Abstract: A digital assay for a micro RNA (miRNA) or other target analyte in a sample makes use of nanoparticles that absorb light at the resonant wavelength of a photonic crystal (PC). Such nanoparticles locally quench the resonant reflection of light from the PC when present on the surface of the PC. The nanoparticles are functionalized to specifically bind to the target analyte, and the PC surface is functionalized to specifically bind to the nanoparticles that have bound to the target analyte. The sample is exposed to the functionalized nanoparticles, and the individual nanoparticles bound to the PC surface can be identified and counted based on reduced intensity values in the reflected light from the PC. The number of bound nanoparticles that are counted in this way can be correlated to the abundance of the target analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A digital assay for a micro RNA (miRNA) or other target analyte in a sample makes use of nanoparticles that absorb light at the resonant wavelength of a photonic crystal (PC). Such nanoparticles locally quench the resonant reflection of light from the PC when present on the surface of the PC. The nanoparticles are functionalized to specifically bind to the target analyte, and the PC surface is functionalized to specifically bind to the nanoparticles that have bound to the target analyte. The sample is exposed to the functionalized nanoparticles, and the individual nanoparticles bound to the PC surface can be identified and counted based on reduced intensity values in the reflected light from the PC. The number of bound nanoparticles that are counted in this way can be correlated to the abundance of the target analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A digital assay for a micro RNA (miRNA) or other target analyte in a sample makes use of nanoparticles that absorb light at the resonant wavelength of a photonic crystal (PC). Such nanoparticles locally quench the resonant reflection of light from the PC when present on the surface of the PC. The nanoparticles are functionalized to specifically bind to the target analyte, and the PC surface is functionalized to specifically bind to the nanoparticles that have bound to the target analyte. The sample is exposed to the functionalized nanoparticles, and the individual nanoparticles bound to the PC surface can be identified and counted based on reduced intensity values in the reflected light from the PC. The number of bound nanoparticles that are counted in this way can be correlated to the abundance of the target analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Compositions including a collagen glycosaminoglycan scaffold and osteoprotegerin are described. The compositions are useful in methods for promoting osteogenesis and attenuating bone resorption.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for making and using collagen-glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffolds immobilized with biomolecules that are spatially and temporally patterned. The method comprises adding benzophenone to a collagen-glycosaminoglycan three dimensional scaffold in the dark; adding one or more biomolecules to one or more areas of the collagen-glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffold (which can be done optionally in the dark or in the light); and exposing the collagen-2glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffold to light at a wavelength of about 350 to about 365 nm.

Abstract: Photonic Resonator Outcoupler Microscopy (PROM) is a novel, label-free approach for dynamic, long-term, quantitative imaging of a sample on a surface of a photonic crystal (PC) biosensor, in which components of the sample outcouple photons from the resonant evanescent field, resulting in highly localized reductions of the reflected light intensity. By mapping changes in the resonant reflected peak intensity from the PC surface, components of a sample (e.g., focal adhesions) can be detected and dynamically tracked. To demonstrate the simplicity and utility of PROM for focal adhesion imaging, PROM images are compared with biosensor images of surface-bound dielectric permittivity and with fluorescence microscopy images of labeled adhesion molecules in dental stem cells. PROM can dynamically quantify the surface-attached cellular mass density and lateral dimensions of focal adhesion clusters.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for making and using collagen-glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffolds immobilized with biomolecules that are spatially and temporally patterned. The method comprises adding benzophenone to a collagen-glycosaminoglycan three dimensional scaffold in the dark; adding one or more biomolecules to one or more areas of the collagen-glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffold (which can be done optionally in the dark or in the light); and exposing the collagen-2glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffold to light at a wavelength of about 350 to about 365 nm.

Abstract: A digital assay for a micro RNA (miRNA) or other target analyte in a sample makes use of nanoparticles that absorb light at the resonant wavelength of a photonic crystal (PC). Such nanoparticles locally quench the resonant reflection of light from the PC when present on the surface of the PC. The nanoparticles are functionalized to specifically bind to the target analyte, and the PC surface is functionalized to specifically bind to the nanoparticles that have bound to the target analyte. The sample is exposed to the functionalized nanoparticles, and the individual nanoparticles bound to the PC surface can be identified and counted based on reduced intensity values in the reflected light from the PC. The number of bound nanoparticles that are counted in this way can be correlated to the abundance of the target analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Photonic Resonator Outcoupler Microscopy (PROM) is a novel, label-free approach for dynamic, long-term, quantitative imaging of a sample on a surface of a photonic crystal (PC) biosensor, in which components of the sample outcouple photons from the resonant evanescent field, resulting in highly localized reductions of the reflected light intensity. By mapping changes in the resonant reflected peak intensity from the PC surface, components of a sample (e.g., focal adhesions) can be detected and dynamically tracked. To demonstrate the simplicity and utility of PROM for focal adhesion imaging, PROM images are compared with biosensor images of surface-bound dielectric permittivity and with fluorescence microscopy images of labeled adhesion molecules in dental stem cells. PROM can dynamically quantify the surface-attached cellular mass density and lateral dimensions of focal adhesion clusters.

