Abstract: The present invention employs the natural hydrophilic properties of a macromolecular film such as a hydrogel and in combination with localized photo-ablation of monolayers created with the hydrogel using multi-photon laser excitation, provides a stampless, versatile method of micropattern fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention employs the natural hydrophilic properties of a macromolecular film such as a hydrogel and in combination with localized photo-ablation of monolayers created with the hydrogel using multi-photon laser excitation, provides a stampless, versatile method of micropattern fabrication.

Abstract: The first element of the invention is a moldable, resorbable composite bone graft consisting of calcium phosphate cement, an aqueous medium, and biodegradable polymer microspheres or other porogens. The composite bone graft is osteoconductive, i.e., the degradation of the microspheres or other porogens leads to macropores that facilitate the growth of osteoblasts into the bone grafts, and the degradation rate of microspheres or other porogens can be controlled such that the formation of macrpores is in tune with the ingrowth of osteoblasts. Additionally, growth factors or other bioactive agents can be incorporated into the moldable, resorbable composite bone grafts. The growth factors can be added to the liquid component of the bone grafts or, can be encapsulated in a biodegradable porogen and then added to the solid component of the bone grafts (or both).

Abstract: The change in the peak fluorescence wavelength of a small amount of a fluorescent compound, i.e., a fluorophore, which has been dissolved in a polymerizing material or a thermoplastic polymer is used to determine the extent of cure or solidification, respectively. The measured wavelength-shift can either be compared with a previously determined correlation to obtain an absolute value for the extent of cure, or can be utilized to compare or maintain an acceptable extent of cure throughout a manufacturing or a clinical process. Similarly, in the processing of a thermoplastic polymer by injection molding, the measured wavelength shift can either be compared with a previously determined correlation to obtain an absolute value for the temperature of the polymer, or can be utilized to adjust the injection molding cycle so that the mold is opened at the optimum times.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the onset of polymer solidification, i phase transitions from liquid to crystal or liquid to glass, during injection molding to detect characteristic fluorescence radiation from a dye which has been doped into the polymer at very low concentration. The method involves the use of a calibration relationship between the fluorescence intensity and temperature of the doped polymer in order to determine distinct features which characterize the onset of solidification.

Abstract: A method of measuring fluid properties of a polymer melt, undergoing shear and/or extensional flow which utilizes fluorescent anisotropy. The method utilizes a polymeric chromophore which includes a bifunctional anthracene that is covalently bonded to polybutadiene. The invention also involves an optical probe which is designed to be inserted into existing temperature and/or pressure probe ports in processing equipment. The probe includes a rotatable polarizer and emission collection fibers.