21579 results about "Biological organism" patented technology

Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.

Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the formation of blood clots. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.

Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, including self-expanding stents, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The devices utilized to deliver the implantable medical devices may be modified to reduce the potential for damaging the implantable medical device during deployment.

The present invention relates generally to the fields of oligonucleotide synthesis. More particularly, it concerns the assembly of genes and genomes of completely synthetic artificial organisms. Thus, the present invention outlines a novel approach to utilizing the results of genomic sequence information by computer directed gene synthesis based on computing on the human genome database. Specifically, the present invention contemplates and describes the chemical synthesis and resynthesis of genes defined by the genome sequence in a host vector and transfer and expression of these sequences into suitable hosts.

Disclosed are methods of producing eukaryotic disulfide bond-containing polypeptides in bacterial hosts, and compositions resulting therefrom. Co-expression of a eukaryotic foldase and a disulfide bond-containing polypeptide in a bacterial host cell is demonstrated. In particular embodiments, the methods have been used to produce mammalian pancreatic trypsin inhibitor and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in soluble, biologically-active forms, which are isolatable from the bacterial periplasm. Also disclosed are expression systems, recombinant vectors, and transformed host cells.

Embodiments of this invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for determining whether a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy exists from a biological sample obtained from a pregnant female. Nucleic acid molecules of the biological sample are sequenced, such that a fraction of the genome is sequenced. Respective amounts of a clinically-relevant chromosome and of background chromosomes are determined from results of the sequencing. A parameter derived from these amounts (e.g. a ratio) is compared to one or more cutoff values, thereby determining a classification of whether a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy exists.

Methods of monitoring and evaluating the status of a tumor undergoing treatment includes monitoring in vivo at least one physiological parameter associated with a tumor in a subject undergoing treatment, transmitting data from an in situ located sensor to a receiver external of the subject, analyzing the transmitted data, repeating the monitoring and transmitting steps at sequential points in time and evaluating a treatment strategy. The method provides dynamic tracking of the monitored parameters over time. The method can also include identifying in a substantially real time manner when conditions are favorable for treatment and when conditions are unfavorable for treatment and can verify or quantify how much of a known drug dose or radiation dose was actually received at the tumor. The method can include remote transmission from a non-clinical site to allow oversight of the tumor's condition even during non-active treatment periods (in between active treatments). The disclosure also includes monitoring systems with in situ in vivo biocompatible sensors and telemetry based operations and related computer program products.

The present invention provides a method of extracting and recovering embryonic-like stem cells, including, but not limited to pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, from an exsanguinated human placenta. A placenta is treated to remove residual umbilical cord blood by perfusing an exsanguinated placenta, preferably with an anticoagulant solution, to flush out residual cells. The residual cells and perfusion liquid from the exsanguinated placenta are collected, and the embryonic-like stem cells are separated from the residual cells and perfusion liquid. The invention also provides a method of utilizing the isolated and perfused placenta as a bioreactor in which to propagate endogenous cells, including, but not limited to, embryonic-like stem cells. The invention also provides methods for propagation of exogenous cells in a placental bioreactor and collecting the propagated exogenous cells and bioactive molecules therefrom.

The present invention relates to certain biologically active peptides and polypeptides which can be used as therapeutics or prophylactics against diseases or disorders linked to NGF as the causative agent. In one aspect of the present invention, pharmacologically active polypeptides comprising peptides linked to one or more Fc domains are provided.

The present invention is directed to a variety of microfluidic devices with configurations including the use of biochannels or microchannels comprising arrays of capture binding ligands to capture target analytes in samples. The invention provides microfluidic cassettes or devices that can be used to effect a number of manipulations on a sample to ultimately result in target analyte detection or quantification.

A method is disclosed for enhanced vaccination and genetic vaccination of mammals. The vaccination is accomplished by delivering molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids into skeletal muscle and other cells residing in the skeletal muscle in vivo. The protein or nucleic acid is first injected into the muscle at one or multiple sites. Immediately or shortly after injection, electrodes are placed flanking the injection site and a specific amount of electrical current is passed through the muscle. The electrical current makes the muscle permeable, thus allowing the pharmaceutical drug or nucleic acid to enter the cell. The efficiency of transfer permits robust immune responses using DNA vaccines and produces sufficient secreted proteins for systemic biological activity to be observed.

Disclosed are implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the invention discloses implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and a microbial adhesion/biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such devices under conditions that substantially prevent preferential partitioning of any of said bioactive agents to a surface of the biocompatible matrix polymer and substantially prevent chemical modification of said bioactive agents.

