Abstract: Biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles and methods for using the articles in medical applications are disclosed. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles, which are formed by elctrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of different biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibers. Articles having specific medical uses include an adhesion-reducing barrier and a controlled delivery system. The methods include methods for reducing surgical adhesions, controlled delivery of a medicinal agent and providing controlled tissue healing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrospinning polymer fibers and membranes. The method includes electrospinning a polymer fiber from a conducting fluid in the presence of a first electric field established between a conducting fluid introduction device and a ground source and modifying the first electric field with a second electric field to form a jet stream of the conducting fluid. The method also includes electrically controlling the flow characteristics of the jet stream, forming a plurality of electrospinning jet streams and independently controlling the flow characteristics of at least one of the jet streams.

Abstract: Biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles and methods for using the articles in medical applications are disclosed. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles, which are formed by elctrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of different biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibers. Articles having specific medical uses include an adhesion-reducing barrier and a controlled delivery system. The methods include methods for reducing surgical adhesions, controlled delivery of a medicinal agent and providing controlled tissue healing.

Abstract: Biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles and methods for using the articles in medical applications are disclosed. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles, which are formed by elctrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of different biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibers. Articles having specific medical uses include an adhesion-reducing barrier and a controlled delivery system. The methods include methods for reducing surgical adhesions, controlled delivery of a medicinal agent and providing controlled tissue healing.

Abstract: Biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles and methods for using the articles in medical applications are disclosed. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles, which are formed by elctrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of different biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibers. Articles having specific medical uses include an adhesion-reducing barrier and a controlled delivery system. The methods include methods for reducing surgical adhesions, controlled delivery of a medicinal agent and providing controlled tissue healing.

Abstract: Cell storage and delivery systems and methods for storing and delivering viable cells to a mammal are disclosed. The cell storage and delivery systems include a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous matrix physically associated with viable cells to contain and release the cells at a controlled rate. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable matrix can be formed by electrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material. The methods include methods for storing viable cells and for delivering viable cells to a mammal using the cell storage and delivery system.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for electrospinning polymer fibers and membranes are described. The methods include in one aspect electrospinning a polymer fiber from a conducting fluid containing the polymer in the presence of a first electric field established between a conducting fluid introduction device and a ground source and modifying the first electric field with a second electric field to form a jet stream of the conducting fluid. In another aspect the methods include forming an electrospinning jet stream of the conducting fluid and electrically controlling the flow characteristics of the jet stream. In yet another aspect the methods include forming a plurality of electrospinning jet streams of the conducting fluid and independently controlling the flow characteristics of at least one of the jet streams.

Abstract: Biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles and methods for using the articles in medical applications are disclosed. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles, which are formed by elctrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of different biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibers. Articles having specific medical uses include an adhesion-reducing barrier and a controlled delivery system. The methods include methods for reducing surgical adhesions, controlled delivery of a medicinal agent and providing controlled tissue healing.