The present disclosure relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind poly-γ-D-glutamic acid (γDPGA), which is present on the surface of Bacillus anthracis. The disclosure also provides chimeric forms of the monoclonal antibodies, humanized forms of the monoclonal antibodies, and fragments thereof, as well as nucleic acids encoding the antibodies and fragments thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies are also disclosed herein. The disclosure further provides prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods of using the disclosed antibodies.

The biological functionality of living microbial spores is modified using phenotypic engineering to endow the resulting modified spores with novel functionality that extends the usefulness of the spores for a variety of practical applications including, for example, sterility testing, the release of active compounds, and cell-based biosensing systems. An embodiment entails engineering Bacillus spores to acquire synthetic new functions that enable the modified spores to sense and rapidly transduce specific germination signals in their surroundings. The newly acquired functions allow the spores to perform, for example, as self-reporters of cellular viability, self-indicating components of cell-based biosensors, and in other analytical systems. Also disclosed are methods for testing adequate sterility of a system by using engineered spores.

The present invention provides for a system and method to detect low levels of the anthrax protective antigen (PA) exotoxin in biological fluids, wherein the system uses a metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF)-PA assay in combination with microwave-accelerated PA protein surface absorption. Microwave irradiation rapidly accelerates PA deposition onto the surface adjacent to deposited metallic particles and significantly speeding up the MEF-PA assay and resulting in a total assay run time of less than 40 min with an analytical sensitivity of less than 1 pg/ml PA.

Pesticidal proteins exhibiting inhibitory, suppressive, and toxic activity against Lepidopteran pest species are disclosed, and include, but are not limited to, TIC4064 and TIC4064 amino acid sequence variants. DNA constructs are provided which contain a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding one or more of the disclosed pesticidal proteins. Transgenic plants, plant cells, seed, and plant parts resistant to Lepidopteran infestation are provided which contain recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding the pesticidal proteins of the present invention. Methods for detecting the presence of the recombinant nucleic acid sequences or the proteins of the present invention in a biological sample, and methods of controlling Lepidopteran species pests using any of the TIC4064 and TIC4064 amino acid sequence variant pesticidal proteins are also provided.

Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of a method of detection, treatment, and monitoring of cardiovascular disease or a foot wound by detection of a novel biomarker, Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS). Briefly, therefore, the present disclosure is directed to methods that allow for improved, noninvasive, and reliable diagnosis of these conditions, particularly in subjects suffering from Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).

Provided are compositions, devices and systems, methods for assessing, treating and/or preventing an intraocular disease or disorder in a subject, wherein the etiology of the intraocular disease or disorder comprises infection of a microorganism in the intraocular space or cavity of the subject. Provided are compositions, devices and systems, and methods for assessing, treating and/or preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a subject, e.g., a human patient.

Pesticidal proteins exhibiting inhibitory, suppressive, and toxic activity against Lepidopteran pest species are disclosed, and include, but are not limited to, TIC4064 and TIC4064 amino acid sequence variants. DNA constructs are provided which contain a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding one or more of the disclosed pesticidal proteins. Transgenic plants, plant cells, seed, and plant parts resistant to Lepidopteran infestation are provided which contain recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding the pesticidal proteins of the present invention. Methods for detecting the presence of the recombinant nucleic acid sequences or the proteins of the present invention in a biological sample, and methods of controlling Lepidopteran species pests using any of the TIC4064 and TIC4064 amino acid sequence variant pesticidal proteins are also provided.

Provided is a dual-channel fluorescence sensor based on in-situ synthesis of carbon dots on halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and loaded with a lanthanide metal-organic framework, which can implement rapid and simultaneous visual detection of DPA and TC. By using methods for preparing and using a dual-channel visual multicolor fluorescent probe above, the sensor has high stability and sensitivity, and is conducive to quick, accurate and intuitive detection of a biomarker.

The invention relates to identification and characterization of recombinant DNA and polypeptides for specific Bt toxin receptors. In particular, the Bi toxin receptors of the invention include those derived from the Lepidopteran super family including the species Trichoplusiani ni, Pseudoplusia includens, Helicoverpa zea, and Spodoptera frugiperda. The receptors of the invention further include those derived from the Coleopteran super family and particularly from the species Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. The recombinant DNA and polypeptides so provided are useful in the identification and design of novel Bt toxin receptor ligands including novel or improved insecticidal toxins for use in a variety of agricultural applications. Materials and methods for identifying novel toxins are also disclosed herein. The invention also provides methods for selecting toxins to combine to control insect populations by manipulating Bt toxin receptor.

The present invention relates to the field of bacterial Surface (S)-layer proteins, in particular to compounds capable of disrupting the bacterial S-Layer, specifically the S-Layer of Bacillus anthracis. More particularly, the invention provides for single domain antibodies for diagnosis and treatment of infection caused by pathogens with an S-Layer, in particular of Bacillus anthracis infection. The invention relates to S-Layer protein binding agents inhibiting bacterial growth and interrupting S-Layer assembly, useful in the treatment of bacterial infection, more specifically treatment of anthrax disease.