Abstract: Disclosed herein is an instrument that enables the in situ formation of architected planar biomaterials and tissues by translating a printer head along a deposition surface such as a patient having burn injuries. In handheld embodiments of the instrument, cell-laden biopolymer solutions are perfused through a moving microfabricated printer head and deposited onto a stationary planar surface or a wound. The printer head may be translated via a drive mechanism. A soft deformable roller mitigates further damage to the injured area of skin as it rolls over it and a gimbal mechanism to which the printer head is attached is in contact with the injured tissue but is configured so that the printer head while in contact with tissue, does not exert undue pressure on the would area.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for fabricating anisotropic polymer materials. According to various embodiments, a fluidic device is employed to distribute a polymer solution and a flow-confining solution in order to generate a layered flow, where the layered flow is formed such that a polymer liquid sheet is sheathed on opposing sides by flow-confining liquid sheets. The fluidic device includes first and second fluid conduits, where the first fluid conduit receives the layered flow. The second fluid conduit has a reduced height relative to the first fluid conduit, such that the layered flow is constricted as it flows through the second fluid conduit. The constriction formed by the second flow conduit causes hydrodynamic focusing, reducing the thickness of the polymer liquid sheet, and inducing molecular alignment and anisotropy within the polymer liquid sheet as it is hardened and as strain is applied during extrusion of the sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bioprinter that enables the in situ formation of architected planar biomaterials and tissues by translating a printer head along a deposition surface, such as skin wounds. In handheld configurations of of the instrument, cell-laden biopolymer solutions are perfused through a moving microfabricated printhead and deposited onto a stationary planar surface or a wound. The printer head may be translated via a drive mechanism. Different embodiments of the instrument are disclosed form vivo application in small animals, as well as for large animal and clinical application. A stationary embodiment of the instrument is well suited for the continuous formation and roll-to-roll processing of planar biomaterials and tissues.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for fabricating anisotropic polymer materials. According to various embodiments, a fluidic device is employed to distribute a polymer solution and a flow-confining solution in order to generate a layered flow, where the layered flow is formed such that a polymer liquid sheet is sheathed on opposing sides by flow-confining liquid sheets. The fluidic device includes first and second fluid conduits, where the first fluid conduit receives the layered flow. The second fluid conduit has a reduced height relative to the first fluid conduit, such that the layered flow is constricted as it flows through the second fluid conduit. The constriction formed by the second flow conduit causes hydrodynamic focusing, reducing the thickness of the polymer liquid sheet, and inducing molecular alignment and anisotropy within the polymer liquid sheet as it is hardened and as strain is applied during extrusion of the sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bioprinter that enables the in situ formation of architected planar biomaterials and tissues by translating a printer head along a deposition surface, such as skin wounds. In handheld configurations of of the instrument, cell-laden biopolymer solutions are perfused through a moving microfabricated printhead and deposited onto a stationary planar surface or a wound. The printer head may be translated via a drive mechanism. Different embodiments of the instrument are disclosed form vivo application in small animals, as well as for large animal and clinical application. A stationary embodiment of the instrument is well suited for the continuous formation and roll-to-roll processing of planar biomaterials and tissues.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the controlled formation of structures, including tubular structures, using microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device includes three or more microfluidic arrays that are provided in a stacking configuration, with an inner streaming layer and an outer streaming layer for flowing a streaming fluid, and at least one intermediate matrix layer for flowing a matrix fluid. Fluid flow in each layer is directed from a peripheral region towards, and distributed around, a common central outlet. Guided by the streaming fluid, a sheath of matrix solution is formed, which may be solidified to form a tubular material. Some embodiments allow for the controlled and continuous extrusion of tubular structures with tailored heterogeneities and/or predictable mechanical and chemical properties. Devices and methods are also provided for the on- and off-chip fixation and optional perfusion of tubular structures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an instrument that enables the in situ formation of architected planar biomaterials and tissues by translating a printer head along a deposition surface such as a patient having burn injuries. In handheld embodiments of the instrument, cell-laden biopolymer solutions are perfused through a moving microfabricated printer head and deposited onto a stationary planar surface or a wound. The printer head may be translated via a drive mechanism. A soft deformable roller mitigates further damage to the injured area of skin as it rolls over it and a gimbal mechanism to which the printer head is attached is in contact with the injured tissue but is configured so that the printer head while in contact with tissue, does not exert undue pressure on the would area.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for fabricating anisotropic polymer materials. According to various embodiments, a fluidic device is employed to distribute a polymer solution and a flow-confining solution in order to generate a layered flow, where the layered flow is formed such that a polymer liquid sheet is sheathed on opposing sides by flow-confining liquid sheets. The fluidic device includes first and second fluid conduits, where the first fluid conduit receives the layered flow. The second fluid conduit has a reduced height relative to the first fluid conduit, such that the layered flow is constricted as it flows through the second fluid conduit. The constriction formed by the second flow conduit causes hydrodynamic focusing, reducing the thickness of the polymer liquid sheet, and inducing molecular alignment and anisotropy within the polymer liquid sheet as it is hardened and as strain is applied during extrusion of the sheet.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing the controlled formation of planar homogeneous or heterogeneous materials using microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a planar array of microfluidic channels is employed to produce a flowing liquid sheet having heterogeneous structure by spatially and temporally controlling dispensing of polymer liquid from selected microchannels. The resulting liquid sheet is solidified to produce a planar heterogeneous material that may be continuously drawn and/or fed from the plurality of microfluidic channels. The polymer liquid may include a payload that may be selectively incorporated into the heterogeneous structure. In some embodiments, the local material composition is controllable, thereby allowing control over local and bulk material properties, such as the permeability and the elasticity, and of creating materials with directionally dependent properties.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the controlled formation of structures, including tubular structures, using microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device includes three or more microfluidic arrays that are provided in a stacking configuration, with an inner streaming layer and an outer streaming layer for flowing a streaming fluid, and at least one intermediate matrix layer for flowing a matrix fluid. Fluid flow in each layer is directed from a peripheral region towards, and distributed around, a common central outlet. Guided by the streaming fluid, a sheath of matrix solution is formed, which may be solidified to form a tubular material. Some embodiments allow for the controlled and continuous extrusion of tubular structures with tailored heterogeneities and/or predictable mechanical and chemical properties. Devices and methods are also provided for the on- and off-chip fixation and optional perfusion of tubular structures.

