Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices with enhanced biocompatibility and methods for generating and utilizing such devices. The present invention is further directed to enhanced biocompatibility utilizing oligonucleotide functionalization. In one aspect, a device for implantation and/or prolonged exposure to the body tissues includes a functionalized surface. The functionalized surface generally enhances the biocompatibility of the device with body tissues. In some embodiments, the functionalized surface includes substances for controlling interaction between the device and the body tissues. Substances for controlling interactions may include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials, biomolecules, ions and/or ion-releasing substances, and/or any other appropriate substance or combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the functionalized surface includes oligonucleotides for controlling interaction between the device and the body tissues.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for molecular association, particularly to devices and methods for hybridization of nucleic acids utilizing temperature gradients and imaging thereof. In one aspect, a molecular hybridization system generally includes a substrate having a plurality of molecular probes attached thereto, the plurality of probes being generally present in multiple copies arranged in localized formations on the surface of the substrate. The molecular hybridization system further generally includes a chamber that encloses the plurality of molecular probes such that a fluid containing sample may be applied and kept in contact with the substrate having the probes thereon. The molecular hybridization system also includes a temperature affecting system that generally produces at least one desired temperature on the surface of the substrate and in the adjacent fluid within the chamber.

Abstract: A light diffusing tip is provided The light diffusing tip comprises a housing and a monolithic light scattering medium disposed within the housing. The monolithic light scattering medium comprises a first scattering region at a first position, the scattering region having a first scattering property and a second scattering region at a second position, the second scattering region having a second scattering property different from the first scattering property, wherein the first scattering region and the second scattering region are coextensive along a substantial portion of a length of the housing A light diffusing applicator also is provided. The light diffusing applicator comprises at least one optical waveguide, a first termination coupled to a first end of the at least one optical waveguide, the first termination to couple to a light source and a light diffusing tip coupled to a second end of the at least one optical waveguide.

Abstract: A light diffusing tip is provided. The light diffusing tip comprises a housing and a monolithic light scattering medium disposed within the housing. The monolithic light scattering medium comprises a first scattering region at a first position, the scattering region having a first scattering property and a second scattering region at a second position, the second scattering region having a second scattering property different from the first scattering property, wherein the first scattering region and the second scattering region are coextensive along a substantial portion of a length of the housing. A light diffusing applicator also is provided. The light diffusing applicator comprises at least one optical waveguide, a first termination coupled to a first end of the at least one optical waveguide, the first termination to couple to a light source and a light diffusing tip coupled to a second end of the at least one optical waveguide.

Abstract: A device includes an outer layer formed of a fluid impermeable polymer film. The outer layer forms an outer major surface of the device. The device also includes a reinforcement layer underlying the outer layer and an adhesive underlying the outer layer. The adhesive forms an annular adhesive surface wherein the device is configured to form a cavity between an inner surface of the device and a dermal surface when the annular adhesive surface is attached to the dermal surface. The device further includes a fluid conduit operable to provide fluid access to the cavity through the outer layer and the reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A light diffusing tip is provided The light diff-using tip comprises a housing and a monolithic light scattering medium disposed within the housing The monolithic light scattering medium comprises a first scattering region at a first position, the scattering region having a first scattering property and a second scattering region at a second position, the second scattering region having a second scattering property different from the first scattering property, wherein the first scattering region and the second scattering region are coextensive along a substantial portion of a length of the housing A light diff-using applicator also is provided The light diffusing applicator comprises at least one optical waveguide, a first termination coupled to a first end of the at least one optical waveguide, the first termination to couple to a light source and a light diff-using tip coupled to a second end of the at least one optical waveguide.

Abstract: A light diffusing tip is provided. The light diffusing tip comprises a housing and a monolithic light scattering medium disposed within the housing. The monolithic light scattering medium comprises a first scattering region at a first position, the scattering region having a first scattering property and a second scattering region at a second position, the second scattering region having a second scattering property different from the first scattering property, wherein the first scattering region and the second scattering region are coextensive along a substantial portion of a length of the housing. A light diffusing applicator also is provided. The light diffusing applicator comprises at least one optical waveguide, a first termination coupled to a first end of the at least one optical waveguide, the first termination to couple to a light source and a light diffusing tip coupled to a second end of the at least one optical waveguide.

