Abstract: Various embodiments directed to a work stand for holding a microscopic collection device for collecting a microscopic sample from a target surface, are provided. The work stand includes a first slit formed on a top surface of the work stand and capable of holding a first microscopic collection device comprising a first holding element and a first collection platform, wherein the first collection platform of the first microscopic collection device is perpendicular to the top surface. A second slit formed on the top surface of the work stand and capable of holding a second microscopic collection device comprising a second collection platform and a second holding element at an angle to the second collection platform perpendicular to the top surface of the work stand.

Abstract: Various embodiments directed to a work stand for holding a microscopic collection device for collecting a microscopic sample from a target surface, are provided. The work stand includes a first slit formed on a top surface of the work stand and capable of holding a first microscopic collection device comprising a first holding element and a first collection platform, wherein the first collection platform of the first microscopic collection device is perpendicular to the top surface. A second slit formed on the top surface of the work stand and capable of holding a second microscopic collection device comprising a second collection platform and a second holding element at an angle to the second collection platform perpendicular to the top surface of the work stand.

Abstract: A microscopic collection device, method for collecting a microscopic sample from a target surface, and the work stand for holding the microscopic collection device are provided. The microscopic collection device includes a holding element comprising a handle at one end and a collection platform connected to the holding element at a second end. The collection platform includes a collection surface on which the microscopic sample is deposited when the microscopic collection device comes into contact with the target surface. A tape is inserted through a slit and wrapped around the collection platform. The work stand includes a slit capable of holding the microscopic collection device such that the collection platform is perpendicular to the top surface of the work stand. A microscopic sample, collected using the microscopic collection device, is not only collected from the target surface but is also concentrated onto the collection face of the tape.

Abstract: A microscopic collection device, method for collecting a microscopic sample from a target surface, and the work stand for holding the microscopic collection device are provided. The microscopic collection device includes a holding element comprising a handle at one end and a collection platform connected to the holding element at a second end. The collection platform includes a collection surface on which the microscopic sample is deposited when the microscopic collection device comes into contact with the target surface. A tape is inserted through a slit and wrapped around the collection platform. The work stand includes a slit capable of holding the microscopic collection device such that the collection platform is perpendicular to the top surface of the work stand. A microscopic sample, collected using the microscopic collection device, is not only collected from the target surface but is also concentrated onto the collection face of the tape.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for optimizing energy use with one or more optimization engine objects. An optimization engine object may have a plurality of dependent objects including at least a dependent optimization engine object, or at least one of a supply-side or demand-side object. The optimization engine object may receive dependent object attribute data from each of the at least one dependent objects; determine an optimal configuration for the plurality of dependent objects over the first time period subject to at least one optimization constraint; and conditioned upon the optimization engine depending from a superior optimization engine, transmit a net energy usage associated with the optimal configuration to the superior optimization engine.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stent system comprising zero or more inner stents inserted into an outer stent. The inner stents and outer stent are separated and/or encapulated by a protein-based material of a protein matrix and/or a set biocoacervate, each comprising one or more biocompatible proteins and one or more biocompatible solvents. The protein-based material may also include one or more carbohydrates and one or more pharmacologically active agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials and the methods of making and using protein biocoacervates and biomaterials. More specifically the present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials that may be utilized for various medical applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, coated medical devices (e.g. stents, valves . . . ), vessels, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, wound healing devices including protein suture biomaterials and biomeshes, dental plugs and implants, skin/bone/tissue grafts, tissue fillers, protein biomaterial adhesion prevention barriers, cell scaffolding and other biocompatible biocoacervate or biomaterial devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mucoadhesive drug delivery devices and their methods of preparation and use. More specifically the present invention relates to mucoadhesive drug delivery devices comprising one or more biocompatible purified proteins combined with one or more biocompatible solvents and one or more mucoadhesive agents. The mucoadhesive drug delivery devices may also include one or more pharmacologically active agents. The drug delivery devices of the present invention adhere to mucosal tissue, thereby providing a vehicle for delivery of the pharmacologically active agent(s) through such tissue.

Abstract: The containment and fixation system of the present invention generally includes a biomatix sleeve, biomatrix particles or combinations thereof made of a biomatrix material. The biomatrix material is comprised of one or more biocompatible proteins and one or more biocompatible solvents. The biomatrix material utilized in the sleeve and/or particles may also include one or more pharmacologically active agents like therapeutic biochemicals such as a bone mending biochemical (e.g. hydroxyapatite) or an angiogenic growth factor (e.g. BMP).

Abstract: The present invention relates to biocompatible protein particles, particle devices and their methods of preparation and use. More specifically the present invention relates protein particles and devices derived from such particles comprising one or more biocompatible purified proteins combined with one or more biocompatible solvents. In various embodiments of the present invention the protein particles may also include one or more pharmacologically active agents and/or one or more additives.