Abstract: The present invention provides a wound healing composition comprising a biocompatible hydrogel membrane wherein the hydrogel membrane has one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and an optimal thickness. The invention further provides methods of treating a wound in a subject in need thereof, comprising contacting the wound with a biocompatible cellulose hydrogel membrane of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulose hydrogels having one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high oxygen permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and desirable thermal stability. The present invention further provides a process for preparing a cellulose hydrogel comprising (i) a step of activating cellulose, in which the activating step comprises contacting the cellulose with a solvent to activate the cellulose for a time duration from about 2 hours to about 30 hours; (ii) substantially dissolving the activated cellulose to form a solution; and (iii) gelling the solution to form a gel, in which the gelling step comprises allowing the solution to gel in an environment comprising a relative humidity from about 30% to about 80% at 35° C.

Abstract: A method includes producing an article having a substrate with a plurality of independent taggant layers that each include metal oxide nanocrystals doped with at least one Lanthanide element. Each taggant layer includes metal oxide nanocrystals doped with a different Lanthanide element than each other taggant layer.

Abstract: A method includes producing an article having a substrate with a plurality of independent taggant layers that each include metal oxide nanocrystals doped with at least one Lanthanide element. Each taggant layer includes metal oxide nanocrystals doped with a different Lanthanide element than each other taggant layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulose hydrogels having one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high oxygen permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and desirable thermal stability. The present invention further provides a process for preparing a cellulose hydrogel comprising (i) a step of activating cellulose, in which the activating step comprises contacting the cellulose with a solvent to activate the cellulose for a time duration from about 2 hours to about 30 hours; (ii) substantially dissolving the activated cellulose to form a solution; and (iii) gelling the solution to form a gel, in which the gelling step comprises allowing the solution to gel in an environment comprising a relative humidity from about 30% to about 80% at 35° C.

Abstract: An article includes a substrate with a plurality of independent taggant layers that each include metal oxide nanocrystals doped with at least one Lanthanide element. Each taggant layer includes metal oxide nanocrystals doped with a different Lanthanide element than each other taggant layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulose hydrogels having one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and an optimal thickness. The present invention further provides a process for preparing a cellulose hydrogel comprising: (i) contacting cellulose with a solvent to activate the cellulose; (ii) optionally removing the solvent from the activated cellulose; (iii) substantially dissolving the activated cellulose to form a solution; (iv) allowing the solution to gel; and optionally (v) drying the gel and rehydrating the gel. The cellulose hydrogel can have many uses, including uses as contact lenses.

Abstract: A transparent armor laminate apparatus includes a hard disrupter layer having a substantially planar surface of transparent material configured to erode a ballistic projectile responsive to impact from the projectile, and an absorber configured proximate to the disrupter layer. The absorber includes a first absorber layer and a second absorber layer. The first and second absorber layers may be disposed proximate to each other to define an interface. The first absorber layer may include molecules substantially aligned in a mixture to form a first polymer chain orientation having a first angle relative to the interface and the second absorber layer may include molecules substantially aligned in a mixture to form a second polymer chain orientation having a second angle relative to the interface. A discontinuity exists between the first angle and the second angle or between the first polymer chain orientation and the second polymer chain orientation at the interface.

Abstract: Implantable pressure-actuated systems to deliver a drug and/or other substance in response to a pressure difference between a system cavity and an exterior environment, and methods of fabrication and use. A pressure-rupturable membrane diaphragm may be tuned to rupture at a desired rupture threshold, rupture site, with a desired rupture pattern, and/or within a desired rupture time. Tuning may include material selection, thickness control, surface patterning, substrate support patterning. The cavity may be pressurized above or evacuated below the rupture threshold, and a diaphragm-protective layer may be provided to prevent premature rupture in an ambient environment and to dissipate within an implant environment. A drug delivery system may be implemented within a stent to release a substance upon a decrease in blood pressure. The cavity may include a thrombolytic drug to or other substance to treat a blood clot.

Abstract: Implantable pressure-actuated systems to deliver a drug and/or other substance in response to a pressure difference between a system cavity and an exterior environment, and methods of fabrication and use. A pressure-rupturable membrane diaphragm may be tuned to rupture at a desired rupture threshold, rupture site, with a desired rupture pattern, and/or within a desired rupture time. Tuning may include material selection, thickness control, surface patterning, substrate support patterning. The cavity may be pressurized above or evacuated below the rupture threshold, and a diaphragm-protective layer may be provided to prevent premature rupture in an ambient environment and to dissipate within an implant environment. A drug delivery system may be implemented within a stent to release a substance upon a decrease in blood pressure. The cavity may include a thrombolytic drug to or other substance to treat a blood clot.

Abstract: An article includes a substrate with a plurality of independent taggant layers that each include metal oxide nanocrystals doped with at least one Lanthanide element. Each taggant layer includes metal oxide nanocrystals doped with a different Lanthanide element than each other taggant layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulose hydrogels having one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and an optimal thickness. The present invention further provides a process for preparing a cellulose hydrogel comprising: (i) contacting cellulose with a solvent to activate the cellulose; (ii) optionally removing the solvent from the activated cellulose; (iii) substantially dissolving the activated cellulose to form a solution; (iv) allowing the solution to gel; and optionally (v) drying the gel and rehydrating the gel. The cellulose hydrogel can have many uses, including uses as contact lenses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wound healing composition comprising a biocompatible hydrogel membrane wherein the hydrogel membrane has one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and an optimal thickness. The invention further provides methods of treating a wound in a subject in need thereof, comprising contacting the wound with a biocompatible cellulose hydrogel membrane of the invention.

Abstract: Implantable pressure-actuated systems to deliver a drug and/or other substance in response to a pressure difference between a system cavity and an exterior environment, and methods of fabrication and use. A pressure-rupturable membrane diaphragm may be tuned to rupture at a desired rupture threshold, rupture site, with a desired rupture pattern, and/or within a desired rupture time. Tuning may include material selection, thickness control, surface patterning, substrate support patterning. The cavity may be pressurized above or evacuated below the rupture threshold, and a diaphragm-protective layer may be provided to prevent premature rupture in an ambient environment and to dissipate within an implant environment. A drug delivery system may be implemented within a stent to release a substance upon a decrease in blood pressure. The cavity may include a thrombolytic drug to or other substance to treat a blood clot.