Abstract: An antimicrobial composite structure including: a polymeric material, the material having a first exterior surface expanded to fibrils and nodes, a second exterior surface and an interior portion between the exterior surfaces; and nanoparticles present in the interior portion adjacent the first exterior surface but not in the interior portion adjacent the second exterior surface. The nanoparticles can be silver nanoparticles and the polymeric material may be an expanded fluoropolymer material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using nanoparticle libraries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoscale or microscale container for encapsulation and delivery of materials or substances, including, but not limited to, cells, drugs, tissue, gels and polymers contained within the container, with subsequent release of the therapeutic materials in situ, methods of fabricating the container by folding a 2D precursor into the 3D container, and the use of the container in in-vivo or in-vitro applications. The container can be in any polyhedral shape and its surfaces can have either no perforations or nano/microscale perforations. The container is coated with a biocompatible metal, e.g. gold, or polymer, e.g. parylene, layer and the surfaces and hinges of the container are made of any metal or polymer combinations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of measuring electrical properties of a cell using electrode devices comprising tapered nanotips having submicrometer dimensions (“nanoelectrodes”) for insertion into a cell. The devices are used to measure electrical properties of the cell and, optionally, may be used to electroporate, the cell or subcellular structures within the cell. The invention also provides arrays of electrode devices having nanotips for simultaneously or sequentially measuring the electrical properties of cells (e.g., such as surface immobilized cells). The electrodes can be used to measure properties of ion channels and in HTS assays to identify drugs which affect the properties of ion channels. The invention additionally provides microfluidic systems adapted for use with the electrode devices having nanotips. In combination with the electrodes, the microfluidic systems provide cell-based biosensors for monitoring cellular responses to conditions, such as exposure to candidate drugs.

Abstract: Materials and methods for manipulation of biopolymers, including the separation, purification, immobilization, and archival storage of biopolymers is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a master plate of an optical disc. The method comprises the step of: (a) forming an inorganic resist layer on a substrate; (b) forming an organic photoresist layer on and in contact with the inorganic resist layer; (c) irradiating both the organic photoresist layer and the inorganic resist layer with a laser beam to form a first exposed region of the inorganic resist layer and a second exposed region of the organic photoresist layer; (d) removing the inorganic resist layer of the first exposed region and the organic photoresist layer of the second exposed region; (e) removing the patterned organic photoresist layer from the patterned inorganic resist layer; (f) conformally forming a release layer to cover the patterned inorganic resist layer; (g) plating a metal layer on the release layer; and (h) separating the metal layer and the release layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit for amplifying detected signal in immunosensor and a method for detecting target antigen using the same according to the present invention, whereby a target antigen can be effectively detected even by a small amount of target antibody to thereby reduce nonspecific detection signal and to detect an amplified signal.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for detecting one or more physiological conditions in lungs of a vertebrate subject. A method is described for administering at least one microparticle to lungs of a vertebrate subject, wherein the at least one microparticle includes one or more markers; wherein the one or more markers is configured to be released in response to one or more physiological conditions in the vertebrate subject; and detecting the one or more markers in a lung exhalant of the vertebrate subject.

Abstract: A material comprising positively and negatively charged nanoparticles, wherein one of said nanoparticles contained a magnetically responsive element, are combined with a support molecule, which is a long natural or synthetic molecule or polymer to make a magnetic nanoparticle assembly. When the magnetic nanoparticle assembly is combined with cells, it will magnetize those cells. The magnetized cells can then be washed to remove the magnetic nanoparticle assembly and the magnetized cells manipulated in a magnetic field.

Abstract: Gelatinous foam, coated paper, fabric, and polymer materials combined with the Colloidal Silver or Gold additive to formulate products with anti-microbial surfaces which will then be installed through a process determined by the owner/operator of a multi-person/multi-use facility (with input from the end user) to create anti-microbial areas within the facility. Embodiments of the present invention can be formed from polymer materials with silver or gold additives for creating bacteria-free anti-microbial areas, known as a Clean Zone™, in multi-use or multi-person facilities, such as gyms, hotels, hospitals, doctors' offices, food courts, restaurants, cruise ships, buses, and airplanes. The various embodiments include coated polymer sheets, polymer trays, bamboo and/or cotton towels, rugs and fabric, polymer foam, or polymer mats containing nano-silver or nano-gold in an scheduled and organized manner (with input/requests from the customer) to create permanent or semi-permanent anti-microbial surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to soluble selenium compositions and methods of production, separation and purification thereof. In particular the present invention provides methods of preparing water soluble selenoglycoproteins (e.g., via extracting selenoglycoproteins from selenium enriched yeast), methods of supplementing a selenium deficient composition via admixing water soluble selenoglycoproteins with the selenium deficient composition, compositions comprising the water soluble selenoglycoproteins and methods of administering the same.

