Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carbon nanotube includes: a mist generating step of generating a mist including a catalyst particle and a liquid carbon source; and a growing step of growing a carbon nanotube from the catalyst particle by heating the mist.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods directed to carbonation of a cement mix during mixing. The carbonation may be in a stationary mixer or a transportable mixer, such as a drum of a ready-mix truck.

Abstract: A method for preparing carbon nanotubes, nanofibres or nanofilaments by decomposition of at least one carbon precursor in the presence of a catalyst, in which method continuously:—a first gas stream comprising a precursor of a catalyst is brought into contact with a porous substrate (43);—a second gas stream comprising at least one carbon precursor is brought into contact with said porous substrate (43);—said porous substrate (43) is heated to a temperature leading to the deposition of catalyst particles and to the catalytic growth of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A blood pH measurement device comprises a tube through which blood or other ion-containing fluid flows, at least one dry reference electrode, a proton diffusion differentiator, an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor, and a pH meter. The tube can comprise an annular wall with an entry, an exit, and a sensor floor. The dry reference electrode is preferably located within the tube between the entry and the exit and opposite the sensor floor. It is also contemplated that the dry reference electrode is surrounded by a membrane and is, at least partially, associated with the interior surface of the annular wall. The contemplated invention can also include a proton diffusion differentiator, such as an electrolyte separation layer, connecting the external surface of the sensor floor to an ion-selective field effect transistor (ISFET), wherein the ISFET measures the ion concentration of the blood.

Abstract: A polymer compound is provided which is changed from a water-insoluble state to a water-soluble state by irradiation with light. The polymer compound is represented by Formula (5), where A and B are a single bond or a functional group, R3, R4, and R9 are hydrogen or an alkyl group, and R6 and R7 are hydrogen, an alkyl group, or the like.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a microcapsule for selective catalysis of gases, the microcapsule comprising: a polymeric shell permeable to one or more target gases; and at least one biocatalyst disposed in an interior of the polymeric shell. In more embodiments, methods of forming such microcapsules include: emulsifying at least one biocatalyst in a polymer precursor mixture; emulsifying the polymer precursor mixture in an aqueous carrier solution; crosslinking one or more polymer precursors of the polymer precursor mixture to form a plurality of microcapsules each independently comprising: a polymeric shell permeable to one or more target gases; and at least one biocatalyst disposed in an interior of the polymeric shell. In further embodiments, corresponding methods of using the inventive microcapsules for catalyzing one or more target gases using include: exposing a plurality of the biocatalytic microcapsules to the one or more target gases.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for the manufacture of pigmented solids structures for which can be used for construction and/or decoration. Manufacturing comprises fixing one or more pigments to an aggregate material such as crushed rock, stone or sand. The pigmented aggregate is incubated with urease or urease producing microorganisms, an amount of a nitrogen source such as urea, and an amount of calcium source such as calcium chloride forming calcite bridges between particles of aggregate. The resulting solid has a hardness and colorfastness for most any construction material. Using selected aggregate and pigment, the process also provides for the manufacture of simulated-stone materials such as clay or granite bricks or blocks, marble counter-tops, and more. The invention is also directed to composition containing microorganisms and pigment as kits that can be added to most any aggregate materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an enzyme-immobilized porous membrane and a preparation method of antibiotics using the same, and more specifically, to an enzyme-immobilized porous membrane prepared by immobilizing a specific enzyme through dead-end filtration, and a preparation method of antibiotics with a high yield using the enzyme-immobilized porous membrane. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the enzyme capable of promoting the synthesis reaction of the antibiotic substance is able to be stably immobilized in the porous membrane by passing the solution of enzyme through the membrane. In addition, it is possible to provide antibiotics with a high yield by preparing the antibiotics by passing the reactant solution through the enzyme-immobilized porous membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laundry sheet wherein one or more component selected from a group consisting of a builder, an enzyme, a bleaching agent and a bleach activator is contained as a granule in a laundry film prepared using a laundry detergent component and a film-forming water-soluble polymer. The laundry sheet of the present invention completely dissolves in water and thus does not need to be removed after laundering. In addition, the laundry sheet of the present invention has superior cleaning performance, is convenient to use and has superior storage stability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a particle delivery system comprising electrospun nanofiber comprised of coaxial fiber with a microfluidic core. Iron-doped apatite nanoparticles (IDANPs) have demonstrated a unique influence over phage killing of bacteria, whereby, IDANP-exposed bacterial cultures experience 2× the bacterial death as controls. IDANPs consist of hydroxyapatite (HA) doped with iron. HA is a mineral known to be biocompatible and analogous to the inorganic constituent of mammalian bone and teeth and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for many applications in medicine and dentistry. Previous work has shown that for IDANPs to enhance antibacterial activity of phage to the greatest extent, bacterial cultures should be exposed to IDANPs for 1 hr prior to phage introduction. Biocompatible polymer materials which encase IDANPs and/or phage can be used to disseminate IDANPs and/or phage in a controlled manner into a physiological system for treatment of bacterial infection.

