Abstract: Porous, carbohydrate-based foam structures and associated methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method can include using a starch solution. The starch solution can be precipitated to form starch nanoparticles having a predefined void structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a complex formed by at least one molecule of nucleic acid comprising between 10 and 40 nucleotides, covalently coupled to at least one hydrocarbon compound that is at least C18 is hydrocarbon compound, having a squalene structure or a structure similar thereto.

Abstract: Dried nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), in particular films of NCC, of controlled water dispersibility and a method to control the dispersibility of dried NCC by controlling electrolyte solution ionic strength and ion valency is described. Neutral M-NCC suspensions containing monovalent counterions (e.g., M=Na+, K+, NH4+, Et4N+) produced by neutralization of acid-form NCC (H-NCC) with the appropriate hydroxide, are readily dispersible in water when fully dried; this is in contrast to H-NCC. The dispersion of dried M-NCC in aqueous media is effectively prevented by a combination of (1) increased electrolyte concentration and ionic strength, and (2) higher valency of the cation component of the dissolved salt. Additionally, pre-treatment of dried M-NCC films with an electrolyte solution having a polyvalent cation, for example a divalent or trivalent cation is sufficient to prevent the subsequent dispersion of the M-NCC film in pure water.

Abstract: A self-assembly nanodevice formed through nucleic acid engineering is disclosed. The nanodevice may include an array of nanoparticles. The nanodevice may further include a substrate that supports the array of nanoparticles. Each of the nanoparticles may be coordinated with a plurality of nucleic acids that are substantially free of Watson-Crick base-paring with nucleic acids coordinated with other nanoparticles. Methods of forming the nanodevice, as well as the microscopic organization of the nanoparticles are also disclosed. By manipulating the nucleic acids as capping ligands, the inter-particle distance may be extended to a greater range than nanotechnology based on alkyl ligands or nucleic acids base-pairing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vivo detection of a biofilm infection residing in a mammal, the method comprising (i) administering to the mammal a diagnostic-effective amount of a biofilm-specific probe, wherein the probe comprises a bio film-targeting moiety and a paramagnetic nanoparticle core; and (ii) imaging the mammal to detect the presence of the biofilm infection by observing the mammal using a magnetic resonance diagnostic technique after the biofilm-specific probe has been provided sufficient time to selectively bind to the bio film infection that may be present in the mammal. The invention also relates to methods of treatment of a bio film infection, and compositions and kits useful in the detection and/or treatment of bio film infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules, compositions containing the molecules, and methods of using the compositions to treat gliomas.

Abstract: Nicotinamide and/or a compound which is chemically combined with nicotinamide may be used as a carbon nanotube (“CNT”) n-doping material. CNTs n-doped with the CNT n-doping material may have long-lasting doping stability in the air without de-doping. Further, CNT n-doping state may be easily controlled when using the CNT n-doping material. The CNT n-doping material and/or CNTs n-doped with the CNT n-doping material may be used for various applications.

Abstract: A self-assembling nanoparticle drug delivery system for the delivery of drugs including peptides, proteins, nucleic acids or synthetic chemical drugs is provided. The self-assembling nanoparticle drug delivery system described herein includes viral capsid proteins, such as Hepatitis B Virus core protein, encapsulating the drug, a lipid bi-layer envelope and targeting or facilitating molecules anchored in the lipid bilayer. A method for construction of the self-assembling nanocparticle drug delivery system is also provided.

