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

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: This invention provides novel nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such substrates for use in various medical devices, as well as methods and uses for such substrates and medical devices. In one particular embodiment, methods for enhancing cellular functions on a surface of a medical device implant are disclosed which generally comprise providing a medical device implant comprising a plurality of nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) thereon and exposing the medical device implant to cells such as osteoblasts.

Abstract: A method for preparing nanoscale hydroxyapatite particles by combining an amount of a calcium ion source, which includes calcium acetate, and an amount of a phosphate ion source, wherein the amounts are sufficient to produce nanoscale hydroxyapatite particles and the amounts are combined under ambient conditions to produce the hydroxyapatite particles. Nanoscale hydroxyapatite particles are also presented.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple an efficient method for the synthesis of CaS nanoparticles, where a solution of CaAc in DMSO is warmed in a microwave oven.

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: The present invention relates to signaling mechanisms that transduce magnetic inputs into physiological cellular outputs. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for non-invasively controlling cellular signaling functions and behaviors by harnessing receptor-mediated and intracellular molecular-mediated signal transduction using nanomagnetic cellular switches.

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

Abstract: This invention discloses a new conjugate compound that comprises at least one HA oligomer derivatized through one thiolated linker, whereby it binds to at least one metal nanoparticle, such as, for example, a gold nanoparticle. Moreover, it discloses methods of obtaining it, as well as the use thereof in a cosmetic treatment, and cosmetic compositions that contain them.

Abstract: A respirable composition for treatment of a bacterial infection includes one or more active bacteriophages in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable respirable carrier. The composition includes a carbohydrate carrier, and is prepared as fine powder. In another aspect, bacteriophages are provided in a liquid carrier for administration by nebulization. In one aspect, the bacteriophages have anti-bacterial activity against one or more species or strains of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) bacteria. The invention further relates to the use of a BCC bacteriophage to treat a BCC infection, in particular in an individual suffering from cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: A method for expanding human corneal endothelial cells includes: (a) providing an amniotic membrane with or without amniotic cells, wherein the amniotic membrane has an extracellular matrix; (b) placing onto the amniotic membrane, a sheet of endothelial layer, or a cell suspension including human corneal endothelial stem cells; and (c) culturing the corneal endothelial cells on the amniotic membrane for a duration sufficient for the corneal endothelial stem cells to expand to an appropriate area. The invention also relates to a method for creating a surgical graft for a recipient site of a patient using the method for expanding human corneal endothelial cells, and the surgical graft prepared therefrom.

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

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: Compositions and methods for heavy metal remediation are disclosed. The compositions contain ceramic nanoparticulate cation exchangers specific for at least one heavy metal as well as at least one carrier, typically a thickener, a gel forming agent and/or a cross-binding agent. The compositions may also contain chelating agents as well as beneficial agents such as vitamins and pharmaceuticals, with or without the ceramic nanoparticulate cation exchangers.

Abstract: Glucose and ATP biosensors have important applications in diagnostics and research. Combining single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with Pt nanoparticles can significantly enhance the performance of electrochemical biosensors. This disclosure illustrates the use of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to modify SWCNTs to increase SWCNT solubility in water. Multiple embodiments with this configuration allows for exploration of new schemes of combining ssDNASWCNT and Pt black in aqueous media systems. These embodiments resulted in a nanocomposite with enhanced biosensor performance. The ssDNA-SWCNT/Pt black nanocomposite constructed by a layered scheme proved most effective in terms of biosensor activity. The key feature of this structure and method of use is the exploitation of ssDNASWCNTs as molecular templates for Pt black electrodeposition. Glucose and ATP microbiosensors fabricated utilizing this structure and method of use exhibited high sensitivity, wide linear range and low limit of detection.

