Abstract: Nanostructured microelectrodes and biosensing devices incorporating the same are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An improved method for stimulating electrical activity in an eye is provided. Provided is a technique for implanting small, nanometer-sized photoactive devices into an eye to improve electrical activity within an eye or mitigate degradation of electrical response in damaged eyes.

Abstract: An energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder comprising a nanocapacitor connected to at least one carbon nanotube and method of using same are described. An adjustable amount of electric energy is stored within the nanocapacitor so that the energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder delivers either a biologically destructive or a biologically non-destructive electrical charge to target cells in response to biological, chemical or electrical stimuli. An optional biocompatible coating onto the outer surface of the carbon nanotube transponder improves cellular targeting, cellular binding or body tolerance towards the carbon nanotube transponder. Optionally, a molecular label attached to at least one carbon nanotube allows for in vivo tracking of the carbon nanotube transponder.

Abstract: A self-adhering sensor for non-invasively attaching to a portion of a skin is provided. The sensor comprises a biocompatible substrate, and an array of solid nanoelectrodes coupled to the biocompatible substrate and configured to self-adhere to the skin. Also provided is a sensor for attaching to a portion of a skin, where the sensor comprises an array of solid electrodes configured to self-adhere to the skin, where each of the solid structures comprises a stem and one or more projections extending out from the stem, where both the stem and the projections are solid. The stem comprises a mechanical stopper to control the extent of penetration of the solid electrodes into the skin. The sensor further comprises an electrolyte coating disposed on one or more of the solid structures.

Abstract: Electrically conductive nanowires incorporated within scaffolds enhance tissue growth, bridge the electrically resistant pore walls and markedly improve electrical communication between adjacent cardiac cell bundles. Integration of conducting nanowires within 3D scaffolds should improve the therapeutic value of cardiac patches. Examples demonstrate efficacy of gold nanowires in alginate matrices seeded with cardiomyocytes.

Abstract: A wearable remote electrophysiological monitoring system. The system includes a garment having at least one nanostructured, textile-integrated electrode attached thereto; a control module in electrical communication with the at least one nanostructured, textile-integrated sensor; and a remote computing system in communication with the control module.

Abstract: Minimally invasive delivery with intercellular and/or intracellular localization of nano- and micro-particle solar cells within and among excitable biological cells to controllably regulate membrane polarization and enhance function of such cells. The cells include retinal and other excitable cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a biosensor comprising a graphene electrode linked to a biosensing element by a linker, the biosensing element bonded to a flexible substrate. The graphene electrode has a first end and a second end, such that the first end may be a positive terminal and the second end a negative terminal. An electrical voltage may be applied to the positive and negative terminals to measure an electrical current response in proportion to a lactate concentration on the biosensing element. In embodiments, the biosensing element is an enzyme. By way of example, the biosensing element may be LOD.

Abstract: Grafting M13 bacteriophage into an array of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanowires generated hybrids of conducting polymers and replicable genetic packages (rgps) such as viruses. The incorporation of rgps into the polymeric backbone of PEDOT occurs during electropolymerization via lithographically patterned nanowire electrodeposition (LPNE). The resultant arrays of rgps-PEDOT nanowires enable real-time, reagent-free electrochemical biosensing of analytes in physiologically relevant buffers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomemory device, comprising (a) a substrate; and (b) a heterolayer comprising a protein having a redox potential and an inorganic particle; wherein the heterolayer is immobilized on the substrate. By applying inorganic particles, the present invention provides a biomemory device capable of enhancing low current signals detected electron transfer between biomolecules and substrates up to at least five (5) times greater signals. The present invention is capable of controlling the redox states with help of redox potentials of proteins depending on applied potential. The present invention provides a new-concept biomemory device as an information storage device based on the principle of electron transfer of a naturally occurring biomolecule.

Abstract: Minimally invasive delivery with intercellular and/or intracellular localization of nano- and micro-particle solar cells within and among excitable biological cells to controllably regulate membrane polarization and enhance function of such cells. The cells include retinal and other excitable cells.

