A quantum dot (QD)-rhodopsin bioconjugate system uses Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-mediated induction of cellular membrane depolarization via optical activation of ion channel proteins channelrhodopsin (ChR).

A quantum dot (QD)-rhodopsin bioconjugate system uses Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-mediated induction of cellular membrane depolarization via optical activation of ion channel proteins channelrhodopsin (ChR).

The invention provides for a system for estimating a 3-dimensional treatment volume for a device that applies treatment energy through a plurality of electrodes defining a treatment area, the system comprising a memory, a display device, a processor coupled to the memory and the display device, and a treatment planning module stored in the memory and executable by the processor. In one embodiment, the treatment planning module is adapted to generate an estimated first 3-dimensional treatment volume for display in the display device based on the ratio of a maximum conductivity of the treatment area to a baseline conductivity of the treatment area. The invention also provides for a method for estimating 3-dimensional treatment volume, the steps of which are executable through the processor. In embodiments, the system and method are based on a numerical model which may be implemented in computer readable code which is executable through a processor.

The invention provides for a system for estimating a 3-dimensional treatment volume for a device that applies treatment energy through a plurality of electrodes defining a treatment area, the system comprising a memory, a display device, a processor coupled to the memory and the display device, and a treatment planning module stored in the memory and executable by the processor. In one embodiment, the treatment planning module is adapted to generate an estimated first 3-dimensional treatment volume for display in the display device based on the ratio of a maximum conductivity of the treatment area to a baseline conductivity of the treatment area. The invention also provides for a method for estimating 3-dimensional treatment volume, the steps of which are executable through the processor. In embodiments, the system and method are based on a numerical model which may be implemented in computer readable code which is executable through a processor.

A microelectrode for electroporating an individual cell or embryo that includes a substrate with an electrically insulated surface, a first electrode adjacent to the electrically insulated surface of the substrate, a second electrode adjacent to the electrically insulated surface of the substrate and separated from the first electrode a predetermined distance so as to form a channel, and a liquid medium situated within the channel. The liquid medium is capable of fluidic transport of the cell or embryo through or into the channel and capable of supporting an electric field. The first and second electrodes include surfaces substantially orthogonal to the electrically insulated surface of the substrate with an edge length that is less than or equal to a diameter of the cell or embryo. The predetermined distance may be 50% to 200% of the diameter of the cell or embryo.

A microelectrode for electroporating an individual cell or embryo that includes a substrate with an electrically insulated surface, a first electrode adjacent to the electrically insulated surface of the substrate, a second electrode adjacent to the electrically insulated surface of the substrate and separated from the first electrode a predetermined distance so as to form a channel, and a liquid medium situated within the channel. The liquid medium is capable of fluidic transport of the cell or embryo through or into the channel and capable of supporting an electric field. The first and second electrodes include surfaces substantially orthogonal to the electrically insulated surface of the substrate with an edge length that is less than or equal to a diameter of the cell or embryo. The predetermined distance may be 50% to 200% of the diameter of the cell or embryo.

Methods for producing and utilizing primed platelets are provided, in which platelets are primed for release of specific granule types and/or active compounds by irradiation, for example with electromagnetic radiation, an electrical field, and/or a magnetic field. Such irradiation can be performed ex vivo or in vivo. Such primed platelets have utility in treating inflammatory conditions, neurodegenerative conditions, and/or joint and tendon related injuries.

The invention relates to a new process for manufacturing in vitro antigen-specific T lymphocytes (CellTrAg), marked with intracellular dye and expanded in the presence of monocytes loaded with the antigen and subsequently sorted based on the low intensity of intracellular dye where the low intensity of fluorescence is a marker of antigen-specificity in that a loss of fluorescence correlated with the intensity of proliferation. The antigen specificity is assessed in functional tests in which antigen-specific lymphocytes sorted on the basis of low fluorescence are more active than non-specific lymphocytes with high fluorescence during sort; activity is defined in the case of regulatory T lymphocytes as inhibition of effector lymphocyte function and in the case of T effector lymphocytes as enhancing the characteristics of these cells such as proliferation, production of cytokines and cytotoxic factors.

The invention relates to a new process for manufacturing in vitro antigen-specific T lymphocytes (CellTrAg), marked with intracellular dye and expanded in the presence of monocytes loaded with the antigen and subsequently sorted based on the low intensity of intracellular dye where the low intensity of fluorescence is a marker of antigen-specificity in that a loss of fluorescence correlated with the intensity of proliferation. The antigen specificity is assessed in functional tests in which antigen-specific lymphocytes sorted on the basis of low fluorescence are more active than non-specific lymphocytes with high fluorescence during sort; activity is defined in the case of regulatory T lymphocytes as inhibition of effector lymphocyte function and in the case of T effector lymphocytes as enhancing the characteristics of these cells such as proliferation, production of cytokines and cytotoxic factors.

Methods of using pulsed focused ultrasound (pFUS) therapy to treat pancreatic disorders such as type 1 diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer are provided. The methods utilize pulsed focused ultrasound (pFUS) therapy either by itself or in combination with islet transplantation and/or stem cell therapy to promote regeneration of damaged pancreatic tissue, increase insulin secretion in response to glucose, or improve engraftment and revascularization of transplanted islets or beta cells. Additionally, methods of using pFUS are provided for modulating paracrine secretion in the pancreas, islets, beta cells, or stem cells, or at a transplantation site to therapeutically alter levels of various factors including, without limitation, cytokines, growth factors, angiogenic factors, and cell adhesion molecules.