Abstract: Biocompatible materials that have the ability to release nitric oxide (NO) in situ at the surface-blood interface when in contact with blood. The materials which may be polymers (e.g., polyurethane, poly(vinyl chloride), silicone rubbers), metals, such as stainless steel, carbon, and the like are provided with biocatalysts or biomimetic catalysts on their surface that have nitrite, nitrate, and/or nitrosothiol-reducing capability. Illustratively, the catalysts are adsorbed or immobilized at the surface of the material. The catalysts can act on endogenous nitrite, nitrate, or nitrosothiols within the blood creating a local increase in the NO levels at the surface of the material. An illustrative enzymatic biocatalyst is mammalian xanthine oxidase. In another illustrative embodiment, a biomimetic catalyst is a copper (Cu(II)-ligand complex, e.g. dibenzo[e,k]-2,3,8,9-tetraphenyl-1,4,7,10-tetraaza-cyclododeca-1,3,7,9-tetraene. In some cases, lipophilic salts of nitrite/nitrate (e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for seeding an implantable medical device, such as a vascular prosthesis, with cells, such as endothelial cells, are described. The invention supports techniques for seeding a luminal surface of the device with axial centrifugation. Cells are introduced in suspension into the lumen of the device. The introduction of the cells may occur after a blood centrifugation product, such as platelet-poor plasma, is applied to the luminal surface. After the cells are introduced, the device is then subjected to centrifugation around a longitudinal axis defined by the lumen. Axial centrifugation causes the cells to concentrate toward and adhere to the luminal surface. Shortly after axial centrifugation, the seeded device can be presented for implantation in a patient. The implantable medical device may be inserted into a protective sleeve prior to seeding the device with cells, and the sleeve may or may not be removed prior to implantation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for seeding an implantable medical device, such as a vascular prosthesis, with cells, such as endothelial cells, are described. The invention supports techniques for seeding a luminal surface of the device with axial centrifugation. Cells are introduced in suspension into the lumen of the device. The introduction of the cells may occur after a blood centrifugation product, such as platelet-poor plasma, is applied to the luminal surface. After the cells are introduced, the device is then subjected to centrifugation around a longitudinal axis defined by the lumen. Axial centrifugation causes the cells to concentrate toward and adhere to the luminal surface. Shortly after axial centrifugation, the seeded device can be presented for implantation in a patient. The implantable medical device may be inserted into a protective sleeve prior to seeding the device with cells, and the sleeve may or may not be removed prior to implantation.

Abstract: A modified bioreactor support material having high surface area for removing a contaminant (16) from fluids can include a substrate (10) having a functionalized surface, The functionalized surface can have inorganic or organic non-living functional groups, such that the functional groups bind to or chemically alter the contaminant. A method for making a modified bioreactor support material can include activating a suitable substrate (10) and attaching a biologically-derived functional group carrier such as living microbes (18) or non-living materials (14) derived from living materials to the activated substrate (10).

Abstract: A degradable hydrogel and a method of making a degradable hydrogel is disclosed herein. The method comprises obtaining a hydrophilic polymer having at least two hydroxyl groups, reacting the hydrophilic polymer with a di-functional monomer comprised of an acid halide group and an alkyl halide group to form an intermediate having an ester bond and a terminal alkyl halide group, reacting the terminal alkyl halide group of the intermediate with a metallic salt of a vinyl acid monomer to form a macromonomer comprised of an ester, an alkyl group spacer, and a terminal vinyl group, and polymerizing the macromonomer to form a degradable hydrogel. A method is also disclosed for varying the degradation rate of the hydrogel as a function of the chemical composition of the alkyl group spacer in the terminal linkage of the macromonomer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating amino acid levels in a subject are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a cell-derived extracellular matrix scaffold, more particularly, to a method for fabricating a cell-derived extracellular matrix scaffold, the method comprising the steps of obtaining a chondrocyte/extracellular matrix (ECM) membrane from chondrocytes derived from animal cartilage, obtaining a pellet-type scaffold-free construct by culturing after centrifuging the obtained chondrocytes/extracellular matrix (ECM) membrane and freeze-drying the obtained pellet-type construct. The cell-derived ECM scaffold according to the invention is a porous scaffold fabricated using cartilage tissue engineered by culturing chondrocytes in an in vitro scaffold-free system, which is not reduced in size during the cultivation and thus useful for cartilage regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape memory materials and to a method for controlling shape change in shape memory materials. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a system for forming complex shapes from shape memory materials and to shape memory materials having complex shapes.