Abstract: An electrode lead of a pacemaker includes a lead wire. The lead wire includes at least one sub-lead wire and an electrode head. The sub-lead wire includes a core wire structure, a first insulating layer and a carbon nanotube composite structure. The first insulating layer coats on an outer surface of the core wire structure. The carbon nanotube composite structure is wound around an outer surface of the core wire structure. The electrode head is disposed on an end of the lead wire and electrically connected with the core wire structure of the sub-lead wire. The pacemaker includes a pulse generator and the electrode lead electrically connected to the pulse generator.

Abstract: A pacemaker is provided. The pacemaker includes a pulse generator and an electrode line connecting with the pulse generator. The electrode line includes at least one conductor. The at least one conductor includes at least one carbon nanotube wire having a plurality of radioactive particles therein.

Abstract: An electrode lead of a pacemaker includes a metal conductive core, a carbon nanotube film, and an insulator. The metal conductive core defines an extending direction. The carbon nanotube film at lest partially surrounds the metal conductive core and is electrically insulated from the metal conductive core. The insulator is located between the metal conductive core and the carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially extending along the extending direction of the metal conductive core. A bared part is defined at one end of the electrode lead. A pacemaker using the above mentioned electrode lead is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode lead of a pacemaker includes a metal conductive core and a carbon nanotube film. The metal conductive core defines an extending direction. The carbon nanotube film wraps around the metal conductive core. The carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes extending substantially along the extending direction of the metal conductive core. A bared part is defined at one end of the electrode lead. A pacemaker using the above mentioned electrode lead is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode lead of a pacemaker includes at least one lead wire. The at least one lead wire includes at least one conductive core, a first insulating layer coated on an outer surface of the at least one conductive core, at least one carbon nanotube yarn spirally wound on an outer surface of the first insulating layer, and a second insulating layer coated on the surface of the at least one carbon nanotube yarn. One end of the at least one conductive core protrudes from the first insulating layer to form a naked portion. The at least one carbon nanotube yarn includes a number of carbon nanotubes joined end to end by van der Waals attractive forces. A pacemaker includes a pulse generator and the electrode lead electrically connected with the pulse generator.

Abstract: An electrode lead of a pacemaker includes a lead wire. The lead wire includes at least one sub-lead wire and an electrode head electrically connected with the lead wire. The sub-lead wire includes a core wire structure and a carbon nanotube composite structure wound around the core wire structure. The pacemaker includes a pulse generator and the electrode lead electrically connected to the pulse generator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides robust implantable micro-component electrodes that can be used in a variety of medical devices. The medical device may be a neural probe that can monitor or stimulate neural activity in an organism's brain, spine, nerves, or organs, for example. The micro-component electrode has a small physical profile, with ultra-thin dimensions, while having high strength and flexibility. The micro-electrode has an electrically conductive core material, e.g., carbon. The surface of the core material includes one or more electrically conductive regions coated with an electrically conductive material and one or more non-conductive regions having an electrically non-conductive biocompatible polymeric coating. Implantable devices having such micro-components are capable of implantation in an organism for very long durations.

Abstract: Minimally invasive delivery with intercellular and/or intracellular localization of nano- and micro-particle solar cells within and among excitable biological cells to controllably regulate membrane polarization of such cells. The cells include retinal and other sensory cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to imparting photoreactivity to target cells, e.g., retinal cells, by introducing photoresponsive functional abiotic nanosystems (FANs), nanometer-scale semiconductor/metal or semiconductor/semiconductor hetero-junctions that in this case include a photovoltaic effect. The invention further provides methods of making and using FANs, where the hetero-junctions bear surface functionalization that localizes them in cell membranes. Illumination of these hetero-junctions incorporated in cell membranes generates photovoltages that depolarize the membranes, such as those of nerve cells, in which FANs photogenerate action potentials. Incorporating FANs into the cells of a retina with damaged photoreceptor cells reintroduces photoresponsiveness to the retina, so that light creates action potentials that the brain interprets as sight.