Abstract: Nanoparticles comprising T3 and their use in treating, e.g., cardiac conditions, for example cardiac arrest, are provided. Such nanoparticles provide improved delivery of T3 and allow for acute treatment and optionally for sustained release of T3 in a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating subjects having conditions related to angiogenesis including administering an effective amount of a polymeric Nanoparticle form of thyroid hormone agonist, partial agonist or an antagonist thereof, to promote or inhibit angiogenesis in the subject. Compositions of the polymeric forms of thyroid hormone, or thyroid hormone analogs, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric hollow nanoshell or nanosphere for release of an agent is described, wherein the hollow nanosphere comprises at least one biodegradable polymer, characterised in that the polymer is cross-linked. The biodegradable mono-disperse nanospheres described are suitable for use as carriers of biomolecules, therapeutic agents and/or imaging agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protamine/RNA nanoparticles of defined average size, a pharmaceutical composition containing said nanoparticles and to a method of producing the same. The nanoparticles of the present invention is particularly useful as an immunostimulating medicament with a precise pattern of immunostimulation different from the prior art.

Abstract: A buccal delivery system capable of being blended in a normal dry powder process and compressed using a standard tabletting machine, said buccal delivery system comprising a matrix of: (a) an effective amount of one or more active ingredients; (b) an amount of one or more polyethylene glycols or derivatives thereof having a molecular weight between 1000 to 8000 sufficient to provide the required hardness and time for dissolution of the matrix; (c) 0.05-2% by weight of the total matrix of one or more suspending agents; (d) 0.05-2% by weight of the total matrix of one or more flowing agents; and (e) 0.05-2% by weight of the total matrix of one or more sweeteners.

Abstract: Method for making multifunctional particles. The method includes flowing a first monomer stream loaded with a fluorescent entity along a microfluidic channel and flowing a second monomer stream loaded with a probe adjacent to the first monomer stream along the microfluidic channel. The monomer streams are polymerized to synthesize particles having a fluorescent, graphically encoded region and a probe-loaded region.

Abstract: This invention concerns a manufacturing process for nanoparticles composted of biodegradable polymers and active ingredients with therapeutic, cosmetic, veterinary, and alimentary applications, and a composition which contains said nanoparticles, which are used in products for animals, including humans. The process consists of emulsifying the hydrosoluble substances to form a w/o emulsion; dissolving the non-emulsionable substances, liposoluble polymer or polymer/compounds in organic solvents; mixing the w/o emulsion and the organic solution of the hydrophobics to form a pre-emulsioned mixture; adding the pre-emulsioned mixture, with the assistance of an injector system, to an aqueous emulsifier solution under ultradispersion to form the final emulsion; leading the final emulsion to evaporation, then centrifuge, freeze, and lyophilize.

Abstract: A bifunctional shRNA-based composition and methods for knocking down the expression of the PDX-1 oncogene in target cells is described herein. The invention also provides methods to deliver the shRNA-containing expression vectors to target tissues overexpressing the PDX-1 oncogene.

Abstract: The present invention provides dynamic charge state cationic polymers that are useful for delivery of anionic molecules. The dynamic charge state cationic polymers are designed to have cationic charge densities that decrease by removal of removable functional groups from the polymers. The present invention also provides interpolyelectrolyte complexes containing the polymers complexed to a polyanion. Methods for using the interpolyelectrolyte complexes to deliver anionic compounds are also provided.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of isolating and culturing neuronal stem cells from hypothalmi, methods of differentiating the neuronal cells into beta-endorphin neurons, and methods of treatment of various diseases comprising administering agents to differentiate endogenous neuronal stem cells into beta endorphin neurons.

Abstract: The present invention provides, for example, methods for treating or preventing colorectal cancer with an anti-IGF1R antibody in association with sunitinib or a combination of leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil.