Abstract: A detoxification method includes the steps of inducing flow of patient blood through an extracorporeal device inlet and outlet in fluid connection to the circulatory system of a patient. Biological agents including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contained within patient blood can be detoxified by passing patient blood over a biochemical reactor surface having attached or immobilized Saccharomyces boulardii alkaline phosphatase enzyme, with the biochemical reactor being contained within the extracorporeal device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to multilayer polymeric matrix based medical devices. In one example, a device comprises an inner first polymeric matrix and an outer second polymeric matrix. The addition of second polymeric matrix modifies bulk properties of each matrix thus resulting in a device where specific bulk properties are incorporated. The disclosure also relates to methods of manufacturing various embodiments of medical devices and their uses.

Abstract: The present application relates to a curable composition, a cured product and uses of the curable composition and the cured product. By comprising the curable compound having a certain structure, the present application can provide a curable composition which can increase cohesiveness of the cured product without increasing viscosity of the composition before curing, also minimize the increase of the elastic modulus, and also minimize the ratio of a nonreactive oligomer with an effect of improving the interfacial adhesion. The curable composition can be applied to a variety of optical applications and can be usefully used, for example, for bonding various optical functional members in a display device, for example, for directly bonding a touch panel and a display panel.

Abstract: Processes, methods, and apparatus for carbon sequestration utilizing catalysis schemes configured to provide high concentrations of hydrated CO2 in proximity with a sequestration agent are provided. Reactants are combined with catalyst such that at least two regions of controlled catalytic activity form encompassing at least the interface between a sequestration agent and an aqueous solution containing dissolved CO2. Suitable reactants include various sequestration agents, catalyst, and carbon dioxide dissolved in an aqueous solution (seawater, for example). Possible products include bicarbonate and metal cations.

Abstract: A microfabricated device defining a high density array of microwells is described for cultivating cells from a sample. The device may be incubated to grow a plurality of cells, which may be split into an analysis portion and a reserve portion. Methods are provided for screening a biological entity of interest using the microfabricated device, for example, for screening phosphate solubilizing bacteria or other bacteria producing acids.

Abstract: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems and methods of use are disclosed. Several publications and patent documents are cited throughout the specification in order to describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. Full citations of these references can be found throughout the specification. Each of these citations is incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomolecule conjugate having one or more functionalized biomolecules wherein the biomolecule is functionalized with one or more reactive sites, and at least one polymer capable of undergoing a polymer growth reaction, wherein the polymer is attached to at least one of the reactive sites of the functionalized biomolecule and wherein the polymer envelopes the functionalized biomolecule to form a reversible nanoparticle structure which protects the biomolecule by dynamically collapsing to preserve the biomolecule when an adverse environmental stimulus is present. A method of protecting a biomolecule from environmental conditions is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for the manufacture of pigmented solids structures for which can be used for construction and/or decoration. Manufacturing comprises fixing one or more pigments to an aggregate material such as crushed rock, stone or sand. The pigmented aggregate is incubated with urease or urease producing microorganisms, an amount of a nitrogen source such as urea, and an amount of calcium source such as calcium chloride forming calcite bridges between particles of aggregate. The resulting solid has a hardness and colorfastness for most any construction material. Using selected aggregate and pigment, the process also provides for the manufacture of simulated-stone materials such as clay or granite bricks or blocks, marble counter-tops, and more. The invention is also directed to composition containing microorganisms and pigment as kits that can be added to most any aggregate materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a hollow glucan particle or cell wall particle encapsulating a terpene component, methods of their manufacture and their use. The compositions are suitable for preventing and treating infections in plants and animals, including humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the rapid evaluation of bacterial susceptibility or non-susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis. The rationale is to identify bacterial responses that depend or are influenced by protein synthesis. If this response is prevented or reduced by the antibiotic that inhibits the protein synthesis, the bacteria are susceptible to this antibiotic. Otherwise, if the response keeps similar despite the incubation with the antibiotic, the bacteria are not susceptible or resistant to this antibiotic. These responses could be determined at the DNA lev-el, cell wall level, morphological level or any other experimental approach, including metabolic, bio-chemical, physiological or genetic processes.

