Abstract: The present application relates to a method for detecting ligand using a biosensor applied the FRET(fluorescence resonance energy transfer) phenomenon. More particularly, the method may be used for simply detecting a ligand in a sample by measuring the FRET of a biosensor under the conditions in which a specific critical temperature is maintained. The method may use a phenomenon in which a ligand-binding protein in a biosensor shows reversible unfolding at a temperature higher than the specific critical temperature and the level of the unfolding changes depending on the concentration of a ligand. The method can be widely applied to a variety of kinds of FRET biosensors using the ligand-binding protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides targeted delivery compositions and their methods of use in treating and diagnosing a disease state in a subject.

Abstract: A device for delivery of material or stimulus to targets within a body to produce a desired response, the targets being at least one of cells of interest, cell organelles of interest and cell nuclei of interest. The device includes a number of projections for penetrating a body surface, with the number of projections being selected to produce a desired response, and the number being at least 500. A spacing between projections is also at least partially determined based on an arrangement of the targets within the body.

Abstract: A quantum nanomaterial having a bandgap that may be tuned to enable the quantum nanomaterial to detect IR radiation in selected regions including throughout the MWIR region and into the LWIR region is provided. The quantum nanomaterials may include tin telluride (SnTe) nanomaterials and/or lead tin telluride (PbxSn1-xTe) nanomaterials. Additionally, a method of manufacturing nanomaterial that is tunable for detecting IR radiation in selected regions, such as throughout the MWIR region and into the LWIR region, is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides constructs comprising a protein scaffold, wherein the scaffold comprises Domain III, Domain IIIa, or Domain IIIb of human serum albumin or a polypeptide having substantial sequence identity to the Domain III, the Domain IIIa, or the Domain IIIb; and a targeting moiety in covalent linkage to the protein scaffold; and a therapeutic moiety and/or an imaging moiety in covalent linkage to the protein scaffold. The scaffold can be modified to tune the serum pharmacokinetics of the construct. In addition to methods of making the constructs, therapeutic, imaging and diagnostic uses of the constructs are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a quantum dot-metal oxide complex including a quantum dot and a metal oxide forming a 3-dimensional network with the quantum dot. In the quantum dot-metal oxide complex, the quantum dot is optically stable without a change in emission wavelength band and its light-emitting performance is enhanced.

Abstract: Disclosed are cyclodextrin-based metal organic frameworks comprising a metal cation and cyclodextrin or a cyclodextrin derivative. These metal organic frameworks are permanently porous and capable of molecule storage.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to yeast cell wall microparticles loaded with nanoparticles for receptor-targeted nanoparticle delivery. In particular, the present invention relates to trapping nanoparticles either on the surface or inside a yeast glucan particles, for example, yeast glucal particles. The present invention further relates to methods of making the yeast cell wall particles loaded with nanoparticles. The present invention also relates to methods of using the yeast cell wall particles loaded with nanoparticles for receptor-targeted delivery of the nanoparticles, e.g., drug containing nanoparticles.

Abstract: Materials and methods for studying and modulating the interaction of carbohydrate-containing moieties with other species are described, in particular, small particles, e.g. clusters of metal or semiconductor atoms, which can be employed as a substrate for immobilising a plurality of ligands comprising carbohydrate groups. These “nanoparticles” can then be used to study carbohydrate mediated interactions, e.g. with other carbohydrates or proteins, and as therapeutics and diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: Methods for precise and predictable modification of previously synthesized nanocrystals. The methods rely on the solubility behavior of crystalline materials to provide for controlled reversal of the nanocrystal growth process (i.e., dissolution). A method for post-synthesis modification of colloidal nanocrystals includes (1) providing a first nanocrystal having a first size and a first shape, (2) forming a reaction mixture that includes the nanocrystal, at least one ligand capable of binding to at least one component of the nanocrystal, at least one solvent, and an inert gas atmosphere, and (3) modifying the size and/or shape of the nanocrystal in the reaction mixture for a period of time at a temperature in a range from about 100 0C to about 240 0C so as to produce at least a second nanocrystal having a second size and/or a second shape.

Abstract: A single molecule or molecule complex detection method is disclosed in certain aspects, comprising nano- or micro-fluidic channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay for transferases. The assay comprises a first moiety comprising a transferase substrate and a second moiety capable of binding to the transferase substrate after it has been acted on by the transferase. One of the first and second moieties comprises a fluorophore and the other of the first and second moieties causes a change in fluorescence of the fluorophore. Thus, when the second moiety binds the transferase substrate after it has been acted on by the transferase, a change in fluorescence can be detected. The assay allows for agents that modulate the activity of the transferase to be screened.

