Abstract: A method is described. The method comprising inputting starch into an extruder, inputting a plasticizer into the extruder, outputting an extrudate from the extruder, and chopping the extrudate output from the extruder into pellets. The extrudate includes the starch and the plasticizer. A pellet for manufacturing a biodegradable product is described. The pellet comprises starch and a plasticizer. A composition of the pellet, by weight percent, includes a starch weight percent representative of the starch included in the pellet and a plasticizer weight percent representative of the plasticizer included in the pellet. The starch weight percent is greater than the plasticizer weight percent and a density of the pellet is at least 0.5 g/cm3.

Abstract: A foam precursor, a foam, and methods for making the foam precursor and the foam is described. The foam includes unmodified starch, polybutylene adipate-co-therephthalate (PBAT), and water. A PBAT weight percent representative of the PBAT included in the foam precursor is from 10% to 40%. A water weight percent representative of the water included in the foam precursor is from 1% to 14%. The PBAT weight percent is greater than the water weight percent. A density of the foam is from 10 kg/m3 to 80 kg/m3.

Abstract: A cell culture well, cell culture plates and microfluidic systems comprising cell culture wells, and methods of using them for cell culture are provided. Inlets are positioned at the top of the cell culture well to provide enough spacing between the inlet and cell culture to slow fluidic flow over cells and reduce damage to cells. The inlet channel slopes down from the top of the plate to the culture well. The angle and profile of the inlet and outlet geometries are designed to manipulate or eliminate vortices when fluid is flowing. A ramp that directs culture media into the well may also be included. An advantage of the design is that the entire fluidic component can be injection molded or three-dimensionally (3D) printed in a single step.

Abstract: A foam precursor, a foam, and methods for making the foam precursor and the foam is described. The foam precursor includes unmodified starch, polybutylene adipate-co-therephthalate (PBAT), and water. A PBAT weight percent representative of the PBAT included in the foam precursor is from 10% to 40%. A starch weight percent representative of the unmodified starch included in the foam precursor is greater than the PBAT weight percent. A water weight percent representative of the water included in the foam precursor is 20% or less. The PBAT weight percent is greater than the water weight percent. A density of the foam precursor is from 400 kg/m3 to 1500 kg/m3.

Abstract: A method for forming a foam laminate is disclosed. The method comprises applying water to a first surface of a first foam composite to convert the first surface to a solubilized foam layer. A first composition of the first foam composite includes a first material intermixed with a second material. The first material is water-soluble and the second material is water-insoluble. The solubilized foam layer includes dissolved first material corresponding to a portion of the first material at or proximate to the first surface at least partially dissolved by the water. The method further comprises contacting the solubilized foam layer to a second surface of a second foam composite to form a foam stack. The method further comprises dehydrating the solubilized foam layer to solidify the dissolved first material and bond the first foam composite to the second foam composite to form the foam laminate.

Abstract: A bioelectronic smart device capable of charge (e.g., proton) delivery for providing treatment (e.g., changing the pH) of wound surfaces on in vitro and in vivo models. In one example, this is achieved through the use of a device that incorporates a hydrogel-based ion pump with a custom PCB for pump actuation. In one example, we were able to achieve delivery of approximately 6-19 nanomoles of protons to in vivo wound surfaces after ten minutes.

Abstract: A foam precursor, a foam, and methods for making the foam precursor and the foam is described. The foam precursor includes unmodified starch, polybutylene adipate-co-therephthalate (PBAT), and water. A PBAT weight percent representative of the PBAT included in the foam precursor is from 10% to 40%. A starch weight percent representative of the unmodified starch included in the foam precursor is greater than the PBAT weight percent. A water weight percent representative of the water included in the foam precursor is 20% or less. The PBAT weight percent is greater than the water weight percent. A density of the foam precursor is from 400 kg/m3 to 1500 kg/m3.

Abstract: A foam precursor is described. The foam precursor comprises a starch, a lubricant, and a linear polysaccharide different from the starch. The starch is at least 25% by weight amylose content. A density of the foam precursor is from 0.5 g/cm3 to 1.0 g/cm3. A composition of the foam precursor includes a starch weight percent representative of the starch included in the foam precursor and a polysaccharide weight percent representative of the linear polysaccharide included in the foam precursor. The starch weight percent is greater than the polysaccharide weight percent.

Abstract: A method is described. The method comprising inputting starch into an extruder, inputting a plasticizer into the extruder, outputting an extrudate from the extruder, and chopping the extrudate output from the extruder into pellets. The extrudate includes the starch and the plasticizer. A pellet for manufacturing a biodegradable product is described. The pellet comprises starch and a plasticizer. A composition of the pellet, by weight percent, includes a starch weight percent representative of the starch included in the pellet and a plasticizer weight percent representative of the plasticizer included in the pellet. The starch weight percent is greater than the plasticizer weight percent and a density of the pellet is at least 0.5 g/cm3.

Abstract: A non-enzymatic sensor includes a substrate; a sensor contact disposed on the substrate; and a pH modifying contact disposed on the substrate proximate the sensor contact. The pH modifying contact includes a material that absorbs hydrogen from and expels hydrogen to a fluid when in use in response to applied voltages resulting in an electrically controllable change of pH of the fluid. The pH modifying contact is positioned relative to the sensor contact such that the electrically controllable change of pH of the fluid results in a change in pH of the fluid proximal to the sensor contact to thereby enhanced detection of a substance of interest at the sensor contact without the use of enzymes.

Abstract: A non-enzymatic sensor includes a substrate; a sensor contact disposed on the substrate; and a pH modifying contact disposed on the substrate proximate the sensor contact. The pH modifying contact includes a material that absorbs hydrogen from and expels hydrogen to a fluid when in use in response to applied voltages resulting in an electrically controllable change of pH of the fluid. The pH modifying contact is positioned relative to the sensor contact such that the electrically controllable change of pH of the fluid results in a change in pH of the fluid proximal to the sensor contact to thereby enhanced detection of a substance of interest at the sensor contact without the use of enzymes.