Abstract: Carbon nanostructures may be protected and functionalized using a layer-by-layer method whereby functional groups on the carbon nanostructure surface may be further derivatized to incorporate additional functional moieties. Exemplary moieties include redox mediator molecules, crown ethers, catalysts, boric acids, carbohydrates, oligonucleotides, DNA or RNA aptamers, peptide aptamers, proteins such as enzymes and antibodies, quantum dots and nanoparticles, cells, cell organelles, or other cellular components. The density of functional groups or functional moieties on carbon nanostructure surfaces may also be controlled as well as the degree of surface hydrophilicity of the nanostructure.

Abstract: Provided herein is methods of treating a medical implant and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present application relates to novel excitable particles which can be used in the health sector. It more particularly relates to particles which can generate electrons and/or high energy photon when excited by ionizing radiations such as X-Rays, ?-Rays, radioactive isotope and/or electron beams, and to the uses thereof in health, in particular in human health. The inventive particles are made of an inorganic material comprising oxygen, in particular an oxide, said material having an adequate density, and can be activated in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo, by controllable external excitation, in order to disturb, alter or destroy target cells, tissues or organs. The invention also relates to methods for the production of said particles, and to pharmaceutical or medical device compositions containing same.

Abstract: A bioactive PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) bone cement contains a powder component and a reactive monomer liquid, wherein the powder component and the reactive monomer liquid when mixed with one another react with one another and form a polymer-based solid material. The powder component contains particulate polymer powder of polymethylmethacrylates; a radical starter; and anionic copolymer nanoparticles. The anionic copolymer nanoparticles are distributed in nano-particulate form within the particulate powder component or coated as a film on particles of the particulate polymer powder.

Abstract: An environment-friendly porous bead-satellite nanoparticles composite which has excellent recovery and repeated usage performance and can be used as a catalyst, an antiviral agent, or an antimicrobial, and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The porous bead-satellite nanoparticles composite includes a porous bead, a molecule having a first end coupled to the surface of the porous bead and including a functional group at a second end, and satellite nanoparticles coupled to the functional group, wherein the porous bead may have a core-shell structure including a cluster core of nanoparticles and a porous bead shell covering the cluster core.

Abstract: An article for use in an OCT method, the article comprising a solid substrate and nanoparticles dispersed in or on the substrate in at least one light transmissive portion of the article such that the nanoparticles result in an increased extinction of the light transmissive portion along a transmission direction of the light transmissive portion compared to the substrate being free of nanoparticles. The extinction of the light transmissive portion along the transmission direction is less than 6, wherein the extinction is defined as a negative decadic logarithm of a ratio of an intensity of light which is transmitted through the light transmissive portion to an intensity of light which is incident on the light transmissive portion, wherein the light is in at least one of a visible and a near infrared wavelength range.

Abstract: A composition of matter that experiences an increase rate of radioactive emission is presented. The composition comprises a radioactive material and particles having affinity for Hydrogen or its isotopes. When exposed to Hydrogen, the composition's emission rate increases. Methods of production are also presented.

Abstract: Methods for creating a transient nanoscale opening in a cell membrane and methods for transporting a desired species through the nanoscale opening are provided. A nano-sized needle-like tip can be used to mechanically slice the cell membrane to create a transient, localized nanoscale slit. The nanoscale slit may be used for transferring exogenous molecules into a living cell.

Abstract: A non-invasive and real-time optical method for detection of cancerous cells that includes the steps of optically irradiating an area of a tissue in which targeted nanoparticles are accumulated with a light source outputting an optical signal of ne or more specific wavelengths; identifying cancerous cells by measuring diffusion reflection of the irradiated tissue where the cancerous cells and the nanoparticles are located; and outputting data indicative of the identified cancerous cells.

