Abstract: Percutaneous gas diffusion device. In one embodiment, the percutaneous gas diffusion device includes a core layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer. The core layer may be cylindrical and may include a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable material. The outer layer may peripherally surround the core layer and may include a tissue-integrating material. The intermediate layer may peripherally surround the core layer and may be peripherally surrounded by the outer layer. The intermediate layer may include a barrier that prevents infiltration of tissue from the outer layer into the core layer and that additionally reduces diffusion of gas from the core layer into the outer layer. The percutaneous gas diffusion device may be coupled to a subcutaneous implant device, such as a subcutaneous container holding implanted cells and/or tissue, a subcutaneous electrochemical oxygen concentrator, or a water electrolyzer.

Abstract: Self-regulating electrolytic gas generator and implant system including the same. In one embodiment, the electrolytic gas generator is a water electrolyzer and includes a polymer electrolyte membrane with an anode on one side and a cathode on the other side. Anode and cathode seals surround the peripheries of the anode and cathode and include inlets for water and outlets for oxygen and hydrogen, respectively. A cathode current collector is placed in contact with the cathode, and an anode current collector, which may be an elastic, electrically-conductive diaphragm, is positioned proximate to the anode. The anode current collector is reversibly deformable between a first state in which it is in direct physical and electrical contact with the anode and a second state in which it distends, due to gas pressure generated at the anode, so that it is not in physical or electrical contact with the anode, causing electrolysis to cease.

Abstract: System for gas treatment of cellular implants. The system enhances the viability and function of cellular implants, particularly those with high cellular density, for use in human or veterinary medicine. The system utilizes a miniaturized electrochemical gas generator subsystem that continuously supplies oxygen and/or hydrogen to cells within an implantable and immunoisolated cell containment subsystem to facilitate cell viability and function at high cellular density while minimizing overall implant size. The cell containment subsystem is equipped with features to allow gas delivery through porous tubing or gas-only permeable internal gas compartments within the implantable cell containment subsystem. Furthermore, the gas generator subsystem includes components that allow access to water for electrolysis while implanted, thereby promoting long-term implantability of the gas generator subsystem.