Abstract: Methods for compression molding through holes in polymer layers are provided, as are the resulting patterned polymer layers. Two key aspects of the invention are provision of a mold and substrate having different mechanical hardness, and provision of room for local flow of material. These aspects of the invention facilitate formation of through holes by compression molding that are not blocked or partially blocked by undesirable material. These polymer layers can be formed into three dimensional patterned structures by bonding patterned layers together. Since the layers include through holes, a three-dimensional polymer pattern can be formed. These patterned polymer layers and three dimensionally patterned polymer constructs have a wide variety of applications. For example, these constructs can be used for fabrication of micro-fluidic devices, and/or can be used for various medical and biological applications including drug delivery devices and tissue engineering devices.

Abstract: Sensors and systems for electrical, electrochemical, or topographical analysis, as well as methods of fabricating these sensors are provided. The sensors include a cantilever and one or more probes, each of which has an electrode at its tip. The tips of the probes are sharp, with a radius of curvature of less than about 50 nm. In addition, the probes have a high aspect ratio of more than about 19:1. The sensors are suitable for both Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy.

Abstract: A device, method and process for three-dimensional spatial localization and functional interconnection of the same or different types of cells. The two or three-dimensional device comprising multiple layers containing wells for cell deposition where both the wells and layers are interconnected through microfluidic channels. A process for fabricating the three-dimensional device and a method for depositing different types of cells within the device in a functional interdependent spatial orientation thereby mimicking physiological functions. The device is useful for diagnostic assays, determination of dysfunction of certain cells in the system, quantification of production of cellular proteins, metabolites, hormones or other cellular products, for organ or tissue replacement, for co-culturing different cells, for testing pharmaceutical agents and as a bioreactor for production of biologicals.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved prosthesis coated, respectively, with an anionic surfactant, a drug such as an antibiotic and/or antithrombotic agent. Optionally, the coated prosthesis may be treated with an ion exchange compound, to remove un-drug bound anionic surfactant. The drug is bound directly to the surfactant coated prosthesis.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved prosthesis coated, respectively, with an ionic surfactant, an antibiotic and/or antithrombiotic agent and treated with an immobilizing ionic exchange compound, to remove un-antibiotic bound ionic surfactant. The drug may be encapsulated within phospholipid vesicles which are bound to the prosthesis.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved prosthesis coated, respectively, with a cationic surfactant, an antibiotic compound and treated with an cationic exchange compound, to remove un-antibiotic bound cationic surfactant.

Abstract: A method of preparing a surgical vascular graft wherein a length of graft material carries an absorbed coating of tridodecyl methyl ammonium chloride (TDMAC) surfactant and an antibiotic bound thereto. A length of graft material such as polytetrafluoroethylene or Dacron is soaked in a 5% by weight solution of TDMAC for 30 minutes at room temperature, air dried and then washed in distilled water to remove excess TDMAC. The graft carrying the absorbed cationic TDMAC surfactant coating is incubated in a solution of negatively charged antibiotic for one hour, washed in sterile water to remove unbound antibiotic and stored for use in the operating room.