Abstract: The novel flexible electrodes disclosed herein utilize the low bending stiffness of electrospun nanofiber mats to achieve the material properties required for surgical implantation and sustained bidirectional communication with peripheral nerves without compromising electronic functionality. According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, implantable neural electrode probes are provided which comprise a polymeric substrate having proximal and distal ends, an electrode interface at the proximal end of the substrate; at least one neural contact at the distal end of the substrate; and electrically conductive traces formed on the fibrous substrate providing electrical communication between the at least one neural contact and the electrode interface, wherein the substrate comprises a nonwoven mass of polymeric nanofibers.

Abstract: Medical dressings include a non-woven polymeric nanofiber mat embedded within a chitosan hydrogel matrix. The dressings may be obtained by electro spinning of polymeric nanofibers and thereafter incorporating a chitosan hydrogel into interstices of the mat by vacuum or positive pressure assistance. The resulting medical dressings may be optically transparent (e.g., at least about 50% up to about 95% light transmittance), flexible, and mechanically robust. The dressings may also incorporate self-adhesion promoters to allow self-adhesion to biological tissue, e.g., ocular surfaces, and/or therapeutic agents which are capable of delivering therapeutics (e.g. stem cells, drugs and the like) to the tissue surface. The dressings are especially useful as ocular bandages for the treatment and repair of ocular wounds.

Abstract: Advanced single vacuum bag (ASVB) fabrication methods and assemblies are provided to manufacture and repair polymer composites whereby a rigid check plate is mounted over an uncured laminate by a thermally collapsible check plate stand. The check plate stand thereby maintains a gap between the check plate and the uncured laminate during first stage processing conditions, yet is capable of thermally collapsing during subsequent second stage processing conditions to thereby allow the check plate to fall into compressive contact with the uncured laminate After the check plate collapses onto the uncured laminate, the compressive force of the check plate will be transferred to the laminate to consolidate the laminate as desired and thereby form an at least partially cured polymer composite structure of high quality.

Abstract: Biologically acceptable surgical barrier materials are comprised of a polyelectrolytic complex of chitosan and sodium alginate. The chitosan is deacetylated in an amount between about 40 to about 60% and has a molecular weight (Mw) between 50,000 and 375,000 g/mol. The barrier materials may be formed by mixing a two-component material system whereby one component comprises the chitosan and a second component comprises the sodium alginate and directing such a mixture (e.g., via air-assisted spray nozzle) toward a surgical site in need of the material. A polyelectrolytic complex of the chitosan and sodium alginate will thereby form in situ. Suitable ionic cross-linkers may be provided in the individual components, e.g., calcium chloride with the chitosan component and sodium tripolyphosphate with the sodium alginate component.