Abstract: The present invention provides fastener anchoring devices with protruding fasteners releasably attached to graspers for insertion into a target site such as soft tissue. The devices include a retaining mechanism that can be actuated to release the fasteners from the grasper. The devices can include support material preloaded onto the fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention provides scaffold and suture anchoring devices for anchoring scaffolds and sutures into a target site such as soft tissue. The devices include a retainer mechanism that holds the scaffolds in a grasper and can be actuated to release the scaffolds from the grasper. The devices include retractable needles that can be actuated to pass suture threads through the grasper to anchor scaffolds to a target site.

Abstract: The present invention provides fastener anchoring devices with protruding fasteners releasably attached to graspers for insertion into a target site such as soft tissue. The devices include a retaining mechanism that can be actuated to release the fasteners from the grasper. The devices can include support material preloaded onto the fasteners.

Abstract: A simple, label-less, sensitive, rapid, and inexpensive sensor incorporates a unique optical transduction design and novel materials optimized for chemical or biosensing. The sensor features a planar coupler with at least one input and two output optical waveguides. The system responds to changes in refractive index upon analyte binding to molecular receptors on the sensor surface. In the preferred embodiment the coupling region can support at least two electromagnetic modes, and the interaction of these fields determines the amount of light propagating down each of the output waveguides. The changes in refractive index at the surface of the coupled region affect the interaction of the two propagation modes and, therefore, the amount of light detected at each output.

Abstract: Techniques to modify and apply aerogel coatings are described, including the application of spray-coated aerogels. The approach eliminates several of the wet chemical techniques previously needed for processes such as MALDI processing, and simplifies the automation of processes such as continuous monitoring in a sensor based format. With respect to MALDI processing, the preferred embodiment uses an acid-doped silica aerogel coated tape as the collection media as well as the matrix support. Although aerogels are disclosed as a preferred matrix material, other materials may alternatively be used, including linoleic acids, oleic acids, PEG (polyelthylene glycol), preferably in tape format.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyol-doped aerogel material with improved properties for trapping biological particles and facilitating analysis and identification thereof. The polyol-doped aerogel material can be used in combination with a substrate by coating or otherwise depositing the material thereon. The present invention provides a method for detecting a biological particle involving use of a polyol-doped aerogel material.

Abstract: Techniques to modify and apply aerogel coatings are described, including the application of spray-coated aerogels. The approach eliminates several of the wet chemical techniques previously needed for processes such as MALDI processing, and simplifies the automation of processes such as continuous monitoring in a sensor based format. With respect to MALDI processing, the preferred embodiment uses an acid-doped silica aerogel coated tape as the collection media as well as the matrix support. Although aerogels are disclosed as a preferred matrix material, other materials may alternatively be used, including linoleic acids, oleic acids, PEG (polyelthylene glycol), preferably in tape format.