Abstract: Described are peptides for delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol, the peptide comprising: (a) a nanoparticle association domain; (b) a proline-rich spacer domain; (c) an uptake domain; and (d) a vesicle escape domain comprising a non-hydrolyzable lipid moiety, wherein the spacer domain is between the nanoparticle association domain and the uptake and vesicle escape domains, and wherein the peptide, when attached to an extracellular nanoparticle, is effective to induce uptake of the nanoparticle by a cell and delivery of the nanoparticle to the cytosol of the cell. Also described are methods of delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol of a cell, the method comprising providing to a cell a nanoparticle attached to such a peptide. Exemplary nanoparticles include quantum dots.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preparing nucleic acid nanotubes using DNA origami techniques are described, which provide for nanotubes of predictable and uniform length. The nucleic acid nanotubes thus formed are suitable as liquid crystal preparations enabling liquid-crystal NMR spectroscopy of proteins solubilized in detergent.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules selected from the group comprising: a) nucleic acid molecules that code for a form of the polypeptide with the derived amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID No. 3, said polypeptide having a deacetylase activity; b) nucleic acid molecules that comprise the nucleotide sequence according to SEQ ID No. 1 or SEQ ID No.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a nanoparticulate cyclosporine having improved bioavailability. The nanoparticulate cyclosporine particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm in diameter and are useful in the prevention and treatment of organ transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other related diseases. The invention also relates to a controlled release composition comprising a cyclosporine or a nanoparticulate cyclosporine that in operation delivers the drug in a pulsed or bimodal manner for the prevention and treatment of organ transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other related diseases.

Abstract: A protein-phospholipid dispersion preparation in a drug delivery system is provided, in which the weight ratio of protein to phospholipid is 1:300-300:1 and the particle size is between 5 nm and 1000 nm. The preparation process of the said preparation contains the mixture of protein phase and phospholipid phase and the homogenization process. The said drug delivery system can be used in many different pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dehydrated nanoparticles comprising chitosan and a nucleic acid. Preferably, the nucleic acid is a siRNA. Dehydrated nanoparticles of the invention have improved storage characteristics. The particles may be used in screening methods, e.g. where they have been dried onto a solid support, such as the surface of a culture well. The nanoparticles may also be dried onto implants for tissue engineering scaffolds, where they enable transfection of cells growing on the scaffold. Moreover, the particles have therapeutic relevance.

Abstract: A method of making ultra-small chitosan nanoparticles having a size range of approximately 10-20 nm, includes preparing a first microemulsion containing effective amounts of cyclohexane, n-hexanol, chitosan polymer and a nonionic surfactant. A second microemulsion is prepared containing effective amounts of cyclohexane, n-hexanol, tartaric acid, EDC, n-hydroxysuccinimide, and a nonionic surfactant. The method continues by reacting the first and second microemulsions for a time sufficient to form the ultra-small chitosan nanoparticles and recovering the nanoparticles from the reacted microemulsion. The chitosan polymer may be crosslinked and may also be tagged with a fluorescent compound, a radio-opaque compound, a paramagnetic ion, a ligand specific for a predetermined biologic target, a drug, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drug delivery system for administration of poorly water soluble pharmaceutically active substance, a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a drug delivery system, and a method for the preparation of such a drug delivery system. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the particle size and/or particle shape and/or particle size distribution in such a drug delivery system, and to a method for increasing the drug loading capacity of the particles. Furthermore the invention also relates to the use of such a drug delivery system for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous inorganic/organic hybrid nanoscale composite comprising an enzymatically biodegradable organic polymer and a sol-gel derived silica network, its production and use as a macroporous scaffold in tissue engineering.

Abstract: This invention relates to crosslinked protein nanoparticles and a method for producing the same. The method comprises the preparation and nanonization (i.e., size reduction to the nanoscale) of protein nanoparticle precursor materials—i.e., crosslinked proteins of the micron or greater size—via mechanical or hydrodynamic shear, mechanical crushing, sonic cavitation and/or hydrodynamic cavitation.

Abstract: An aircraft anti-icing composition includes a freezing point depressant and a thickener including nanocrystalline cellulose. A thickening composition also includes nanocrystalline cellulose. Also taught is the use of nanocrystalline cellulose in the manufacture of an anti-icing composition and the use of nanocrystalline cellulose in a thickening composition.

Abstract: Provided are nanoscale, mineralized structures from naturally-occurring materials and related methods for manufacturing these structures. The structures are useful in construction of photovoltaic devices and sensor applications.