Abstract: A method of investigating a flow conduit may include loading the flow conduit into a fluid channel, wherein the fluid channel is fluidly connected to at least one microfluidic fixation line. The method may also include fixing the flow conduit in the channel by applying a fluid to or withdrawing fluid from the at least one microfluidic fixation line, perfusing or superfusing the flow conduit with a physiological solution and monitoring the flow conduit over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and corresponding method for a secure end-to-end patient healthcare system which includes wireless medical sensors adapted to be attached to a patient's body and in communication with each other forming a body sensor network within a wireless medical sensor network including one or more body sensor networks; ?-secure keying means incorporated into each wireless medical sensor for enabling secure communications between the wireless medical sensors, and a personal security manager within the body sensor network and in communication with the wireless medical sensors within the body sensor network, the personal security manager providing secure communications with backend services and providing security relationships within the body sensor network by means of the ?-secure keying means, wherein the ?-secure keying means are such that a coalition of no more than ? compromised wireless medical sensors conceals a pairwise key between any two non-compromised wireless medical s

Abstract: The invention relates to processing apparatus and methods and in particular, but not exclusively, to an apparatus that may be used to process a wide variety of feed materials by one or more of milling or grinding, mixing, blending, separation, drying and sterilisation. In a preferred embodiment there is provided a feed material processing apparatus (1) comprising: a chamber (2); at least one inlet (4) in flow communication to an upper region of the chamber (2); a rotor (3) located within the chamber (2) that is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis by a rotation drive (11), wherein the rotor (3) promotes a circulatory flow of feed material and/or gas within the chamber (2); at least one outlet (5) in flow communication from a lower region of the chamber (2). Preferably the apparatus (1) comprises at least one feature located laterally on the rotor (3) to promote the circulatory flow.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing the controlled formation of planar homogeneous or heterogeneous materials using microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a planar array of microfluidic channels is employed to produce a flowing liquid sheet having heterogeneous structure by spatially and temporally controlling dispensing of polymer liquid from selected microchannels. The resulting liquid sheet is solidified to produce a planar heterogeneous material that may be continuously drawn and/or fed from the plurality of microfluidic channels. The polymer liquid may include a payload that may be selectively incorporated into the heterogeneous structure. In some embodiments, the local material composition is controllable, thereby allowing control over local and bulk material properties, such as the permeability and the elasticity, and of creating materials with directionally dependent properties.

Abstract: A feed material processing apparatus including a chamber; at least one inlet in flow communication to an upper region of the chamber; a rotor located within the chamber that is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis by a rotation drive, wherein the rotor promotes a circulatory flow of feed material and/or gas within the chamber; at least one outlet in flow communication from a lower region of the chamber. Preferably the apparatus comprises at least one feature located laterally on the rotor to promote the circulatory flow.

Abstract: A device for investigation of a flow conduit comprising: a base; and a module formed in the base, the module comprising: a main channel for the flow conduit, the main channel having a loading inlet for loading the flow conduit; a culture chamber in the main channel for at least one of perfusion and superfusion of the flow conduit; at least two fixation lines in communication with the main channel for providing fixation of the flow conduit at at least two fixation locations along the length of the flow conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to processing apparatus and methods and in particular, but not exclusively, to an apparatus that may be used to process a wide variety of feed materials by one or more of milling or grinding, mixing, blending, separation, drying and sterilisation. In a preferred embodiment there is provided a feed material processing apparatus (1) comprising: a chamber (2); at least one inlet (4) in flow communication to an upper region of the chamber (2); a rotor (3) located within the chamber (2) that is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis by a rotation drive (11), wherein the rotor (3) promotes a circulatory flow of feed material and/or gas within the chamber (2); at least one outlet (5) in flow communication from a lower region of the chamber (2). Preferably the apparatus (1) comprises at least one feature located laterally on the rotor (3) to promote the circulatory flow.

Abstract: A population of nanocrystals having a narrow and controllable size distribution and can be prepared by a segmented-flow method.

Abstract: A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid may include prewetting with the first fluid at least one channel defined by a separation device, the at least one channel thereby containing a column of the first fluid along its length. A combined flow of the first fluid and the second fluid may be presented to the separation device, so that the at least one channel is in fluid communication with the combined flow. Fluid pressure may be applied across the combined flow and the separation device, but the applied pressure should not exceed the capillary pressure in the at least one channel. Otherwise, the combined flow may be forced through the separation device. In this manner, the first fluid flows through the at least one channel, and the second fluid is excluded from the at least one channel, thereby separating at least a portion of the first fluid from the second fluid.

Abstract: A device for investigation of a flow conduit comprising: a base; and a module formed in the base, the module comprising: a main channel for the flow conduit, the main channel having a loading inlet for loading the flow conduit; a culture chamber in the main channel for at least one of perfusion and superfusion of the flow conduit; at least two fixation lines in communication with the main channel for providing fixation of the flow conduit at at least two fixation locations along the length of the flow conduit.