Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-layer composite comprising at least a first sheet and a second sheet of aligned nanofibers coated with a biodegradable hydrogel, wherein the at least first and second sheets of aligned coated nanofibers are stacked directly on top of each other and a portion of the biodegradable hydrogel coating on the first sheet is mixed and crosslinked with a portion of the biodegradable hydrogel coating on the second sheet. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of regenerating an aligned soft tissue in a subject, the method comprising surgically implanting a synthetic tissue graft comprising the multi-layer composite in the subject at a site of missing or injured tissue. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a synthetic nerve graft comprising the multi-layer composite.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides processes and systems for producing multiple fibers simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and process for manufacturing nanofibers that integrate a post-drawing process in a continuous electro spinning manufacturing process. In certain embodiments, the system and process are capable of post-drawing multiple individual electrospun nanofibers simultaneously. In certain embodiments, the system can be configured and controlled to accommodate various materials that can be electrospun.

Abstract: Tissue samples embedded in settable, sectionable media such as paraffin can be cut into sections. Embedding one or more sectionable fiducial indicia in the medium permits identification of the plane along which the medium has been cut. However, prior methods of inserting indicia into embedded tissue sample blocks are cumbersome and difficult to perform. Sectionable fiducial indicia can be embedded in a block of medium by releasibly fixing the indicia to the sidewall or base of a mold used to shape the tissue block during embedding of a tissue sample in the medium block.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for forming nanofibers and nanofiber arrays in a continuous and efficient manner, without the use of electrospinning. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods allow for simultaneous pulling and elongation of the nanofibers through the use of two rotating belts.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and process for manufacturing nanofibers that integrate a post-drawing process in a continuous electro spinning manufacturing process. In certain embodiments, the system and process are capable of post-drawing multiple individual electrospun nanofibers simultaneously. In certain embodiments, the system can be configured and controlled to accommodate various materials that can be electrospun.

Abstract: Tissue samples embedded in settable, sectionable media such as paraffin can be cut into sections. Embedding one or more sectionable fiducial indicia in the medium permits identification of the plane along which the medium has been cut. However, prior methods of inserting indicia into embedded tissue sample blocks are cumbersome and difficult to perform. Sectionable fiducial indicia can be embedded in a block of medium by releasibly fixing the indicia to the sidewall or base of a mold used to shape the tissue block during embedding of a tissue sample in the medium block.

Abstract: The present invention generally features methods of preparing a microarray of cell spheroids, methods of preparing a micromold for embedding spheroids for histology, and methods of screening a library of agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of forming three dimensional arrays of aligned nanofibers in an open, loose structure of any desired depth. The arrays are formed according to an electrospinning process utilizing two parallel conducting plates to align the fibers and rotating tracks to distribute the fibers throughout the array. Arrays can be used as formed, for instance in tissue engineering applications as three dimensional scaffolding constructs. As-formed arrays can be combined with other materials to form a composite 3-D structure. For instance, composite polymeric materials can be electrospun to form composite nanofibers within the array. Multiple polymeric materials can be electrospun at different areas of the array to form a composite array including materially different nanofibers throughout the array. The arrays can be loaded with other fibrous or non-fibrous materials to form a composite array. Arrays can also be rolled to form a uniaxial fiber bundle.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of forming three dimensional arrays of aligned nanofibers in an open, loose structure of any desired depth. The arrays are formed according to an electrospinning process utilizing two parallel conducting plates to align the fibers and rotating tracks to distribute the fibers throughout the array. Arrays can be used as formed, for instance in tissue engineering applications as three dimensional scaffolding constructs. As-formed arrays can be combined with other materials to form a composite 3-D structure. For instance, composite polymeric materials can be electrospun to form composite nanofibers within the array. Multiple polymeric materials can be electrospun at different areas of the array to form a composite array including materially different nanofibers throughout the array. The arrays can be loaded with other fibrous or non-fibrous materials to form a composite array. Arrays can also be rolled to form a uniaxial fiber bundle.