Abstract: This invention involves the nano-structured support used for separation or/and analysis, especially the chip substrate, ELISA plate substrate, planar chromatography strip and chromatography gel. Besides, it involves the functionalized nano-structured support of high sensibility for separation or/and analysis, especially the analysis-chip, ELISA plate, planar chromatography reagent strip and chromatography gel. In addition, this invention also involves the nano-structured marking system for analysis. Moreover, it concerns the test kit; especially the chip kit, ELISA kit, and planar chromatography kit. What's more, this invention involves the preparing methods and the applications of all those mentioned above, especially the chip analysis, analyses with ELISA plate, planar chromatography strip and chromatography separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles comprising osteopontin and a polymer carrier, preferably a cationic carrier. Preferably, the cationic carrier is chitosan. Osteopontin and/or the cationic carrier may have bioactivity and/or the nanoparticle may comprise an additional component with bioactivity. Such additional bioactive component may e.g. be a siRNA. The nanoparticles of the invention may be used for treatment of bone diseases or inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, A method for intracellular delivery of cytotoxin in combination with cyoablation is provided. The method includes encapsulation of one or more cytotoxins in a thermally responsive nanocapsule by decreasing the temperature of the nanocapsule to increase the permeability of the nanocapsule whereby the one or more cytotoxins are sucked into or diffuse into the nanocapsule. The temperature of the nanocapsule is increased and the nanocapsule is delivered into a cell. Cryoablation is performed in proximity to the cell resulting in the release of the one or more cytotoxins from the nanocapsule into the cell.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of resequencing DNA using microarrays to rapidly map and identify SNPs, deletions and amplification events present in the genome of an organism. The method is performed by hybridizing a reference and a test genome to two separate arrays with each array exhibiting a specific intensity pattern. The intensity differences between the reference and the test genome arrays are used to produce a mutation map. The mapped differences are resequenced on a set of resequencing arrays to identify specific genetic mutations.

Abstract: Two dimensional polynucleic acid arrays are assembled from robust nucleic acid motifs as polygonal units. The polygonal units in an array have edges composed of nucleic acid multi-crossover domains and are joined together by double cohesion of adjacent polygonal units. A subset of polygonal units in the array have a nanoparticle or pendant molecule attached to an end of one edge of each polygonal unit within this subset.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of self-assembling peptide amphiphiles with an absolute net charge of 3 or greater whose design and function may be patterned after proteins involved in vertebrate mineralization or other tissue forming processes. This molecular system preferably consists of a hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail attached to a relatively hydrophilic peptide sequence. Self-assembly of this peptide amphiphile may be induced through pH variation, divalent ion addition, or dehydration. Variations of structural peptide sequences in the peptide amphiphile may enable the assembled nanofibers to be reversibly cross-linked for more or less structural stability, or may allow for control of the rate of self-assembly.

Abstract: A tubular or spherical nanostructure composed of a plurality of peptides, wherein each of the plurality of peptides includes no more than 4 amino acids and whereas at least one of the 4 amino acids is an aromatic amino acid.

Abstract: A vaccine delivery system comprising adjuvant and nanoparticles comprising an immunogenic agent is provided. A method of immunizing an animal comprising administering a nanoparticle-based vaccine delivery system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides signal peptide-semiconductor nanocrystal-peptide conjugates and methods for using the conjugates in methods for imaging live cells and subcellular trafficking processes.

Abstract: Functionalized fluorescent nanocrystal compositions and methods for making and using these compositions are disclosed. The compositions are fluorescent nanocrystals coated with at least one material. The coating material has chemical compounds or ligands with functional groups or moieties with conjugated electrons and moieties for imparting solubility to coated fluorescent nanocrystals in aqueous solutions. The coating material provides for functionalized fluorescent nanocrystal compositions which are water soluble, chemically stable, and emit light with a high quantum yield and/or luminescence efficiency when excited with light. The coating material may also have chemical compounds or ligands with moieties for bonding to target molecules and cells as well as moieties for cross-linking the coating.