Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods of preparing a bioactive agent-containing emulsion for delivery to a biological system. This method can comprise the step of jetting a bioactive agent and a first fluid medium from a fluid-jet pen into a second fluid medium to form a bioactive agent-containing emulsion, wherein the second fluid comprises a continuous phase of the emulsion. Alternatively, a method of preparing a bioactive agent-containing liposome can comprise jetting a lipid-containing composition and a bioactive agent from a fluid-jet pen into a medium to form a bioactive agent-containing liposome carried by the medium. The present invention is also drawn to fluid-jet pens and systems configured for making liposome- and emulsion-containing biological agents.

Abstract: Embodiments of an ophthalmic apparatus are disclosed for administering fluids to the eye. In one disclosed embodiment, the ophthalmic apparatus includes an eye-positioning device for assisting a subject in positioning an eye in a desired position for administering the fluid and a fluid applicator for dispensing the fluid into the eye when the eye is in the desired position.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analysis of a sample. The microfluidic device includes a substrate portion that at least partially defines a chamber for receiving the sample. The substrate portion includes a substrate having a surface. The substrate portion also includes a plurality of thin-film layers formed on the substrate adjacent the surface. The thin-film layers form a plurality of electronic devices. Each of at least two of the electronic devices is formed by a different set of the thin-film layers.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods of preparing a bioactive agent-containing emulsion for delivery to a biological system. This method can comprise the step of jetting a bioactive agent and a first fluid medium from a fluid-jet pen into a second fluid medium to form a bioactive agent-containing emulsion, wherein the second fluid comprises a continuous phase of the emulsion. Alternatively, a method of preparing a bioactive agent-containing liposome can comprise jetting a lipid-containing composition and a bioactive agent from a fluid-jet pen into a medium to form a bioactive agent-containing liposome carried by the medium. The present invention is also drawn to fluid-jet pens and systems configured for making liposome- and emulsion-containing biological agents.

Abstract: A method of making microcapsules including activating a fluid ejector at a frequency greater than 10 kilohertz where each activation of the fluid ejector generates essentially a drop, and the fluid ejector is fluidically coupled to a first fluid including a core component. The method further includes ejecting the drop of the first fluid into a second fluid, the drop having a volume. In addition, the method includes generating a microcapsule, that includes the core component, in the second fluid for each drop of the first fluid ejected.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for purifying chitin or chitosan, particularly for obtaining medical grade materials suitable for use in biocompatible devices,formulations, or other materials. Chitosan separation and purification methods are taught for obtaining high purity and fractionated bio-compatible medical grade materials. Chemistries and solvent systems are taught for the use in counter current chromatography, liquid/liquid or other microfluidic separation systems.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analysis of a sample. The microfluidic device includes a substrate portion that at least partially defines a chamber for receiving the sample. The substrate portion includes a substrate having a surface. The substrate portion also includes a plurality of thin-film layers formed on the substrate adjacent the surface. The thin-film layers form a plurality of electronic devices. Each of at least two of the electronic devices is formed by a different set of the thin-film layers.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analysis of a sample. The microfluidic device includes a substrate portion that at least partially defines a chamber for receiving the sample. The substrate portion includes a substrate having a surface. The substrate portion also includes a plurality of thin-film layers formed on the substrate adjacent the surface. The thin-film layers form a plurality of electronic devices. Each of at least two of the electronic devices is formed by a different set of the thin-film layers. The at least two electronic devices may include 1) a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of fluid in the chamber, and 2) an other electronic device configured to sense or modify a property of fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: A culture device for cellular media including a biomedia growth chamber defining a closed environment and an electronically controllable jetting device in communication with a source of material supporting biological function. The jetting device emits the material into the biomedia growth chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering a quantity of at least one material to a selected single cell in a manner that permits impingement of material with the cell. The material travels at a suitable trajectory and velocity and is ejected from an electronically controllable fluid device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for producing high surface area material films and membranes on substrates. In one application, patterns of spikes or bristles are produced on wafers and transferred to films, such as conductive polymer or metal films, by using repetitive and inexpensive processes, such as electroplating and embossing. Such a technique provides low cost, high surface area materials and allows reuse of expensive patterned silicon. Membranes with high surface area are extremely valuable in fuel cells since the power density is generally proportional to the surface area and the patterns may be used to cast inexpensive fuel cell electrodes.

