Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating and patterning hydrogels in order to modify surface properties. The method exploits the water content of the hydrogel and the hydrophobicity of the reaction solvent to create a thin oxide adhesion layer on the hydrogel surface. This oxide adhesion layer enables rapid transformation of the hydrophilic, cell non-adhesive hydrogel into either a highly hydrophobic or a cell-adhesive hydrogel by reaction with an alkylphosphonic acid or an ?,?-diphosphonoalkane, respectively. Also disclosed are coated, patterned hydrogels and constructs comprising the coated, patterned hydrogels.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating and patterning hydrogels in order to modify surface properties. The method exploits the water content of the hydrogel and the hydrophobicity of the reaction solvent to create a thin oxide adhesion layer on the hydrogel surface. This oxide adhesion layer enables rapid transformation of the hydrophilic, cell non-adhesive hydrogel into either a highly hydrophobic or a cell-adhesive hydrogel by reaction with an alkylphosphonic acid or an ?,?-diphosphonoalkane, respectively. Also disclosed are coated, patterned hydrogels and constructs comprising the coated, patterned hydrogels.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of forming an antimicrobial and/or antiviral metal coating on a substrate comprising surface groups that bond to a metal alkoxide to form a 3-dimensional metal oxide/alkoxide adhesion layer. The methods include A) soaking or spraying a substrate comprising a 3-dimensional metal oxide/alkoxide layer with a solution of a transition metal salt, and reduction of the transition metal salt to form a continuous network of transition metal within the 3-D layer, or B) soaking or spraying a substrate comprising a 3-dimensional metal oxide/alkoxide layer with a solution of a post-transition metal salt, sintering at high temperature to form a continuous post-transition metal network within the 3-D layer, and electrolyzing to replace post-transition metal with a transition metal.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment, prevention of, proliferation of, or killing of cells associated with metastatic progression of cancer in a cancer patient are disclosed. More specifically, compositions containing a single type of glyceride, fatty acid, or fatty acid derivative, mixtures thereof, or glycerides and/or fatty acids/fatty acid derivatives in combination with cancer metabolism disruptors, chemotherapeutics and modulators of immune response, are disclosed. Compositions disclosed herein include formulations of monolaurin, and formulations including monolaurin and additional components. Also, methods of treating metastatic cancer and/or preventing cancer relapse in a cancer patient by administering compositions containing a single type of glyceride, fatty acid, or fatty acid derivative, mixtures thereof, or glycerides and/or fatty acids/fatty acid derivatives in combination with cancer metabolism disruptors, chemotherapeutics and modulators of immune response, are disclosed.

Abstract: A matrix for neuron regeneration. The matrix can include a sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface having a plurality of integrally formed ridges. The sheet can have a spiral shape, such that the first surface of the sheet faces the second surface of the sheet. The sheet and the integrally formed ridges can comprise oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate).

Abstract: A cell-based device and method are disclosed for in vitro testing of compositions or compounds for irritation potential. Both the device and method comprise a) a confluent layer of corneal epithelial cells supported on a chemically patterned hydrogel, where the cells are aligned with the chemical pattern, b) a collector to receive effluent fluid, and optionally c) a detector. The device and method can also comprise an extracellular matrix (ECM) assembled by corneal keratocytes supported on the chemically patterned hydrogel. The cell-based device and method provide simple replacements for the in vivo Draize rabbit eye irritation test.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissue scaffolds, methods of generating such scaffolds, and methods of use of such scaffolds to generate aligned and functional neural tissues for use in methods including regenerative medicine, wound repair and transplantation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating and patterning hydrogels in order to modify surface properties. The method exploits the water content of the hydrogel and the hydrophobicity of the reaction solvent to create a thin oxide adhesion layer on the hydrogel surface. This oxide adhesion layer enables rapid transformation of the hydrophilic, cell non-adhesive hydrogel into either a highly hydrophobic or a cell-adhesive hydrogel by reaction with an alkylphosphonic acid or an ?,?-diphosphonoalkane, respectively. Also disclosed are coated, patterned hydrogels and constructs comprising the coated, patterned hydrogels.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment, prevention of, proliferation of, or killing of cells associated with metastatic progression of cancer in a cancer patient are disclosed. More specifically, compositions containing a single type of glyceride, fatty acid, or fatty acid derivative, mixtures thereof, or glycerides and/or fatty acids/fatty acid derivatives in combination with cancer metabolism disruptors, chemotherapeutics and modulators of immune response, are disclosed. Compositions disclosed herein include formulations of monolaurin, and formulations including monolaurin and additional components. Also, methods of treating metastatic cancer and/or preventing cancer relapse in a cancer patient by administering compositions containing a single type of glyceride, fatty acid, or fatty acid derivative, mixtures thereof, or glycerides and/or fatty acids/fatty acid derivatives in combination with cancer metabolism disruptors, chemotherapeutics and modulators of immune response, are disclosed.