Abstract: Nano filtering and pumping systems and methods of use thereof for nanoscale gaseous materials by utilizing materials having nanosized perforations through the materials. The perforations generally have an inner diameter similar to that of nanotubes, and in some embodiments, carbon nanotubes are disposed within the perforations. Such materials can partially organize molecules in random motion to move either some selectively or all of them, to create pressure differences and hence motive forces, or cause air flow into pressurized area. Because air is a cloud of particles separated by vacuum, the systems and method in air can be used to create motive force pushing any form of vehicle, lifting force for any form of air vehicle, air compression, power source for any form of machine, conveyor or generator, using the solar energy stored in the air in the form of heat, 24 hours a day, worldwide.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sol-gel derived SiO2 having a very fast bioresorption rate where a sol-gel derived SiO2 is prepared from a sol comprising water, an alkoxide or inorganic silicate and a lower alcohol using a mineral acid or a base as a catalyst and the sol is aged and dried. The method uses a pH from 1.5 to 2.5, a molar ratio of water to the alkoxide or inorganic silicate of 0.5 to 2.5, a molar ratio of alcohol to the alkoxide or inorganic silicate is ?0.5; and the sol is either let to gel without induced changes of composition and without forced drying of the sol, or a change of composition is induced; and within a time of ?30 minutes, from the induced change forced drying of the sol is carried out or initiated.

Abstract: A multi-layer pad that is adapted to be used in determining an analyte concentration is disclosed. The multi-layer pad includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer includes an enzyme wherein the enzyme is adapted to assist in determining the analyte concentration. The second layer is attached to a first surface of the first layer. The second layer is made of a skin-conforming material. The third layer is attached to a second surface of the first layer wherein the first layer is located between the second layer and the third layer. It is contemplated that the multi-layer pad may also be a two layer system.

Abstract: A metered pump system for hydrocapsule encapsulation is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a system for hydrocapsule encapsulation includes a nozzle assembly and metered pump for encapsulating discrete droplets of liquid by generating a continuous coating of a polymerizable liquid which is substantially immiscible with the core liquid. The metered pump system is configured to control a stroke length and a pulsation speed to attain constant shear with each pump of water, and a volume of water in each stroke and a speed of the stroke is controlled. In at least one embodiment, the nozzle includes a material feed port, a polymer feed port, a water feed port, and an encapsulated material exit port. In at least one embodiment, the metered pump is configured for use in a hydrocapsule encapsulation system having a pressure control system, a water control system, sparging column, and ultraviolet exposure chamber system.

Abstract: One or more embodiments are described directed to a method and system for concentrating components of a fluid circulated through a cell growth chamber such as a cell growth chamber. Accordingly, embodiments include methods and systems that utilize a tangential flow filter to concentrate components of a fluid that in embodiments includes expanded cells. In embodiments, a concentrated fluid component and a concentrated cell component are generated by flowing the fluid with expanded cells across a tangential flow filter. The concentrated cell component may be recirculated to the tangential flow filter to reach some desired concentration of cells. The concentrated fluid component may be collected to utilize cellular-produced constituents in the concentrated fluid component.

Abstract: A wound care dressing that combines a sodium alginate hydrogel spread and a calcium solution spray to create a transparent membrane over damaged skin eliminating the need for a secondary dressing. The calcium dissolved in alcohol displaces sodium from the hydrogel spread, resulting in the formation of the membrane. The membrane decreases healing time by fostering hemostasis, a moist wound healing environment and absorption of exudate and blood from the wound. The membrane also provides an immediate cooling effect for the damaged skin. Once the wound is cleaned, the user applies the hydrogel and covers it with a mist of spray which creates a film layer. The membrane is transparent and flexible such that the skin surface is still visible and the membrane will not be dislodged as the skin is manipulated. The dried surface of the membrane is not tacky, eliminating the need for a secondary dressing.

Abstract: An ultra-thin, catalyzed liquid transport medium-based membrane structure fabricated with a porous supporting substrate may be used for separating an object species such as a carbon dioxide object species. Carbon dioxide flux through this membrane structures may be several orders of magnitude higher than traditional polymer membranes with a high selectivity to carbon dioxide. Other gases such as molecular oxygen, molecular hydrogen, and other species including non-gaseous species, for example ionic materials, may be separated using variations to the membrane discussed.

