Abstract: Small particles of polymeric material are produced by expansion of a mixture of monomers and a propellant. The size and shape of the particles can be precisely tailored by materials selection and expansion conditions. Particles of 10 nanometers to 100 microns can be produced. If monomers exhibiting solid state reactivity are utilized, the particles thus formed can be polymerized at any time after formation. The particles produced by this method can be molecularly imprinted by incorporating a template into the particle prior to fully curing the particle, in a manner which allows selective extraction of the template from the cured particle after formation without deformation of the imprint site. A two step polymerization process allows the particles to be deposited on and adhered to a wide variety of substrates without additional agents.

Abstract: The invention is directed to formation and use of electroprocessed collagen, including use as an extracellular matrix and, together with cells, its use in forming engineered tissue. The engineered tissue can include the synthetic manufacture of specific organs or tissues which may be implanted into a recipient. The electroprocessed collagen may also be combined with other molecules in order to deliver substances to the site of application or implantation of the electroprocessed collagen. The collagen or collagen/cell suspension is electrodeposited onto a substrate to form tissues and organs.

Abstract: High-pressure bleeding wounds (and other bleeding wounds) may be treated by applying direct pressure directly in the bleeding wound, such as by applying a back pressure in a confined space around and in the wound. Certain substances and articles may be inserted into the wound, and the wound may be enclosed with that substance or article (such as a hemostatic substance, which may be polymeric), by swelling on contact with molecules (such as water molecules in the blood) encountered in the wound, generates the desired pressure to stop or at least reduce the bleeding without the detrimental effects of a tourniquet. Clot-inducing substances may be introduced into the wound contemporaneously with direct pressure application directly in the wound. Compressible and non-compressible wounds are treated. Treatment stops bleeding without producing pressure injury or ischemic damage. Medical devices using this technology are provided, including removable, biodegradable, medic-administrable devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sealants for skin and other tissues. The sealants include an electroprocessed material. The sealants may contain more than one electroprocessed materials and may contain additional substances. The invention further relates to methods of making and using such sealants.

Abstract: Electroprocessed phenolic nanofibers, microfibers, beads, and films and materials including these electroprocessed materials are prepared using a delivery means (10), a grounded collecting means (20) and a power supply (30) for generating an electric field.

Abstract: A unitary humidity exchange cell (HUX) is dislosed that includes at least one composite membrane, disposed between at least one first chamber for flow of the first fluid therethrough and at least one second chamber for flow of the second fluid therethrough. The composite membrane include an at least partially sulfonated humidity-conducting polymer comprising residues derived from at least one arylvinyl monomer; and a reinforcing substrate bonded thereto. The product finds utility in a variety of physical and chemical processes and products whereby moisture or other highly polar liquid or gas transfer, exchange removal or delivery is important. A notable application is the Membrane Energy Recovery Ventilator (MERV) in which both heat, ions and moisture is transferred between two air streams, one intake and one exhaust, from an air-conditioned building.

Abstract: The invention is directed to use of fibrin as an extracellular matrix and, together with cells, its use in forming engineered tissue. The engineered tissue can include the synthetic manufacture of specific organs or “organ-like” tissue. A preferred embodiment is a plasma-derived fibrin matrix containing cells.

Abstract: Sulfonated styrene copolymers are useful for inhibiting elastase and/or collagenase and for promoting angiogenesis in a wound, and for controlling biological organisms on a porous surface. Compositions for these uses may include a tetracycline, an amino acid and/or a sulfonated styrene copolymer in salt form, especially an ammonium salt.

Abstract: A matrix of collagen is obtained through the method of electroprocessing. As a common natural polymer, collagen may be electroprocessed to form a matrix for multiple different applications.. The flexibility and variability of the processing allows the collagen matrix to be predesigned to meet many applications. These applications are included, but not limited to, biomedical applications, manufactured leather applications, food casing products, and footwear and clothing products.

