Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a process for producing a crystalline antioxidant comprising: (1) providing an aqueous solution comprising a hydrophilic antioxidant; and a polymer selected from hyaluronate-dopamine, alginate-dopamine, chitosan-dopamine, poly(ethylene glycol) dopamine and their derivatives, or mixtures thereof; (2) forming a liquid droplet of the aqueous solution, the droplet having a diameter, wherein polymer-induced nucleation of the antioxidant occurs in the liquid droplets; (3) crystallizing the crystalline antioxidant by performing at least one of: (a) subjecting the liquid droplet to thermal cycling between a lower temperature and a higher temperature, wherein antioxidant crystal growth occurs at the lower temperature and crystal dissolution occurs at the upper temperature; and maintaining the thermal cycling until the droplet contains one or two antioxidant crystals, and (b) subjecting the liquid droplet to shear deformation using a shear-induced mixing-on-a-chip device, whe

Abstract: Patches configured to hold an oncogenic cargo and deliver the cargo in a controlled manner to a predetermined location of a specified tissue are disclosed. As one example, a patch can comprise a base layer configured to adhere to a predetermined location of a tissue and a hydrogel layer. The hydrogel layer can comprise a plurality of microchannels that are configured to store and release a gene-modifying vector over a time period and in a quantity sufficient to produce a somatic cell tumor through manipulation of the genome of somatic cells at the predetermined location.

Abstract: Provided herein are manipulators for handling fragile layers and related methods of handling using the manipulators. The manipulators comprise a contact surface with thermally responsive recess features and a microelectric heater in thermal contact with the contact surface. In this manner, the manipulator is an electrothermal manipulator, with changes in temperature providing a contact force to pick-up a transferable layer material and a release force to facilitate release of the transferable from the manipulator.

Abstract: Provided herein are stimulus-responsive polymer microgelator particles that can activate fibrin fiber formation from their surfaces by actively ejecting thrombin to form an interconnected fibrin network with an increased elastic modulus and desirable microstructure. The use of the microgelators enables the decoupling of gelation rate and gel rigidity.

Abstract: Compositions comprising an active oxygen-responsive antioxidant crystal, methods of making them, and methods for controlling the dissolution rate and/or altering the crystallization behavior of an antioxidant are disclosed. The crystals comprise an antioxidant and a disulfide- or diselenide-crosslinked polymer that is adsorbed onto a surface of the antioxidant. Upon exposure to an active-oxygen stimulus, the polymer de-crosslinks to release the antioxidant from the composition in an amount effective to counteract the stimulus. While prior approaches to altering dissolution rates have relied on passive zero- or first-order kinetics that are independent of ROS levels, the inventive compositions actively respond by releasing antioxidant in an amount proportional to the concentration of active-oxygen species present. The crystallization methods are simple and scalable.

Abstract: Diatom microbubblers comprising diatom biosilica or other silica linked to a catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, such as manganese oxide (MnO2), platinum (Pt), CuO (copper II oxide), or zinc peroxide (ZnO2) particles or nanosheets, or catalase are provided. Further provided are methods of reducing or eliminating biofilm or biofouling conditions.

Abstract: Provided herein are manipulators for handling fragile layers and related methods of handling using the manipulators. The manipulators comprise a contact surface with thermally responsive recess features and a microelectric heater in thermal contact with the contact surface. In this manner, the manipulator is an electrothermal manipulator, with changes in temperature providing a contact force to pick-up a transferable layer material and a release force to facilitate release of the transferable from the manipulator.

Abstract: Provided herein are stimulus-responsive polymer microgelator particles that can activate fibrin fiber formation from their surfaces by actively ejecting thrombin to form an interconnected fibrin network with an increased elastic modulus and desirable microstructure. The use of the microgelators enables the decoupling of gelation rate and gel rigidity.

Abstract: Compositions comprising an active oxygen-responsive antioxidant crystal, methods of making them, and methods for controlling the dissolution rate and/or altering the crystallization behavior of an antioxidant are disclosed. The crystals comprise an antioxidant and a disulfide- or diselenide-crosslinked polymer that is adsorbed onto a surface of the antioxidant. Upon exposure to an active-oxygen stimulus, the polymer de-crosslinks to release the antioxidant from the composition in an amount effective to counteract the stimulus. While prior approaches to altering dissolution rates have relied on passive zero- or first-order kinetics that are independent of ROS levels, the inventive compositions actively respond by releasing antioxidant in an amount proportional to the concentration of active-oxygen species present. The crystallization methods are simple and scalable.

Abstract: Diatom microbubblers comprising diatom biosilica or other silica linked to a catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, such as manganese oxide (MnO2), platinum (Pt), CuO (copper II oxide), or zinc peroxide (ZnO2) particles or nanosheets, or catalase are provided. Further provided are methods of reducing or eliminating biofilm or biofouling conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for making and using microvascular stamps for stimulation and spatial organization of neovessels in tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for making and using microvascular stamps for stimulation and spatial organization of neovessels in tissue.

Abstract: Sprayable fiber reinforced hydraulically setting mortars exhibit strain hardening behavior, and comprise hydraulically setting cement, less than 4 weight percent matrix interactive fibers, a non-Newtonian additive, a superplasticizer, optionally a viscosity control agent, aggregate, and further additives. The ductile composites can be prepared by spraying in thicknesses higher than conventional sprayable mortars.

Abstract: Sprayable fiber reinforced hydraulically setting mortars exhibit strain hardening behavior, and comprise hydraulically setting cement, less than 4 weight percent matrix interactive fibers, a non-Newtonian additive, a superplasticizer, optionally a viscosity control agent, aggregate, and further additives. The ductile composites can be prepared by spraying in thicknesses higher than conventional sprayable mortars.