Abstract: The invention generally relates to cells and compositions comprising same for use in cell therapy, to methods of obtaining same, and to use of same in cell therapy. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for forming a cell composition from a tissue sample, the method comprising: providing a tissue sample comprising cells; contacting the sample with a polymer in binding conditions, said binding conditions being conditions that enable binding of cells in the sample to the polymer, so that said cells are bound to the polymer; culturing the cells bound to the polymer under conditions and for a time that allows the cell number to increase; providing conditions to induce a phase change of the polymer; thereby forming a cell composition from a tissue sample.

Abstract: An implantable device and methods for preparing and implanting said device into a subject for use in treating a medical condition when implanted therein is disclosed. The device comprises at least one coaxial fibre of a hydrophilic polymer and a hydrophobic polymer, wherein at least one of said polymers is loaded with an agent that is active towards treating the medical condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dispersible graphene platelet and a method of making same. The structure of the graphene platelet 10 comprises a base layer 1 of graphene on which at least one discontinuous layer 2, 3, 4 of graphene is stacked, with each layer of graphene above the base layer having a smaller surface area than the layer it is stacked upon. The edges of the base layer and the discontinuous layers stacked upon it are all at least partially functionalised 5, providing a structure with graphene-like properties owing to the base layer and relatively high dispersibility owing to the increased amount of functionalised groups on each platelet. The platelets may be used for a number of applications, for example in the production of electrodes or composite materials.

Abstract: Water-splitting devices and methods for manufacturing water-splitting devices or solar cells is disclosed. The method seeks to provide a relatively high-volume, low-cost mass-production method. In one example, the method facilitates simultaneous co-assembly of one or more sub-units and two or more polymer films or sheets to form a water-splitting device. According to another aspect, there is provided an improved water-splitting device. In one example form, there is provided a water-splitting device which includes a first electrode for producing oxygen gas and a second electrode for producing hydrogen gas from water. The first electrode and the second electrode are positioned between a first outer polymer layer and a second outer polymer layer, and at least one spacer layer is positioned between the first outer polymer layer and the second outer polymer layer.

Abstract: Water-splitting devices and methods for manufacturing water-splitting devices or solar cells is disclosed. The method seeks to provide a relatively high-volume, low-cost mass-production method. In one example, the method facilitates simultaneous co-assembly of one or more sub-units and two or more polymer films or sheets to form a water-splitting device. According to another aspect, there is provided an improved water-splitting device. In one example form, there is provided a water-splitting device which includes a first electrode for producing oxygen gas and a second electrode for producing hydrogen gas from water. The first electrode and the second electrode are positioned between a first outer polymer layer and a second outer polymer layer, and at least one spacer layer is positioned between the first outer polymer layer and the second outer polymer layer.

Abstract: Water-splitting devices and methods for manufacturing water-splitting devices or solar cells is disclosed. The method seeks to provide a relatively high-volume, low-cost mass-production method. In one example, the method facilitates simultaneous co-assembly of one or more sub-units and two or more polymer films or sheets to form a water-splitting device. According to another aspect, there is provided an improved water-splitting device. In one example form, there is provided a water-splitting device which includes a first electrode for producing oxygen gas and a second electrode for producing hydrogen gas from water. The first electrode and the second electrode are positioned between a first outer polymer layer and a second outer polymer layer, and at least one spacer layer is positioned between the first outer polymer layer and the second outer polymer layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of graphene which can be used in the development of graphene paper or films, graphene-based composites and articles for nanoelectronics, nanocomposites, batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage and bioapplications. This process comprises reducing purified exfoliated graphite oxide in the presence of a base.

Abstract: Water-splitting devices and methods for manufacturing water-splitting devices or solar cells is disclosed. The method seeks to provide a relatively high-volume, low-cost mass-production method. In one example, the method facilitates simultaneous co-assembly of one or more sub-units and two or more polymer films or sheets to form a water-splitting device. According to another aspect, there is provided an improved water-splitting device. In one example form, there is provided a water-splitting device which includes a first electrode for producing oxygen gas and a second electrode for producing hydrogen gas from water. The first electrode and the second electrode are positioned between a first outer polymer layer and a second outer polymer layer, and at least one spacer layer is positioned between the first outer polymer layer and the second outer polymer layer.

