Abstract: The present invention relates to agent delivery systems for application to biological tissues. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices and methods for the non-invasive delivery of agents (e.g. pharmaceuticals and the like) into and across biological tissues using ultrasound and nanoporous carriers.

Abstract: There is disclosed systems and methods for non-invasive delivery of an agent to biological tissues. Delivery of the agent to the tissues can be by one or more modalities. In some embodiments the systems and methods use agent carrier body including a tissue contacting surface for non-invasively engaging tissues under treatment. The tissue contacting surface can be at least partly defined by a plurality of protrusions that are in fluid communication with one or more reservoirs forming part of the agent carrier body. The protrusions may extend outward from an inside of a void and terminate at said tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed systems and methods for non-invasive delivery of an agent to biological tissues. Delivery of the agent to the tissues can be by one or more modalities. In some embodiments the systems and methods use agent carrier body including a tissue contacting surface for non-invasively engaging tissues under treatment. The tissue contacting surface can be at least partly defined by a plurality of protrusions that are in fluid communication with one or more reservoirs forming part of the agent carrier body. The protrusions may extend outward from an inside of a void and terminate at said tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, comprising: an agent carrier comprising an agent transfer surface for delivery of an agent into a tissue, wherein the agent carrier comprises or is acoustically couplable to a piezoelectric substrate; an electrode electrically couplable to the piezoelectric substrate; and a controller electrically couplable to the electrode and configured to apply an electrical signal to the electrode to propagate an acoustic wave on and/or in the piezoelectric substrate which is capable of delivering the agent from the device into the tissue. Methods of using the device for non-invasive delivery of agents into target tissues are also disclosed.

Abstract: A delivery system, including a polymeric material for storing molecules and/or particles wherein the molecules and/or particles are substantially bound to said polymeric material through: the polymeric material comprising an electrical charge and the molecules and/or particles comprising an electrical charge opposite to the electrical charge of the polymeric material; and/or the molecules and/or particles being physically trapped within pores of the polymeric material; and an ultrasonic transducer configured to apply an ultrasonic signal to the polymeric material to release the molecules and/or particles and to transport the released molecules and/or particles through the polymeric material to a surface for delivery to an entity.

Abstract: A delivery system, including: a material for storing molecules and/or nanoparticles by substantially binding said molecules and/or nanoparticles to said material; a means for applying an electric field to said material to release said molecules and/or nanoparticles; and a means for applying an ultrasonic signal to said material to transport said molecules and/or nanoparticles through said material to a surface for delivery to an entity.

Abstract: There is disclosed systems and methods for non-invasive delivery of an agent to biological tissues. Delivery of the agent to the tissues can be by one or more modalities. In some embodiments the systems and methods use agent carrier body including a tissue contacting surface for non-invasively engaging tissues under treatment. The tissue contacting surface can be at least partly defined by a plurality of protrusions that are in fluid communication with one or more reservoirs forming part of the agent carrier body. The protrusions may extend outward from an inside of a void and terminate at said tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed systems and methods for non-invasive delivery of an agent to biological tissues. Delivery of the agent to the tissues can be by one or more modalities. In some embodiments the systems and methods use agent carrier body including a tissue contacting surface for non-invasively engaging tissues under treatment. The tissue contacting surface can be at least partly defined by a plurality of protrusions that are in fluid communication with one or more reservoirs forming part of the agent carrier body. The protrusions may extend outward from an inside of a void and terminate at said tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: An agent carrier delivers an agent to biological tissues by one or more modalities. The modality of delivery may be one or more transportation stimulus that causes the agent to be transported through the agent carrier. The transportation stimulus also enhances or permits penetration of the agent into the tissue. The agent carrier has an agent carrier body that is configured to retain the agent within the agent carrier body. The agent carrier body has a tissue-contacting surface for engaging tissues under treatment. Application of the transportation stimulus causes transportation of the agent through the agent carrier body to the tissue-contacting surface.

Abstract: A delivery system, including: a material for storing molecules and/or nanoparticles by substantially binding said molecules and/or nanoparticles to said material; a means for applying an electric field to said material to release said molecules and/or nanoparticles; and a means for applying an ultrasonic signal to said material to transport said molecules and/or nanoparticles through said material to a surface for delivery to an entity.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.

Abstract: A delivery system, including: a material for storing molecules and/or nanoparticles by substantially binding said molecules and/or nanoparticles to said material; means for applying an electric field to said material to release said molecules and/or nanoparticles; and means for applying an ultrasonic signal to said material to transport said molecules and/or nanoparticles through said material to a surface for delivery to an entity.

Abstract: A valve structure comprises an elastomeric block formed with first and second microfabricated recesses separated by a membrane portion of the elastomeric block. The valve is actuated by positioning a compliant electrode on a first side of the first recess proximate to and in physical communication with the membrane. Where the valve is to be electrostatically actuated, a second electrode is positioned on a second side of the first recess opposite the first side. Application of a potential difference across the electrodes causes the compliant electrode and the membrane to be attracted into the flow channel. Where the valve is to be electrostrictively actuated, a second electrode is positioned on the same side of the recess as the compliant electrode. Application of a potential difference across the electrodes causes the electrodes to be attracted such that elastomer membrane portion material between them is compressed and bows into the flow channel.

Abstract: A fixture for establishing stop surfaces against which a workpiece can be held to accurately locate it during robotic machine tool operations. The fixture includes a table surface having frusto-conical openings arranged in a preselected pattern to receive locator pins. Each locator pin has a frusto-conical base which automatically centers itself in the opening so that a robotic machine can insert the pins without having to first precisely align them with the openings. Each locator pin is locked in its opening by a releaseable slide mechanism which acts against the pin on opposite sides by wedging action to securely hold the pin down on the table.