Abstract:
Multi-organ cell culture systems and methods are provided. Aspects of the cell culture systems include at least two microfluidic cell culture units configured to culture a plurality of cells, one or more connectors configured to fluidly connect the microfluidic cell culture units to one another, a cell culture medium configured to support the growth of a plurality of different cell types, and a controller configured to move the cell culture medium at a specified volumetric flow rate between the microfluidic cell culture units. The subject systems and methods find use in a variety of applications, including in vitro evaluation of candidate agents for toxicity and efficacy, in vitro models of disease, and in vitro models for fundamental studies of biological systems.
Abstract:
This invention pertains to the in vitro detection of proteases using a si ngle peptide-conjugate nanocrescent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes with at least nanomolar sensitivity. The probe enables detection of proteolytic activity in extremely small volume and at low concentration. In certain embodiments the probes comprise an indicator for the detection of an active protease, where the indicator comprises a nanocrescent attached to a peptide, where said peptide comprises a recognition site for the protease a nd a Raman tag attached to the peptide.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to metallic nanophotonic crescent structures, or "nanocrescent SERS probes," that enhance detectable signals to facilitate molecular detections. More particularly, the nanocrescent SERS probes of the disclosure possess specialized geometries, including an edge surrounding the opening that is capable of enhancing local electromagnetic fields. Nanosystems utilizing such structures are particularly useful in the medical field for detecting rare molecular targets, biomolecular cellular imaging, and in molecular medicine.
Abstract:
This invention pertains to the in vitro detection of proteases using a single peptide-conjugate nanocrescent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes with at least nanomolar sensitivity. The probe enables detection of proteolytic activity in extremely small volume and at low concentration. In certain embodiments the probes comprise an indicator for the detection of an active protease, where the indicator comprises a nanocrescent attached to a peptide, where said peptide comprises a recognition site for the protease and a Raman tag attached to the peptide.
Abstract:
A Digital Separation (DS) chip for separating, digitizing and analyzing a fluid sample is presented. The DS chip includes a fluidic layer that prepares and compartmentalizes the fluid sample for analysis. Cliff structures that are adjacent to wells skim the fluid sample and prevent particles, which may interfere with fluid sample analysis, from entering the wells. Skimmed fluid sample analysis occurs in the wells and endpoint data can be collected and used to determine an original concentration of a desired component in the fluid sample very quickly. Using the described apparatus and methods, a fluid sample can be prepared, digitized, compartmentalized, assayed and the endpoint data collected in ˜30 minutes. The apparatus and methods can easily be adapted to provide parallel processing of a sample.
Abstract:
Method and systems that provide improved handling and/or culturing and/or assaying of cells, chemically active beads, or similar materials in microfluidic systems and microfluidic culture arrays.