Abstract: There are many inventions described and illustrated herein. In one aspect, the present invention is a system, a device and a method for sensing the concentration of an analyte in a fluid (for example, a fluid sample) or matrix. The analyte may be glucose or other chemical of interest. The fluid or matrix may be, for example, the fluid or matrix in the body of an animal (for example, human), or any other suitable fluid or matrix in which it is desired to know the concentration of an analyte. In one embodiment, the invention is a system and/or device that includes one or more layers having a plurality of analyte-equivalents and mobile or fixed receptor molecules with specific binding sites for the analyte-equivalents and analytes under analysis (for example, glucose). The receptor molecules, when exposed to or in the presence of analyte (that resides, for example, in a fluid in an animal), bind with the analyte (or vice versa).

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a glucose sensing device for implantation within subcutaneous tissue of an animal body. In one embodiment, the glucose sensing device includes a first chamber containing first magnetic particles and a hydrocolloid solution (for example, ConA-dextran hydrocolloid) wherein the first magnetic particles are dispersed in the hydrocolloid solution. In operation, glucose within the animal may enter and exit the first chamber and the hydrocolloid solution changes in response to the presence or concentration of glucose within the first chamber. The sensing device also includes a reference chamber containing second magnetic particles and a reference solution wherein the second magnetic particles are dispersed in the reference solution. The reference solution (for example, oil or alcohol compounds) includes a known or fixed viscosity. The reference solution may also be a hydrocolloid solution (for example, ConA-dextran hydrocolloid).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for delivering energy to a tissue. The method includes providing an apparatus which includes an energy delivery component and an inflatable member disposed around the energy delivery component. At a minimum, the inflatable member is constructed of a flexible inner wall and a flexible outer wall, which, taken together, enclose a cavity therebetween. The inflatable member is expanded such that the inflatable member's outer wall contacts the tissue's surface. Cooling fluid is disposed in the cavity, and energy is delivered to the energy delivery component so that at least a portion of the energy delivered to the energy delivery component passes through the inflatable member's inner wall, through the cooling fluid disposed in the cavity, through the inflatable member's outer wall, and into the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for delivering energy to a tissue. The method includes providing an apparatus which includes an energy delivery component and an inflatable member disposed around the energy delivery component. At a minimum, the inflatable member is constructed of a flexible inner wall and a flexible outer wall, which, taken together, enclose a cavity therebetween. The inflatable member is expanded such that the inflatable member's outer wall contacts the tissue's surface. Cooling fluid is disposed in the cavity, and energy is delivered to the energy delivery component so that at least a portion of the energy delivered to the energy delivery component passes through the inflatable member's inner wall, through the cooling fluid disposed in the cavity, through the inflatable member's outer wall, and into the tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for using real time closed loop feedback to control the delivery of heat energy is disclosed herein. An energy delivery system may be used to deliver heat energy to a target to effect a change in the target. For example, medical professionals use laser energy to irreversibly damage cells found in cancerous tumors without damaging the surrounding healthy cells. The energy delivery system includes a temperature detection system, a data processor, and a heat generating device. The temperature detection system obtains temperature data from a target and transmits the data to the data processor. The data processor may process the temperature data to provide real time feedback control to the heat generating system, as well as display the data as one or more images on a graphical user interface. The heat generating system receives control commands from the data processor and modulates its heat output accordingly.

Abstract: A method and system for using real time closed loop feedback to control the delivery of heat energy is disclosed herein. An energy delivery system may be used to deliver heat energy to a target to effect a change in the target. For example, medical professionals use laser energy to irreversibly damage cells found in cancerous tumors without damaging the surrounding healthy cells. The energy delivery system includes a temperature detection system, a data processor, and a heat generating device. The temperature detection system obtains temperature data from a target and transmits the data to the data processor. The data processor may process the temperature data to provide real time feedback control to the heat generating system, as well as display the data as one or more images on a graphical user interface. The heat generating system receives control commands from the data processor and modulates its heat output accordingly.

Abstract: An optical imaging probe for providing information representative of morphological arid biochemical properties of a sample is provided. The optical imaging probe includes a spectroscopic imaging probe element and an OCT imaging probe element.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the oral administration of Lactobacillus and/or other probiotic organisms, such as Bifidobacterium, for establishment and maintenance of a healthy urogenital flora. The invention also provides methods and compositions to reduce the risk of disease.