Abstract: A light-modulating electrical device is disclosed and a method for manufacturing a light-modulating electrical device. The method includes, as a single lamination process, positioning a light-modulating electrical unit at least partially within a recess, the recess provided in a first polymer film or an optically transparent polymer film, and fixing the optically transparent polymer film to the first polymer film so as to cover the light-modulating electrical unit. In one example, the light-modulating electrical unit is comprised of two or more sub-units and is itself formed as part of the lamination process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an electroactive substrate. The process includes providing a substrate having an oxidant layer on a surface thereof, exposing the surface containing the oxidant layer to a vapor containing an aryl or heteroaryl monomer that is polymerizable to form an electroactive polymer, and polymerizing the aryl or heteroaryl monomer in the presence of a volatile Lewis base to form a polyaryl or polyheteroaryl electroactive polymer film on the surface of the substrate. The invention also provides electroactive substrates formed by the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an electroactive substrate. The process includes providing a substrate having an oxidant layer on a surface thereof, exposing the surface containing the oxidant layer to a vapour containing an aryl or heteroaryl monomer that is polymerizable to form an electroactive polymer, and polymerizing the aryl or heteroaryl monomer in the presence of a volatile Lewis base to form a polyaryl or polyheteroaryl electroactive polymer film on the surface of the substrate. The invention also provides electroactive substrates formed by the process.

Abstract: An electrochromic assembly 32 is disclosed. The assembly comprises: first and second electrodes 22, 24, at least one electrode being transparent; a porous membrane 10 defining a plurality of pores, the membrane having a first refractive index and located between the electrodes 22, 24; an electrolyte filling the pores, the electrolyte having a second refractive index substantially matching the first refractive index, the electrolyte and membrane together forming a substantially transparent electrolytic layer; and at least one electrochromic layer 18 covering at part of the first electrode 22. The membrane 10 is flexible and the spacing between the electrodes 22, 24 is held substantially constant by the membrane 10. The membrane is sealed with sealant 42.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of graphene which can be used in the development of graphene paper or films, graphene-based composites and articles for nanoelectronics, nanocomposites, batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage and bioapplications. This process comprises reducing purified exfoliated graphite oxide in the presence of a base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanostructured composites comprising a nanotube network which is at least partially embedded within a carbon layer. The present invention particularly relates to conducting nanostructured composites for use in the fields of energy conversion, energy storage and also the biomedical field. The present invention also relates to a process via CVD of carbon onto a catalyst layer on a substrate. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: An electrochromic assembly 32 is disclosed. The assembly comprises: first and second electrodes 22, 24, at least one electrode being transparent; a porous membrane 10 defining a plurality of pores, the membrane having a first refractive index and located between the electrodes 22, 24; an electrolyte filling the pores, the electrolyte having a second refractive index substantially matching the first refractive index, the electrolyte and membrane together forming a substantially transparent electrolytic layer; and at least one electrochromic layer 18 covering at part of the first electrode 22. The membrane 10 is flexible and the spacing between the electrodes 22, 24 is held substantially constant by the membrane 10. The membrane is sealed with sealant 42.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanostructured composites, in particular nanotube/substrate composites for use in the fields of biomedical materials and devices as well as energy conversion and storage, ion transport and liquid and gas separation. The use of such composites as biomaterials are of particular interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biocompatible composites, in particular biocompatible nanotube composites in the form of a fiber mat and/or film structure, comprising nanotubes and at least one biomolecule. The invention also relates to a process for preparing a biocompatible composite involving (i) forming a dispersing media comprising nanotubes and at least one biomolecule; and either (ii) introducing the dispersing media of step (i) into a coagulating media optionally comprising at least one biomolecule so as to form a continuous fiber; or (iii) filtering the dispersing media of step (i). Alternatively, the process involves (i) forming a dispersing media comprising nanotubes; and (ii) introducing the dispersing media of step (i) into a coagulating media comprising at least one biomolecule so as to form a continuous fiber. The biocompatible composite is useful as a medical device, preferably in a bio-electrode, bio-fuel cell or substrates for electronically stimulated bio-growth.

Abstract: A self powered sensing device (100) comprising: a first electrode (110) comprising a conducting polymer; a second electrode (120); and an electrolyte (130), the self-powered sensing device configured such that said first and second electrodes (110, 120) and said electrolyte (130) operate as an electrochemical cell following an occurrence of a condition to be sensed and at least the first electrode functions as the sensing indicator.

Abstract: A feedback device for detecting a mechanical input and providing a feedback indication. For example, a wearable biomechanical feedback device that has an electrically conductive fabric sensor that can be closely fitted to a limb. Movement of the limb causes strain on the fabric sensor which alters its electrical impedance and triggers the feedback indication.