Abstract: The invention relates to electronic contact lens systems, methods for fabrication thereof, and uses thereof for treatment of ophthalmic diseases and conditions, for example, meibomian gland dysfunction.

Abstract: Peptides derived from NKp44 protein, chimeric peptides, nucleotides encoding same and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, are provided. Further, methods of extending the biological half-life of a protein of interest are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: A sensor for biomolecules includes a silicon fin comprising undoped silicon; a source region adjacent to the silicon fin, the source region comprising heavily doped silicon; a drain region adjacent to the silicon fin, the drain region comprising heavily doped silicon of a doping type that is the same doping type as that of the source region; and a layer of a gate dielectric covering an exterior portion of the silicon fin between the source region and the drain region, the gate dielectric comprising a plurality of antibodies, the plurality of antibodies configured to bind with the biomolecules, such that a drain current flowing between the source region and the drain region varies when the biomolecules bind with the antibodies.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices that comprise a protein, such as an antibody, placed into electronic communication with a semiconductor material, such as a carbon nanotube. The devices are useful in assessing the presence or concentration of analytes contacted to the devices, including the presence of markers for prostate cancer and Lyme disease.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions that have a light emitting reporter linked to biomolecules, preferably, nucleotide oligomers. The light reporter particles are silylated and functionalized to produce a coated light reporter particle, prior to covalently linking the biomolecules to the light reporter particle. The light reporter particles of the invention can be excited by a light excitation source such as UV or IR light, and when the biomolecule is DNA, the attached DNA molecule(s) are detectable by amplification techniques such as PCR.

Abstract: A technique is provided for a structure. A substrate has a nanopillar vertically positioned on the substrate. A bottom layer is formed beneath the substrate. A top layer is formed on top of the substrate and on top of the nanopillar, and a cover layer covers the top layer and the nanopillar. A window is formed through the bottom layer and formed through the substrate, and the window ends at the top layer. A nanopore is formed through the top layer by removing the cover layer and the nanopillar.

Abstract: Surface films, paints, or primers can be used in preparing aircraft structural composites that may be exposed to lightning strikes. Methods for making and using these films, paints or primers are also disclosed. The surface film can include a thermoset resin or polymer, e.g., an epoxy resin and/or a thermoplastic polymer, which can be cured, bonded, or painted on the composite structure. Low-density electrically conductive materials are disclosed, such as carbon nanofiber, copper powder, metal coated microspheres, metal-coated carbon nanotubes, single wall carbon nanotubes, graphite nanoplatelets and the like, that can be uniformly dispersed throughout or on the film. Low density conductive materials can include metal screens, optionally in combination with carbon nanofibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanocomposite-based biosensors. The biosensors include an electrode, a nanocomposite over the surface of the electrode, the nanocomposite comprising a population of carbon nanotubes and a population of magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in the population of carbon nanotubes, wherein the magnetic nanoparticles comprise a ferromagnetic metal or compound thereof, and one or more biomolecules over the surface of the electrode, wherein the biomolecules are capable of undergoing a redox reaction with a target molecule. Also disclosed are nanocomposites, modified electrodes, kits, and methods for using the biosensors.

Abstract: A method for sensing biomolecules in an electrolyte includes exposing a gate dielectric surface of a sensor comprising a silicon fin to the electrolyte, wherein the gate dielectric surface comprises a dielectric material and antibodies configured to bind with the biomolecules; applying a gate voltage to an electrode immersed in the electrolyte; and measuring a change in a drain current flowing in the silicon fin; and determining an amount of the biomolecules that are present in the electrolyte based on the change in the drain current.

Abstract: A composite detection device having in-line desalting is provided. The composite detection device comprises a membrane configured for desalting at least a portion of an analyte stream, and a nanostructure for detecting a bio-molecule or a bio-molecule interaction, wherein the nanostructure and the membrane are arranged such that an analyte stream desalted at least in part by the membrane is detected by the nanostructure. A bio-sending detection system having the composite detection device and method of fabrication of the composite detection device are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic system for selectively detecting and identifying a plurality of chemical species, which comprises an array of nanostructure sensing devices, is disclosed. Within the array, there are at least two different selectivities for sensing among the nanostructure sensing devices. Methods for fabricating the electronic system are also disclosed. The methods involve modifying nanostructures within the devices to have different selectivity for sensing chemical species. Modification can involve chemical, electrochemical, and self-limiting point defect reactions. Reactants for these reactions can be supplied using a bath method or a chemical jet method. Methods for using the arrays of nanostructure sensing devices to detect and identify a plurality of chemical species are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is method for non-covalently immobilizing an infectious prion protein using a magnetic substrate.

