Abstract: Nanoparticles are provided that comprise S-nitrosothiol (SNO) groups covalently bonded to the nanoparticles and/or S-nitrosothiol containing molecules encapsulated within the nanoparticles, as well as methods of making and using the nanoparticles. The invention also provides methods of preparing nanoparticles comprising Snitrosothiol (SNO) groups covalently bonded to the nanoparticles, where the methods comprise a) providing a buffer solution comprising chitosan, polyethylene glycol, nitrite, glucose, and hydrolyzed 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS); b) adding hydrolyzed tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) to the buffer solution to produce a sol-gel; and c) lyophilizing and ball milling the sol-gel to produce nanoparticles of a desired size.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to uses of PEGylated albumins which include methods of treating reduced functional capillary density, reduced blood volume, septic shock and cardiac arrhythmia in a subject, which comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a PEGylated albumin.

Abstract: A device and a method for measuring viscosity that includes attaching molecular rotors to a solid surface, exposing the solid surface to a fluid having a viscosity to be measured, and taking optical measurements to determine viscosity. The solid surface is preferably quartz, polystyrene or silicate glass, such as a fiber optic probe or a glass cuvette. The molecular rotors are of the type that includes an electron-donor group and electron-acceptor group that are linked by a single bond so that the groups may rotate with respect to one another, and that exhibit a fluorescence emission when rotation is hindered.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for coating a biocompatible medical implant with a surface layer having antioxidant activity. In various embodiments, a surface layer described herein destroys the oxidative activity of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon contact. An ROS can be, for example, an ROS generated by neutrophils in vivo. In various embodiments, a surface layer comprises a titanium oxide layer that can comprise a rutile, an anatase or a perovskite crystal structure, and can include defects comprising Ti(III). In some embodiments, the oxide layer can further comprise a dopant such as niobium. In some embodiments, methods for forming a surface layer on a biocompatible medical implant having antioxidant activity are disclosed.

Abstract: A device and a method for measuring viscosity that includes attaching molecular rotors to a solid surface, exposing the solid surface to a fluid having a viscosity to be measured, and taking optical measurements to determine viscosity. The solid surface is preferably quartz, polystyrene or silicate glass, such as a fiber optic probe or a glass cuvette. The molecular rotors are of the type that includes an electron-donor group and electron-acceptor group that are linked by a single bond so that the groups may rotate with respect to one another, and that exhibit a fluorescence emission when rotation is hindered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material for implantation, which is characterised in that the surface of the material partially comprises at least one area of an inorganic, catalytical substance for improved biocompatibility of the material. Methods for the manufacturing of the material for implantation and the use thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved in vitro tissue assembly system and related methods that includes and uses a bioreactor, a porous mandrel disposed in the bioreactor, and components that provide for the circulation of culture media and cell suspensions within the bioreactor and through the porous mandrel. The circulation of the culture media and cell suspensions within the bioreactor produces a radial, convective flow and drag forces that result in the deposition of cells on the mandrel to form a tissue construct. Upon completion of the culture and tissue formation process, the tissue construct may be removed from the mandrel for subsequent in vivo use.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for coating a biocompatible medical implant with a surface layer having antioxidant activity. In various embodiments, a surface layer described herein destroys the oxidative activity of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon contact. An ROS can be, for example, an ROS generated by neutrophils in vivo. In various embodiments, a surface layer comprises a titanium oxide layer that can comprise a rutile, an anatase or a perovskite crystal structure, and can include defects comprising Ti(III). In some embodiments, the oxide layer can further comprise a dopant such as niobium. In some embodiments, methods for forming a surface layer on a biocompatible medical implant having antioxidant activity are disclosed. These methods include subjecting a surface comprising titanium to anodic spark deposition (ASD).