We studied the unzipping kinetics of single molecules double-stranded DNA by pulling one their two strands through a narrow protein pore. PCR analysis yielded first direct proof in such system. The time to unzip each molecule was inferred from ionic current signature traversal. distribution times under various experimental conditions fit simple kinetic model. Using this model, we estimated enthalpy barriers and effective charge nucleotide pore, which considerably smaller than previously assumed.

Traditional methods for identifying pathogens in bacteremic patients are slow (24–48+ h). This can lead to physicians making treatment decisions based on an incomplete diagnosis and potentially increasing the patient's mortality risk. To decrease time diagnosis, we have developed a novel technology that recover viable bacteria directly from whole blood identify them less than 7 h. Our combines sample preparation process with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The enriches...

Due to its relatively low level of antigenicity and high durability, titanium has successfully been used as the major material for biological implants. However, because typical interface between tissue precludes adequate transmission load into surrounding bone, over time, load-bearing implants tend loosen revision surgeries are required. Osseointegration requires presentation both mechanical cues that promote attachment trigger mineral deposition by osteoblasts. While many factors contribute...

In this paper, we present a fully integrated lab-on-a-chip and associated instrument for the detection of bacteria from liquid samples. The system conducts bacterial lysis, nucleic acid isolation concentration, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), end-point fluorescent detection. To enable truly low-cost manufacture single-use disposable chip, designed plastic chip in planar format without any active components to be amenable injection molding utilized novel porous polymer monolith (PPM)...

The emergence and spread of bacterial resistance to ever increasing classes antibiotics intensifies the need for fast phenotype-based clinical tests determining antibiotic susceptibility. Standard susceptibility testing relies on passive observation growth inhibition in presence antibiotics. In this paper, we present a novel microfluidic platform based stress-activation biosynthetic pathways that are primary targets We chose Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) as model system due its...

A fully automated "factory" was developed that uses tobacco plants to produce large quantities of vaccines and other therapeutic biologics within weeks. This first-of-a-kind factory takes advantage a plant viral vector technology specific proteins the leaves rapidly growing biomass. The factory's custom-designed robotic machines seeds, nurture plants, introduce directs target protein, harvest biomass once protein has accumulated in plants—all compliance with Food Drug Administration (FDA)...

Purpose: Loss of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) bears disastrous consequences for the patient, including clouding and blindness. Corneal transplantation is currently only therapy severe disorders. However, worldwide shortages donor material generate a strong demand personalized stem cell–based alternative therapies. Because human mesenchymal are known to be sensitive their mechanical environments, we investigated mechanotransductive potential Descemet membrane–like microtopography (DLT)...

Bacteremia is a life-threatening condition for which antibiotics must be prescribed within hours of clinical diagnosis. Since the current gold standard bacteremia diagnosis based on conventional methods developed in mid-1800s-growth agar or broth-identification and susceptibility profiling both Gram-positive Gram-negative bacterial species requires at least 48-72 h. Recent advancements accelerated phenotypic antibiotic testing have centered microscopic growth analysis small populations....

We present a new continuous-wave wearable diffuse optical probe aimed at investigating the hemodynamic response of locally advanced breast cancer patients during neoadjuvant chemotherapy infusions. The system consists flexible printed circuit board that supports an array six dual wavelength surface-mount LED and photodiode pairs. is encased in soft silicone housing conforms to natural shape. Probe performance was evaluated using tissue-simulating phantoms vivo normal volunteer measurements....

Additive manufacturing is poised to enable the next biomedical revolution, where customized, patient-specific tools, therapies, pharmaceuticals, and even replacement organs are taking strides in research development space. Polymeric materials capable of making inroads a wide variety applications, recent years growing number being used with additive techniques. This review highlights some emerging classes polymers examples their use focus on delineation 'hard' versus 'soft' specific...

Many new and exciting portable HIV viral load testing technologies are emerging for use in global medicine. While the potential to provide fast, isothermal, quantitative molecular diagnostic information clinicians field will soon be a reality, many of these lack robust front end sample clean up nucleic acid preparation. Such technology would enable different downstream assays. Here, we present system centrifuge-free room temperature extraction from small volumes whole blood (70 µL), using...

We have developed a three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting system capable of multimaterial and multiscale deposition to enable the next generation “bottom-up” tissue engineering. This area research resides at interface engineering life sciences. As such, it entails design implementation diverse elements: novel hydrogel-based bioink, 3D bioprinter, automation software, mammalian cell culture. Our bioprinter has three components uniquely combined into comprehensive tool: syringe pumps connected...

Appropriate care for bacteremic patients is dictated by the amount of time needed an accurate diagnosis. However, concentration microbes in blood extremely low these (1–100 CFU/mL), traditionally requiring growth (blood culture) or amplification (e.g., PCR) detection. Current culture-based methods can take a minimum two days, while faster like PCR require sample free inhibitors (i.e., components). Though commercial kits exist removal from samples, they typically capture only DNA, thereby...

The life science and healthcare communities have been redefining the importance of ribonucleic acid (RNA) through study small molecule RNA (in RNAi/siRNA technologies), micro cancer research stem cell research), mRNA (gene expression analysis for biologic drug targets). Research in this field increasingly requires efficient high-throughput isolation techniques RNA. Currently, several commercial kits are available isolating from cells. Although quality quantity yielded these is sufficiently...

We present a lab-on-a-chip and associated instrument for heterogeneous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based detection of proteins from liquid samples.

The increased world-wide availability of point-of-care (POC) tests utilizing fingerstick blood has led to testing scenarios in which multiple separate fingersticks are performed during a single patient encounter, generating cumulative discomfort and reducing efficiency. We have developed device capable a) collection up 100 μL from by capillary action, b) dispensing this variable increments set the user. tested prototype both controlled laboratory setting study involving naive users, found it...

Stem cells play a dominant role in biological research and have significant potential, as test systems for drug screening, disease modeling therapeutic applications. The automated production of different stem cell types such iPS MSC has been realized recent years by few groups. Yet, it requires approaches parallelization compared to conventional because the nature living on one hand, system with various interconnected devices other hand. Within this work, we present an approach parallel...