Abstract: Elongated microcapsules, such as elongated hydrophobic-core and hydrophilic-core microcapsules, may be formed by pulse stirring an emulsion or shearing an emulsion between two surfaces moving at different velocities. The elongated microcapsules may be dispersed in a coating formulation, such as paint.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer product comprising the components consisting of a polymer in form of granules; a multidimensional structure containing amphiphilic molecules, such as lipids, surfactants or polymers, wherein said polymer product has an active and/or passive oxygen or CO2 barrier, with an UV blocking activity or with potentially colouring with the incorporation of the multidimensional structure. It further relates to a method for manufacturing notably said polymer products, in particular from multidimensional aggregated components as barrier or carriers of living microbial cells and biological barriers in plastic and textile.

Abstract: The invention pertains to analyte sensors designed to include layered compositions that provide these sensors with enhanced functional and/or material properties including, for example, resistance to damage caused by ethylene oxide during sterilization processes. Embodiments of the invention include polyvinyl alcohol N-methyl-4(4?-formylstyryl)pyridinium (SbQ) polymer materials and methods for employing such materials during the ethylene oxide sterilization of glucose sensors.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for controlled encapsulation of particles of sub-millimetric dimensions, or clusters of such particles, the device comprising: a first duct for delivering a first liquid phase containing particles for encapsulating in suspension; a second duct for conveying a flow of a second liquid phase that is immiscible with said first liquid phase; the first duct opening out into the second duct and forming a fluidic junction therewith; at least one microfluidic duct for discharging the first liquid phase flowing in said first duct and provided with a mouth located upstream from said junction and liable to be obstructed, at least in part, by a particle in suspension, thereby causing pressure to rise in the first duct. The invention also provides a microfluidic system including such a device, and a method of encapsulation based on using such a device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a functionalized semi-permeable membrane composed of a porous biocompatible support pretreated so as to increase the surface energy thereof and characterized in that it includes at least two layers, each having a hydrophilic polymer and at least one biological active molecule, and to the use thereof in particular for producing a bioartificial organ.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to carbonic anhydrase xerogel particles comprising a polysilicate-polysilicone copolymer and carbonic anhydrase. The carbonic anhydrase xerogel particles can be used for carbon dioxide capture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a porous membrane having an immobilized enzyme wherein the enzyme is immobilized within pores which are three-dimensionally connected to each other. The porous membrane having the immobilized enzyme is three-dimensionally crosslinked in a molecular level wherein nanopores of 5 to 100 nm are interconnected, so that the immobilized enzyme may be in contact with a reactant in all directions, and the reaction solution may be easily diffused, thereby proceeding with the catalytic reaction fast and conveniently without deterioration of material transport.

Abstract: The invention features an “inverse patterning” or “Intaglio-Void/Embed-Relief Topographic (In VERT) molding” manufacturing process for generating high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) multi-cellular microstructures in distinct cellular compartments of a single hydrogel. The platform has general utility in the development of engineered tissues for human therapies, drug testing, and disease models. Additionally, the platform can serve as a model system for studying 3D cell-cell interactions in fields as diverse as stem cell biology to the development of cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: A biological tissue processing substrate for fixing proteins in a biological tissue or degradation products of the proteins, the substrate comprising: a porous body that forms a contact surface with the biological tissue, the porous body holding in pores an enzyme for obtaining the proteins or the degradation products of the proteins from the biological tissue, wherein the proteins or the degradation products obtained by the action of the enzyme are brought into contact with a member consisting of a metal.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improvements in enzyme immobilization, particularly for use in the field of carbon dioxide capture and sequestering. It has been discovered that the utilization of sol-gel processes to immobilize enzymes in polysilicate-polysilicone copolymer coatings and particles, and the deposition of these coatings on solid state supports or use of suspensions of these particles, provides significant benefits for use in industrial applications involving enzymatic catalysts.