Abstract: Nanoparticles, such as noble metal nanoparticles, having improved stability against aggregation in aqueous solution are provided. In addition to having improved stability against aggregation, the nanoparticles are highly photostable. Also provided are aqueous solutions containing the stabilized nanoparticles, methods of making the stabilized nanoparticles, imaging methods and organisms employing the nanoparticles, and in vivo assays for screening and characterizing the toxicity and biocompatibility of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photosensitizer compounds based on functionalized fullerenes useful in targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Unique methods for preparing and producing non-toxic, liquid customized preservative substance formulations that may be used as embalming, sterilizing, disinfectant, preservative, mold destroying and fungus extermination solutions. These substances can: (a) safely resist or retard natural destructive processes; (b) save or keep things from decaying, decomposition, deterioration, spoiling, putrefication or fermentation; (c) continually prevent or inhibit unwanted microbial growth; and, (d) be used as embalming medical devices to significantly retard the carious destructive processes of nature with anti-microbial properties. These formulations forestall, prevent and inhibit undesirable chemical/biological changes, microbial/bacterial actions, plus retard decomposition or other negative changes. The formulations are comprised of ultra-fine minute nano-sized colloidal silver particles in pure distilled water resulting in stable suspended preparations.

Abstract: An article comprising a polyelectrolyte complex comprising an interpenetrating network of at least one predominantly positively charged polyelectrolyte polymer and at least one predominantly negatively charged polyelectrolyte polymer, the polyelectrolyte complex further comprising a plurality of closed-shell pores, the plurality of pores having at least one average transverse dimension between about 100 nanometer and about 1000 micrometers.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating a disorder affecting the mesangial cells in a subject by administering an engineered nanoparticle (ENP) capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to the subject. Also provided are diagnostic methods for administering to a subject an ENP, analyzing a mesangial cell of the subject and determining whether the engineered nanoparticle is present in a mesangial cell of the subject.

Abstract: There is provided a glucose responsive membrane comprising a nanoporous support substrate and a coating of a glucose responsive hydrogel attached to a surface of the nanoporous substrate. There are also provided methods for the preparation of the glucose responsive membrane and a medical device for the monitoring or regulation of glucose levels in a patient comprising the membrane.

Abstract: Preparation of oxidation-reduction (redox) nano-medicine quantum dot room temperature superconductor quantum bit (qubit) networks includes processes of making unitary, binary, ternary, and/or quaternary liquid pharmaceutical ingredients of an antioxidase antioxidant, a ?-adrenergic receptor agonist, a P2-purinergic receptor agonist, and/or a phenylalkylamine calcium channel blocker in combination with either 1:20 xanthine oxidase (XO):xanthine (X) or X alone in a liquid phase by using the L16(2)15 and L9(3)4 orthogonal optimization design protocols and modulating spatial distance constraint from about 0.1 ? to about 200 ? as well as a 10 class clean bottom-up self-assembly approach.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating a disorder affecting the mesangial cells in a subject by administering an engineered nanoparticle (ENP) capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to the subject. Also provided are diagnostic methods for administering to a subject an ENP, analyzing a mesangial cell of the subject and determining whether the engineered nanoparticle is present in a mesangial cell of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite materials comprising polymer nanofibers and polymer nanoparticles, wherein at least one of the two polymer materials is loaded with a substance selected from therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Fibers and nanoparticles can comprise identical or different polymers; the polymer materials are, however, biocompatible in every case. Therapeutic and diagnostic agents can be hydrophilic or lipophilic and the two polymer materials likewise. The at least one polymer material and the substance with which said material is loaded are either both hydrophilic or both lipophilic. The polymer nanoparticles of the composite materials have a diameter of 10 nm to 600 nm. The polymer fibers have diameters of 10 nm to 50 ?m and lengths of 1 ?m to several meters. The invention further relates to a method for producing said composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid lipid core/solid lipid shell capsule surface-functionalized with at least one compound containing at least one amino function, characterized in that the lipid core/lipid shell architecture is on the nanometric scale and in that said compound is covalently bonded to said solid lipid shell via a transacylation reaction. It also relates to a method for preparing such capsules.