Abstract: This invention relates to phytases, polynucleotides encoding them, uses of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention, as well as the production and isolation of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. In particular, the invention provides polypeptides having phytase activity under high temperature conditions, and phytases that retain activity after exposure to high temperatures. The phytases of the invention can be thermotolerant and/or thermostable at low temperatures, in addition to higher temperatures. The phytases of the invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients. The phytases of the invention can be formulated as foods or feeds or supplements for either to, e.g., aid in the digestion of phytate. The foods or feeds of the invention can be in the form of pellets, liquids, powders and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conjugate that includes a nucleic acid ligand bound to a controlled release polymer system, a pharmaceutical composition that contains the conjugate, and methods of treatment using the conjugate. The controlled release polymer system includes an agent such as a therapeutic, diagnostic, prognostic, or prophylactic agent. The nucleic acid ligand that is bound to the controlled release polymer system, binds selectively to a target, such as a cell surface antigen, and thereby delivers the controlled release polymer system to the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of a composition comprising a block polymer as a support matrix in the manipulation, processing or analysis of particles, such as cells and fluorescent beads. In a preferred embodiment, the composition exhibits gel-sol thermoreversibility, micelle formation under gelling conditions, optically compatible, controllable surfactant properties, molecular sieving properties and biocompatibility. Further aspects of the invention provide (a) a support matrix composition comprising a block polymer, fluorescent beads and/or a dye for use in the manipulation, processing or analysis of particles, (b) a multichamber plate coated in a support matrix composition and (c) kits for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical implant material comprising mammalian transglutaminase and a polymer, wherein the transglutaminase is provided in the absence of free divalent metal ions and wherein the polymer is associated with the transglutaminase binding protein. Preferably, the transglutaminase is a tissue transglutaminase, which is coated on, impregnated into or covalently linked to the polymer. The polymer may be naturally occuring or synthetic, and may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. The medical implant material may further comprise a reinforcing agent and/or one or more additional polymers. The invention further provides the use of a mammalian transglutaminase in a method for improving the biocompatibility of a medical implant material, the method comprising the steps of (i) providing a medical implant material comprising a polymer associated with a binding protein for binding the transglutaminase, and (ii) treating said material with a mammalian transglutaminase.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanopatterned biopolymer optical device includes providing a biopolymer, processing the biopolymer to yield a biopolymer matrix solution, providing a substrate with a nanopatterned surface, casting the biopolymer matrix solution on the nanopatterned surface of the substrate, and drying the biopolymer matrix solution to form a solidified biopolymer film on the substrate, where the solidified biopolymer film is formed with a surface having a nanopattern thereon. In another embodiment, the method also includes annealing the solidified biopolymer film. A nanopatterned biopolymer optical device includes a solidified biopolymer film with a surface having a nanopattern is also provided.

Abstract: A method for automatically estimating a measure of a nodule includes providing sliced image volume data comprising at least one marked position of the nodule, extracting a sub-volume from the sliced image volume data that includes the marked position, performing a figure-ground separation to determine a solid foreground of the sub-volume and a non-solid foreground of the sub-volume, determining a seed point corresponding to the nodule from each of the solid foreground and the non-solid foreground, selecting one of the seed point of the solid foreground or the seed point of the non-solid foreground, determining whether the selected seed point is solitary or non-solitary and performing region growing for non-solitary selected seed point, determining a segmentation of the selected seed point, estimating the measure of the nodule corresponding to the segmentation, and outputting the segmentation and an estimate of the measure of the nodule.