Abstract: Degradable and biologically inert hydrogel networks are described. The hydrogel networks are crosslinked and based on a biocompatible polymer that is chain extended with hydrophobic segments that include no more than 5 hydrophobic monomers to form a macromonomer that is then crosslinked to form a network that includes individual micelles throughout the crosslinked network. The hydrophobic segments of the macromonomer as well as other potentially toxic materials such as crosslink initiators can be sequestered in the micelles to better control degradation characteristics of the network as well as prevent toxicity to developing cellular structures of the network.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improvements in enzyme immobilization, particularly for use in the field of carbon dioxide capture and sequestering. It has been discovered that the utilization of sol-gel processes to immobilize enzymes in polysilicate-polysilicone copolymer coatings and particles, and the deposition of these coatings on solid state supports or use of suspensions of these particles, provides significant benefits for use in industrial applications involving enzymatic catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an in vitro vascularized tissue, which enables obtaining the in vitro vascularized tissue by inducing in vitro angiogenesis in a tissue using vascular cells, for use in in vitro research of diseases in vascularized tissues and developing a treatment. The method for manufacturing the in vitro vascularized tissue comprises the steps of: supplying a hydrogel to cover the vascularized tissue cells; molding the same to form a supply hole, which is separated from the vascularized tissue cells, on the upper side of the hydrogel; and supplying vascular cells to the supply hole.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved biofuel cell having a cathode comprising a dual function membrane, which contains an oxygen oxidoreductase enzyme immobilized within a buffered compartment of the membrane and an electron transport mediator which transfers electrons from an electron conducting electrode to the redox reaction catalyzed by the oxygen oxidoreductase enzyme. The improved biofuel cell also has an anode that contains an oxidoreductase enzyme that uses an organic fuel, such as alcohol, as a substrate. An electric current can flow between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: The disclosure includes: a coating composition, comprising a powdered cold-water-soluble gelling agent and surface-modified nanoparticles disposed in the powdered cold-water-soluble gelling agent; a coated film that includes a transparent film coated with the coating composition; and a device for growing microorganisms, including the coated film releasably attached to at least a portion of a body member that includes a self-supporting and water-proof substrate.

Abstract: Microcapsules, for inclusion in concrete, adapted to reduce the area of a defect by at least 45% in said concrete once a quantity of said microcapsules has ruptured, said microcapsules each comprising: a polymeric shell encapsulating a liquid core, wherein the polymeric shell comprises a substantially impermeable polymer layer and the liquid core comprises carbonatogenic bacterial spores, and optionally bacterial nutrients, dispersed in a liquid medium. Also disclosed is a concrete composition comprising a quantity of such microcapsules, and a method of reducing the area of a defect in concrete.

Abstract: A method of immobilizing matter for imaging that includes providing an array of nanofibers and directing matter to the array of the nanofibers. The matter is immobilized when contacting at least three nanofibers of the array of nanofibers simultaneously. Adjacent nanofibers in the array of nanofibers may be separated by a pitch as great as 100 microns. The immobilized matter on the array of nanofibers may then be imaged. In some examples, the matter may be cell matter, such as protoplasts.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a kit is described. The kit includes primed living cells joined to and at least partially within a three-dimensional hydrogel structure and an isolated polypeptide having the carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of an alpha Connexin, or a conservative variant thereof, wherein the polypeptide does not include the full length alpha Connexin protein.

Abstract: A device for reducing the content of polluting and/or unwanted substances in water, including a support made of polymeric material for a catalyst of the reaction of degradation of inorganic salts into gaseous substances; the catalyst, intended to reduce the energy required for the activation of the reaction and to accelerate its course, is an enzyme preferably selected from the group of lyases, and even more preferably selected from the subgroup of carbonic anhydrases. The inorganic are being carbonates, and/or hydrogen carbonates of calcium and/or magnesium, the reaction being the reaction of decarboxylation and acting for the conversion of inorganic salts into carbon dioxide and water according to the following reaction: HCO3?+H+H2O+CO2.

Abstract: Hydroxypolyamides, hydroxypolyamide products, and post-hydroxypolyamides are disclosed as gel forming agents. Hydroxypolyamides and post-hydroxypolyamides are prepared from known methods. Hydroxypolyamide products are produced from a modified polymerization procedure which utilizes strong base for deprotonation of ammonium salts from the esterification of stoichiometrically equivalent polyacid:polyamine salts. The hydroxypolyamide products are capable of gel formation at lower concentrations than hydroxypolyamides and post-hydroxypolyamides from the known methods of preparation, and are therefore superior gel forming agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for coating a surface with micelles which comprise an AB block copolymer comprising the step of treating the surface with an apolar liquid containing the micelles; and to surfaces coated with such micelles.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions and systems pertaining to polymer coatings that entrap enzymes, specifically enzymes capable of reducing carboxylic acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides having glucanase, e.g., endoglucanase, mannanase, xylanase activity or a combination of these activities, and polynucleotides encoding them. In one aspect, the glucanase activity is an endoglucanase activity (e.g., endo-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucano hydrolase activity) and comprises hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-D-glycosidic linkages in cellulose, cellulose derivatives (e.g., carboxy methyl cellulose and hydroxy ethyl cellulose) lichenin, beta-1,4 bonds in mixed beta-1,3 glucans, such as cereal beta-D-glucans or xyloglucans and other plant material containing cellulosic parts. In addition, methods of designing new enzymes and methods of use thereof are also provided. In alternative aspects, the new glucanases e.g., endoglucanases, mannanases, xylanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.