The present disclosure relates to the generation of an activated platelet product in which one or more of the presence or absence of clots, the timing of clot formation (if present), and/or the mechanical strength of clots (if present) is controlled by the presence or concentration of calcium ions during the activation process. In certain embodiments, the calcium ion concentration is controlled in the presence of pulsed electric fields or a chemical activator (e.g., thrombin) as part of the activation process.

A system and method for controlling microbial growth on and in medical devices and implants, especially biofilm infections, involves using pulsed electric fields (PEF). To eradicate at least a portion of a biofilm on a medical implant, for example, 1500 volts can be applied through an electrode system, with pulse duration of 50 μs and pulse delivery frequency of 2 Hz. In the clinical setting, systemic microbial therapy can be combined with PEF to achieve a synergistic effect leading to improved eradication of infections.

A system and method for controlling microbial growth on and in medical devices and implants, especially biofilm infections, involves using pulsed electric fields (PEF). To eradicate at least a portion of a biofilm on a medical implant, for example, 1500 volts can be applied through an electrode system, with pulse duration of 50 μs and pulse delivery frequency of 2 Hz. In the clinical setting, systemic microbial therapy can be combined with PEF to achieve a synergistic effect leading to improved eradication of infections.

Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.

Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.

Provided are a method of overexpressing a target gene and/or a method of reprogramming cells, the method including steps of (a) introducing a vector into cells, into which vector a promoter and a target gene are inserted; and (b) applying an electromagnetic wave to the cells obtained in the step (a), and a method of treating a disease using the method.

When the method of overexpressing a target gene using the electromagnetic wave-reactive promoter of the present disclosure is used, it is possible to artificially regulate expression levels of desired target genes in a simple manner in vivo and in vitro and to regulate expression of the target genes until a desired predetermined time.

Provided are a method of overexpressing a target gene and/or a method of reprogramming cells, the method including steps of (a) introducing a vector into cells, into which vector a promoter and a target gene are inserted; and (b) applying an electromagnetic wave to the cells obtained in the step (a), and a method of treating a disease using the method.

When the method of overexpressing a target gene using the electromagnetic wave-reactive promoter of the present disclosure is used, it is possible to artificially regulate expression levels of desired target genes in a simple manner in vivo and in vitro and to regulate expression of the target genes until a desired predetermined time.

The subject invention provides materials and methods for producing and purifying sophorolipids (SLP). More specifically, the subject invention provides materials and methods for the purification of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic SLP molecules to a purity of, for example, at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, without using solvents or centrifugation. Advantageously, the subject invention is suitable for industrial scale production of purified SLP for use in, for example, cleaning products and detergents, and uses safe and environmentally-friendly materials and processes.

The subject invention provides materials and methods for producing and purifying sophorolipids (SLP). More specifically, the subject invention provides materials and methods for the purification of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic SLP molecules to a purity of, for example, at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, without using solvents or centrifugation. Advantageously, the subject invention is suitable for industrial scale production of purified SLP for use in, for example, cleaning products and detergents, and uses safe and environmentally-friendly materials and processes.

The present invention relates to a living fatty material from which immunity is removed, and a method for manufacturing the same, and more specifically, to a living fat tissue from which immunity is removed and to a method for manufacturing the same, comprising the steps of collecting fat tissues; irradiating the fat tissues with 20 to 500 kGy of gamma (γ) rays; and applying centrifugal separation of the fat tissues irradiated with gamma rays.