Abstract: Enteric elastomers and related methods are generally provided. In some embodiments, the enteric elastomer is a polymer composite. Certain embodiments comprise a polymer composite in which hydrogen bonds within two carboxyl group-containing polymers cross-link the polymer networks into an elastic and pH-responsive polymer composite. Advantageously, this polymer composite has the capacity of being stable and elastic in an acidic environment such as that of the stomach but can be dissolved in a neutral pH environment such as that of the small and large intestines. In some embodiments, the polymer composites described herein comprise a mixture of two or more polymers with carboxyl functionality such that the two or more polymers form hydrogen bonds. In certain embodiments, the polymer composite has both enteric and elastic properties.

Abstract: Multi-monodose containers are described including a row of at least two vials, a first vial connected to an adjacent second vial through an articulating joint, the articulating joint sufficiently flexible to reversibly mate a planar outer surface of the first vial with a planar outer surface of the adjacent second vial; wherein the row of the at least two vials is configured to form a first rectangular packing cross-sectional area in an expanded configuration and configured to form a second rectangular packing cross-sectional area in a folded configuration, the second rectangular packing cross-sectional area smaller than the first rectangular packing cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A system for tracking airborne organisms includes an imager, a backlight source (such as a retroreflective surface) in view of the imager, and a processor configured to analyze one or more images captured by the processor to identify a biological property of an organism.

Abstract: Emulsion-based and micromolded (“MM”) or three dimensional printed (“3DP”) polymeric formulations for single injection of antigen, preferably releasing at two or more time periods, have been developed. Formulations are preferably formed of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers. Discrete regions encapsulating antigen, alone or in combination with other antigens, adjuvants, stabilizers, and release modifiers, are present in the formulations. Antigen is preferably present in excipient at the time of administration, or on the surface of the formulation, for immediate release, and incorporated within the formulation for release at ten to 45 days after initial release of antigen, optionally at ten to 90 day intervals for release of antigen in one or more additional time periods. Antigen may be stabilized through the use of stabilizing agents such as trehalose glass. In a preferred embodiment for immunization against polio, antigen is released at the time of administration, and two, four and six months thereafter.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include portable devices for cold chain storage and methods of fabricating portable devices for cold chain storage. In an illustrative embodiment, a portable device for cold chain storage includes a container defining therein a storage region. The container includes an inner cylinder, and the storage region is defined coaxially inwardly of the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder includes phase change material disposed therein, and the phase change material is in thermal communication with the storage region. The inner cylinder also includes evaporative coils disposed therein. The evaporative coils are embedded in the phase change material. The container also includes a thermally insulated outer cylinder. An outer wall of the outer cylinder is disposed radially outwardly of an outer wall of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a thermosiphon configured for use within a temperature-regulated storage device includes: a condenser region, including a plurality of evenly spaced condenser channels with horizontally symmetrical bifurcated branches connected to an adiabatic channel, each of the plurality of condenser channels connected at a top position to an upper channel; an evaporator region, including a plurality of evaporator channels, wherein each of the plurality of evaporator channels has a flow channel formed in a serpentine channel pattern and each subunit of the serpentine channel pattern is attached to a vapor return channel at a top of the subunit, and wherein the evaporator region has at least one lowest position connected directly to a vapor return channel; and an adiabatic region including at least one adiabatic channel connecting the evaporator channels and the condenser channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low-cost, portable photo thermal spectroscopy (PTS) reader for use in detecting the presence of diseases in the bodily fluid of affected patients. The PTS reader is designed to be durable, easy to use and provide readings from the Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) with rapid results. Also provided are methods of use.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a photothermal spectroscopy assay reader including a light source configured to emit light in the red range of the light spectrum. Methods of operating such photothermal spectroscopy assay readers are also disclosed. Assay kits including a lateral flow assay and a photothermal spectroscopy assay reader configured to read the photothermal spectroscopy assay reader are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are described for packaging a foldable container including covering a multi-monodose container in an expanded configuration with a hermetically-sealable overwrap, the multi-monodose container including a row of interconnected monodose pharmaceutical vials, each of the monodose pharmaceutical vials enclosing at least one pharmaceutical agent, the interconnected monodose pharmaceutical vials connected to one another by one or more articulating joints sufficiently flexible to form a folded configuration of the multi-monodose container; exerting a force on at least one of the monodose pharmaceutical vials; bending the one or more articulating joints to form the folded configuration of the multi-monodose container in response to the exerted force; and sealing the hermetically-sealable overwrap to form a hermetic seal around the folded configuration of the multi-monodose container.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for determining a presence and an amount of an analyte in a biological sample. The systems and methods for determining the presence of an analyte utilize a plurality of images of a sample slide including multiple fields-of-view having multiple focal planes therein. The systems and methods utilize algorithms configured to balance the color and grayscale intensity of the plurality of images and based thereon determine if the plurality of images contain the analyte therein.