Abstract: A modified compound that has at least one further functional group, in particular a bio- or macromolecule, comprising at least one x-fold (x?1) chemoselectively incorporated phosphoramidate group of general formula (I), NPO(OR1) (OR1?), and/or at least one x-fold (x?1) chemoselectively incorporated phosphonamide group of general formula (Ia), NPO(R1)(OR1?). R1 and R1? is selected from the group containing glycerol, polyglycerol, PEG polymers of the general empirical formula C2nH4n+2On+1 with n?1, Cn-alkyl chains with n?1; functionalized Cn-alkyl chains with n?1, aryls, heteroaryl, silyl, lipids, fluorophores, saccharides, peptides, crown ethers, or a linker, which links the aforementioned groups. R1 and R1? can be identical to or different from one another.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a modified nano-dot and a fabrication method thereof. The modified nano-dot comprises a surface portion having a functional group and a core portion comprising a polymeric metal oxide, polymeric metalloid oxide or polymeric metal alloy oxide. The mean particle size of the modified nano-dot is 1-100 nm, preferably 1-10 nm. The modified nano-dot capable of modulating a carrier flux can be further applied to the element manufacture in the organic semiconductor industry, optoelectronics industry, and solar cell industry.

Abstract: A new technique to stabilize transition metal phosphors in a wide variety of stimuli-sensitive polymers and gels is disclosed herein. Other than stabilization in stimuli sensitive/biocompatible matrix some of these transition metal based phosphors are also shown to act as phosphorescent crosslinkers that physically or chemically crosslink polymeric chains to form micro/nanoparticles. The microspheres/nanospheres of the present invention show decreased size and photoluminescence enhancement with particularly high sensitization at physiological pH and temperature. The so formed phosphorescent micro/nanospheres are useful for biological or environmental applications including biological labeling, imaging, and optical sensing. The techniques in the present invention enable usage of imaging agents and sensors at very low concentrations and also minimize or eliminate the usage of toxic chemical crosslinkers typically used to synthesize polymeric micro/nanoparticles.

Abstract: The results presented herein demonstrate the specific expression of CCR3 in CNV endothelial cells in humans with AMD, and despite the expression of its ligands, eotaxin-1, -2, and -3, neither eosinophils nor mast cells are present in human CNV. The genetic or pharmacological targeting of CCR3 or eotaxins as disclosed herein inhibited injury-induced CNV in mice. CNV suppression by CCR3 blockade was due to direct inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation, and was uncoupled from inflammation as it occurred in mice lacking eosinophils or mast cells and was independent of macrophage and neutrophil recruitment. CCR3 blockade was more effective at reducing CNV than vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) neutralization, which is currently in clinical use, and, unlike VEGF-A blockade, not toxic to the mouse retina. In vivo imaging with CCR3-targeting quantum dots located spontaneous CNV invisible to standard fluorescein angiography in mice before retinal invasion.

Abstract: Systems and methods to analyze contaminants including a plurality of stages configured to detect contaminants in a sample, wherein the plurality of stages are configured to detect a plurality of contaminants at substantially the same time.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a long-circulating, micellar hybrid nanoparticles (MHN) that contain MN, QD, and the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) within a single polyethylene glycol (PEG)-phospholipid micelle and provide the first examples of simultaneous targeted drug delivery and dual-mode NIR-fluorescent and MR imaging of diseased tissue in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent, radio-opaque and magnetic quantum nanoparticles, useful as multifunctional contrast agents or probes for in vivo bioimaging, and methods of their use. The invention provides for multifaceted bioimaging (e.g., intra-arterial pre-operative brain mapping and broad based in vivo diagnostic imaging), including imaging of various cell types, such as stem cells.