Abstract: There is provided a chimeric protein of capsid protein of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and B domain of Staphylococcal protein A (SPAB); a method for fabricating the same; the substrate and nanosensor immobilized with HBV-derived chimeric protein; and the use of the above nanosensor.

Abstract: Core-excited nanoparticle thermotherapy (CENT), is an improved material for use in thermotherapy. The CENT method uses both core-exciting energy (including x-rays) and core-shell nanoparticles, specifically designed to absorb radiation in their core structure, then transfer energy from the core to the shell, to heat the outer shell of the nanoparticle. The heated nanoparticle then heats the surrounding region to a temperature sufficient to detect, affect, damage and/or destroy the targeted cell or material. CENT nanoparticles can be bound to targeting agents that deliver them to the region of the diseased cell.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a method of using nanoparticle aggregates to form sensors and optical filters. Properly sized (60 and 200 nm) nanoparticle aggregates with cores having a sulfur-oxygen molecular species and a shell with a surface in contact with the core are obtained. Those nanoparticle aggregates have a first resonance profile to wavelengths between 350 nm and 1075 nm. A modified resonance profile for those nanoparticle aggregates is determined. The nanoparticle aggregates are then selectively sized by irradiating them with electromagnetic energy at sufficient intensity and spectral content to modify the first resonance profile towards the modified resonance profile. The resulting nanoparticle aggregates can be used as sensors or optical filters at a selected wavelength.

Abstract: A method for preparing a composition of metal nanocrystals from at least one organometallic precursor in a solvent medium in the presence of a PEG ligand, including a carbon chain, at least one end of which is functionalized by a coordination grouping including at least one hetero atom, and having at least one [OCH2CH2]n grouping, n being an integer higher than 1, so as to be soluble both in the solvent medium and in water. The water-compatible and organic-compatible composition of metal nanocrystals thus obtained is also described.

Abstract: In certain embodiments novel nanoparticles (nanowontons) are provided that are suitable for multimodal imaging and/or therapy. In one embodiment, the nanoparticles include a first biocompatible (e.g., gold) layer, an inner core layer (e.g., a non-biocompatible material), and a biocompatible (e.g., gold) layer. The first gold layer includes a concave surface that forms a first outer surface of the layered nanoparticle. The second gold layer includes a convex surface that forms a second outer surface of the layered nanoparticle. The first and second gold layers encapsulate the inner core material layer. Methods of fabricating such nanoparticles are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides core-shell magnetic particles comprising a magnetic core and a functional shell, methods for making same, methods of separation using same, methods for using same, and devices comprising same. The particles and methods of the invention are useful for targeting and removing substances of interest that may be found in complex mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA loaded gold nanoparticles embedded in sharp carbonaceous carriers useful for higher DNA delivery efficiently into plants. These nanogold embedded carbon matrices are prepared by heat treatment of biogenic intracellular gold nanoparticles. The DNA delivery efficiency is tested on model plants. These materials reveal good dispersion of the transport material, producing a greater number of GUS foci per unit area. The added advantages of the composite carrier are the lower plasmid and gold requirements. Plant cell damage with the prepared carbon supported particles is very minimal and can be gauged from the increased plant regeneration and transformation efficiency compared to that of the commercial micrometer sized gold particles. This can be attributed to the sharp edges that the carbon supports possess, which lead to better piercing capabilities with minimum damage.

Abstract: A collagen production enhancer for increasing the amount of collagen contained in the skin tissues, comprising calcium phosphate fine particles as effective ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer composites reinforced with high aspect ratio reinforcing fillers selected from calcium phosphate nanofibers, nanoplates, submicron fibers, submicron plates, and combinations thereof. The mechanical and biological properties of the inventive composites are enhanced significantly over current polymer composites and may be employed in various biomedical applications, such as dental restorations.