Abstract: Provided are a nitrite-type nitrification carrier and a method for producing the same and a method and an apparatus for removing nitrogen using the same, in which the quantity of organic matter to be added can be substantially reduced to reduce running cost. A method for producing a nitrite-type nitrification carrier in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for nitrifying ammonium to nitrite is preferentially accumulated comprises the steps of: entrapping and immobilizing any sludge selected from sediment from a lake, a river or the sea, soil from the surface of the earth, or activated sludge from a sewage-treatment plant into a monomer or a prepolymer for immobilizing microorganisms; and then subjecting the entrapped and immobilized sludge to heat treatment at 30 to 80° C.

Abstract: Dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials, methods for making dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials, and devices that include dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials. The dual-functional surfaces are nonfouling surfaces that resist non-specific protein adsorption and cell adhesion. The dual-functional surfaces and materials include covalently coupled biomolecules (e.g., target binding partners) that impart specific biological activity thereto. The surfaces and materials are useful in medical diagnostics, biomaterials and bioprocessing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for immobilizing cells under laminar flow conditions in a matrix formed by biocompatible charged polymers, to a flow device for the use with the method of the present invention, and to uses of the polymer matrices containing the cells immobilized using the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel substrate for use in growing cells and for the study of mechanobiology. The membrane of the present invention comprises appropriate microtopography and surface chemical modifications to facilitate the production of adherent and oriented cells that phenotypically resemble cells in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitation of glycated protein in a biological sample using a solid support matrix by making a first bound protein measurement total bound protein under conditions where both glycated and non-glycated protein bind to the support in making a second bound protein measurement under conditions where glycated protein is bound to the support and non-glycated protein is not substantially bound. Diagnostic devices and kits comprising the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A composition of enzyme, polymer, and crosslinker forms a network of covalently bound macromolecules. The covalently immobilized enzyme preparation has enzymatic activity, and retains stable activity when dried and stored at ambient conditions. Methods for preparing an immobilized enzyme and methods for using the enzyme are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a cell culture substrate to which cells adhere in a finely processed pattern while retaining the pattern for a long period of time to culture the cells and a production apparatus used in the production method. The method includes: forming a patterning substrate by forming: on a base material, a light shielding portion, and a cell adhesive layer having adhesion to a cell and containing a cell adhesive material which is decomposed or denatured by an action of a photocatalyst upon energy irradiation so as to cover the light shielding portion; an energy irradiating process of irradiating energy to the patterning substrate from the base material side to form a pattern; and a cell adhesion process of making the cell adhere to the cell adhesion portion in a cell culture medium containing the cell and a culture medium.

Abstract: An immobilized protein catalyst is prepared by applying an adhesive to a polymeric support, applying a layer of a globular protein over the layer of adhesive, binding a crosslinking agent to the protein layer, and binding the protein catalyst by reaction with the crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells to increase the number of the hemopoietic stem cells is provided. The method comprising: (a) establishing a stromal cell culture in a stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor under continuous flow on a substrate in the form of a sheet, the substrate including a non-woven fibrous matrix forming a physiologically acceptable three-dimensional network of fibers, thereby expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells; and (b) when a desired stromal cell density has been achieved, collecting medium from the stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor, thereby obtaining the stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding the undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: The invention features grafted polymer systems for use in medical devices and/or for the delivery of active agents. The grafted polymers include at least one transport moiety, a linear backbone segment, and a pendant segment.

Abstract: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.

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: The disclosed matter relates to immobilized enzymes and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of an interfacial enzyme immobilized on an insoluble support, by providing a bi-phase system comprised of an aqueous buffer solution and at least one first organic solvent; mixing said interfacial enzyme with the bi-phase system provided; adding the support to the obtained mixture and mixing; and isolating from the mixture obtained in the last step the interfacial enzyme immobilized on said support. The produced enzyme is locked in its catalytically active confirmation, and thus exhibits improved activity and stability. Also disclosed are uses of the produced enzymes, particularly in the preparation of biodiesel.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the regeneration of structured human tissue has a pair of opposed surfaces comprising a bio material or a synthetic polymer material. Each surface carries an active bio layer which can interact with stem cells from bone marrow. The opposed surfaces can be moved from an open position where they are spaced apart to a closed position in which they are closer together to form a multi-layer or sandwich construction.

Abstract: Fetal blood multi-lineage progenitor cells that are capable of a wide spectrum of transdifferentiation are described.