A method of collecting embryonic-like stem cells from a placenta which has been treated to remove residual cord blood by perfusing the drained placenta with an anticoagulant solution to flush out residual cells, collecting the residual cells and perfusion liquid from the drained placenta, and separating the embryonic-like cells from the residual cells and perfusion liquid. Exogenous cells can be propagated in the placental bioreactor and bioactive molecules collected therefrom.

This invention relates generally to the production and use of inorganic-conditioning agent complexes for the controlled release of compounds including medicinals. Advantageously, the inorganic used is calcium sulfate and the conditioning agent is calcium stearate.

A computerized system for scheduling at least one daily activity of a user. One or more sensors are attached to the body of the user which monitor one or more physiological parameters of the body Physiological data is produced representative of the one or more physiological parameters during a time period. A processing unit attached to memory, is programmed for the scheduling of activities based on the physiological data and on previously stored values. The scheduled activities preferably include eating of a meal, exercise or rest of the user. Physiological parameters include skin temperature and/or heart rate. When the scheduled daily activity is eating of a meal, the processing unit is preferably programmed to recommend to the user to eat the meal during a portion of the time period when the skin temperature is rising or when the heart rate is falling.

The present invention is directed to a variety of microfluidic devices with configurations including the use of biochannels or microchannels comprising arrays of capture binding ligands to capture target analytes in samples. The invention provides microfluidic cassettes or devices that can be used to effect a number of manipulations on a sample to ultimately result in target analyte detection or quantification.

Peptide ligands having affinity for serum albumin are useful for tumor targeting. Conjugate molecules comprising a serum albumin binding peptide fused to a biologically active molecule demonstrate modified pharmacokinetic properties as compared with the biologically active molecule alone, including tissue (e.g., tumor) uptake, infiltration, and diffusion.

This invention relates to novel pharmaceutically useful compositions that bind to a biological molecule, having improved circulatory half-life, increased avidity, increased affinity, or multifunctionality, and methods of use thereof. The present invention provides a pseudo-antibody comprising an organic moiety covalenty coupled to at least two target-binding moieties, wherein the target-binding moieties are selected from the group consisting of a protein, a peptide, a peptidomimetic, and a non-peptide molecule that binds to a specific targeted biological molecule. The pseudo-antibody of the present invention may affect a specific ligand in vitro, in situ and/or in vivo. The pseudo-antibodies of the present invention can be used to measure or effect in an cell, tissue, organ or animal (including humans), to diagnose, monitor, modulate, treat, alleviate, help prevent the incidence of, or reduce the symptoms of, at least one condition.

Cassette (50) performs assays, e.g. multiplexed protein biomarker assays. Wide, bubble-free, slow flows are produced from liquids stored on cassette (50), flowing over wide array (20) of ligand receptors on a capture surface. Flows of Reynolds Number less than about 1, preferably 1×10⁻¹ to 5×10⁻³, are heated in region (34) preceding and including bubble removal system (128). Analyte is introduced through compressed septum (32). External actuations of displacement pumps (30, 37) and valves (137 A, B, and C) produce flows in response to flow-front optical sensors (150, 152). Elastic sheet provides pump and valve diaphragms and resilient expansion of mixing volume (131). Break-away cover portions are pistons. Heating is by conduction through cassette from external contact heater. Planar cassette body, when tilted from horizontal, enables upward flow from pumped storage (134, 135) to reaction (133) to waste (139), with buoyancy bubble removal before reaction. Reading of fluorescence is by external reader, employing calibration, control and reference features on capture surface. Extensive set of calibration features of differing intensities enables self-calibration.

A conjugate of formula A-L-P, in which:

• • A represents a glycosylated/galactosylated peptide that binds to a cell-surface receptor,
  • L represents a bifunctional linker, which does not comprise a naturally occurring amino acid and is covalently bonded to A and P in a regiospecific manner, and
  • P represents a monomer, homopolymer or heteropolymer comprising at least one nucleotide or an analogue thereof, which inhibits the intracellular biosynthesis of nucleotides or nucleic acids in a sequence-independent manner,
  • wherein either or both of the covalent bond between A and L and the covalent bond between L and P can be cleaved intracellularly; a composition comprising such a conjugate; and a method of inhibiting abnormal cellular proliferation in a mammal; and a method of inhibiting replication of a virus in a mammal.

This invention provides methods for covalently affixing a biomolecule to either a second molecule or a solid surface using 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition chemistry. This invention also provides related methods and compositions.

The invention provides the compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of formula I or intermediates thereof and one more of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, vehicles or diluents. The invention further provides methods of preparation and methods of use of prodrugs including NO-releasing prodrugs, double prodrugs and mutual prodrugs comprising the compounds of formula I.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detection and quantification of individual target molecules in biomolecular samples. In particular, the invention relates to improved, stable nanoreporter probes that are capable of binding to and identifying target molecules based on the probes' uniquely detectable signal. Methods for identifying target-specific sequences for inclusion in the probes are also provided, as are methods of making and using such probes. Polynucleotide sequences of certain nanoreporter components are also provided. The probes can be used in diagnostic, prognostic, quality control and screening applications.