Abstract: A protective barrier system is provided, the protective barrier system comprising: at least one support member configured for coupling to a surface; a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being coupled to the at least one support member; a barrier material coupled to and suspended between the upper portion and the lower portion of the frame, the barrier material forming an enclosure having an interior and an exterior; and a door positioned relative to the enclosure and configured to provide access to the interior of the enclosure, wherein the barrier material is spaced from the at least one support member; and wherein the frame provides shape and structure to the barrier material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating surfaces that are unreactive or of low reactivity toward an inorganic alkoxide, in order to modify surface properties. The surface is activated by oxidation or amination to produce reactive functionality on the surface, followed by chemical reaction with an inorganic alkoxide to form an inorganic adhesion layer on the surface. This adhesion layer transforms the surface into one that reacts readily with a phosphonic acid that can then be used to impart hydrophobic or cell-adhesive properties to the surface or that can be transformed to attach bioactive substrates through metal-catalyzed coupling procedures. The adhesion layer can serve to bond directly with other organics that are reactive toward such metal oxides. Also disclosed are coated surfaces and constructs comprising the coated surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissue scaffolds, methods of generating such scaffolds, and methods of use of such scaffolds to generate aligned and functional tissues for use in methods including regenerative medicine, wound repair and transplantation.

Abstract: A construct that supports cell attachment and alignment including a substrate that is incompatible with photolithography conditions, containing a physical pattern in at least part of one surface, the physical pattern optionally bearing a coating of a metal alkoxide, oxide or mixed oxide-alkoxide thereon and a Self-Assembled Monolayer of Phosphonate (SAMP) covalently attached thereto, which phosphonate contains functionality adapted for cell binding. The construct optionally also contains cells attached thereto. Also disclosed are methods of preparing such a construct.

Abstract: Devices are provided which are functionalized to include surface regions having anti-infective agents. Methods are provided for functionalizing various material surfaces to include active surface regions for binding anti-infective agents. Methods are provided by which anti-infective moieties or agents are bonded to functionalized surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissue scaffolds, methods of generating such scaffolds, and methods of use of such scaffolds to generate aligned and functional tissues for use in methods including regenerative medicine, wound repair, and transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissue scaffolds, methods of generating such scaffolds, and methods of use of such scaffolds to generate aligned and functional neural tissues for use in methods including regenerative medicine, wound repair and transplantation.

Abstract: A protective barrier system is provided, the protective barrier system comprising: at least one support member configured for coupling to a surface; a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being coupled to the at least one support member; a barrier material coupled to and suspended between the upper portion and the lower portion of the frame, the barrier material forming an enclosure having an interior and an exterior; and a door positioned relative to the enclosure and configured to provide access to the interior of the enclosure, wherein the barrier material is spaced from the at least one support member; and wherein the frame provides shape and structure to the barrier material.

Abstract: Polymeric substrates, optionally in sheet form, treated with a thin layer of photoresist are perforated by laser ablation. Following removal of the photoresist the polymer substrates perforated with holes are patterned in stripes by photolithography, which is followed by synthesis of a cell-adhesive organometallic/self-assembled monolayer of phosphonate (SAMP) interface in the exposed regions, providing well-aligned continuous stripes for various levels of perforation. Cells plated on each of these 2-dimensional (2D) perforated surfaces attach to the interface and spread in alignment with pattern fidelity that is as high as that measured on a non-perforated, patterned substrate. A stack of such 2D patterned polymers yields a 3-dimensional (3D) device which facilitates cell growth and viability via the perforations.

Abstract: Devices are provided which are functionalized to include surface regions having anti-infective agents. Methods are provided for functionalizing various material surfaces to include active surface regions for binding anti-infective agents. Methods are provided by which anti-infective moieties or agents are bonded to functionalized surfaces.

Abstract: A construct that supports cell attachment and alignment including a substrate that is incompatible with photolithography conditions, containing a physical pattern in at least part of one surface, the physical pattern optionally bearing a coating of a metal alkoxide, oxide or mixed oxide-alkoxide thereon and a Self-Assembled Monolayer of Phosphonate (SAMP) covalently attached thereto, which phosphonate contains functionality adapted for cell binding. The construct optionally also contains cells attached thereto. Also disclosed are methods of preparing such a construct.