Abstract: A vector for targeted delivery of drugs into estrogen receptors over-expressed cells is disclosed. The vector of the present invention is mainly about an active targeting delivery carrier which consists of a plurality of nanoparticles including: (i) a plurality of targeted moiety conjugated to the outer surface of the nanoparticles, the moiety being capable of binding with the estrogen receptor of a target cell, and (ii) bioactive agents encapsulated in the nanoparticles or forming complex with the nanoparticles. The targeted moiety of the present invention can also be conjugated to parent drugs for prodrug design.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for detecting Toll-like receptor binding to ligands and test compounds are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A quantum dot forming method for forming quantum dots on a surface of a substrate includes exciting a substrate surface with a laser beam having a standing wave which is irradiated from one side of the substrate along the surface of the substrate to excite the surface of the substrate at an interval of one half of a wavelength of the standing wave, and forming a quantum dot with a film differing in lattice constant from a base film forming the surface of the substrate by allowing the film differing in lattice constant to grow on the substrate to form the quantum dots in excited spots of the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Characterizing and/or determining a sample employs an array of at least two of different interacting surfaces, at least one of which comprises a non-specific interacting material non-specifically interacting said sample, at least one labelling reactant, and/or combination of the sample and at least one labelling reactant. The sample and at least one labelling reactant is introduced to interact with said interacting surfaces of said array, wherein said labelling reactant is adapted to change at least one electromagnetically readable property of at least one interacting surface of said array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microparticle and its use. The microparticle has a width of at least about 1 micron. The microparticle includes a biocompatible polymer, a nanoparticle, and an anti-cancer agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of triblock polymer ligands (30) and nanoparticle complexes (80). The nanoparticle complexes (80) comprise a capped nanoparticle (10) and the triblock polymer ligand (30). The triblock polymer ligand (30) consists of a binding polymer (40), a hydrophobic polymer (50) and a hydrophilic functionalisable polymer (60). The binding polymer (40) attaches to the capped nanoparticle (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for counting nanoparticle probes is disclosed. In one embodiment, quantum dot-tagged proteins on optically transparent membranes or slides are counted. The transparent membranes or slides are loaded onto a stage (e.g., an X-Y stage or X-Y-Z stage), which can automatically reposition the transparent membrane or slides for image capture at varying locations. A microscope can be used for providing a light source to fluoresce the nanocrystals and for providing the magnification needed for image capture. Once one or more images are captured, the nanoparticles can be automatically counted using post-processing software that maintains a total count across multiple images, if desired.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing at least one customized MIP unit including: (a) providing at least one MIP unit having a surface including at least one target binding site configured to resemble a target molecule and surface-bound chargeable groups; (b) contacting the MIP unit(s) from the step (a) with at least one template molecule in a first solvent allowing the template molecule(s) to bind to the MIP unit(s); (c) passivating the surface-bound chargeable groups on the MIP unit(s) by adding a passivating agent; and (d) removing the template molecule(s) by washing in a second solvent, wherein the passivating agent binds to the surface of the unit(s) through bonds which remain stable upon washing in the second solvent.

Abstract: A multiphasic microfiber for a three-dimensional tissue scaffold and/or cellular support is provided in one aspect that includes at least one biocompatible material. The multiphasic microfiber optionally has a first phase and at least one distinct additional phase and is formed by electrohydrodynamic jetting. Further, such microfibers optionally have one or more biofunctional agents, which may be surface-bound moieties provided in spatial patterns. Multiphasic microfibers formed in accordance with the disclosure may form, in some cases, three-dimensional fiber scaffolds with precisely engineered, micrometer-scaled patterns for cellular contact guidance, which may thus support and/or promote cellular growth, proliferation, differentiation, repair, and/or regeneration for tissue and bioengineering applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a quantum dot-embedded silica nanoparticle having plural quantum dots embedded within the silica nanoparticle, wherein the number of quantum dots existing in a concentric area within 10% of a radius from a center of the silica nanoparticle accounts for 10 to 70% of the number of total quantum dots embedded in the silica nanoparticle.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to novel nanostructures comprising hollow nanospheres and nanotubes for use as chemical sensors, conduits for fluids, and electronic conductors. The nanostructures can be used in microfluidic devices, for transporting fluids between devices and structures in analytical devices, for conducting electrical currents between devices and structure in analytical devices, and for conducting electrical currents between biological molecules and electronic devices, such as bio-microchips.

Abstract: A nanoparticle organic hybrid material (NOHM) containing an organic polymeric corona having a molecular weight in a range of 100-50,000 g/mol, wherein the organic polymeric corona is covalently attached to an inorganic nanoparticle core, wherein the NOHM exhibits liquid-like properties so that the NOHM moves freely and flows in a manner so that when the NOHM is in a container, the NOHM takes the shape of the container, and wherein the NOHM has a volume fraction (fc) of the inorganic particle ranging from about 0.05 to 0.75, methods of making the NOHMs, and compositions containing the NOHMs.

Abstract: A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.