Abstract: A nanoconverter or nanosensor is disclosed capable of directly generating electricity through physisorption interactions with molecules that are dipole containing organic species in a molecule interaction zone. High surface-to-volume ratio semiconductor nanowires or nanotubes (such as ZnO, silicon, carbon, etc.) are grown either aligned or randomly-aligned on a substrate. Epoxy or other nonconductive polymers are used to seal portions of the nanowires or nanotubes to create molecule noninteraction zones. By correlating certain molecule species to voltages generated, a nanosensor may quickly identify which species is detected. Nanoconverters in a series parallel arrangement may be constructed in planar, stacked, or rolled arrays to supply power to nano- and micro-devices without use of external batteries. In some cases breath, from human or other life forms, contain sufficient molecules to power a nanoconverter.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon nanotube-containing composites as biosensors to detect the presence of target clinical markers, methods of their preparation and uses in the medical field. The invention is particularly suitable for the detection in patient biological specimens of bone markers and tissue markers. The biosensors of the invention include carbon nanotubes deposited on a substrate, gold nanoparticles deposited on the carbon nanotubes and, binder material and biomolecule deposited on the gold-coated carbon nanotubes. The biomolecule is selected to interact with the target clinical markers. The biosensor can be used as an in-situ or an ex-situ device to detect and measure the presence of the target clinical markers.

Abstract: Nanoparticles having one or more attached sensing moieties including uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP) and deoxythymidine 5?-triphosphate (dTTP), are disclosed herein. These nanoparticles can, for example, be used for detection of plasticizers, such as phthalates, in the sample. Methods, kits and apparatuses using these nanoparticles for detecting plasticizers in a sample are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Human pancreatic cancer cells possess a distinct plasma membrane CCK receptor variant that can be differentiated from the classic CCK-B receptor with selective monoclonal antibodies. Use of this receptor may be helpful in early detection or treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses stable, non-agglomerated, ultra-small metal/alloy clusters encapsulated in silica with the metal/alloy cluster size of less than 5 nm. The invention further discloses a simple, cost effective process for the preparation of metal/alloy clusters encapsulated in silica which is thermally stable and without agglomeration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical sensing chip, which has various applications and may be used repetitively. The optical sensing chip can qualitatively identify different types of molecules and quantitatively analyze small molecules in minute amounts. Regarding a conventional optical sensing chip, an additional sample of known concentration is required as a reference in signal comparison for quantitative determination. In the disclosure, it is unnecessary to add the additional sample of known concentration, but the optical sensing chip itself provides a fixed optical signal that is not varied along with environmental changes to serve as a reference for quantitative determination. In addition, the optical sensing chip also possesses the ability to concentrate or filter sample in real-time.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which is capable of being used for detection, comprising a noble metal nanoparticle. The inventive compositions exhibit little interaction with serum proteins while exhibiting pH-dependent adsorption onto live cell membranes. The nanoparticles of the claimed invention are capable of interacting with cell membranes, which in turn permits the advantages of nanoparticle bio-imaging to be extended to many pH dependent biological processes such as targeting acidic tumor microenvironment.

Abstract: A dew condensation sensor is described, including a nano-composite for generating local surface plasmon resonance, a light reflecting member disposed on one side of the nano-composite, a protection layer laminated on the light reflecting member, a light source/light receiver disposed facing the nano-composite, a spectroscope (or photo-detector) for detecting the light reflected by the light source/light receiver, a controller connected to the light source/light receiver and the spectroscope (or photo-detector) and used for overall control thereof, and a display unit connected to the controller. The dew condensation sensor detects occurrence of dew condensation based on the variation in the absorption spectrum, the absorption intensity or the reflected-light intensity of the local surface plasmon resonance of the nano-composite.