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: Methods and systems for the fabrication and application of Magnetically Actuated Propellers (MAPs) are described. MAPs are structures with typical feature sizes in the range of 20 nanometers up to 100 microns in one spatial dimension. MAPs are propellers that can be obtained from nano-structured surfaces and that can be produced in large numbers. MAPs are propelled and controlled by magnetic fields. The MAPs are optimized for low Reynolds number propulsion and can be moved in fluids and biological tissues. MAPs are useful for measurements, quantification, imaging and sensing purposes e.g. detecting biomolecules and for the controlled transportation of (drug- and bio-) molecules and the delivery of microscopic and nanoscale objects and/or materials or systems of therapeutic value. The MAPs are formed on a substrate and the released from the substrate using sonication, vibration, agitation, dissolution or etching which allows the MAPs to be produced in large numbers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal nanoparticle that is surface-modified with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional group, and a composition for optical detection comprising the same. The surface-modified nanoparticles according to the present invention form clusters suitable for optical detection, for example, suitable as an X-ray contrast agent, and have surface plasmon energy in the visible region, thereby being usefully applied to a variety of optical detection methods.

Abstract: A tattooed antenna and antenna system are disclosed. The tattooed antenna includes one or more nanoparticles in a fluid. The one or more nanoparticles are configured to be injected as a tattoo into a body to thereby form an antenna configured to transmit data received from a source. The antenna system may include feed system that drives the tattooed antenna. The tattooed antenna may be a feed pickup antenna and/or a radiating antenna.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the physical manipulation of free magnetic rotors in a circulatory system using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the invention relates to the control of magnetic particles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow. Examples of vascular occlusions targeted by the system include, but are not limited to, atherosclerotic plaques, including fibrous caps, fatty buildup, coronary occlusions, arterial stenosis, restenosis, vein thrombi, arterial thrombi, cerebral thrombi, embolisms, hemorrhages, other blood clots, and very small vessels.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for treating a condition of the skin by delivering therapeutic formulations to the skin that translocates active substances across the stratum corneum barrier to a targeted skin tissue. The methods and formulations comprise active substances encapsulated within surface modified nanostructured lipid carrier nanoparticles.

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

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, wherein the nanopore device includes a transistor portion having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and an orifice communicative with the first surface and the second surface, the first surface partially defining the first cavity, the second surface partially defining the second cavity, 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 the orifice.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to implantable devices for producing insulin in diabetic animals and to methods of making same. Some embodiments include amphiphilic biomembranes for use in biological applications (e.g., as an alternative and/or supplemental insulin source). Some embodiments also include live insulin-producing cells contained within one or more amphiphilic membranes so as to prevent or diminish an immuno-response and/or rejection by the host.

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: A lithographically structured device has an actuation layer and a control layer operatively connected to the actuation layer. The actuation layer includes a stress layer and a neutral layer that is constructed of materials and with a structure such that it stores torsional energy upon being constructed. The control layer is constructed to maintain the actuation layer substantially in a first configuration in a local environmental condition and is responsive to a change in the local environmental condition such that it permits a release of stored torsional energy to cause a change in a structural configuration of the lithographically structured device to a second configuration, the control layer thereby providing a trigger mechanism. The lithographically structured device has a maximum dimension that is less than about 10 mm when it is in the second configuration.

Abstract: A hollow high aspect ratio sample, such as a nano-test-tube, with a tip that is closed off is secured in a particle beam device, such as a transmission electron microscope. The tip is engaged with the particle beam of the particle beam device until a hole opens up on the tip, thereby turning the high aspect ratio sample into a nano-pipet. Alternatively, a nano-pipet having a hole that does not meet desired parameter values is secured in a particle beam device. The nano-pipet is engaged with the particle beam to attain the desired values of the hole parameters.

Abstract: The invention encompasses micelle assemblies, compositions having micelle assemblies, and methods for preparing micelle assemblies and compositions thereof. The invention also encompasses a prolamine protein conjugated to a polymer, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain, which conjugates can be used to prepare micelle assemblies. The invention further encompasses methods of encapsulating molecules using the conjugates of the invention. The micelle assemblies can be used for a variety of applications, such as treating cancer, targeting tumors, reducing the toxicity of a drug in vivo, increasing the efficacy of an encapsulated agent in vivo, protecting an encapsulated agent against degradation, and enhancing the water solubility of a drug or other agent.

