UCLA researchers have developed a novel method for computational sensing using low-cost and mobile plasmonic readers designed by machine learning.

This invention is a nanostraw device that is built upon microdevice technology for oral drug delivery. It is the first example of a microdevice for oral drug delivery, with the drug sealed in by a semi-permeable membrane for (1) in-solution drug loading, and tunable drug release, (2) increased bioadhesion for prolonged drug exposure, and (3) protection of drug from outside biomolecules.

This invention describes a first-of-a-kind methodology using micro- and nanofabrication techniques to create polymeric microscale devices that are asymmetrically coated with nanowires. The nanowire coating provides an inherent high-throughput, low-waste drug loading mechanism, enhanced cytoadhesion, and may potentially interact with epithelial tissue to enhance drug permeation.

    To address this major limitation, investigators at UCR have developed a nanoliposomal formulation of NTG, which achieves a 70-fold increase in the anti-inflammatory effect of NTG when compared to NTG. This increase in potency allows lower doses to be effective, which could mitigate the common issues seen with high clinical doses of NTG viz. loss of NTG sensitivity and endothelial toxicity. Fig. 1 Adhesion of U937 monocytes to NO-deficient (L-NIO-treated) ECs is significantly blocked by treating ECs with 5 ug/ml nanoliposomal nitroglycerin (NTG-NL). L-NIO is a selective eNOS inhibitor.  Remarkably, this anti-inflammatory dose of NTG in nanoliposomes is 70-fold lower than the dose of free NTG (5uM) required to achieve a similar effect

Anti-microbial, anti-fungal drug eluting contact lens for the controlled release of ophthalmic therapeutics.

High density micro-reactors are fabricated to form an array of wells into a surface for use in high throughput microfluidic applications in biology and chemistry. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine developed a method for increasing micro-reactor densities per unit area using rapidly self-assembled three-dimensional crystalline formation droplet arrays, and a device for performing the same.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery have developed a novel method that promotes directed nerve growth and peripheral nerve regeneration using peptide amphiphile (PA) nanofibers. The combination of conduit and PA nanofiber scaffold offers greater success than currently used methods of bridging with empty conduits. This novel approach may become a substitute for nerve graft for clinical use in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.

A microfluidic device that separates single cells from whole tissue in a rapid and gentle manner using hydrodynamic fluid flow. The separated single cell suspensions can then be used in tissue engineering applications, regenerative medicine and the study of cancer.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a system for holographic opto-fluidic microscopy.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a rapid, low-cost, and label-free methodology for nanoparticle sizing.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a new portable device to rapidly measure yeast cell viability and concentration using a lab-on-chip design.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel method to separate and recycle surfactants used in the manufacturing of nanoemulsions.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry & Physics and Astronomy have developed a novel method to lithograph two polished solid surfaces by using a simple mechanical alignment jig with piezoelectric control and a method of pressing them together and solidifying a material.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have developed a novel computational method for designing proteins that self-assemble to a desired symmetric architecture. This method combines symmetrical docking with interface design, and it can be used to design a wide variety of self-assembling protein nanomaterials. 

UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel drop-carrier particle for single cell or single molecule assays.

The present invention relates to portable Spirometry system that uses sound to transmit pulmonary airflow information to a receiver.

The present invention describes a component package that enables a microfluidic device to be fixed to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or other substrate, and embedded within a larger microfluidic system.

Researchers at UC Irvine developed a device and method that combines the high dynamic range and high accuracy of digital PCR (dPCR) with the real-time analysis of quantitative PCR (qPCR) to achieve a ultra-high dynamic range PCR over 10 to 12 orders of magnitude. The present method is accomplished by a highly integrated design that optimally packs, thermocycles, and images as many as 1 million reaction vessels.

Nanowires have applications as transistors or bioelectronic devices. Current methods to synthesize nanowires lack the ability to precisely control length, sequence, and terminal functionality. Using this invention as a building block, organic nanowires can be made with controlled length, sequence, and terminal functionality. The organic nanowires made with this invention also exhibit zero-resistance and do not degrade with increased length.

Assays or biosensors that utilize electrochemical or fluorescent techniques often employ DNA electrochemical probes. Current probes have drawbacks, as they have either electronic or fluorescent properties, are not readily water-soluble, and are poorly coupled within a DNA strand. This invention is a DNA electrochemical probe that has both electronic and fluorescent properties, is water-soluble, and can readily incorporate into a DNA strand.

UCLA researchers in the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Orthopedic Surgery have developed a method to deliver therapeutic proteins directly to the tumor site using nanocapsules.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a simple method producing thin, sensitive In2O3-based conformal biosensors based on field-effect transistors using facile solution-based processing for future wearable human technologies as well as non-invasive glucose testing.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a method to deliver therapeutic proteins directly to the tumor site using nanocapsules.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a new method to manufacture and recycle metal matrix nanocomposites.

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a new method to increase the rate of ligation catalyzed by the S. aureus Sortase A enzyme