Abstract: Collagen-glycosaminoglycan membrane shell scaffold core composites for connective tissue engineering that avoids aspects of the typical tradeoff between mechanical properties (i.e. modulus, failure strength) and bioactivity (i.e., permeability and porosity) for porous tissue engineering scaffolds. The relative density of the collagen glycosaminoglycan scaffold core can be about 0.5 to about 0.95 while the membrane shell can be about 0.001 to 25 about 0.2. The core-shell composite can be tubular and the composite can have a diameter of about 1 mm to about 20 mm. The collagen glycosaminoglycan membrane shell can be perforated with about 25 to about 1000 micrometers openings or alternatively can be embossed with any range of pattern features from about 25 to about 1000 micrometers in size. The porous collagen glycosaminoglycan scaffold core can be populated with cells such as adult or embryonic stem cells, tenocytes, osteoblasts, nerve cells, cardiac cells, myocytes, fibroblasts or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A device for inhibiting adhesion of apposing human body tissue layers includes a scaffold having a designated mean pore size, relative density, and degradation half-life. The scaffold may be operably positioned between apposing tissue layers, such as proximate adhesiogenic layers at a wound site, so as to permit remesothelialization of the tissue without formation of fibrous adhesions. The scaffold device of the invention inhibits adhesion formation by promoting contractile cell migration away from the wound site for a predetermined period of time. The invention further relates to device and methods for promoting internal tissue regeneration, and for provision and/or dispensation of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents in vivo.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composite biomaterial comprising: providing a first substantially solid component comprising one or more of collagen, a glycosaminoglycan, albumin, hyaluronan, chitosan, and synthetic polypeptides comprising a portion of the polypeptide sequence of collagen, and optionally an inorganic material, said component having at least a surface portion that is porous; providing a fluid composition comprising one or more of collagen, a glycosaminoglycan, albumin, hyaluronan, chitosan, and synthetic polypeptides comprising a portion of the polypeptide sequence of collagen, and a liquid carrier, and optionally an inorganic material; contacting said fluid composition with said porous surface portion of said first component; cooling said fluid composition to a temperature at which the liquid carrier transforms into a plurality of solid crystals or particles; removing at least some of the plurality of solid crystals or particles by sublimation and/or evaporation.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composite biomaterial comprising an inorganic material and an organic material, the process comprising: (a) providing a first slurry composition comprising a liquid carrier, an inorganic material and an organic material; (b) providing a mould for the slurry; (c) depositing the slurry in the mould; (d) cooling the slurry deposited in the mould to a temperature at which the liquid carrier transforms into a plurality of solid crystals or particles; (e) removing at least some of the plurality of solid crystals or particles by sublimation and/or evaporation to leave a porous composite material comprising an inorganic material and an organic material; and (f) removing the material from the mould.

Abstract: The invention is directed to solid gradient scaffolds, methods of producing the same, and therapeutic applications arising from their utilization. Specifically, the gradient scaffolding includes, inter-alia, surface folds of various configuration for increasing surface area to volume of the scaffold.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composite biomaterial comprising: providing a first substantially solid component comprising one or more of collagen, a glycosaminoglycan, albumin, hyaluronan, chitosan, and synthetic polypeptides comprising a portion of the polypeptide sequence of collagen, and optionally an inorganic material, said component having at least a surface portion that is porous; providing a fluid composition comprising one or more of collagen, a glycosaminoglycan, albumin, hyaluronan, chitosan, and synthetic polypeptides comprising a portion of the polypeptide sequence of collagen, and a liquid carrier, and optionally an inorganic material; contacting said fluid composition with said porous surface portion of said first component; cooling said fluid composition to a temperature at which the liquid carrier transforms into a plurality of solid crystals or particles; removing at least some of the plurality of solid crystals or particles by sublimation and/or evaporation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for fabricating large scaffolds in a variety of shapes with an organized pore structure. The pore structure is organized such that pores are generally aligned perpendicular to the edges of the scaffold, regardless of-the particular macroscopic scaffold shape. Specifically, a freeze-drying based fabrication method for creating large, polymeric porous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications, with an organized pore structure of columnar pores extending from the scaffold periphery into the main mass of the scaffold.

Abstract: A device for inhibiting adhesion of apposing human body tissue layers includes a scaffold having a designated mean pore size, relative density, and degradation half-life. The scaffold may be operably positioned between apposing tissue layers, such as proximate adhesiogenic layers at a wound site, so as to permit remesothelialization of the tissue without formation of fibrous adhesions. The scaffold device of the invention inhibits adhesion formation by promoting contractile cell migration away from the wound site for a predetermined period of time. The invention further relates to device and methods for promoting internal tissue regeneration, and for provision and/or dispensation of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents in vivo.

Abstract: This invention relates to highly porous scaffolding and methods of producing the same. Specifically, the scaffolding comprises a pore volume fraction of no less than 80% (v/v) of the total volume of the scaffold and interconnecting pores forming channels in the scaffold.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composite biomaterial comprising an inorganic material and an organic material, the process comprising: (a) providing a first slurry composition comprising a liquid carrier, an inorganic material and an organic material; (b) providing a mould for the slurry; (c) depositing the slurry in the mould; (d) cooling the slurry deposited in the mould to a temperature at which the liquid carrier transforms into a plurality of solid crystals or particles; (e) removing at least some of the plurality of solid crystals or particles by sublimation and/or evaporation to leave a porous composite material comprising an inorganic material and an organic material; and (f) removing the material from the mould.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for fabricating molded structures having a radially organized pore structure. The molded structures are formed using a spinning-induced sedimentation technique such that sedimentation of a multi-component liquid suspension produces the internal geometry and porosity of the structure. The porous molded structures of the invention can be used in a number of applications including tissue and organ engineering, dialysis and phase separation membranes and water and liquid waste purification systems.