The β-glucan-binding protein contains an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1.

The β-glucan-binding protein contains an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1.

A method of manufacturing a biopolymer optical device includes providing a polymer, providing a substrate, casting the polymer on the substrate, and enzymatically polymerizing an organic compound to generate a conducting polymer between the provided polymer and the substrate. The polymer may be a biopolymer such as silk and may be modified using organic compounds such as tyrosines to provide a molecular-level interface between the provided bulk biopolymer of the biopolymer optical device and a substrate or other conducting layer via a tyrosine-enzyme polymerization. The enzymatically polymerizing may include catalyzing the organic compound with peroxidase enzyme reactions. The result is a carbon-carbon conjugated backbone that provides polymeric wires for use in polymer and biopolymer optical devices. An all organic biopolymer electroactive material is thereby provided that provides optical functions and features.

A method of manufacturing a biopolymer optofluidic device including providing a biopolymer, processing the biopolymer to yield a biopolymer matrix solution, providing a substrate, casting the biopolymer matrix solution on the substrate, embedding a channel mold in the biopolymer matrix solution, drying the biopolymer matrix solution to solidify biopolymer optofluidic device, and extracting the embedded channel mold to provide a fluidic channel in the solidified biopolymer optofluidic device. In accordance with another aspect, an optofluidic device is provided that is made of a biopolymer and that has a channel therein for conveying fluid.

The present invention relates to antibodies that bind to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 (e.g., a sericin polypeptide). The invention also provides methods and kits using the antibodies of the invention. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino add sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino add sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the polypeptide is a sericin polypeptide (e.g., a sericin isoform 1B polypeptide). In a related aspect, the invention features a method for selectively detecting sericin in a sample.

The present invention relates to antibodies that bind to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 (e.g., a sericin polypeptide). The invention also provides methods and kits using the antibodies of the invention. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino add sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino add sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the polypeptide is a sericin polypeptide (e.g., a sericin isoform 1B polypeptide). In a related aspect, the invention features a method for selectively detecting sericin in a sample.