Abstract:
We describe methods for synthesis and formulations of stable elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles with controllable compressibility and density. These elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles have a density/compressibility ratio that is less than that of water and therefore exhibit negative acoustic contrast under acoustic radiation exposure. This negative acoustic contrast allows our elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles to be acoustically manipulated (e.g. separated) differently from other components (e.g. cells) within an aqueous solution. This disclosure also describes methods for biofunctionalization of the elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles and as an example their use as platforms for bioassays. Potential applications of these elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles include sensitive bioassays based on acoustic flow cytometry and other types of techniques that utilize acoustic fields, including ultrasound imaging and ultrasound triggered drug delivery.
Abstract:
Various exemplary embodiments provide protocell nanostructures and methods for constructing and using the protocell nanostructures. In one embodiment, the protocell nanostructures can include a core-shell structure including a porous particle core surrounded by a shell of lipid bilayer(s). The protocell can be internalized in a bioactive cell. Various cargo components, for example, drugs, can be loaded in and released from the porous particle core of the protocell(s) and then delivered within the bioactive cell.
Abstract:
Novel compounds generally referred to herein as cationic oligomeric phenylene ethynylenes (OPEs), methods of synthesizing OPEs and various uses for the OPEs are described. The compounds can be synthesized in both symmetrical (S-OPE) and non- symmetrical (N-OPE) forms. Suitable uses include sensor and biocidal applications. Reusable structures incorporating the OPEs that are able to capture and release biological species of interest are also described.
Abstract:
Provided are superhydrophobic coatings, devices and articles including superhydrophobic coatings, and methods for preparing the superhydrophobic coatings. The exemplary superhydrophobic device can include a substrate component and one or more superhydrophobic coatings disposed over the substrate component, wherein at least one of the one or more superhydrophobic coatings has a water contact angle of at least about 150° and a contact angle hysteresis of less than about 1°. The one or more superhydrophobic coatings can include an ultra high water content acid catalyzed polysilicate gel, the polysilicate gel including a three dimensional network of silica particles having surface functional groups derivatized with a silylating agent and a plurality of pores.
Abstract:
A dry powder inhaler may include a drug chamber configured to contain a formulation including carrier particles and working agent particles, a mouthpiece configured to direct flow of working agent particles to a user, and a retaining member proximal the mouthpiece. The retaining member be sized and arranged to prevent flow of substantially all carrier particles to the user while permitting flow of working agent particles to a user. The inhaler may include a formulation including carrier particles for delivering working agent to the pulmonary system of a patient. The carrier particles may have an average sieve diameter greater than about 500 µm. The carrier particles may be one of polystyrene, PTFE, silicone glass, and silica gel or glass.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the use of a mutant CRP molecule in which tyrosine 175 is replaced by leucine (Y175L CRP) or the leucine 176 is replaced by glutamic acid (L176E CRP) for the treatment of various disease states and conditions associated with SLE, including lupus of the skin (discoid), systemic lupus of the joints, lungs and kidneys, hematological conditions including hemolytic anemia and low lymphocyte counts, lymphadenopathy and CNS effects, including memory loss, seizures and psychosis, among numerous others as otherwise disclosed herein. In another aspect of the invention, the reduction in the likelihood that a patient who is at risk for an outbreak of a disease state or condition associated with SLE will have an outbreak is an additional aspect of the present invention. The present invention relates to the use of mutant Y175L CRP or L176E CRP in the treatment of a number of disease states or conditions that occur secondary to systemic lupus SLE. The present invention also relates to the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed based these mutant CRP molecules.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools to diagnose numerous infectious disease states or conditions. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these disease states. The novel imaging probe is capable of detecting infected cells, as well tissue. This represents a quantum step forward in the diagnosis and staging of NHL using non-invasively molecular imaging techniques. This novel probe will also be useful to monitor patients response to therapeutic treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of these disease states or conditions. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states as well as therapeutic agents for treating such conditions and disease states. Pharmaceutical compositions are also described.
Abstract:
In accordance with the invention, there are thermal switches, method of operating thermal switches and methods of forming thermal switches. A thermal switch can include a thin layer of liquid crystal disposed between a first surface of a first insulating substrate and a second surface of a second insulating substrate, wherein the liquid crystals are aligned at one or more of the first surface and the second surface due to surface preparation.
Abstract:
Compounds having anti-androgenic activities are disclosed. Further disclosed are methods of using the compounds to prevent or treat androgen-dependent diseases or to provide nutraceutical benefits. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compositions containing the anti-androgenic compounds are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention is a system and methods of establishing a Melanocyte Protection Factor (MPF), which indicates the level of protection against DNA damage to a target cell, such as the level of protection a particular sunscreen offers against UVA rays when compared to the unprotected case, i.e., no sunscreen. The present invention determines and records levels of stable melanin radicals (SMR) in a target cell. Light is applied to the target cell forming light-induced melanin radicals (LIR). The levels of SMR and intensity of LIR are measured to determine the amount of incident light reaching the target cell. Since LIR is proportional to the square root of light intensity reaching the target cell, the ratio of light reaching the target cell is defined as the MPF (I).