Abstract: Actuating components and related methods are generally disclosed. Certain embodiments comprise an actuating component associated with a plurality of microneedles (e.g., for administering a therapeutic agent to a subject). In some embodiments, the actuating component may be administered to a subject such that the plurality of microneedles are deployed at a location internal to the subject (e.g., in the gastrointestinal tract). The actuating component may be contained within, in some embodiments, a capsule (e.g., for oral administration to a subject). In some embodiments, the actuating component has a pre-deployment configuration in which the plurality of microneedles have a first orientation and a deployed configuration in which the plurality of microneedles have a second orientation, different than the first orientation.

Abstract: Articles for rapid release of components including, for example, quick release capsules, are generally provided. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the articles described herein may be configured to prevent fluid from contacting a component h contained therein (e.g., tissue interfacing component) or payload contained therein until a desired time, e.g., the time at which the component is configured to release from the article to a location internal to a subject (e.g., localize to a tissue wall in the subject). In some embodiments, the article comprises a first compartment and a second compartment not in fluid communication with the first compartment. In some embodiments, the first compartment and second compartment are fluidically isolated. For example, in some cases, the first compartment comprises a mechanism for releasing a component contained within the article and the second compartment comprises the component.

Abstract: Drug delivery articles, resident articles, and retrieval systems e.g., for gram-level dosing, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the articles are configured for transesophageal administration, transesophageal retrieval, and/or gastric retention to/in a subject. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal administration with a gastric resident system. In some cases, the article may be configured to control drug release e.g., with zero-order drug kinetics with no potential for burst release for weeks to months. In some embodiments, the articles described herein comprise biocompatible materials and/or are safe for gastric retention. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal retrieval. In some cases, the articles described herein may comprise relatively large doses of drug (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 gram).

Abstract: Tissue explants of the gastrointestinal tract are provided. Methods of making and using the tissue explants are also provided, along with substrates designed for the tissue explants described.

Abstract: The present grip design includes a two-piece clamp with an interior space which forms a mold for the sample material. The two-piece clamp further includes undercut apertures which engage complementary tapered portions of upper and lower grips. The sample material can be poured to fill the mold formed within the two-piece clamp. The interior of the upper and lower grips includes a pattern, such as, but not limited to, a threaded pattern, in order to more firmly engage the sample. The samples may include soft materials, liquids, gels, compounds, powdered or similar materials. The grip may be used in connection with bioreactor or materials testing applications.

Abstract: The present grip design includes a two-piece clamp with an interior space which forms a mold for the sample material. The two-piece clamp further includes undercut apertures which engage complementary tapered portions of upper and lower grips. The sample material can be poured to fill the mold formed within the two-piece clamp. The interior of the upper and lower grips includes a pattern, such as, but not limited to, a threaded pattern, in order to more firmly engage the sample. The samples may include soft materials, liquids, gels, compounds, powdered or similar materials. The grip may be used in connection with bioreactor or materials testing applications.