Current methods for detection of microbial contaminants on surfaces use swabbing/wiping to extract microbes for analysis. This removes easily transferable microbes but fails to extract microbes living in biofilms, which reduces sensitivity and may mask the true degree of contamination. The current disclosure provides an enzyme cocktail that disrupts the biofilm and improves the extraction of live microbes for analysis. Applicant's enzyme system is particularly useful for the application to a variety of surfaces, but particularly on a variety of food processing surfaces. Utilization of Applicant's enzyme cocktail makes possible the extraction of a representative sample of live microorganisms present on a surface, including film forming microorganisms, without affecting non-film forming microorganisms also present on a surface.

Provided herein are methods for evaluating tumor cell spheroids in a three-dimensional microfluidic device by determining changes in the relative levels of live cells and dead cells in aliquots cultured under different conditions. Methods described herein allow ex vivo recapitulation of the tumor microenvironment such that the in vivo effectiveness of a test compound in treating tumor tissue may be predicted.

Methods and devices for tissue remodeling and repair of collagenous tissues, including tendons, ligaments, and bone, as well as scalable connective tissue manufacturing, are provided. Collagen fibers are assembled by extensional strain-induced flow crystallization of collagen monomers. Extensional strain also drives the fusion of already formed short collagen fibrils to produce long-range, continuous fibers. Wearable devices for controlled tissue remodeling and wound healing deliver a tissue remodeling solution to a tissue repair site. The remodeling solution, together with appropriate application of strain to the tissue remodeling site, accelerate healing, prevent injury, and reduce scar formation.

Bacterial strain Clostridium histolyticum was deposited in CCM (Czech Collection of Microorganisms at Masaryk University, Faculty of Science) under No. CCM 8656. This strain produces proteolytic enzymes including collagenase, elastinase, neutral proteases and clostripain under anaerobic conditions at a temperature from 25° C. to 45° C. The strain is used for the production of a mixture of two collagenases, col 1 and col 2, with molecular weight 116 kDa and 126 kDa, and possibly clostripain. The mixture of the above-mentioned collagenases and possibly clostripain obtained from the above-mentioned strain is used for the isolation of Langerhans islets.

The present invention relates to RNAi constructs with improved tissue and cellular uptake characteristics and methods of use of these compounds in dermal applications.

The present invention relates to a method for increasing the embryo implantation rate in a mammalian uterus, by administering to the uterus of a mammal an effective amount of an extracellular matrix remodeling enzyme, as well as to a product comprising an extracellular remodeling enzyme.

Biomarkers tests which can be used to predict a positive or negative risk of preeclampsia are described. More specifically, a panel of biomarkers including MMP-7 and gpIIbIIIa, described. The test is useful to predict preeclampsia when a biological sample is obtained between the 16.sup.th and 22.sup.nd week of pregnancy. Prediction later in pregnancy can be achieved by a combination of Siglec-6, Activin A, ALCAM, and/or FCN2.

Compositions for delivering nucleic acids to cells or tissue microenvironments are provided. In one embodiment, the compositions are lipid nanoparticle compositions formulated to have reduced splenic and hepatic clearance. It has been discovered that the chemical composition of lipid nanoparticles significantly influences the natural trafficking of the lipid nanoparticles. More specifically, it has been discovered that conformationally constrained ionizable lipids can modify the tropism and clearance profile of lipid nanoparticles without the need of a targeting ligand. It has also been discovered that tropism of the disclosed lipid nanoparticles is size-independent.

The present invention relates to a method for increasing the embryo implantation rate in a mammalian uterus, by administering to the uterus of a mammal an effective amount of an extracellular matrix remodeling enzyme, as well as to a product comprising an extracellular remodeling enzyme.

Proteases regulate a wide range of normal cellular functions where dysregulated activity is observed in various diseases. Compositions and methods use protease activity multiplexed bead-based immunoassays to profile protease activity. This platform technology integrates protease activity measurements with total protein quantification techniques. It represents a significant improvement over existing detection techniques by allowing for multiplexed, sensitive active protease measurements in complex biological samples. Exemplary multiplexed detections are realized in a single assay using a minute sample amount (e.g., 5 μl) for active recombinant MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, 9, and 12 and those same MMPs in cell culture supernatant, menstrual fluid effluent, and peritoneal aspirates. This multiplexed platform achieves high level of sensitivities equal to or better than existing leading single-plex detection strategies. It also allows for high throughput screening to identify inhibitors of proteases in complex, donor-derived samples.