Abstract: Naturally-derived biopolymers, such as proteins and polysaccharides are a promising platform for developing materials that readily adhere to tissues upon chemical crosslinking and provide a regenerative microenvironment. Here, we show that the sealing properties of a model biopolymer sealant, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), can be precisely controlled by adding a small amount of a synthetic polymer with identically reactive moieties, i.e., poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG DA). For example, we have discovered a more than 300% improvement in tissue sealing capability of 20% (w/v) GelMA adhesive can be obtained by adding only 2-3% (v/v) PEGDA, without any significant effect on the sealant degradation time scale. These hybrid hydrogels with improved sealing properties are suitable for sealing stretchable organs, such as bladder, as well as for the anastomosis of tubular tissues/organs.

Abstract: Converting colloidal systems, such as emulsions, dispersions, and suspensions to powders is highly demanded in a myriad of biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, oil and gas, food, energy, and environmental applications. Handling colloids is typically associated with persistent challenges including bacterial and viral contaminations, lack of terminal sterilization, impaired stability, short shelf life, high processing costs, and difficult packaging and transportation. Current techniques such as freeze-drying and spray-drying have noticeably failed in completely preserving the properties of dispersed phase while removing the continuous phase. The invention disclosed herein provides a new and easy method to convert colloidal systems to powders that are able to readily revive their properties upon resuspension.

Abstract: Despite the significant advances in designing injectable bulk hydrogels, the inability to control the pore interconnectivity and decoupling it from the matrix stiffness has tremendously limited the applicability of stiff, flowable hydrogels for 3D cellular engineering. To address this problem, we developed a universal method to convert macromolecules and the like with orthogonal chemical and/or physical responsivity, e.g., thermosensitive macromolecules with chemically-crosslinkable moieties, into annealable building blocks, forming 3D microporous beaded scaffolds in a bottom-up approach.

Abstract: A microneedle patch is described that can be used for the sustained delivery of therapeutic agents into living tissue (e.g., skin). The polymer (gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)) patch can adjust delivery rates based on the degree of crosslinking. The anticancer drug Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into GelMA microneedles using a molding fabrication technique. The GelMA microneedles efficiently penetrated the stratum corneum layer of a mouse cadaver skin. Mechanical properties and therapeutic agent release behavior of the GelMA microneedles can be adjusted by tuning the degree of crosslinking. The efficacy of the DOX released from the GelMA microneedles was tested and demonstrated the anticancer efficacy of the released drugs against melanoma cell line A375. Because GelMA is versatile material in engineering tissue scaffolds, GelMA microneedles can be used as a platform for the delivery of various types of therapeutic agents to tissue.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of using shear-thinning compositions in the treatment of a vascular disorders, cancers, infections, abscesses, and fistulas.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for processing cells for the intracellular delivery of molecules or other cargo includes a plurality of microchannels disposed in a substrate or chip and fluidically coupled to an inlet configured to receive a solution containing the cells and the molecules or other cargo to be delivered intracellularly to the cells. Each of the plurality of microchannels has one or more constriction regions therein, wherein the constriction regions comprise an omniphobic, superhydrophilic, or superhydrophobic surface. In some embodiments, multiple microfluidic devices operating in parallel are used to process large numbers of cells. The device and method has particularly applicability to delivering gene-editing molecules intracellularly to cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are hemostatic compositions useful for treating wounds in a patient in need thereof. An exemplary hemostatic comprises gelatin or a derivative thereof and silicate nanoparticles. Methods of use, kits comprising the compositions, and a process of making the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic systems and methods for the production of particles (e.g., nanoparticles) for drug delivery. The present invention provides microfluidic devices useful for production of particles by nanoprecipitation. The present invention provides highly homogenous compositions of particles produced by inventive microfluidic devices.

Abstract: Provided herein are hemostatic compositions useful for treating wounds in a patient in need thereof. An exemplary hemostatic comprises gelatin or a derivative thereof and silicate nanoparticles. Methods of use, kits comprising the compositions, and a process of making the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic systems and methods for the production of particles (e.g., nanoparticles) for drug delivery. The present invention provides microfluidic devices useful for production of particles by nanoprecipitation. The present invention provides highly homogenous compositions of particles produced by inventive microfluidic devices.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits are provided for altering the properties of a biological surface using particles such as, for instance, calcium based particles in combination with an agent that binds to the biological surface. Properties such as color, sheen, texture, strength, and odor of biological surfaces such as teeth and bone are alterable.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell-laden hydrogels and hydrogel assemblies thereof for use in tissue engineering. The invention provides microscale hydrogels (i.e. microgels) having greatest dimensions ranging between about 1 ?m and 1000 ?m. The present invention provides methods of producing inventive hydrogels and hydrogel assemblies and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: Channel arrays are reversibly disposed over an array of microwells to deliver materials, for example, cells, to the microwells.

Abstract: Microfluidic channel. The channel includes a microfluidic mold defining a channel and a substrate including patterned regions. The microfluidic mold is in conformal contact with the substrate to form an irreversible seal. The patterned regions are adapted to immobilize cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the immobilization of polysaccharides on a substrate. In particular, the invention relates to biologically active surfaces formed by the immobilization of glycosaminoglycans on a substrate. The invention also provides biologically active surfaces that contain one or more different glycosaminoglycans and, optionally, one or more other agents. These agents can be biological or therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of using the surfaces of the invention, such as, methods of affecting biological processes, eliciting patterns of cellular response, screening, treatment, diagnosis and preventing food contamination and/or spoilage.