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Stem Cells

Latest Innovations
Bio-Engineered Hyper-Functional Super Helicases Dr. Taekjip Ha has developed a bio-engineered, hyper-functional "super" helicase that is capable of unwinding 5000+ base pairs without stopping. The super... Read More Dr. Taekjip Ha has developed a bio-engineered, hyper-functional "super" helicase that is capable of unwinding 5000+ base pairs without stopping. The super helicase is designed such that the helicase cannot dissociate until the end of the DNA is encountered, making the processivity of the super helicase theoretically infinite in ideal conditions. Furthermore, it can exert forces in the range of 50-80pN which are currently the strongest helicase forces reported. This super helicase could provide a better alternative to helicases currently used in nanopore sequencing and isothermal PCR. Technology Benefits: Benefits over existing helicases: Natural Rep protein is a very poor helicase which can unwind DNA sequences as short as 18 base pairs (bp), and at very high concentrations, only up to 30-50 bp • Rep-X exhibits extremely enhanced DNA unwinding activity: it can unwind 5000+ bp without stopping • Rep-X is designed in a way that the helicase cannot physically dissociate until the end of the DNA is encountered. • Rep-X is an extremely strong protein, which cannot be stopped by forces up to 80 pN which is above the shearing force of double stranded DNA. By carefully controlling crosslinker length, and specific mutations sites that the crosslinkers target, other helicases can be stabilized in the specific conformation that gives rise to the super-active form (i.e. "Helicase-X").
Multiplexed Targeted Genome Engineering and Gene Activation Dr. Pablo Perez-Pinera from the University of Illinois has developed a multiplexable and universal nuclease-assisted... Read More Dr. Pablo Perez-Pinera from the University of Illinois has developed a multiplexable and universal nuclease-assisted vector integration system for rapid generation of gene knock outs using selection that does not require customized targeting vectors, thereby minimizing the cost and time frame needed for gene editing. Importantly, this system is capable of remodeling native mammalian genomes through integration of DNA, up to 50 kb, enabling rapid generation and screening of multigene knockouts from a single transfection. Furthermore, this method facilitates activation of genes by introduction of specific promoters that allows for genomic scale activation screens. Benefits • Minimizes cost and time for gene editing • Multigene knockouts can be rapidly generated • Facile integration of large constructs up to 50 kb • Introduces speci c promoters for genomic scale activation screens
A Sustained Inhibition of Cancer Stem Cells via STAT-3 Modulation Dr. Dipanjan Pan from the University of Illinois has... Read More Dr. Dipanjan Pan from the University of Illinois has developed a technology to enhance the bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. The technology involves coating such poorly water soluble drugs onto a carbon nanoparticle, cucurbituril (CB6) for controlled drug delivery and for improved antitumor activity in vivo. Benefits • Increases bioavailability of known low solubility drugs • Green carbon nanoparticles that reduces toxicity • Theranostic applications
Long-Release Hydrogel Nanoparticle Carriers for Drug Delivery Profs. Hyungsoo Choi and Kevin Kim have developed a hydrogel nanoparticle carrier comprising gelatin covalently crosslinked with cyclodextrin, which has a longer drug... Read More Profs. Hyungsoo Choi and Kevin Kim have developed a hydrogel nanoparticle carrier comprising gelatin covalently crosslinked with cyclodextrin, which has a longer drug release profile than other carriers. The invented nano/micro carriers allows delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents that have low aqueous solubility. These hydrophobic molecules are confined inside hydrophobic pockets, and are released as polymer matrix degrades. Application This technology is used for delivering hydrophobic drugs in aqueous environments in the body. Benefit This invention boasts a longer release profile and allows drugs to be released over a longer period of time due to additional crosslinking between gelatin and cyclodextrin.
Microparticles that Create Biological Gels with Tunable Properties Dr. Kong from the University of IL has developed microparticles that create fibrin gels with desirable properties for wound healing products, drug delivery, and... Read More Dr. Kong from the University of IL has developed microparticles that create fibrin gels with desirable properties for wound healing products, drug delivery, and diagnostic tools. When blood clots it forms fibrin gel networks to close wounds temporarily for more permanent healing to take place. A significant problem with artificially-made fibrin gel networks is that they can be difficult to tune to attain desirable gelation rate and rigidity. The microparticles developed by Dr. Kong solve this problem by releasing thrombin in response to H2O2 to make gels with tunable, desirable properties. Benefits Encapsulating thrombin and MnO2 nanosheets allows for decoupling of gelation rate and gel rigidity. Applications This technology may be used for nano- or microparticles for drug delivery, biological gels for biomedical applications, or bleeding control/wound management.