Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) can include an accommodating lens structure having an accommodating optical power. The AIOL can include a secondary structure removably connected to the accommodating lens. In some embodiments, the accommodating lens structure is configured to adjust the accommodating optical power in response to radial forces from the capsule of a patient. The secondary structure can be a sensor assembly, a powered lens and/or a light-adjustable lens. In some embodiments, the accommodating lens structure comprises an outer fluid reservoir and a fluid accommodating lens in fluid communication with the outer fluid reservoir. The outer fluid reservoir can be configured to transfer fluid into the fluid accommodating lens in reaction to compressive forces on the outer fluid reservoir.

Abstract: In one example, the present invention is directed to a wound-healing patch including a flexible substrate, at least one wound electrode, at least one guard electrode and at least one return electrode. The guard electrode is positioned between the wound and return electrodes in the electrical path of current traveling between the return and wound electrodes on the surface of the skin, sinking the surface current and force the wound current to travel deeper into the tissue. In the invention, the wound electrode(s) is positioned on a portion of the flexible substrate designed to be placed over wounded tissue and the return electrode is positioned on a portion of the substrate substantially surrounding the wound and guard electrodes and is designed to be placed over healthy tissue.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer-based microfluidic system platform using network building blocks selected from a set of interconnectable network building blocks, such as wire, pins, blocks, and interconnects. The selected building blocks are interconnectably assembled and fixedly positioned in precise positions in a mold cavity of a mold frame to construct a three-dimensional model construction of a microfluidic flow path network preferably having meso-scale dimensions. A hardenable liquid, such as poly (dimethylsiloxane) is then introduced into the mold cavity and hardened to form a platform structure as well as to mold the microfluidic flow path network having channels, reservoirs and ports. Pre-fabricated elbows, T's and other joints are used to interconnect various building block elements together. After hardening the liquid the building blocks are removed from the platform structure to make available the channels, cavities and ports within the platform structure.

Abstract: A medical device including a medical device metallic substrate component, with perforations therethrough, attached to a medical device polymeric component abutting the thin metallic film component. The medical device also includes a polymeric sleeve covering the perforations and at least a portion of the polymeric component abutting the metallic substrate component. Moreover, the polymeric sleeve intrudes into the perforations and joins the metallic substrate component to the polymeric component. A method for attaching a medical device metallic substrate component to a medical device polymeric component includes forming a plurality of perforations in the medical device metallic substrate component and abutting the medical device polymeric component against the medical device metallic substrate component. Subsequently, a polymeric sleeve is applied over the perforations and at least a portion of the abutted medical device polymeric component.

Abstract: In one example, the present invention is directed to wound-healing patche that passively or actively draw fluids from a wound using an internal, integral vacuum source. The patches may also include electrodes and electronics for electrostimulation, and bioactive compounds that promote healing, such as anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: In one example, the present invention is directed to a wound-healing patch including a flexible substrate, at least one wound electrode and at least one return electrode. In the invention, the wound electrode(s) is positioned on a portion of the flexible substrate designed to be placed over wounded tissue and the return electrode is positioned on a portion of the substrate remote from the wound-healing electrode and designed to be placed over healthy tissue.

Abstract: In one example, the present invention is directed to a wound-healing patch including a flexible substrate, at least one wound electrode, at least one guard electrode and at least one return electrode. The guard electrode is positioned between the wound and return electrodes in the electrical path of current traveling between the return and wound electrodes on the surface of the skin, sinking the surface current and force the wound current to travel deeper into the tissue. In the invention, the wound electrode(s) is positioned on a portion of the flexible substrate designed to be placed over wounded tissue and the return electrode is positioned on a portion of the substrate substantially surrounding the wound and guard electrodes and is designed to be placed over healthy tissue.

Abstract: A stretchable electronic apparatus and method of producing the apparatus. The apparatus has a central longitudinal axis and the apparatus is stretchable in a longitudinal direction generally aligned with the central longitudinal axis. The apparatus comprises a stretchable polymer body, and at least one circuit line operatively connected to the stretchable polymer body, the at least one circuit line extending in the longitudinal direction and having a longitudinal component that extends in the longitudinal direction and having an offset component that is at an angle to the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal component and the offset component allowing the apparatus to stretch in the longitudinal direction while maintaining the integrity of the at least one circuit line.

Abstract: The invention features a method of treating acne by piercing the stratum corneum of skin in need of such treatment with a stratum corneum-piercing device including a microprotrusion member having a skin-contacting surface and plurality of stratum corneum-piercing microprotrusions thereon.

