Sensitive Method for Detection and Quantification of Anthrax, Bordetella pertussis, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium botulinum and Other Pathogen-Derived Toxins in Human and Animal Plasma

CDC research scientists have developed a method to identify and quantify the activity of pathogenic bacterial adenylate cyclase toxins by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Bacterial protein toxins are among the most potent natural poisons known, causing paralysis, immune system collapse, hemorrhaging and death in some cases.

Improved Botulism, Botulinum Neurotoxin Type-E Diagnostics

CDC researchers have improved upon a prior, HHS patented mass spectrometry-based Endopep-MS assay that is able to rapidly detect and differentiate all seven botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) types A to G. This current improvement comprises the addition of two optimized substrate peptides that increases the assay's sensitivity,relative to prior substrates, for botulinum neurotoxin type-E (BoNT/E) by greater than 100 fold.

Synthetic Bacterial Nanoparticles as Drug and Vaccine Delivery Vehicles

Bacterial spores can be modified to display molecules of interest, including drugs, immunogenic peptides, antibodies and other functional proteins of interest (such as enzymes).  The resulting engineered bacterial spores can provide many useful functions such as the treatment of infections, use as an adjuvant for the delivery of vaccines, and the enzymatic degradation of environmental pollutants.

Encapsulation of Fluorescent Nanodiamonds into Poly-dopamine (PDA) Shell and Further Covalent Functionalization of the PDA Shell for Diagnostic Imaging Applications

This technology includes a new class of nanoparticles in the carbon family, fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs), exhibiting superb physical and chemical properties for diagnostic imaging applications. We have developed a simple, fast, and robust method to encapsulate FNDs in polydopamine that can be further functionalized. By integrating anatomical and molecular based imaging capabilities, multimodal nanoparticle probes are becoming important in the paradigm shift from conventional to future imaging technologies.

Intralipid as a Contrast Agent to Enhance Subsurface Blood Flow Imaging

This technology includes a blood flow imaging method that allows for a higher density of smaller particles to be detected. Current imaging methods that are based on Doppler measurements are limited by the discontinuity in the capillary flow in the space between red blood cells. The core technology is to use a scattering agent to enhance capillary flow or microcirculation. This technology has been tested for optical coherence Doppler tomography, but can be expended to any Doppler based flow imaging techniques such as laser speckle imaging.

Multichannel Individualized Seizure Therapy (MIST) Device

The Multichannel Individualized Stimulation Therapy (MIST) device is a multichannel electrical stimulation system that can be used for targeted, individualized electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), especially for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Millions of individuals suffer from TRD, for which ECT is often the most efficacious and rapidly acting treatment option.

Robotic Exoskeleton for Treatment of Crouch Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Crouch gait is a common disorder in pediatric cerebral palsy (CP). Effective treatment of crouch during childhood is critical to maintain mobility into adulthood. Current interventions do not alleviate crouch gait long-term for most patients. This technology relates to a powered exoskeleton designed for gait assistance. The powered assistance may provide a physical therapy-type intervention to improve and maintain mobility.  

Systems and Devices for Training and Imaging an Awake Test Animal

Typical MRI imaging sessions can last over 45 minutes and depend on the subject remaining still during the procedure for accurate imaging. In particular, animals being imaged, such as rodents (rats) in an awakened state, are not readily compliant with the restricted movement required when being imaged. Current techniques for imaging awake animals focus on training them with full body restraints and head fixation using a bite bar and/or ear bars.

High-Resolution and Artifact-Free Measurement and Visualization of Tissue Strain by Processing MRI Using a Deep Learning Approach

This technology includes a system for automatic artifact-free measurement and visualization of tissue strain by MRI at native resolution. The investigation of regional soft tissue mechanical strain can serve as a unique indicator for different related disorders. For example, measurement of myocardial tissue during contraction can help calculate, track, and assess cardiac stress. Currently, methods such as tagging MRI (tMRI) are used for imaging soft tissue deformation. Despite being well validated, methods such as tMRI suffer from low spatial and temporal resolution.