Abstract: This invention relates to high surface area materials, such as nanoparticles, that are coated with metal ions. These modified nanoparticles have active sites that bind various gases and/or odorous compounds, thereby removing these compounds from a medium such as air or water. Metal ions are adsorbed onto the surface of the nanoparticle and bound strongly to the surface. By selection of the metal ion, specific gaseous compounds and/or odorous compounds can be targeted and removed efficiently and effectively from both aqueous phase and from the air. The modified nanoparticles are useful in numerous article of manufacture for industrial and consumer use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting reperfusion injury in the brain. The method involve injecting via the carotid artery or jugular vein an antioxidant-loaded nanoparticle. A nanoparticle formulation containing an inert plasticizer is also provided for sustained release of an active agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies that are reactive to the cell surface of CD19+ B cells, including B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells, and compositions and methods for using such antibodies, including in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with CD19+ B cells, such as B-CLL.

Abstract: A method of preparing antimicrobial-containing polymeric products is provided, the method involving electrospinning a dispersion comprising a dispersible polymer, a fiberizing polymer, and one or more antimicrobial agents. The electrospun material is heated to remove solvent and the fiberizing polymer, giving a nonwoven polymeric material having antimicrobial agent incorporated therein. The material can be in the form of, for example, a non-woven sheet, tube, or covering.

Abstract: A method of formulating a particle composition having a pre-selected cell internalization mode involves selecting a target cell having surface receptors and obtaining particles that have i) surface moieties, that have an affinity for or are capable of binding to the surface receptors of the cell and ii) a preselected shape, where a surface distribution of the surface moieties on the particles and the shape of the particles are effective for the pre-selected cell internalization mode.

Abstract: The invention generally refers to a cell-targeting nanoparticle, wherein the cell-targeting nanoparticle is directly conjugated to at least one cysteine-containing peptide, wherein the cysteine-containing peptide is selected from the group consisting of glutathione (GSM, a GSH-containing peptide, and a peptide comprising a nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequence and a transporter sequence, and methods of using the cell-targeting nanoparticle.

Abstract: Applications in nanomedicine, such as diagnostics and targeted therapeutics, rely on the detection and targeting of membrane biomarkers. The present invention, in one embodiment, utilizes quantitative profiling, spatial mapping, and multiplexing of cancer biomarkers using functionalized quantum dots. This approach provides highly selective targeting molecular markers for pancreatic cancer with extremely low levels of non-specific binding and provides quantitative spatial information of biomarker distribution on a single cell, which is important since tumors cell populations are inherently heterogeneous. The quantitative measurements (number of molecules per square micron) is validated using flow cytometry and demonstrated using multiplexed quantitative profiling using color-coded quantum dots.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treating a brain disease in which focused ultrasound and magnetic targeting are applied to a subject in need of such treatment, so that therapeutic agent-magnetic nanoparticle composites are directed across the blood-brain barrier to a designated locus inside the brain of the subject. Each of the composites includes a magnetic nanoparticle that is formed of an iron-based core and a shell encapsulating the iron-based core, and a therapeutic agent that is bound to the shell of the magnetic nanoparticle. The magnetic nanoparticle has a size ranging from 5 to 200 nm. The iron-based core has a crystalline structure that imparts the composites with a sufficiently high magnetization, thereby enhancing magnetic targeting of the composites to the designated locus inside the brain of the subject. The magnetic targeting treatment is conducted via a magnet providing a magnetic flux density not less than 0.18 T.

Abstract: A method includes positioning an effective amount of a thermal target material at a treatment site of a patient. The treatment site, that is, the location of the thermal target material, comprises a location adjacent to biological tissue to be treated. The thermal target material includes carbon molecules preferably in a carrier fluid. Regardless of the particular structure of the carbon, the carbon molecules in the material heat very rapidly in response to incident microwave radiation and radiate heat energy. The heat energy radiated from an effective amount of the thermal target material when subjected to an effective quantity of microwave energy causes localized heating around the thermal target material. This localized heating may be applied for therapeutic purposes. However, the microwave radiation necessary to produce therapeutically effective heating is insufficient to cause cellular damage in the biological tissue by direct absorption in the tissue.

