Abstract: The invention discloses a quasi in-vivo testing method using a uniquely designed multichambered bioblock apparatus. Cells are placed inside a top chamber fitted with a pore size membrane that allows certain cells to migrate through the pores into a bottom chamber holding a substrate. The portion of cells migrating from the top chamber and interacting with the substrate surface in a real time physiological quasi in vivo environment can be used to determine both the migratory response of specific cell types to selected attractive surfaces and the effect of the migratory cells on the surface over selected times of exposure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating, providing diffusion limited transport and evacuating gaseous phase material in a sub-atmospheric environment employing a molecular mobility enhancer (MME) component under reduced pressure to rapidly vaporize a liquid and/or solid, to transport generated vapor including a transport moiety into a diffusion processing zone and through diffusion restricted objects and to effectively evacuate non-consumed vapor from apparatus. Compositions, including solids, for delivery of MME-transport moiety vapor in a sub-atmospheric environment. Including those with improved storage and stability. Additionally, methods and apparatus for drying surfaces of articles in a sub-atmospheric environment. Compositions for generating a vapor in a sub-atmospheric environment for use in drying such articles. Methods and compositions herein useful for cleaning, sanitizing and sterilizing substrates, implements and devices including medical and electronic devices.

Abstract: Methods for generating a sterilant vapor in a sub-atmospheric environment for use in sanitization and sterilization. The vapor is generated from a mixture containing a sterilant and a molecular mobility enhancer (MME). More specifically, the use of the MME enhances the vaporization and mobility of the sterilant, particularly hydrogen peroxide and/or a peroxy acid, to provide enhanced or improved sterilization. Also provided are solid-form sterilant comprising a sterilant and an MME. Further provides are various packaged forms of sterilant, particularly containing hydrogen peroxide and/or a peroxy acid for use in sanitation and sterilization methods herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for rapid sterilization of items in a vacuum or sterilization chamber. Embodiments include conductively heated, vacuum-based sterilization approaches that can be applied to devices, such as medical devices, electronic devices, and other suitable devices. For example, an item that has been exposed to excessive contamination is placed inside the sterilization chamber. The chamber can be depressurized to a vacuum level sufficient to gasify liquids inside a solid matrix holding a liquid sterilant, and the item can be conductively heated at least to replace latent heat of vaporization lost during the depressurization. Some embodiments include techniques relating to quality processing, monitoring and feedback control, and/or other functionality.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for rapid sterilization of items in a vacuum or sterilization chamber. Embodiments include conductively heated, vacuum-based sterilization approaches that can be applied to devices, such as medical devices, electronic devices, and other suitable devices. For example, an item that has been exposed to excessive contamination is placed inside the sterilization chamber. The chamber can be depressurized to a vacuum level sufficient to gasify liquids inside a solid matrix holding a liquid sterilant, and the item can be conductively heated at least to replace latent heat of vaporization lost during the depressurization. Some embodiments include techniques relating to quality processing, monitoring and feedback control, and/or other functionality.

Abstract: Spinulose metal surfaces are produced by a modified nanoplasma cyclic deposition process. The unique spinulose surfaces are highly adherent toward polymer and bioactive molecules and cells, including osteoblast, fibroblast and endothelial cells. The nanostructured spinulose surfaces can be coated with a wide range of polymers to form polymer surface coatings that are particularly useful on implants, catheters, guidewires, stents and other medical devices intended for in vivo applications.

Abstract: Spinulose surfaces such as titanium and zirconium can be coated with a range of polymers used to form thin, adherent polymer surface films. Selected polymer coatings are useful for use as biocompatible surfaces on implants, catheters, guidewires, stents and a variety of medical devices for in vivo applications. The polymer coatings can also be used to protect metal surfaces nanostructured with spinulose titanium or zirconium.