Abstract: An apparatus may comprise an optical fiber that includes a core region having a core thickness and a cladding layer having a cladding layer thickness. The core region and the cladding layer may have material characteristics suitable for suturing biological tissue. The core thickness and the cladding layer thickness may be configured to cause at least a portion of light propagating in the core region to propagate out of the optical fiber through the cladding layer. The apparatus may also comprise a light source optically coupled to the optical fiber and configured to provide the light for propagation in the core region of the optical fiber. The apparatus may also comprise a suturing device coupled to the optical fiber and configured to guide the optical fiber for suturing the biological tissue.

Abstract: A method for preparing a body-mountable device is described. The method involves: forming a first polymer layer, the first polymer layer comprising a first liquid crystal elastomer; positioning a structure on the first polymer layer; and forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure, the second polymer layer comprises a second liquid crystal elastomer, wherein the first polymer layer defines a first side of a body-mountable device and the second polymer layer defines a second side of the body-mountable device opposite the first side, and wherein the application of an electric field across the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer causes the body-mountable device to polarize or depolarize in response to the electric field.

Abstract: A system that includes a polymer adhesive containing metallic or other nanoparticles that resonate upon the application of electromagnetic radiation to product heat. Heat generated by particle resonance is used to cure the polymer adhesive. Applications include wound repair, and industrial, commercial and craft applications.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for conducting chemical assays and biological assays using microfluidic devices are disclosed. The microfluidic devices do not require external connections, tethers, tubing, valves and actuators. The microfluidic devices are useful in methods for analyzing a wide variety of chemical and biological assays such as, for example, molecule-molecule interactions, enzyme-substrate interactions, molecule identification, minimum inhibitory concentrations, therapeutically effective amounts, and toxic amounts.

Abstract: Described are systems, methods, and apparatus for replacing the corrugated containers and dunnage to facilitate packaging of items in foam containers, referred to as “polymer encapsulations,” that can be used to protect and contain the item during shipment. When one or more items are ordered for delivery to a destination, the item(s) is picked from inventory and a rapidly setting polymer foam is injected around the bagged item to encapsulate and protect the item. For example, at packing, rather than placing the item in a corrugated container, temporary walls may be positioned around the bagged item and a pre-polymer injected into the space between the walls that surround the item such that a polymer forms that encases the item. After the polymer sets, the walls are retracted and the item is protected by the formed polymer encapsulation and available for transport to the destination.

Abstract: An eye-mountable device for measuring an intraocular pressure is provided. The device may include a transparent polymeric material having a concave surface configured to be removably mounted over a corneal surface of an eye, an antenna, an expandable member, a sensor and control electronics at least partially embedded in the transparent polymeric material. The expandable device is configured to expand and apply a force to the corneal surface and the sensor is configured to detect a resistance to deformation of the cornea in response to the applied force. The resistance to deformation of the cornea in response to the force applied by the expandable member is indicative of the intraocular pressure of the eye.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for conducting chemical assays and biological assays using microfluidic devices are disclosed. The microfluidic devices do not require external connections, tethers, tubing, valves and actuators.

Abstract: A body-mountable retinal sensing device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a body surface, such as a cornea. The electrochemical sensor includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a reagent localized near the working electrode that selectively reacts with retinal. Application of a voltage between the working electrode and the reference electrode causes a current related to a concentration of retinal in a fluid to which the electrochemical sensor is exposed. The current is measured by the body-mountable device and wirelessly communicated.

Abstract: An eye-mountable device for measuring an intraocular pressure is provided. The device may include a transparent polymeric material having a concave surface configured to be removably mounted over a corneal surface of an eye, an antenna, an expandable member, a sensor and control electronics at least partially embedded in the transparent polymeric material. The expandable device is configured to expand and apply a force to the corneal surface and the sensor is configured to detect a resistance to deformation of the cornea in response to the applied force. The resistance to deformation of the cornea in response to the force applied by the expandable member is indicative of the intraocular pressure of the eye.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for conducting chemical assays and biological assays using microfluidic devices are disclosed. The microfluidic devices do not require external connections, tethers, tubing, valves and actuators. The microfluidic devices are useful in methods for analyzing a wide variety of chemical and biological assays such as, for example, molecule-molecule interactions, enzyme-substrate interactions, molecule identification, minimum inhibitory concentrations, therapeutically effective amounts, and toxic amounts.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for conducting chemical assays and biological assays using microfluidic devices are disclosed. The microfluidic devices do not require external connections, tethers, tubing, valves and actuators. The microfluidic devices are useful in methods for analyzing a wide variety of chemical and biological assays such as, for example, molecule-molecule interactions, enzyme-substrate interactions, molecule identification, minimum inhibitory concentrations, therapeutically effective amounts, and toxic amounts.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods of forming particles and, in certain aspects, to systems and methods of forming particles that are substantially monodisperse. Microfluidic systems and techniques for forming such particles are provided, for instance, particles may be formed using gellation, solidification, and/or chemical reactions such as cross-linking, polymerization, and/or interfacial polymerization reactions. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a plurality of particles having an average dimension of less than about 500 micrometers and a distribution of dimensions such that no more than about 5% of the particles have a dimension greater than about 10% of the average dimension, which can be made via microfluidic systems. In one set of embodiments, at least some of the particles may comprise a metal, and in certain embodiments, at least some of the particles may comprise a magnetizable material.