Abstract: Sensors, processes for manufacturing the sensors, and processes of detecting a target molecule with the sensor generally includes a substrate including a channel and first and second electrodes electrically connected to the channel, wherein the channel includes a monolayer of surface functionalized graphene or surface functionalized carbon nanotubes, wherein the surface functionalized graphene or surface functionalized carbon nanotubes include an imidazolidone compound.

Abstract: Sensors, processes for manufacturing the sensors, and processes of detecting a target molecule with the sensor generally includes a substrate including a channel and first and second electrodes electrically connected to the channel, wherein the channel includes a monolayer of surface functionalized graphene or surface functionalized carbon nanotubes, wherein the surface functionalized graphene or surface functionalized carbon nanotubes include an imidazolidone compound.

Abstract: The present invention is related to fragments of human melanotransferrin (p97). In particular, this invention relates to treatment of diseases through the introduction of the melanotransferrin fragment conjugated to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a subject.

Abstract: Described herein is the analysis of nanomechanical characteristics of cells. In particular, changes in certain local nanomechanical characteristics of ex vivo human cells can correlate with presence of a human disease, such as cancer, as well as a particular stage of progression of the disease. Also, for human patients that are administered with a therapeutic agent, changes in local nanomechanical characteristics of ex vivo cells collected from the patients can correlate with effectiveness of the therapeutic agent in terms of impeding or reversing progression of the disease. By exploiting this correlation, systems and related methods can be advantageously implemented for disease state detection and therapeutic agent selection and monitoring.

Abstract: A mechanism for capturing molecules is provided. A nanopore through a membrane separates a first chamber from a second chamber, and the nanopore, the first chamber, and the second chamber are filled with ionic buffer. A narrowed neck is at a middle area of the first chamber, and the narrowed neck is aligned to an entrance of the nanopore. The narrowed neck has a high intensity electric field compared to other areas of the first chamber having low intensity electric fields. The narrowed neck having the high intensity electric field concentrates the molecules at the middle area aligned to the entrance of the nanopore. Voltage applied between the first chamber and the second chamber drives the molecules, concentrated at the entrance of the nanopore, through the nanopore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hairpin probe for detecting a target pathogenic microorganism in a sample. The hairpin probe includes a microbead and an oligonucleotide having its 3?-end coupled to the microbead. The oligonucleotide includes, from 5? to 3?, a Tag sequence hybridizable to a specific identification sequence of the pathogenic microorganism, an internal control sequence having at least four words each having 4 nucleotides with a 75% AT-content, an anti-Tag sequence being a reverse complement of the Tag sequence, and a tail having at least two consecutive thymidine residues. The Tag and anti-Tag sequences are operable to form a stem of the hairpin probe with the internal control sequence being a loop. Also disclosed herein are, a kit including the hairpin probe and a method for using the kit in the detection of a target pathogenic microorganism.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of an invention for a sample assembly with an electrical conductor for generating an electromagnetic field to speed up the tagging of target antigens with antiparticles for detection of the antigens by electromagnetic read heads. A sample assembly includes a surface with a first set of antibodies bonded thereon. Target antigens are bonded with the first set of antibodies. A second set of antibodies bonded to nanoparticles are exposed to the sample surface to bond with the target antigens. The electrical conductor generates an electromagnetic field that moves the nanoparticle-labeled antibodies toward the antigens to shorten the time to complete their bonding process.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen peroxide sensitive metal nanoparticle including: a metal nanoparticle including a biocompatible metal and a hydrogen peroxide reactive ion which is bonded to a surface of the metal nanoparticle and is oxidized by hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for sensing molecules. A twin-nanopore probe includes a first channel and a second channel. A first pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the first channel to generate a positive pressure. A second pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the second channel to generate a negative pressure. A container includes ionic solvent with molecules, and a tip of the twin-nanopore probe is submerged in the container of the ionic fluid with the molecules. The first channel, the second channel, the first pressure-controlled reservoir, and the second pressure-controlled reservoir are filled with the ionic fluid. The first pressure-controlled reservoir drives the ionic fluid out of the first channel and the second pressure-controlled reservoir draws in the ionic fluid with the molecules and solvent through the second channel. A flow of ionic current in the twin-nanopore probe is measured to differentiate the molecules that flow through the second channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel device for biosensing and energy storage. The present invented device comprises an electrode having a nanopore structured and bio-communicationally active cyclodextrin attached thereto. The device has demonstrated robust analytical performances for direct single subtype breast cancer measurements without mediators, or native enzyme, and without antibodies labeling; the device is capable to store energy by direct bio-communication with the living cancer cells at real time is demonstrated. It is beneficial in the health care diagnostic applications.

Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.

Abstract: A field effect transistor device includes: a reservoir bifurcated by a membrane of three layers: two electrically insulating layers; and an electrically conductive gate between the two insulating layers. The gate has a surface charge polarity different from at least one of the insulating layers. A nanochannel runs through the membrane, connecting both parts of the reservoir. The device further includes: an ionic solution filling the reservoir and the nanochannel; a drain electrode; a source electrode; and voltages applied to the electrodes (a voltage between the source and drain electrodes and a voltage on the gate) for turning on an ionic current through the ionic channel wherein the voltage on the gate gates the transportation of ions through the ionic channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a substrate having a surface comprising nanoparticles or groups of nanoparticles which the linear optical response does not depend on the polarisation of the incident field of a Gaussian beam having an axis of propagation that is directed perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate. The shape or arrangement of the groups of nanoparticles has a Cn-type axis of symmetry perpendicular to the surface, where n is a number equal to three or greater than four, and the shape of the nanoparticles has a Cn-type axis of symmetry perpendicular to the surface, where n is a number no less than three, to allow strong enhancement of the beam close to the surface. The disclosure relates to use of substrates for detection and/or measurement of chemical, biochemical or biological molecules, wherein the molecules can be present in trace amounts in a liquid or other medium.

Abstract: A method for wetting a nanopore device includes filling a first cavity of the nanopore device with a first buffer solution having a first potential hydrogen (pH) value, filling a second cavity of the nanopore device with a second buffer solution having a second pH value, applying a voltage in the nanopore device, and measuring a current in the nanopore device, the current having a current path partially defined by the first cavity, the second cavity, and an orifice communicative with the first cavity and the second cavity.

Abstract: A molecule sensor included in a molecule sensor device has a semiconductor substrate, a bottom gate, a source portion, a drain portion, and a nano-scale semiconductor wire. The bottom gate is for example a poly-silicon layer formed on the semiconductor substrate and electrically insulated from the semiconductor substrate. The source portion is formed on the semiconductor substrate and insulated from the semiconductor substrate. The drain portion is formed on the semiconductor substrate and insulated from the semiconductor substrate. The nano-scale semiconductor wire is connected between the source portion and the drain portion, formed on the bottom gate, insulated from the bottom gate, and has a decoration layer thereon for capturing a molecular. The source portion, drain portion, and nano-wire semiconductor wire are for example another poly-silicon layer. The bottom gate receives a specified voltage to change an amount of surface charge carriers of the nano-scale semiconductor wire.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor PNA complementary to the target polynucleotide. The sensor PNA comprises a signaling chromophore to absorb energy from the excited multichromophore and emit light in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biopile electrode or biosensor electrode intended to be immersed in a liquid medium containing a target and an oxidizer, respectively a reducer, in which the anode comprises an enzyme able to catalyse the oxidation of a target, and the cathode comprises an enzyme able to catalyse the reduction of the oxidizer, and in which each of the anode electrode and cathode electrode consists of a solid agglomeration of carbon nanotubes mixed with the enzyme, and is secured to an electrode wire

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions of binding moiety-nanoparticle conjugates, aggregates of these conjugates, and novel methods of using these conjugates, and aggregates. The nanoparticles in these conjugates can be magnetic metal oxides, either monodisperse or polydisperse. Binding moieties can be, e.g., oligonucleotides, polypeptides, or polysaccharides. Oligonucleotide sequences are linked to either non-polymer surface functionalized metal oxides or with functionalized polymers associated with the metal oxides. The novel compositions can be used in assays for detecting target molecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, in vitro or as magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents to detect target molecules in living organisms.

Abstract: Provided herein are magnetic silica fluorescent nanoparticles and fluorescent silica nanoparticles comprising an aggregation induced emission luminogen and magnetite nanoparticles and use of the same as a fluorescent bioprobe for intracellular imaging and a protein carrier. Also provided are processes for preparing and fabricating the same.