Abstract: A power switch control unit for controlling the operation of a controlled electric device connected to the unit includes a housing having a timing mechanism therein; a power cord having a plug on one end thereof, for connection to a power supply, and having the housing on the other end thereof, for supplying electrical power to the unit and to a connected-electric device controlled by the power switch control unit, and a receptacle for receiving a power cord from an electric device to be controlled by the power switch control unit; control buttons, including: an on/off button for connecting a controlled electric device to the power supply; a timer activation button for activating the timing mechanism, wherein, when the timing mechanism is activated, it connects a controlled electric device to the power supply for a predetermined amount of time in a timed cycle, and then disconnects the connected-electric device from the power supply; and a clear timer button for terminating the predetermined amount of time, a

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for producing high surface area material films and membranes on substrates. In one application, patterns of spikes or bristles are produced on wafers and transferred to films, such as conductive polymer or metal films, by using repetitive and inexpensive processes, such as electroplating and embossing. Such a technique provides low cost, high surface area materials and allows reuse of expensive patterned silicon. Membranes with high surface area are extremely valuable in fuel cells since the power density is generally proportional to the surface area and the patterns may be used to cast inexpensive fuel cell electrodes.

Abstract: A fluid ejector head, includes a fluid ejector body adapted to be inserted into an opening of an enclosing medium having an interior surface, and at least one nozzle disposed on the fluid ejector body. The fluid ejector head further includes, a fluid ejector actuator in fluid communication with the at least one nozzle, wherein activation of the fluid ejector actuator ejects a fluid through the at least one nozzle at controlled locations onto the interior surface of the enclosing medium.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering a quantity of treatment materials to a targeted location on epithelial tissue in which the position on the epithelial tissue is located and a quantity of at least one treatment material is ejected from at least one electronically controllable fluid delivery device into contact with the epithelial tissue.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dissolution rate of a bioactive agent includes applying a first drop of solution carrying the bioactive agent at a first selected location on a delivery substrate, and positioning a second drop of solution carrying the bioactive agent at a second selected location on the delivery substrate, wherein the location of the first drop and the location of the second drop are selected based on a target dissolution rate.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dissolution rate of a bioactive agent includes selecting a desired dot topography corresponding to a target dissolution rate and applying a bioactive agent to a delivery substrate to form dots having the desired dot topography on the delivery substrate.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dissolution rate of a bioactive agent includes selecting a desired dot size corresponding to a target dissolution rate, and applying a bioactive agent to a delivery substrate in drops of solution configured to form dots having the desired dot size on the delivery substrate.

Abstract: A fluid ejector head, includes a fluid ejector body adapted to be inserted into an opening of an enclosing medium having an interior surface, and at least one nozzle disposed on the fluid ejector body. The fluid ejector head further includes, a fluid ejector actuator in fluid communication with the at least one nozzle, wherein activation of the fluid ejector actuator ejects a fluid through the at least one nozzle at controlled locations onto the interior surface of the enclosing medium.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods of preparing a bioactive agent-containing emulsion for delivery to a biological system. This method can comprise the step of jetting a bioactive agent and a first fluid medium from a fluid-jet pen into a second fluid medium to form a bioactive agent-containing emulsion, wherein the second fluid comprises a continuous phase of the emulsion. Alternatively, a method of preparing a bioactive agent-containing liposome can comprise jetting a lipid-containing composition and a bioactive agent from a fluid-jet pen into a medium to form a bioactive agent-containing liposome carried by the medium.