Abstract: A tissue stretching system includes a motor, a first pillar, a second pillar, a force sensor, and an imaging device. The tissue stretching system may be provided as a 2D axial tissue stretcher that may monitor changes in mechanical properties over time. Tissues may be coated onto the first pillar and/or the second pillar. In a specific example, the first pillar and/or the second pillar may be a PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) structure configured to probe the mechanical properties in between a designed gap of the first pillar and the second pillar. The motor of the tissue stretching system includes a microcontroller. The motor of the tissue stretching system may have high resolution capabilities to provide the appropriate strain to the sample. The tissue stretching system then determines the actual amount of strain applied to the sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel nano-droplet composition comprising a fluorocarbon core and a polymeric shell, and the method of using and making the novel nano-droplet composition. The fluorocarbon core and the polymeric shell of the novel nano-droplet form a micelle with a size range of 10-1000 nm. The fluorocarbon core comprises at least one fluorocarbon compound with a formula of CnF2n+2 and n is 5-10. The fluorocarbon compound is substantial in liquid form. And the nano-droplet composition has a temperature profile such that the nano-droplet composition has a temperature range of 20-60° C. throughout a temperature modulation process, and has a temperature of about 37° C. prior to administration to a human, animal, biological cell, or tissue subject.

Abstract: A formulation to deter abuse of a drug by smoking comprising a physical barrier having properties to entrap the drug and thermal degradation products thereof. The physical barrier is in the form of an additive or a polymer network or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A cellular support system comprises a three-dimensional scaffold structure comprising at least one void. At least one suspended protein bridge spans across the at least one void in the three-dimensional scaffold structure. The suspended protein bridge is capable of supporting cells and promotes three-dimensional cellular growth. In certain aspects, the protein in the suspended protein bridge is an extracellular matrix protein, such as collagens, laminins, fibronectins, and combinations thereof. Such a cellular support system supports thriving cell cultures in three-dimensions emulating cell growth in vivo in an extracellular matrix, including promoting cell remodeling. Methods for making such cellular support systems are also provided.

Abstract: A stabilized nanobubble can include a membrane that defines at least one internal void, which includes at least one gas. The membrane can include at least one lipid and at least one nonionic triblock copolymer that is effective to control the size of the nanobubble without compromising in vitro and in vivo echogenicity of the nanobubble.

Abstract: Cell-culture platforms are described that can impart cyclic strain on a biologically-relevant culture substrate. Accordingly, systems and methods of the invention can provide a more accurate model of physiological strain and forces than earlier technologies. Systems of the invention enable high-throughput experimentation in standard culturing equipment, while utilizing a 3D physiologically-relevant environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel nano-droplet composition comprising a fluorocarbon core and a polymeric shell, and the method of using and making the novel nano-droplet composition. The fluorocarbon core and the polymeric shell of the novel nano-droplet form a micelle with a size range of 10-1000 nm. The fluorocarbon core comprises at least one fluorocarbon compound with a formula of CnF2n+2 and n is 5-10. The fluorocarbon compound is substantial in liquid form. And the nano-droplet composition has a temperature profile such that the nano-droplet composition has a temperature range of 20-60° C. throughout a temperature modulation process, and has a temperature of about 37° C. prior to administration to a human, animal, biological cell, or tissue subject.

Abstract: A stabilized nanobubble can include a membrane that defines at least one internal void, which includes at least one gas. The membrane can include at least one lipid and at least one nonionic triblock copolymer that is effective to control the size of the nanobubble without compromising in vitro and in vivo echogenicity of the nanobubble.

Abstract: A stabilized nanobubble can include a membrane that defines at least one internal void, which includes at least one gas. The membrane can include at least one lipid and at least one nonionic triblock copolymer that is effective to control the size of the nanobubble without compromising in vitro and in vivo echogenicity of the nanobubble.

Abstract: A cellular support system comprises a three-dimensional scaffold structure comprising at least one void. At least one suspended protein bridge spans across the at least one void in the three-dimensional scaffold structure. The suspended protein bridge is capable of supporting cells and promotes three-dimensional cellular growth. In certain aspects, the protein in the suspended protein bridge is an extracellular matrix protein, such as collagens, laminins, fibronectins, and combinations thereof. Such a cellular support system supports thriving cell cultures in three-dimensions emulating cell growth in vivo in an extracellular matrix, including promoting cell remodeling. Methods for making such cellular support systems are also provided.

Abstract: A stabilized nanobubble can include a membrane that defines at least one internal void, which includes at least one gas. The membrane can include at least one lipid and at least one nonionic triblock copolymer that is effective to control the size of the nanobubble without compromising in vitro and in vivo echogenicity of the nanobubble.