Abstract: Minimally invasive delivery with intercellular and/or intracellular localization of nano- and micro-particle solar cells within and among excitable biological cells to controllably regulate membrane polarization of such cells. The cells include retinal and other sensory cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for practicing spectrophotometry using light emitting nanostructures. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention include a physiologic sensor comprising a sensor body configured for placement adjacent pulsatile tissue of a patient, a first light emitting nanostructure device configured to emit light at a first wavelength through the pulsatile tissue, a second light emitting nanostructure device configured to emit light at a second wavelength through the pulsatile tissue, and a light detector configured to detect the light at the first wavelength and the light at the second wavelength after dispersion through the pulsatile tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the length of analytes and/or sequencing analytes are provided in which two or more electrical signals are obtained as an analyte traverses a nanopore or fluidic channel. Detection of the relative position of probes hybridized to a biomolecule and/or the length of the analyte (e.g., a biomolecule) rely on detection events to determine a distance associated with the biomolecule. Multiple signals may be obtained (e.g., as functions of time) corresponding to a plurality of detector volumes at known locations along a fluidic channel through which the biomolecule passes, and the distances may be determined from the multiple signals.

Abstract: An energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder comprising a nanocapacitor connected to at least one carbon nanotube and method of using same are described. An adjustable amount of electric energy is stored within the nanocapacitor so that the energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder delivers either a biologically destructive or a biologically non-destructive electrical charge to target cells in response to biological, chemical or electrical stimuli. An optional biocompatible coating onto the outer surface of the carbon nanotube transponder improves cellular targeting, cellular binding or body tolerance towards the carbon nanotube transponder. Optionally, a molecular label attached to at least one carbon nanotube allows for in vivo tracking of the carbon nanotube transponder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel photoelectrical device for efficient transmission of electrical signals to a neuron. This photoelectrical device comprises one or more charging units for coupling to and stimulating one or more neurons by charge, the charging unit comprising: a nanostructure-based electrode having a surface, which has a predetermined developed surface area for coupling to a neuron and which carries a plurality of photosensitive regions (e.g. quantum dots) interfacing with a biocompatible macromolecule for tuning the relative energy levels between the photosensitive regions and the electrode, as well as for directing the spatial polarity of charge separation the surface being thereby electrically chargeable and dischargeable in response to light excitation of the photosensitive regions, the charges stimulating the neuron when coupled to the surface.

Abstract: A nanopore device capable of single molecule detection is described. The nanopores are formed in thin, rigid membranes and modified by a sputtered metal that forms an overhang during application. The overhang causes the pore to be narrower in a certain region, allowing passage of only a single molecule through the pore at a time, or binding to a biomolecule on the pore to be detected by a change in ionic current flow through the nanopore. Embodiments include a silicon nitride membrane formed on a silicon substrate and having a nanopore drilled with a focused ion beam system, followed by gold sputtering onto the membrane. Devices are formed with one or more nanopores and chambers having electrodes on either side of the nanopore.

Abstract: Piezoelectric nanotransducers for use in an in vivo treatment of cell stimulation through electrical stimulation are described. The nanotransducers are localized in a target site, and an electrical stimulus is induced in the same site through external stimulation of the nanotransducers by ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: The aqueous self-assembly of oligopeptide-flanked ?-conjugated molecules into discrete one-dimensional nanostructures is described. Unique to these molecules is the fact that the ?-conjugated unit has been directly embedded within the peptide backbone by way of a synthetic amino acid with ?-functionality that is compatible with standard Fmoc-based peptide synthesis or by way of a diacid or other bis(electrophile) that can covalently cross-link peptide chains presented on a synthesis support. The peptide-based molecular designs enforce intimate ?-? communication within the aggregates after charge-screening and self-assembly, making these nanostructures attractive for optical or electronic applications in biological environments. In other embodiments, a convenient method to incorporate ?-electron units into peptides that assemble into amyloid-like supramolecular polymers is disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects according to the present invention provide a method and implant suitable for implantation inside a human body that includes a power consuming means responsive to a physiological requirement of the human body, a power source and a power storage device. The power source comprises a piezoelectric assembly that is configured to generate an electrical current when flexed by the tissue of the body and communicate the generated current to the power storage device, which is electrically coupled to the power source and to the power consuming means.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for stimulating cells using quantum dots. In addition, the present invention provides methods for treating a variety of clinical conditions using stimulation of quantum dots to induce cell stimulation and/or function.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanoparticles of noble metals, having a controlled microstructure which leads to the appearance of ferromagnetic behaviour in said nanoparticles, thereby enabling the use of very small magnets (<5 nm) in a range in which standard ferromagnetic metals behave as superparamagnetic entitles (disappearance of hysteresis cycle). The inventive nanoparticles can be used, for example, to reduce the dimensions in magnetic recordings, as well as in biomedicine as tools for biomolecule recognition, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, drug-release control or hypothermia treatments.