Abstract: Methods, processes and materials for the production and recovery of Tiacumicins produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the species Dactylosporangium aurantiacum subspecies hamdenensis having the ability to produce and accumulate one or more Tiacumicin in a nutrient medium comprising a carbon source, a nitrogen source, trace elements such as inorganic salts, and an adsorbent, wherein said nitrogen source comprises fish powder, and wherein said Tiacumicin is produced in a yield greater than about 50 mg/L broth.

Abstract: Provided are a nitrite-type nitrification carrier and a method for producing the same and a method and an apparatus for removing nitrogen using the same, in which the quantity of organic matter to be added can be substantially reduced to reduce running cost. A method for producing a nitrite-type nitrification carrier in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for nitrifying ammonium to nitrite is preferentially accumulated comprises the steps of: entrapping and immobilizing any sludge selected from sediment from a lake, a river or the sea, soil from the surface of the earth, or activated sludge from a sewage-treatment plant into a monomer or a prepolymer for immobilizing microorganisms; and then subjecting the entrapped and immobilized sludge to heat treatment at 30 to 80° C.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a process for protection of enzymatic biocatalysts, constituted by a primary support, wrapped by a secondary matrix. More particularly, the invention is embodied as a bioreactor with a configuration that preserves the physical integrity and catalytic activity of the biocatalyst after long runs, and at the same time allows an easy separation of the protected biocatalyst from the solid, precipitated during the reaction course. Still more particularly, the invention refers to the use of the bioreactor herein described for the enzymatic synthesis of ?-lactam antibiotics, including the insoluble enzymatic catalysts, which have a primary matrix for immobilization involved by a secondary matrix, which is able to preserve 100% of the catalyst physical integrity and approximately 100% of its catalytic activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are bioanodes comprising a quaternary ammonium treated Nafion® polymer membrane and a dehydrogenase incorporated within the treated Nafion® polymer. The dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of an organic fuel and reduces an adenine dinucleotide. The ion conducting polymer membrane lies juxtaposed to a polymethylene green redox polymer membrane, which serves to electro-oxidize the reduced adenine dinucleotide. The bioanode is used in a fuel cell to produce high power densities.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system and membrane and method thereof for increased accuracy and effective life of electrochemical and enzyme sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to activated polymer substrates capable of binding functional biological molecules, to polymer substrates comprising bound and functional biological molecules, to devices comprising such substrates and to methods of producing them.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a self decontaminating coating and method. The coating comprises a polyurethane component having a solids content in the range of about 10 weight percent to about 100 weight percent and having at least one volume percent free space, a chemical active, and a biological active. In another disclosed embodiment, a method of reducing the transportation of chemical contaminants and biological contaminants is provided comprising the steps of providing a self decontaminating coating comprising a polyurethane component having a polyurethane component having a solids content in the range of about 10 weight percent to about 100 weight percent and having at least one volume percent free space, a chemical active, and a biological active, and applying the coating to a surface of an aircraft, rotorcraft, vehicle, item of equipment, or architectural structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a systematic process for the creation of functionally organized, spatially patterned assemblies polymer-microparticle composites including the AC electric field-mediated assembly of patterned, self supporting organic (polymeric) films and organic (polymeric)-microparticle composite films of tailored composition and morphology; the present invention further relates to the incorporation of said assemblies into other structures. The present invention also relates to the application of such functional assemblies in materials science and biology. Additional areas of application include sensors, catalysts, membranes, micro-reactors, smart materials. Miniaturized format for generation of multifunctional thin films. Provides a simple set-up to synthesize thin films of tailored composition and morphology.

Abstract: The invention relates to porous matrices based on a biologically compatible polymer or polymer mixture, to a cell implantation that is established on said matrices and to additional cell implantation based on cell mixtures of hepatocytes and islets of Langerhans. The invention also relates to a method for producing porous matrices, to matrices obtained according to said method and to a special method for obtaining cells for the inoculation of an implantable matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to high stability, high activity biocatalytic materials and processes for using the same. The materials comprise enzyme aggregate coatings having high biocatalytic activity and stability useful in heterogeneous environment. These new materials provide a new biocatalytic immobilized enzyme system with applications in bioconversion, bioremediation, biosensors, and biofuel cells.