A method for the development of gene panels for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes comprising the steps of: (a) isolating at least one biological sample from each of at least two groups of biological material containing mRNA and/or proteins; (b) analyzing the expression level of at least one gene in the at least one biological sample; (c) selecting the gene(s) exhibiting a different expression level between the at least two groups of biological material, whereby a first knowledge base is generated; (d) analyzing the level of cytosine methylation in the methylation relevant regions of at least one gene of at least one of the biological samples of step (a), wherein the gene is selected on the basis of the first knowledge base; (e) selecting the gene(s) exhibiting a different level of cytosine methylation between the at least two groups of biological material, whereby a second knowledge base is generated; and (f) adding selected genes from the second knowledge base to a gene panel.

A system and method for obtaining, storing, processing and utilizing immunologic information of individuals and populations is presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a biological sample can be taken from one or more individuals and the sample submitted to one or more panels of assays. The results of the assays can be stored and analyzed, and such analysis can include (i) calculating derived quantities which take the results of the assays as inputs, and (ii) submitting the results and the derived quantities to a set of rules, each of which has a defined output state. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, based upon the output state of the rules, an appropriate recommendation as to one or more immunization or other interventions can be generated and incorporated with provider and patient reminders. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the results of the assays and the recommendation, as well as additional information specific to the individual can be stored for further analysis. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the assay panel or panels can be chosen as a function of a defined demographic group or enterprise affinity into which the individual corresponds. In exemplary embodiments a database can be maintained for storing and further processing of all immunologic informatics collected according to the methods of the present invention, and can be further processed or used to optimize the delivery of products and/or services in various commercial, research and governmental contexts.

Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device such as a stent-graft. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the formation of blood clots. A stent-graft fabricated from a thin-walled, high strength material provides for a more durable and lower profile endoprosthesis. The stent-graft comprises one or more stent segments covered with a fabric formed by the weaving, knitting or braiding of a biocompatible, high tensile strength, abrasion resistant, highly durable yarn such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The one or more stent segments may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The fabric may be attached to the stent segments utilizing any number of known materials and techniques. In addition, the pore size of the graft material may be varied.

Compositions and methods are disclosed for automated storing, tracking, retrieving and analyzing biological samples, including dry storage at ambient temperatures of nucleic acids, proteins (including enzymes), and cells using a dry storage matrix that permits recovery of biologically active materials. RFID-tagged biological sample storage devices featuring dissolvable or dissociable matrices are described for use as supports of biological samples, which matrices can be dried and subsequently rehydrated for sample recovery. Also disclosed are computer-implemented systems and methods for managing sample data.

Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the formation of blood clots. Also, the devices may be modified to promote endothelialization. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned. In addition, the devices utilized to deliver the implantable medical devices may be modified to reduce the potential for damaging the implantable medical device during deployment. Medical devices include stents, grafts, anastomotic devices, perivascular wraps, sutures and staples. In addition, various polymer combinations may be utilized to control the elution rates of the therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds from the implantable medical devices.

The invention relates to a sensor for the in vivo measurement of an analyte, comprising a plurality of particles of suitable size such that when implanted in the body of a mammal the particles can be ingested by macrophages and transported away from the site of implantation, each particle containing the components of an assay having a readout which is an optical signal detectable transdermally by external optical means, and either each particles being contained within a biodegradable material preventing ingestion by the macrophages, or each particle being non-biodegradable. The invention relates to a process for the detection of an analyte using such a sensor, comprising implantation of the sensor into the skin of a mammal, transdermal detection of analyte using external optical means, degradation of the biodegradable material, ingestion of the particles by macrophages, and removal of the particles from the site of implantation by macrophages.

A method for the selective determination of the scattering index μ_s of a scattering biological matrix, in particular for the purpose of non-invasive determination of the concentration of glucose in the skin, by means of detection measurements, in each of which light in the form of primary light (9) is irradiated into the biological matrix (5) and an intensity measurement value of secondary light (12) exiting at a detection site (33-40) that is located at different measuring distances (ρ) from the respective light irradiation site (10) during the detection measurements is measured. In order to improve the quality and selectivity of the determination of μ_s, the primary light is irradiated obliquely at an angle between 5° and 85° using a contacting light-guiding element. In at least two detection measurements, the measuring distance (ρ) between the respective light irradiation site (10) and the respective detection site (33-40) corresponds to no more than five times the mean free path length of the light propagating in the biological matrix.