Abstract: A conductive substrate for introducing a nucleic acid into a cell, which comprises a carbon nanotube with a carboxyl group, and a nucleic acid, the carbon nanotube and the nucleic acid being loaded on an electrode substrate with a cationic surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conducting polymer nanowires and their use in a brain-machine interface which is secure, robust and minimally invasive. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a vascular-based brain-machine interface comprising conducting polymer nanowires is disclosed.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the invention relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have improved uniformity of distribution of one or more components, improved stability, and improved response time of the sensor by inclusion of a nanomaterial, such as inert inorganic nanomaterials, where the components are disposed proximate to a working electrode of in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and/or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conducting polymer nanowires and their use in a brain-machine interface which is secure, robust and minimally invasive. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a vascular-based brain-machine interface comprising conducting polymer nanowires is disclosed.

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: An improved method for stimulating electrical activity in an eye is provided. The invention provides a technique for implanting small, nanometer-sized photoactive devices into an eye to improve electrical activity within an eye or mitigate degradation of electrical response in damaged eyes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article comprising a nucleic acid-carbon nanotube molecular composite in selective communication with at least one of a plurality of material phases; the selective communication being the result of an affinity of functional groups present in the nucleic acid-carbon nanotube molecular composite for the at least one of the plurality of material phases; the material phases being at least a part of a substrate; the nucleic acid-carbon nanotube molecular composite comprising at least one of i) a nucleic acid disposed on a functionalized carbon nanotube; ii) a functionalized nucleic acid disposed on a carbon nanotube; and iii) a functionalized nucleic acid disposed on a functionalized carbon nanotube to form a nucleic acid-carbon nanotube molecular composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conducting polymer nanowires and their use in a brain-machine interface which is secure, robust and minimally invasive. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a vascular-based brain-machine interface comprising conducting polymer nanowires is disclosed.

Abstract: A cell detecting system is herein disclosed, wherein a complex is formed with a first bioactive ligand coupling to a quantum dot and recognizing and coupling to a first receptor of a cell and a second bioactive ligand coupling to a magnetic bead and recognizing and coupling to a second receptor of the cell. The magnet is configured for attracting the complex. A quantum dot measuring system configured for measuring the fluorescence of the complex includes an excitation light source, an optical system, a detecting sensor and a data capturing unit, wherein the detecting sensor includes a photomultiplier tube measuring florescence of the quantum dot excited by the excitation light source. The present invention achieves the goal of specific cell detection with high sensitivity without performing cell incubation. A quantum dot measuring system is also herein disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nanobioelectronics and, in some cases, to circuits comprising nanoelectronic elements, such as nanotubes and/or nanowires, and biological components, such as neurons. In one aspect, cells, such as neurons, are positioned in electrical communication with one or more nanoscale wires. The nanoscale wires may be used to stimulate the cells, and/or determine an electrical condition of the cells. More than one nanoscale wire may be positioned in electrical communication with the cell, for example, in distinct regions of the cell. However, the nanoscale wires may be positioned such that they are relatively close together, for example, spaced apart by no more than about 200 nm. The nanoscale wires may be disposed on a substrate, for example, between electrodes, and the cells may be adhered to the substrate, for example, using cell adhesion factors such as polylysine.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices; in particular and without limitation, to unique electrodes and/or electrical lead assemblies for stimulating cardiac tissue, muscle tissue, neurological tissue, brain tissue and/or organ tissue; to electrophysiology mapping and ablation catheters for monitoring and selectively altering physiologic conduction pathways; and, wherein said electrodes, lead assemblies and catheters optionally include fluid irrigation conduit(s) for providing therapeutic and/or performance enhancing materials to adjacent biological tissue, and wherein each said device is coupled to or incorporates nanostructure or materials therein. The present invention also provides methods for fabricating, deploying, and operating such medical devices.