Abstract: A process for preparing high stability, high activity biocatalytic materials is disclosed and processes for using the same. The process involves coating of a material or fiber with enzymes and enzyme aggregate providing a material or fiber with high biocatalytic activity and stability useful in heterogeneous environments. In one illustrative approach, enzyme “seeds” are covalently attached to polymer nanofibers followed by treatment with a reagent that crosslinks additional enzyme molecules to the seed enzymes forming enzyme aggregates thereby improving biocatalytic activity due to increased enzyme loading and enzyme stability. This approach creates a useful new biocatalytic immobilized enzyme system with potential applications in bioconversion, bioremediation, biosensors, and biofuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion composition. The non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion composition includes a water-soluble polymer, a non-amphiphilic lyotropic mesogen encapsulated by the water-soluble polymer; and water. In one embodiment, the non-amphiphilic lyotropic mesogen includes, without limitation, a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal, and more specifically disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). In another embodiment, the water-soluble polymer can include, without limitation, a polyacrylamide, a polyol, a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a polysaccharide, or a water-soluble fluoride-bearing polymer. The present invention also relates to a porous hydrogel made with the use of the non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion. The present invention further relates to using the emulsion and hydrogel for various applications.

Abstract: The present application discloses a composite membrane comprising (a) a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and (b) a cross-linked copolymer comprising (i) a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer and/or (ii) a zwitterionic monomer, which cross-linked copolymer fills the pores of the support member, the cross-linked copolymer having a permeability for a fluid that is dependent on the polarity of the fluid, wherein the permeability increases with increasing polarity. The present application also discloses a process for the preparation of the composite membrane, a pervaporation apparatus comprising the composite membrane, and methods for the use of the composite material in separation and dehydration processes.

Abstract: A device and method for tissue engineering is disclosed. More particularly this invention relates to a bioabsorbable device and a method of its use which promotes controlled new tissue in-growth into voids or cavities occupied by the device as portions of the device are selectively absorbed within a host thereby minimizing collapse of surrounding, pre-existing host tissue into the engineered site.

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of Formula 1: [(O3/2)Si CH2CH2SX]a [Si(O4/2)]b[Si(O3/2V)]C wherein X is selected from CH2A,[CH2CH2NR1]pR2, CHCOX1CH2COX2,(CH2)eCO Y[(CH2)eSCH2CH2Si(O3/2)]m[CO2(CH2)eSH]n wherein A is the residue of an amino acid or derivative or salt of an amino acid of formula CHNR1R2COX3; R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-20alkyl, and C1-20alkylaryl C1-12acyl R is selected from hydrogen, metal ion, C1-5alkyl, P is 1 to 100 and e is 1 or 2; X1 and X2 are independently selected from OR and NR1R2; X3 is selected from OR, NR1R2 or known amino acids and proteins or derivatives thereof; and Y is the residue of polyol having z or fewer hydroxyl groups substituted and m+n+1 is less than or equal to z; the free valences of the silicate oxygen atoms are saturated by one or more of silicon atoms of other groups of Formula 1, hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-12-alkyl group or by end groups R33M1O1/2 or by cross-linking bridge members or by polymer chains R3qM1(OR4)gOk/2 or AI

Abstract: A product exhibiting an improved cell growth surface and cell attachment. According to the present invention, a stream of plasma is comprised of activated gaseous species generated by a microwave source. This stream is directed at the surface of a polymer substrate in a controlled fashion such that the surface is imparted with attributes for cell adhesion far superior to that of untreated polymer or polymer treated by other methods.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: Assay supports, such as microarrays and similar devices, and methods of use and manufacture thereof, are described. The assay support is capable of assaying binding and/or activity of a bioactive entity, such as a bioactive molecule or a cell. Analytical and diagnostic uses of the supports are also described.

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: The method comprises chemical modification of an optionally metallized polymer surface, for example a polycarbonate surface or a polymethacryllate surface functionalized with amino groups, said surfaces being optionally metallized, by treating said polymer surface with a mercaptoalkanoic acid or the salts or derivates thereof. The surfaces obtained by said method may be used as solid supports for immobilizing biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins or membranes.