Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic agent comprises providing an aerosol generator that produces an aerosol of particles or droplets containing a therapeutic agent and an excipient for delivery to a first portion of a respiratory tract. The particles or droplets have an initial diameter from about 1 ?m to about 8 ?m, and the initial momentum of the particles or droplets minimizes deposition in the first portion. The particles or droplets are exposed to relative humidity in the respiratory tract by delivering them at a flow rate that defines the residence time in the respiratory tract. The particles or droplets increase in diameter due to hygroscopic growth caused by relative humidity. The aerosol is nasally exhaled so that particles or droplets are delivered to the nasal cavity and deposited in the nasal turbinates or sinus in part because of their increased diameter.

Abstract: An assembly and methods for providing a contoured biological tissue are described. The assembly comprises a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is configured to receive a biological tissue. The second plate is configured to apply a compressive force on the biological tissue that is disposed on the first plate. One or both of the first and second plates comprise a defined shape and a contoured area within the defined shape. The contoured area comprises at least first and second elevations and a continuous transition between the first and second transitions. One or more energy sources is associated with one or both of the first and second plates. The one or more energy sources delivers energy while the second plate applies the compressive force on the biological tissue disposed on the first plate.