Abstract: Sensors, as well as systems and methods of using the same are provided. Aspects of the sensors include a piezoelectric base, a plurality of surface-associated compositions that are stably associated with the piezoelectric base, and a plurality of crosslinking compositions that are configured to crosslink one or more surface-associated compositions in the presence of an analyte. The sensors, systems and methods described herein find use in a variety of applications, including the detection of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are artificial membranes of mycolic acids. The membranes may be unsupported or tethered. These membranes are long lived and highly resistant to electroporation, demonstrating their general strength. The mycolic acid membranes are suitable for controlled studies of the mycobacterial outer membrane and can be used in other experiments, such as nanopore analyte translocation experiments.

Abstract: The present invention answers the demands of power generating device and biosensor development and provides a flexible, free-standing type protein containing carbon nanotube film, and a sensor and power generating device each equipped with the carbon nanotube film as an electrode. According to the present invention a carbon nanotube free standing film is provided including a carbon nanotube aggregate formed by aggregating a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and a plurality of enzymes included between the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube film may include a different protein to the enzyme and may include a surfactant agent between the plurality of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for photonic nanoimprinted silk fibroin-based materials and methods for making same, comprising embossing silk fibroin-based films with photonic nanometer scale patterns. In addition, the invention provides for processes by which the silk fibroin-based films can be nanoimprinted at room temperature, by locally decreasing the glass transition temperature of the silk film. Such nanoimprinting process increases high throughput and improves potential for incorporation of silk-based photonics into biomedical and other optical devices.

Abstract: Provided are methods for introducing a molecule of interest into a plant cell comprising a cell wall. Methods are provided for genetically or otherwise modifying plants and for treating or preventing disease in plant cells comprising a cell wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids and polypeptides encoded thereby, whose expression is modulated in brain microvascular endothelial cells undergoing early dynamic inflammation-induced changes in blood-brain bather functionality. Such polypeptides are referred to as lipopolysaccharide-sensitive (LPSS) polypeptides. These nucleic acids and polypeptides may be useful in methods for controlling blood-brain bather properties in mammals in need of such biological effects. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of disturbances in the blood-brain/retina barrier, brain (including the eye) disorders, as well as peripheral vascular disorders. Additionally, the invention relates to the use of anti-LPSS polypeptide antibodies or ligands as diagnostic probes, as blood-brain barrier targeting agents or as therapeutic agents as well as the use of ligands or modulators of expression, activation or bioactivity of LPSS polypeptides as diagnostic probes, therapeutic agents or drug delivery enhancers.

Abstract: A membrane is disclosed made from a compound having a hydrophilic head group, an aliphatic tail group, and a polymerizable functional group. The membrane spans an aperture and may be polymerized. The membrane may be useful for DNA sequencing when the membrane includes an ion channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids and polypeptides encoded thereby, whose expression is modulated in brain microvascular endothelial cells undergoing early dynamic inflammation-induced changes in blood-brain barrier functionality. Such polypeptides are referred to as lipopolysaccharide-sensitive (LPSS) polypeptides herein. These nucleic acids and polypeptides may be useful in methods for controlling blood-brain barrier properties in mammals in need of such biological effects. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of disturbances in the blood-brain/retina barrier, brain (including the eye) disorders, as well as peripheral vascular disorders. Additionally, the invention relates to the use of anti-LPSS polypeptide antibodies or ligands as diagnostic probes, as blood-brain barrier targeting agents or as therapeutic agents as well as the use of ligands or modulators of expression, activation or bioactivity of LPSS polypeptides as diagnostic probes, therapeutic agents or drug delivery enhancers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition and method for fabricating novel hybrid materials comprised of, e.g., carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and crosslinked enzyme clusters (CECs). In one method, enzyme-CNT hybrids are prepared by precipitation of enzymes which are subsequently crosslinked, yielding crosslinked enzyme clusters (CECs) on the surface of the CNTs. The CEC-enzyme-CNT hybrids exhibit high activity per unit area or mass as well as improved enzyme stability and longevity over hybrid materials known in the art. The CECs in the disclosed materials permit multilayer biocatalytic coatings to be applied to surfaces providing hybrid materials suitable for use in, e.g., biocatalytic applications and devices as described herein.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a multi-shell nanocrystal structure, multi-shell nanocrystal structures thus obtained, and a fabricated device including the same are provided. A multi-shell nanocrystal structure may be formed by preparing a core nanocrystal and reacting the core nanocrystal with two or more precursors having different reaction rates to sequentially form two or more layers of shell nanocrystals having different compositions on a surface of the core nanocrystal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanostructured device comprising a substrate including nanotroughs therein; and a lipid bilayer suspended on or supported in the substrate. A separation method is also provided comprising the steps of supporting or suspending a lipid bilayer on a substrate; wherein the substrate comprises nanostructures and wherein the lipid bilayer comprises at least one membrane associated biomolecule; and applying a driving force to the lipid bilayer to separate the membrane associated biomolecule from the lipid bilayer and to drive the membrane associated biomolecule into the nanostructures.