Abstract: 3-D biodegradable porous, polymer (natural or synthetic) scaffolds with well-controlled, interconnected pores, and method for forming the porous materials. Hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic porogen materials were fabricated into 3-D negative replicas of the desired macroporous architectures. Biodegradable polymers (PLLA and PLGA) were dissolved in a solvent and cast onto the negative replica. After dissolving/leaching out the porogen materials, a porous polymer scaffold was formed. The skeletal structure of PLLA foams consisted of small platelets or nano-fibers, while PLGA foams had homogeneous skeletal structure. To improve the cell seeding, distribution, mass transport, and new tissue organization and vascularization, 3-D macroporous architectures are built in the nano-fibrous matrices. The method tailors polymer scaffolds for a variety of potential tissue engineering applications due to the well-controlled architecture, inter-pore connectivity, and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for visualizing structure located on the interior of a biological substance. The device of the present invention includes a marker member which may be a solid cylinder or lumen having an interior volume. The marker member has a proximal end, and a distal end. The distal end of the device is removably insertable in the biological substance relative to the interior structure to be visualized and is composed of a biologically stable substrate material. An image-enhancing material is contained relative to the marker member in a manner such that the imaging material does not directly contact the biological substance; such imaging material will remain self-contained without causing significant tissue absorption, toxicity or undesired image distortion. The imaging material of choice is one which is capable of producing an emission or signal detectable external to the biological substance by suitable imaging instrumentation.

Abstract: Immobilized enzymes are prepared in a one-step operation by simultaneously adding an aqueous enzyme (for example urease) to a quaternary ionic compound and a mineral (for example bentonite and a quaternary amine) while in a mixer. This one step operation results in an enzyme clad organoclay. A paste may be formed in the mixer which can be extruded to form noodles that are air dried. Immobilized enzymes may alternately be prepared by adding aqueous enzyme to an already formed organoclay.

Abstract: A treatment media is provided capable of acting upon at least one chemical contaminant in an aqueous composition and assisting in the decomposition thereof. The treatment media is a biologically activated organically modified material which includes a mineral based substrate, selected from the group consisting of clays, clay analogs, synthetic resins, zeolites and mixtures thereof. The mineral based substrate is treated with an organic modification compound selected from the group consisting of quaternary amines, pyridinium compounds, phosphonium amines, and mixtures thereof. At least one strain of bacteria is engrafted to the mineral-based substrate, the bacteria being capable of facilitating decomposition of the chemical contaminant. Quaternary amines used provide enhancement of bacterial colonies and do not adversely effect bacterial activity when employed as the organic modification compound to treat the mineral based substrate.

Abstract: Biocompatible hydrogels, for: scaffoldings for tissue engineering; cell encapsulation matrices; injectable bulking materials for cosmetic and functional restorations; controlled release matrices; gene delivery vehicles; immunoprotection matrices; immobilization materials; food additives; medical gels; conductive electrode gels; lubricious coatings; film forming creams; membranes; superabsorbents; hydrophilic coatings; and wound dressings. The hydrogels include: at least one water-soluble polymer/copolymer; and at least one slow and/or fast dissolving and/or releasing divalent and/or multivalent cation-containing compound. At least one of the monomers is an acid, and/or contains an acid group or a derivative thereof. Such monomer reacts with the cations to form a three-dimensional ionically crosslinked hydrogel composition.

Abstract: A method of preventing fouling organisms in marine environments comprises the step of introducing into the marine environment in a predetermined form and in a sufficient amount an antifouling composition having as its effective ingredient a nitric oxide-releasing functional group of the diazeniumdiolate structure: whereupon nitric oxide is controllably released into the marine environment to prevent at least one of the fouling organisms' propagation, ability to attach, and ability to function. An antifouling composition consists essentially of an antifouling-acceptable carrier and a coprecipitation product of polylactide/glycolide and diethylenetriamine having the formula H3N+CH2CH2N(N2O2)−1CH2CH2NH2, wherein diethylenetriamine contains a nitric oxide-releasing functional group.