Abstract: Methods for the development and integration of multiple apparatuses and methods for achieving administration of stem cell therapies include precision manufacturing of tissue scaffolds and/or bioreactor substrates. The nano/microscale fiber material extrusion typifying the electrospinning process is married with the fiber alignment and layering characteristic of an additive manufacturing process. The method generates porous fibrous 3-D meshes with precision controlled structures from biopolymer melts and solutions and gels, blends, and suspensions with and without cells. A method of tracking the migration histories and shapes of stem cells on scaffold surfaces relies on immunofluorescent imaging and automated algorithms based on machine learning.

Abstract: Methods for the development and integration of multiple apparatuses and methods for achieving administration of stem cell therapies include precision manufacturing of tissue scaffolds and/or bioreactor substrates. The nano/microscale fiber material extrusion typifying the electrospinning process is married with the fiber alignment and layering characteristic of an additive manufacturing process. The method generates porous fibrous 3-D meshes with precision controlled structures from biopolymer melts and solutions and gels, blends, and suspensions with and without cells. A method of tracking the migration histories and shapes of stem cells on scaffold surfaces relies on immunofluorescent imaging and automated algorithms based on machine learning.

Abstract: A bone repair scaffold having two moduli that match those of the cancellous and cortical bone in a patient receiving a bone graft/implant. The bone repair scaffold possesses increased mechanical properties to sustain physiological loading and biologically active capability to facilitate bone fusion. The bone repair scaffold may be 3D-printed, which allows for a variety of scaffold designs and configurations. Pore size, interconnected porosity, shape, and modulus of the bone repair scaffold may be modified for different bone graft applications, whether it is used as filler for bone cancer resections or trauma, or as a fusion device in cases of surgery. Depending on the defect location of the bone shaft, the relative porosity of the scaffold may be modified to account for changes in cortical bone thickness. A method for treating a bone defect using the bone repair scaffold is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the development and integration of multiple apparatuses and methods for achieving administration of stem cell therapies include precision manufacturing of tissue scaffolds and/or bioreactor substrates. The nano/microscale fiber material extrusion typifying the electrospinning process is married with the fiber alignment and layering characteristic of an additive manufacturing process. The method generates porous fibrous 3-D meshes with precision controlled structures from biopolymer melts and solutions and gels, blends, and suspensions with and without cells. A method of tracking the migration histories and shapes of stem cells on scaffold surfaces relies on immunofluorescent imaging and automated algorithms based on machine learning.

Abstract: A bone repair scaffold having two moduli that match those of the cancellous and cortical bone in a patient receiving a bone graft/implant. The bone repair scaffold possesses increased mechanical properties to sustain physiological loading and biologically active capability to facilitate bone fusion. The bone repair scaffold may be 3D-printed, which allows for a variety of scaffold designs and configurations. Pore size, interconnected porosity, shape, and modulus of the bone repair scaffold may be modified for different bone graft applications, whether it is used as filler for bone cancer resections or trauma, or as a fusion device in cases of surgery. Depending on the defect location of the bone shaft, the relative porosity of the scaffold may be modified to account for changes in cortical bone thickness. A method for treating a bone defect using the bone repair scaffold is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical implant including a cage having a first porosity and a first modulus; and a core bounded by said cage, said core having a second porosity that is higher than said first porosity of said cage, and said core having a second modulus that is lower than said first modulus of said cage. The implant may be functionally graded in a transverse direction, a longitudinal direction, or a radial direction thereof. The implant is made by preparing a first formulation for the cage within a first extruder and a second formulation for the core within a second extruder, extruding the first formulation through a co-extrusion die while simultaneously extruding said second formulation through the co-extrusion die so as to form an extrudate that includes said cage component and said core component bounded by said cage component.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing chromium in a chromite ore processing residue (COPR) comprises the steps of adding an acid to consume the excess alkalinity of the COPR, resulting in a pH of less than 10; and adding a chemical reductant to the COPR to convert any hexavalent chromium present to trivalent chromium. A source of sulfate may be added to the COPR to reduce heave potential and improve its geotechnical stability. Treated COPR may be encapsulated in a material suitable to prevent contact between the COPR and water, such as an asphalt.