Abstract: A particle has a permanent dipole moment, a film includes the particle, and a method of forming the film includes aligning the particle on a surface. The particle has a permanent dipole moment and includes heterogeneous materials, wherein a positive pole is located in a first material and a negative pole is located in a second material different from the first material. The method includes aligning a particle such that the particle has one dipole moment direction. The film includes the aligned particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides of a three-dimensional bicontinuous heterostructure, a method of producing same, and the application of this structure towards the realization of photodetecting and photovoltaic devices working in the visible and the near-infrared. The three-dimensional bicontinuous heterostructure includes two interpenetrating layers which are spatially continuous, they are include only protrusions or peninsulas, and no islands. The method of producing the three-dimensional bicontinuous heterostructure relies on forming an essentially planar continuous bottom layer of a first material; forming a layer of this first material on top of the bottom layer which is textured to produce protrusions for subsequent interpenetration with a second material, coating this second material onto this structure; and forming a final coating with the second material that ensures that only the second material is contacted by subsequent layer.

Abstract: Provided are a silica nanowire that includes silicon nanodots and a method of preparing the same. The silica nanowire has excellent capacitance characteristics and improved light absorption ability, and thus can be effectively used in a variety of fields, such as various semiconductor devices including CTF memory, image sensors, photodetectors, light emitting diodes, laser diodes, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides ion-selective sensors comprising quantum dots capable of selectively measuring ions, e.g., Na+, K+, Cl?, etc., in various environments, including in the cytosol of a living cell. Quantum dots are attractive probes for microscopy due to their photophysical advantages over fluorescent dyes, including prolonged photostability, brightness and quantum efficiency. In certain embodiments, a sensor comprises one or more quantum dots, a pH-sensitive dye, and optionally an ion-selective component such as an ionophore. These elements may, for example, be disposed in a polymer matrix. In certain embodiments, the sensors may detect ionic analytes by selective ion extraction by the polymer, thereby inducing a pH change within the sensor which in turn changes the absorbance of the pH-sensitive dye. The change of absorbance may in turn attenuate the intensity of detectable emissions, e.g., fluorescence, from the quantum dot by directly absorbing its fluorescence emission.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a nanocrystal of the composition CdA, with A being S or Se. The method includes forming in a suitable solvent a solution of cadmium, or a compound thereof, in a form suitable for the generation of a nanocrystal. The solvent includes a compound selected from an ether and an amine. The method further includes bringing the solution to a temperature selected in the range from about 20° C. to about 200° C. The method also includes adding at the temperature selected in the range from about 20° C. to about 200° C. the element A in a form suitable for the generation of a nanocrystal. Thereby the forming of a nanocrystal of the composition CdA is allowed.

Abstract: Solar cells, methods for manufacturing a quantum dot layer for a solar cell, and methods for manufacturing solar cells are disclosed. An illustrative method for manufacturing a solar cell may include dissolving a cadmium-containing compound in a first non-aqueous solvent to form a cadmium precursor solution, dissolving a selenium-containing compound in a second non-aqueous solvent to form a selenium precursor solution, combining the cadmium precursor solution with the selenium precursor solution to form a mixed solution, and exposing an electron conductor film to the mixed solution. Exposing the electron conductor film to the mixed solution may cause a cadmium and selenium quantum dot layer to be provided on the electron conductor film. This is just one example method.

Abstract: Provided are nanocomposites and a light emitting device package including the same. The nanocomposites include nanoparticles, and silicon compounds bonded to surfaces of the nanoparticles and expressed by a specific chemical formula. The nanocomposites can be dispersed evenly in various matrices without the nanoparticles being agglutinated.

Abstract: Methods for introducing a linear nucleic acid molecule of interest into a cell comprising a cell wall include use of nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol. In some embodiments, the cell comprising a cell wall is a plant cell. Methods include genetically or otherwise modifying plants and for treating or preventing disease in plant cells comprising a cell wall. Transgenic plants include a nucleic acid molecule of interest produced by regeneration of whole plants from plant cells transformed with linear nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Methods for introducing a functionalized linear nucleic acid cassette molecule of interest into a plant cell comprising a cell wall include use of nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the cell comprising a cell wall is a cultured plant cell. Methods include genetically or otherwise modifying plant cells and for treating or preventing disease in any plant, especially crop plants. Transgenic plants include a nucleic acid molecule of interest produced by regeneration of whole plants from plant cells transformed with functionalized linear nucleic acid cassette molecules.

