Abstract:
The embodiments of the invention described herein relate to systems and methods for culturing and/or maintaining intestinal cells, tissues and/or organoids in vitro. The cells, tissues and/or organoids cultured according to the methods and systems described herein can mimic or reproduce natural intestinal epithelial structures and behavior as well as support co-culture of intestinal microflora.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a composite laminar material with high mechanical strength and methods of fabricating the material. The invention also provides a method of attaching a medical implant device to tissue.
Abstract:
The embodiments of the invention described herein relate to systems and methods for culturing and/or maintaining intestinal cells, tissues and/or organoids in vitro. The cells, tissues and/or organoids cultured according to the methods and systems described herein can mimic or reproduce natural intestinal epithelial structures and behavior as well as support co-culture of intestinal microflora.
Abstract:
The present invention provides for engineered molecular opsonins that may be used to bind biological pathogens or identify subclasses or specific pathogen species for use in devices and systems for treatment and diagnosis of patients with infectious diseases, blood-borne infections or sepsis. An aspect of the invention provides for mannose-binding lectin (MBL), which is an abundant natural serum protein that is part of the innate immune system. The ability of this protein lectin to bind to surface molecules on virtually all classes of biopathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans) make engineered forms of MBL extremely useful in diagnosing and treating infectious diseases and sepsis.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an improved method for magnetic capture of target molecules (e.g., microbes) in a fluid. Kits and solid substrates for carrying the method described herein are also provided. In some embodiments, the methods, kits, and solid substrates described herein are optimized for separation and/or detection of microbes and microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP) (including, e.g., but not limited to, a cell component of microbes, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and/or endotoxin).
Abstract:
Provided herein relates to self-assembling peptides and various nanostructures self-assembled from the isolated peptides. In some embodiments, the self-assembling peptides can form a nanostructure, e.g., a nanoparticle or microparticle, for use in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery or tissue engineering. In some embodiments, the nanostructures can comprise an agent, e.g., a biological molecule. The agent can be encapsulated or entrapped in the nanostructures during formation of the nanostructures. Alternatively or additionally, the agent can be integrated directly or indirectly (e.g., via a linker or a conjugation or crosslinking agent) to the self-assembling peptide structure, prior to formation of the nanostructures. In some embodiments where the agent is a peptide-based agent, unitary peptide nanostructures, rather than nanoparticles that are formed and later covalently modified, can be generated.
Abstract:
A bio-inspired window can be created by applying one or more heat exchange layers to one or more surfaces of a window of a building, boat, vehicle or any other structure. The heat exchange layer can include an interconnected network or array of channels or microchannels that can be used to flow a fluid over the surface of the window. The fluid can be used to heat or cool the surface of the window panel to control the flow of heat across the window and reduce the heating or cooling energy load of building. The fluid can be heated or cooled using the ambient air in the building. The refractive index of the fluid can be adjusted to change of optical transparency properties of the window. In some embodiments, the window can appear nearly as clear as an ordinary panel of glass. In other embodiments, the window can color, block or scatter the incoming light.
Abstract:
The present invention describes improved microfluidic systems and procedures for fabricating improved microfluidic systems, which contain one or more levels of microfluidic channels. The methods for fabrication the systems disclosed can provide a convenient route to topologically complex and improved microfluidic systems. The microfluidic systems can include three-dimensionally arrayed networks of fluid flow paths therein including channels that cross over or under other channels of the network without physical intersection at the points of cross over. The microfluidic networks can be fabricated via replica molding processes utilizing mold masters including surfaces having topological features formed by photolithography. The present invention also involves microfluidic systems and methods for fabricating complex patterns of materials, such as biological materials and cells, on surfaces utilizing the microfluidic systems. Specifically, the invention provides microfluidic surface patterning systems and methods for fabricating complex, discontinuous patterns on surfaces that can incorporate or deposit multiple materials onto the surfaces. The present invention also provides improved microfluidic stamps or applicators for microcontact surface patterning, which are able to pattern onto a surface arbitrary two-dimensional patterns, and which are able to pattern multiple substances onto a surface without the need for multiple steps of registration or stamping during patterning and without the need to selectively "ink" different regions of the stamp with different materials.
Abstract:
The invention provides platelet decoys and mimics that can bind to platelet receptor substrate but do not undergo platelet activation. The invention also provides methods of using the platelet decoys for treating, preventing or inhibiting a disease or disorder in subject when platelet activation, aggregation and/or adhesion contributes to the pathology or symptomology of the disease.