Abstract: The invention features a method of treating acne by piercing the stratum corneum of skin in need of such treatment with a stratum corneum-piercing device that contains at least one stratum corneum-piercing microprotrusion and a compressible cover such that the compressible cover substantially encases the at least one stratum corneum-piercing microprotrusion, and wherein upon contacting the skin with the compressible cover, the at least one stratum corneum-piercing microprotrusion protrudes from the compressible cover and pierces the stratum corneum of the skin.

Abstract: An image is captured or otherwise converted into a signal in an artificial vision system. The signal is transmitted to the retina utilizing an implant. The implant consists of a polymer substrate made of a compliant material such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) or PDMS. The polymer substrate is conformable to the shape of the retina. Electrodes and conductive leads are embedded in the polymer substrate. The conductive leads and the electrodes transmit the signal representing the image to the cells in the retina. The signal representing the image stimulates cells in the retina.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid composite for medical devices that interface with biological tissues. The hybrid composite comprises at least one first layer of conformable polymeric material, a second layer of insulating polymeric material, and one or more active components and/or one or more passive components, wherein the one or more active components and/or the one or more passive components are partially or completely embedded in the first layer of conformable polymeric material or the second layer of insulating polymeric material. Preferably, the conformable polymeric material is an elastomer, a hydrogel or a biodissolvable polymer and the insulating polymeric material is parylene or silicon carbide. A method of forming the inventive hybrid composite is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for fabricating microfluidic systems with embedded components in which micron-scale features are molded into the polymeric material polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Micromachining is used to create a mold master and the liquid precursors for PDMS are poured over the mold and allowed to cure. The PDMS is then removed form the mold and bonded to another material such as PDMS, glass, or silicon after a simple surface preparation step to form sealed microchannels.

Abstract: The invention features a method of treating acne by piercing the stratum corneum of skin in need of such treatment with a stratum corneum-piercing device that contains at east one stratum corneum-piercing microprotrusion and a compressible cover such that the compressible cover substantially encases the at least one stratum corneum-piercing microprotrusion, and wherein upon contacting the skin with the compressible cover, the at least one stratum corneum-piercing microprotrusion protrudes from the compressible cover and pierces the stratum corneum of the skin.

Abstract: A system for providing metal features on silicone comprising providing a silicone layer on a matrix and providing a metal layer on the silicone layer. An electronic apparatus can be produced by the system. The electronic apparatus comprises a silicone body and metal features on the silicone body that provide an electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention features a device having a barrier membrane contacting surface, the device containing: a power source; a first conductive electrode; a second conductive electrode; and a reservoir; wherein said power source is in electric communication with said first conductive electrode and said second conductive electrode, wherein said first conductive electrode and said second conductive electrode are arranged such that they are both capable of being in ionic communication with a carrier upon the inclusion of said carrier to said reservoir; and the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention features a stratum corneum-piercing device including a microprotrusion member having a skin-contacting surface and plurality of stratum corneum piercing microprotrusions thereon, the device being adapted to move the microprotrusion member lateral to the surface of the skin surface upon contact with the skin.

Abstract: Various methods of micro-fabricating 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional medical devices comprised of bio-degradable materials. The various methods use conventional photo-lithographic techniques commonly used in the semi-conductor or integrated circuit industry and translate those techniques to process bio-degradable medical devices. The devices may be active, passive or combination active-passive devices for controlling the release of drugs or other bio-active agents contained within the devices. Such devices may be used externally or internally for drug delivery, wound healing, tissue re-generation or the like.

Abstract: A peel and stick electronic system comprises a silicone body, and at least one electronic unit operatively connected to the silicone body. The electronic system is produce by providing a silicone layer on a substrate, providing a metal layer on the silicone layer, and providing at least one electronic unit connected to the metal layer.

Abstract: Low power integrated pumping and valving arrays which provide a revolutionary approach for performing pumping and valving approach for performing pumping and valving operations in microfabricated fluidic systems for applications such as medical diagnostic microchips. Traditional methods rely on external, large pressure sources that defeat the advantages of miniaturization. Previously demonstrated microfabrication devices are power and voltage intensive, only function at sufficient pressure to be broadly applicable. This approach integrates a lower power, high-pressure source with a polymer, ceramic, or metal plug enclosed within a microchannel, analogous to a microsyringe. When the pressure source is activated, the polymer plug slides within the microchannel, pumping the fluid on the opposite side of the plug without allowing fluid to leak around the plug. The plugs also can serve as microvalves.