Abstract: A method for calibrating multiple nanostructures in parallel for quantitative biosensing using a chip for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensing and imaging. The chip is a glass coverslip compatible for use in a standard microscope with at least one array of functionalized plasmonic nanostructures patterned onto it using electron beam nanolithography. The chip is used to collect CCD-based LSPR imagery data of each individual nanostructure and LSPR spectral data of the array. The spectral data is used to determine the fractional occupancy of the array. The imagery data is modeled as a function of fractional occupancy to determine the fractional occupancy of each individual nanostructure.

Abstract: An ingestible apparatus produces and processes physiological signals representative of a physiological parameter. The apparatus measures the physiological parameter from within the body of a living entity. The apparatus includes a physiological transducer circuit to sense the physiological signals, a processor to process the physiological signals in response to the physiological transducer circuit, and a transmitter that transmits the processed signals during transmission intervals which are alternated with idle intervals. The apparatus further includes a capacitor-based circuit, including at least one capacitor, to accumulate sufficient charge during one of the idle intervals to supply power to the transmitter during one of the transmission intervals.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods of making nanoparticles having about 0.2 to about 35 weight percent of a therapeutic agent; and about 10 to about 99 weight percent of biocompatible polymer such as a diblock poly(lactic) acid-poly(ethylene)glycol.

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: The present disclosure generally relates to lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric nanoparticles which, upon reconstitution, have low levels of greater than 10 micron size particles. Other aspects of the invention include methods of making such nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present application discloses novel endohedral fullerenes having enclosed therein one or more ozone molecules, e.g. fullerenes selected from C60-fullerene (Buckminsterfullerene), C70-fullerene, C76-fullerene, C78-fullerene, C82-fullerene, C84-fullerene, and C120-fullerene. The application further discloses a composition comprising the endohedral fullerene and a carrier material, e.g. where the carrier material is a skin lotion, such as a skin lotion comprising L-ascorbic acid or Vitamin E. Moreover, various uses of the novel fullerenes are disclosed, e.g. for skin UV-protection; in or on the surface of sun glasses; in or on the surface of window glass; in or on the surface of textiles, fabrics, clothes, wood, paint, paper, cushions, leather, hair-care products, and plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic filter system using three-dimensional carbon nanotube networks. The density of the carbon nanotubes can be adjusted such that particles having a specific size can be filtered. In addition, the network structures can be maintained even in a fluid. The present invention also provides a method for preparing the microfluidic filter system.

Abstract: Use of physical vapor deposition methodologies to deposit nanoscale gold on activating support media makes the use of catalytically active gold dramatically easier and opens the door to significant improvements associated with developing, making, and using gold-based, catalytic systems. The present invention, therefore, relates to novel features, ingredients, and formulations of gold-based, heterogeneous catalyst systems generally comprising nanoscale gold deposited onto a nanoporous support.

Abstract: The present invention provides biocompatible composite materials that can be fabricated into a scaffold having properties suitable for bone repair and regeneration. These scaffolds have sufficient mechanical strength to be useful for the repair and regeneration of cortical bone.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method for obtaining solid micro- or nanoparticles with a homogeneous structure. A method is provided for obtaining solid micro- or nanoparticles with a homogeneous structure having a particle size of less than 10 ?m where the processed solid compound has the natural, crystalline, amorphous, polymorphic and other features associated with the starting compound. In accordance with the invention a method which also makes it possible to obtain solid micro- or nanoparticles with a substantially spheroidal morphology is provided.

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 disclosure generally relates to lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric nanoparticles which, upon reconstitution, have low levels of greater than 10 micron size particles. Other aspects of the invention include methods of making such nanoparticles.

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.