Abstract: The present invention provides tissue-engineered pumps and valves, methods of fabricating such pumps and valves, and methods of use of such pumps and valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the arrangement of one or more cells in a medium or on a substrate through the use of boundary conditions, which are changes in local environment compared to the medium or substrate alone or cause an alteration of cell response upon interaction of a cell with the boundary condition.

Abstract: The present invention is based, at least in part, on the isolation of intact pigment granules from the brown chromatophores in the skin of the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis and the characterization of the optical properties of the isolated pigment granules. In particular, it has been discovered that the isolated pigment granules not only fluoresce in the far red wavelength of light when excited with blue/green light, but they also absorb and transmit or scatter light in the visible light range and are stable and optically active under ambient conditions.

Abstract: The conductive polymer films of this disclosure reversibly and selectively mediate ligand-receptor interactions. This electrochemical manipulation of biochemical interactions is accomplished by embedding or adsorbing receptors for ligands of interest in or onto a conductive polymer matrix. The matrix can also be doped, for example, with desired ions, polyions, or surfactants. Depending on the receptor properties and dopants utilized, ligand-receptor interactions at the polymer-electrolyte interface are manipulated by controlling the oxidation and reduction of the conductive polymer. The intrinsic charge transfer characteristics of conductive polymers are used to modulate ligand-receptor interactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput assays for identifying compounds that modulate a contractile function, as well as devices suitable for use in these assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous electroactive hydrogels, the deformation angle of which is controlled by electroactuation, and methods for preparing and using such hydrogels.

Abstract: The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are organ chips that can be individually used or integrated together to form different microphysiological systems, e.g., for use in cell culturing, drug screening, toxicity assays, personalized therapeutic treatment, scaffolding in tissue repair and/or replacement, and/or pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamics studies.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput assays for identifying compounds that modulate a contractile function, as well as devices suitable for these assays.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for forming a micron, submicron and/or nanometer dimension polymeric fiber. The method includes providing a stationary deposit of a polymer. The method also includes contacting a surface of the polymer to impart sufficient force in order to decouple a portion of the polymer from the contact and to fling the portion of the polymer away from the contact and from the deposit of the polymer, thereby forming a micron, submicron and/or nano-meter dimension polymeric fiber.

Abstract: Photosensitive cardiac rhythm modulation structures and systems are described. A genetically-engineered tissue comprising a population of pacing cells expressing a photosensitive membrane transport mechanism that is responsive to light of a particular wavelength(s) combined with one or more of a light source, a power generator, and a sensor provides pacemaker and/or defibrillator function to a subject. The systems further provide in vitro model systems for electrophysiological studies.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of generating and devices of patterned soft substrates, on which cells may be seeded, as well as methods of using these substrates. Devices containing these patterned soft substrates are also provided.

Abstract: A free-standing thin film is fabricated from a structure comprising a base layer coated with a sacrificial polymer layer, which is in turn coated with a flexible polymer layer. Cells are then seeded onto the flexible polymer layer and cultured to form a tissue. The flexible polymer layer is then released from the base layer to produce a free-standing thin film comprising the tissue on the flexible polymer layer. In one embodiment, the cells are myocytes, which can be actuated to propel or displace the free-standing film. In another embodiment, the free-standing film is used to treat injured human tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological pacemakers or AV-node bypasses The biological pacemakers or AV-node bypasses of the invention are useful for the treatment of, inter alia, cardiac arrhythmias and AV-node conduction defects.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems, devices and methods for the fabrication of three-dimensional polymeric fibers having micron, submicron, and nanometer dimensions, as well as methods of use of the polymeric fibers.

Abstract: A free-standing thin film is fabricated from a structure comprising a base layer coated with a sacrificial polymer layer, which is in turn coated with a flexible polymer layer. Cells are then seeded onto the flexible polymer layer and cultured to form a tissue. The flexible polymer layer is then released from the base layer to produce a free-standing thin film comprising the tissue on the flexible polymer layer. In one embodiment, the cells are myocytes, which can be actuated to propel or displace the free-standing film. In another embodiment, the free-standing film is used to treat injured human tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for generating relevant in vitro models of engineered innervated tissue, as well as uses of such tissues.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biochemical actuator heads instrumented with a receptor conductive polymer for reversibly controlling ligand-receptor interactions. Also disclosed are systems and methods for utilizing and fabricating the biochemical actuator head. The biochemical actuator head and related systems and methods may be used in a wide array of applications including, without limitation, micro/nano assembly, examination of cellular signaling mechanisms, image-guided cell nanosurgery or particle processing. Particle processing systems and methods are also provided utilizing a receptor conductive polymer for reversibly controlling ligand-receptor interactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput assays for identifying compounds that modulate a contractile function, as well as devices suitable for use in these assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the fabrication of 3D polymeric fibers having micron, sub-micron, and nanometer dimensions, as well as methods of use of these polymeric fibers.