Abstract: A resilient foam material having an active antimicrobial bound to, incorporated within, and projecting from its surface is provided for incapacitating or destroying microbes. The antimicrobial has an atomic structure that is capable of mechanically piercing or lysing a microbe thereby incapacitating or destroying the microbe. The resilient antimicrobial foam material may be manufactured into a resilient antimicrobial foam product for drawing across a surface and mechanically incapacitating or destroying microbes on the surface. The resilient antimicrobial foam material may be manufactured into a membrane for providing a sterile barrier for a surface. The resilient antimicrobial foam material is manufactured by combining the antimicrobial with a foam polymer material, heating the foam polymer material under pressure to a temperate that does not deactivate the antimicrobial, incorporating a blowing agent, cooling the material, and extruding the material.

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: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring ligand-induced cell activity as defined herein, the apparatus including: an optical biosensor having a contact surface including a compatibilizer zone, an optional surface modifier zone, and a live cell zone. The disclosure also provides a method of making the apparatus and methods for measuring ligand-induced live cell activity with the apparatus.

Abstract: Particles of interest such as DNA, RNA may be detected in trace quantities by subjecting the particles to concentration by scodaphoresis, detecting a signal indicative of the presence of the particles in a scodaphoresis focus spot and performing phase-sensitive detection on the signal using a reference signal tied to the scodaphoresis fields. Specificity may be enhanced by using a medium having high affinity for the particles and/or markers having specific affinity for the target particles. In some embodiments a fluorescence signal is detected and subjected to phase-sensitive analysis. The signal may be detected by a camera or other imaging system.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems to increase selective thermomechanical damage to a biological body, such as a cancer cell or cell associated with a pathophysiological condition. The biological body or cancer cell is specifically targeted with nanoparticulates comprising one or more targeting moieties which form nanoparticulate clusters thereon or therewithin. Pulsed electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optical radiation, having a wavelength spectrum selected for a peak wavelength near to or matching a peak absorption wavelength of the nanoparticulates selectively heats the nanoparticulates thereby generating vapor microbubbles around the clusters causing damage to the targets without affecting any surrounding medium or normal cells or tissues. Also provided are methods for treating leukemia and for selectively and thermomechanically causing damage to cells associated with a pathophysiological condition using the methods and system described herein.

Abstract: A method of delivering a compound of interest to the lungs of a subject by the intravenous injection of Sertoli cells loaded with a plurality of chitosan nanoparticles coupled with the compound of interest is provided. Testis-derived rat Sertoli cells were pre-loaded with chitosan nanoparticles coupled with or without the drug curcumin, pre-labeled with a fluorescent cell marker and then injected intravenously into the control or asthmatic mouse model host. Intact pre-loaded, pre-labeled Sertoli cells were present in the lungs at 15 minutes post-injection, appeared entrapped in the pulmonary pre-capillary vascular bed around alveolar sacs but were not present one hour post-injection although Sertoli cell label and cellular debris was. Most of the of the injected nanoparticle to load (70%) and curcumin load (80%) was present in the lungs 15 minutes post-injection, and remained at 70% and 80%, respectively, one hour post-injection.

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: Provided is a color encoding method including providing a composition including a liquid medium and magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in the liquid medium; applying a magnetic field to the composition to align the magnetic nanoparticles; and applying a patterned energy source to the composition to solidify the composition, wherein more than one region of the composition are sequentially solidified with varying magnetic field strength to fix a plurality of color codes

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: A submicron structure having a silica body defining a plurality of pores, said silica body further defining an outer surface between pore openings of said plurality of pores; and having at least one silver nanocrystal within said silica body are described. Antimicrobial compositions comprising the submicron structure, and methods of killing or inhibiting growth of microbes using the submicron structure are described.

Abstract: Provided herein is a process for production of a metal nanoparticle, the process comprising providing a first solution containing a protein nanocage complex comprising a hydrophobic metal core and an ion-transport mechanism, providing a second solution containing a preselected anionic agent, combining the first and second solutions into a third combined solution, and applying an external method to the third combined solution to manipulate the metal core's redox state, in which reduction of the metal core causes the preselected anionic agent to be imported and incorporated into the metal core. Also provided herein is a composition from the process and a method of use.