Abstract: A system for tracking airborne organisms includes an imager, a backlight source (such as a retroreflective surface) in view of the imager, and a processor configured to analyze one or more images captured by the processor to identify a biological property of an organism.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for determining a presence and an amount of an analyte in a biological sample. The systems and methods for determining the presence of an analyte utilize a plurality of images of a sample slide including multiple fields-of-view having multiple focal planes therein. The systems and methods utilize algorithms configured to color and grayscale intensity balance the plurality of images and based thereon determine if the plurality of images contain the analyte therein.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes: walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold phase change material internal to the refrigeration device; at least one active refrigeration unit including a set of evaporator coils positioned at least partially within the liquid-impermeable container; a unidirectional thermal conductor with a condensing end and an evaporative end, the condensing end positioned within the liquid-impermeable container; a first aperture in the liquid-impermeable container, the first aperture of a size, shape and position to permit the set of evaporator coils to traverse the aperture; a second aperture in the liquid-impermeable container, the second aperture including an internal surface of a size, shape and position to mate with an external surface of the unidirectional thermal conductor; and one or more walls substantially forming a storage region in thermal contact with the evaporative end of the unidirectional thermal conductor.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a medicinal storage container includes: a desiccant unit including external walls forming a gas-impermeable barrier around an interior desiccant region and including an aperture; a heating element; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit; a compressor system including at least one evaporator coil unit, the compressor operably connected to the controller; a vapor conduit, the vapor conduit attached to a the desiccant unit at a first end, the vapor conduit attached to the evaporative cooling unit at a second end, the vapor conduit forming an internal, gas-impermeable passageway between the desiccant unit and the cooling unit; a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit and operably attached to the controller; and a medicinal storage unit including external walls encircling a medicinal storage region including a temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.

Abstract: Salt formulations, which are resistant to moisture and cooking conditions, are described herein. The formulations provide particles of micronutrients and vitamins encapsulated within heat resistant pH-sensitive water-insoluble polymers, which are packaged within a salt shell. The pH-sensitive, water-insoluble, thermally stable materials stabilize the micronutrients, particularly at high temperatures, such as during food preparation and cooking, and release the micronutrients at the desired locations such as the stomach, small intestine, etc. Preferred pH-sensitive polymers release at a low pH, less than the pH present in the stomach. The particles can be used to deliver daily-recommended doses of micronutrients simultaneously with salt, eliminating the need for vitamin pills. This is particularly important in populations suffering from severe malnutrition.

Abstract: Enteric elastomers and related methods are generally provided. In some embodiments, the enteric elastomer is a polymer composite. Certain embodiments comprise a polymer composite in which hydrogen bonds within two carboxyl group-containing polymers cross-link the polymer networks into an elastic and pH-responsive polymer composite. Advantageously, this polymer composite has the capacity of being stable and elastic in an acidic environment such as that of the stomach but can be dissolved in a neutral pH environment such as that of the small and large intestines. In some embodiments, the polymer composites described herein comprise a mixture of two or more polymers with carboxyl functionality such that the two or more polymers form hydrogen bonds. In certain embodiments, the polymer composite has both enteric and elastic properties.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to flow assays including at least one electrically-actuated valve configured to control fluid flow. Methods of operating such flow assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to photothermal spectroscopy apparatuses and systems for offset synchronous testing of flow assays. Methods of using and operating such photothermal spectroscopy systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing a monitor or treatment device configured to, for example, detect hemozoin, as well as to monitor or treat a malarial infection.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes: walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold phase change material internal to a refrigeration device; at least one active refrigeration unit including a set of evaporator coils positioned within an interior of the liquid-impermeable container; walls substantially forming a storage region; and a heat transfer system including a first group of vapor-impermeable structures with a hollow interior connected to form a condenser in thermal contact with the walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container, a second group of vapor-impermeable structures with a hollow interior connected to form an evaporator in thermal contact with the walls substantially forming a storage region, and a connector with a hollow interior affixed to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming a liquid and vapor flow path between the hollow interior of the condenser and the hollow interior of the evaporator.