophage are then bound to the particles.

Abstract: A subject of the present invention is mutated hyperthermophilic phosphotriesterases (PTEs) possessing a lactonase activity, and their uses as bioscavengers within the context of the decontamination of the surfaces of materials, of the skin or mucous membranes, contaminated with organophosphorus compounds, or within the context of the preparation of medicaments which can be used within the context of the prevention or treatment of an external contamination or of an internal poisoning by ingestion or inhalation by organophosphorus compounds, or within the context of the pollution control of water polluted with organophosphorus compounds.