• Schematic of the EASE technology

Dramatic enhancement of the detection limits of bioassays via ultrafast deposition of polydopamine

The researchers report a simple, universal "add-on" technology (EASE) that converts the ordinary sensitivities of common bioassays to extraordinary ones. They demonstrate that EASE facilitated increased sensitivity of ELISA-based detection of HIV, and enabled the direct visualization in tissues of the Zika virus and of low-abundance biomarkers for neurological diseases and cancer immunotherapy.

  • Demonstration of s. aureus biofilm structures and in the presence of anti-a-sheet peptide

Designed a-sheet peptides suppress amyloid formation in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms

The researchers have designed small proteins that can inhibit the formation of biofilms, common sources of infection for hundreds of patients worldwide, especially with those who have implanted medical devices. Their designed anti-a-sheet peptides suppressed the formation of biofilm in S. aureus, a bacteria resistant to many drugs, by about half, and prevented aggregation of infectious proteins through their binding mechanism.

  • Schematic of a disposable autonomous device for swab-to-result diagnosis of influenza

Disposable autonomous device for swab-to-result diagnosis of influenza

The researchers demonstrate a prototype of a self-contained, automated, disposable device for chemically amplified protein-based detection of influenza virus from nasal swab specimens. The device was tested in a clinical setting and was well received by patients and clinicians, further inspiring further optimization of the device.