Abstract: A method of forming dispersed water-soluble quantum dots and tuning water-soluble quantum dot aggregate size by providing a plurality of water-soluble quantum dots in a dispersion, the plurality of water-soluble quantum dots are modified with an amphiphilic polymer, and by adding an amount of the amphiphilic polymer to the dispersion such that the ratio of the amphiphilic polymer units to quantum dots is maintained higher to obtain dispersions of smaller quantum dot aggregates and kept lower to obtain dispersions of larger quantum dot aggregates.

Abstract: A light-emitting device comprising a population of quantum dots (QDs) embedded in a host matrix and a primary light source which causes the QDs to emit secondary light and a method of making such a device. The size distribution of the QDs is chosen to allow light of a particular color to be emitted therefrom. The light emitted from the device may be of either a pure (monochromatic) color, or a mixed (polychromatic) color, and may consist solely of light emitted from the QDs themselves, or of a mixture of light emitted from the QDs and light emitted from the primary source. The QDs desirably are composed of an undoped semiconductor such as CdSe, and may optionally be overcoated to increase photoluminescence.

Abstract: A composite nanoparticle comprising a nanoparticle confined within a cross-linked collapsed polyelectrolyte polymer wherein the nanoparticle comprises a charged organic ion.

Abstract: Designs of extremely high efficiency solar cells are described. A novel alternating bias scheme enhances the photovoltaic power extraction capability above the cell band-gap by enabling the extraction of hot carriers. When applied in conventional solar cells, this alternating bias scheme has the potential of more than doubling their yielded net efficiency. When applied in conjunction with solar cells incorporating quantum wells (QWs) or quantum dots (QDs) based solar cells, the described alternating bias scheme has the potential of extending such solar cell power extraction coverage, possibly across the entire solar spectrum, thus enabling unprecedented solar power extraction efficiency. Within such cells, a novel alternating bias scheme extends the cell energy conversion capability above the cell material band-gap while the quantum confinement structures are used to extend the cell energy conversion capability below the cell band-gap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features. An optically recognizable compound may be associated with a portion of the card for blocking infrared radiation and may comprise an infrared ink having nanocrystalline indium tin oxide particles. Moreover, a portion of the transaction card may include a second optically recognizable compound disposed thereon. The second optically recognizable compound may comprise an infrared phthalocyanine dye, an infrared phosphor, and a quantum dot energy transfer compound. The infrared ink may be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Abstract: A projection display surface for reducing speckle artifacts from a projector having at least one narrow band light source having an incident visible wavelength band, wherein the incident visible wavelength band has an incident peak wavelength and an incident bandwidth, comprising: a substrate having a reflective layer that reflects incident light over at least the incident visible wavelength band; and a fluorescent agent distributed over the reflective layer, wherein the fluorescent agent absorbs a fraction of the light in the incident visible wavelength band and emits light in an emissive visible wavelength band having an emissive peak wavelength and an emissive bandwidth; wherein return light from the projection display surface produced when incident light in the incident visible wavelength band is incident on the projection display surface contains light in both the incident visible wavelength band and emissive visible wavelength band, thereby reducing speckle artifacts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of fabricating collagen-based hydrogels loaded with ZnO QDs/pDNA complexes as corneal substitutes. Polycation-modified ZnO Quantum Dots were encapsulated into IPN hydrogels by the adsorption effect of freeze-dried hydrogels. The weight ratio of substitutes and ZnO QDs complex is approximately 425:1. And the weight ratio of ZnO QDs/pDNA is 25:1. This kind of corneal substitutes possess favorable biocompatibility. It is able to induce and promote the regeneration of the cornea and it will degrade along with the regeneration of the cornea. The incorporation of the MPDSAH can enhance the stability of corneal substitutes under the existence of collagenase. ZnO QDs used in this invention can condense DNA effectively and ferry DNA into cells successfully. In the process of transfection, the location and distribution of DNA/vector can be tracked by fluorescence in real time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods of enhancing resistance to viral infections through targeted delivery of 5?PPP negative stranded siRNA via nanoparticles, specifically gold nanorods. The 5?PPP activates type I interferon through the signaling cascade providing a novel therapeutic and prophylactic for seasonal and pandemic influenza. The technology described herein also extends the findings to the use of nanoparticles for delivery of genetic material including but not limited to siRNA and microRNA to accomplish targeted nanoparticle based gene therapy.

Abstract: A polymer-encapsulated colorant nanoparticle includes a colorant nanoparticle core, and a polymer coating established on the colorant nanoparticle core. A negatively chargeable functional group is present on a surface of the polymer-encapsulated colorant nanoparticle.