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 one aspect, methods of nucleic acid analysis are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of nucleic acid analysis comprises providing a mixture of differing single-strand nucleic acid segments, including unamplified single-strand nucleic acid segments, combining the mixture of differing single-strand nucleic acid segments with a single-strand nucleic acid probe, contacting the mixture with a membrane comprising at least one nanopore, applying an electric field across the nanopore, and measuring change in current through the nanopore during one or more nucleic acid translocation events.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible sensor suitable for contact with skin comprising: a nanocomposite; and a top layer; where the sensor provides in-situ detection in sweat or other aqueous body fluids at the skin surface of at least one physiological parameter selected from the group consisting of a physiological salt component, temperature, moisture, humidity, or combinations thereof. The present invention further includes a method of fabricating a flexible sensor suitable for contact with skin comprising: electrospinning at least one polyamide-producing monomer to form a non-conductive polyamide substrate; attaching at least one plurality of conductive nanoscale attachments, wherein the nanoscale attachments are selected from nanotubes, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, to form an intermediate layer; and functionalizing the intermediate layer to form a top layer.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor PNA complementary to the target polynucleotide. The sensor PNA comprises a signaling chromophore to absorb energy from the excited multichromophore and emit light in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: Nanoparticles having one or more attached sensing moieties including uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP) and deoxythymidine 5?-triphosphate (dTTP), are disclosed herein. These nanoparticles can, for example, be used for detection of plasticizers, such as phthalates, in the sample. Methods, kits and apparatuses using these nanoparticles for detecting plasticizers in a sample are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions that have a light emitting reporter linked to biomolecules, preferably, nucleotide oligomers. The light reporter particles are silylated and functionalized to produce a coated light reporter particle, prior to covalently linking the biomolecules to the light reporter particle. The light reporter particles of the invention can be excited by a light excitation source such as UV or IR light, and when the biomolecule is DNA, the attached DNA molecule(s) are detectable by amplification techniques such as PCR.

Abstract: A recombinant fluorescent protein nanoparticle having high fluorescence intensity and a method of detecting a target material using the same are provided. The protein nanoparticle has higher fluorescence intensity than a fluorescent protein, and is resistant to denaturation of the fluorescent protein at room temperature, thereby having higher structural stability than the fluorescent protein itself. In addition, since a self-assembled protein is used as a fusion partner of the fluorescent protein, the protein nanoparticle is biocompatible and safe. Moreover, when a linker peptide is additionally inserted into the protein nanoparticle, a suitable distance between the self-assembled protein and the fluorescent protein is maintained, thereby considerably increasing fluorescence intensity of the protein nanoparticle. The probe-binding protein nanoparticle can control distances between the fluorescent proteins on the surface thereof, thereby maximizing fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: Provided are a biosensor, an apparatus and a method for detecting a biomolecule using the biosensor. The biosensor may include a supporting substrate, a semiconductor layer spaced apart from a top surface of the supporting substrate by supporting patterns, and a nano-motor array formed on a top surface of the semiconductor layer. The nano-motor array may include a plurality of nano-metal rods configured to exhibit an autonomous propulsion in a fluid.

Abstract: Multiplexed assays are disclosed for detection of duster differentiation 4 (CD4) glycoprotein expressed on the cell surface of I-helper cells, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells; cluster differentiation 25 (CD25), a type transmembrane protein present on activated T-cells, activated B-cells, thymocytes, myeloid precursors, and oligodendrocytes; and Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), an intracellular protein involved in immune system responses in cell cultures, tissues samples, humans, and biological samples. The multiplexed assays can be used to detect 1r-cells, activated I-cells, and other similar cell types (e.g. natural T regulatory cells, adaptive/induced T regulatory T cells). The multiplexed assays employ quantum dots of various shapes, types, compositions, coatings, sizes, ligands and other such characteristics.

Abstract: Provided are kits for determining a nucleotide sequence of a target nucleic acid, the kit including at least one sequence specific binding protein and a detectable tag. In accordance with a kit for determining a nucleotide sequence of a target nucleic acid according to one exemplary embodiment and a method and device for determining a nucleotide sequence of a target nucleic acid, the nucleotide sequence of the target nucleic acid may be more efficiently determined.