Abstract: High-pressure bleeding wounds (and other bleeding wounds) may be treated by applying direct pressure directly in the bleeding wound, such as by applying a back pressure in a confined space around and in the wound. Certain substances and articles may be inserted into the wound, and the wound may be enclosed with that substance or article (such as a hemostatic substance, which may be polymeric), by swelling on contact with molecules (such as water molecules in the blood) encountered in the wound, generates the desired pressure to stop or at least reduce the bleeding without the detrimental effects of a tourniquet Clot-inducing substances may be introduced into the wound contemporaneously with direct pressure application directly in the wound. Compressible and non-compressible wounds are treated. Treatment stops bleeding without producing pressure injury or ischemic damage. Medical devices using this technology are provided, including removable, biodegradable, medic-administrable devices.

Abstract: A muscle implant includes an extracellular matrix, tendon and muscle cells. The extracellular matrix is made of a matrix of electroaerosol polymer droplets. Cardiac and smooth muscles may be formed by depositing an extracellular matrix onto a mandrel, the extracellular matrix comprising a polymer helically wound around the mandrel at predetermined pitches.

Abstract: Small particles of polymeric material are produced by expansion of a mixture of monomers and a propellant. The size and shape of the particles can be precisely tailored by materials selection and expansion conditions. Particles of 10 nanometers to 100 microns can be produced. If monomers exhibiting solid state reactivity are utilized, the particles thus formed can be polymerized at any time after formation. The particles produced by this method can be molecularly imprinted by incorporating a template into the particle prior to fully curing the particle, in a manner which allows selective extraction of the template from the cured particle after formation without deformation of the imprint site. A two step polymerization process allows the particles to be deposited on and adhered to a wide variety of substrates without additional agents.

Abstract: Electrospinning of EVOH copolymer fiber is accomplished by dissolving the copolymers in a 2-propanol/water solution. The mixture is heated until the EVOH copolymers are fully dissolved in the solution. The copolymers fibers are then electrospun after the mixture is allowed to cool. Additionally, fully hydrolyzed PVA was able to be electrospun through use of a non-ionic surfactant. This electrospun matrix can be stabilized against disintegration and water by soaking of the matrix in methanol.

Abstract: Electroprocessed polymers are used to form specifically-shaped shoes, clothing or other related garments. A mandrel having a preselected shape is used as the target in the electroprocessing step. The resulting product has a polymer matrix of exactly the shape of the mandrel. In practice, a person's foot or other body part is used to create the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A muscle implant includes an extracellular matrix, tendon and muscle cells. The extracellular matrix is made of a matrix of electrospun polymer fibers. The tendon is made of extruded collagen fibers and the muscle cells are disposed on the extracellular matrix in such a manner that the combination of components will functionally and structurally act as normal muscle tissue. Cardiac and smooth muscles may be similarly formed without tendons but including the extracellular matrix and muscle cells.

Abstract: A unitary humidity exchange cell (HUX) is disclosed that includes at least one composite membrane, disposed between at least one first chamber for flow of the first fluid therethrough and at least one second chamber for flow of the second fluid therethrough. The composite membrane include an at least partially sulfonated humidity-conducting polymer comprising residues derived from at least one arylvinyl monomer; and a reinforcing substrate bonded thereto. The product finds utility in a variety of physical and chemical processes and products whereby moisture or other highly polar liquid or gas transfer, exchange removal or delivery is important. A notable application is the Membrane Energy Recovery Ventilator (MERV) in which both heat, ions and moisture is transferred between two air streams, one intake and one exhaust, from an air-conditioned building.

Abstract: Small particles of polymeric material are produced by expansion of a mixture of monomers and a propellant. The size and shape of the particles can be precisely tailored by materials selection and expansion conditions. Particles of 10 nanometers to 100 microns can be produced. If monomers exhibiting solid state reactivity are utilized, the particles thus formed can be polymerized at any time after formation. The particles produced by this method can be molecularly imprinted by incorporating a template into the particle prior to fully curing the particle, in a manner which allows selective extraction of the template from the cured particle after formation without deformation of the imprint site. A two step polymerization process allows the particles to be deposited on and adhered to a wide variety of substrates without additional agents.

Abstract: The invention is directed to use of fibrin as an extracellular matrix and, together with cells, its use in forming engineered tissue. The engineered tissue can include the synthetic manufacture of specific organs or “organ-like” tissue. A preferred embodiment is a plasma-derived fibrin matrix containing cells.