Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the system is used to monitor how organ systems respond to agents such as toxins or medications. The system enables the precise and controlled delivery of these agents, which, in some implementations, enables the biomimetic dosing of drugs in humans to be mimicked.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a bodily cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a drug supply reservoir to supply drug into a delivery channel and an actuator for delivering the drug to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear. The drug is loaded into the delivery channel while producing substantially negligible flow at an outlet of the delivery channel.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the system is used to monitor how organ systems respond to agents such as toxins or medications. The system enables the precise and controlled delivery of these agents, which, in some implementations, enables the biomimetic dosing of drugs in humans to be mimicked.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve system includes a substrate, a valve seat a compliant membrane and a mechanically actuable displacement element. The substrate includes first and second channels embedded within it and includes a first layer of material and a second layer of material. The valve seat is in fluid communication with the first and second channels. Portions of the second layer of material form sidewalls of the second channel and the valve seat. The mechanically actuable displacement element applies a mechanical force to the compliant membrane to bring the compliant membrane into sealable contact with the valve seat, thereby closing the valve system.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the system is used to monitor how organ systems respond to agents such as toxins or medications. The system enables the precise and controlled delivery of these agents, which, in some implementations, enables the biomimetic dosing of drugs in humans to be mimicked.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an actuating mechanism is employed to displace a conductor disposed within a fluidic channel, thereby reconfiguring an electronic component.

Abstract: A variable, closed-loop apparatus for regulating a microfluidic flow that employs a low-power deflection assembly, which is surface-mounted over a flexible membrane overlying a chamber integrated into a microfabricated platform. A flexible membrane, movable between two positions, sealingly overlies the chamber. One of the positions of the membrane restricts the flow through the chamber to a greater degree than the other position. A deflection assembly disposed on the substrate over the membrane unidirectionally deflects the membrane, thereby regulating the flow through the chamber.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a body cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a variable-volume vessel defining a working chamber for receiving a drug and recirculating a therapeutic fluid. The fluid can contain a bodily fluid, such as, for example, perilymph, and a drug. The device allows for the controlled delivery of the therapeutic fluid to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may include a substrate that defines a flow-control cavity and first and second channels in fluid communication with the flow-control cavity. A compliant membrane for regulating fluid flow through the flow-control cavity may surround at least a portion of the flow-control cavity.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a bodily cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a drug supply reservoir to supply drug into a delivery channel and an actuator for delivering the drug to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear. The drug is loaded into the delivery channel while producing substantially negligible flow at an outlet of the delivery channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may include a substrate that defines a flow-control cavity and first and second channels in fluid communication with the flow-control cavity. A compliant membrane for regulating fluid flow through the flow-control cavity may surround at least a portion of the flow-control cavity.

Abstract: Electrodes are positioned substantially in contact with at least one surface of a solid to generate or absorb alkali metals when a voltage is applied between the electrodes.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a bodily cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a drug supply reservoir to supply drug into a delivery channel and an actuator for delivering the drug to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear. The drug is loaded into the delivery channel while producing substantially negligible flow at an outlet of the delivery channel.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the system is used to monitor how organ systems respond to agents such as toxins or medications. The system enables the precise and controlled delivery of these agents, which, in some implementations, enables the biomimetic dosing of drugs in humans to be mimicked.

Abstract: A varifocal optical system includes a substantially circular membrane deposited on a substrate, and a ring-shaped PZT thin film deposited on the outer portion of the circular membrane. The membrane may be a MEMS-micromachined membrane, made of thermal oxide, polysilicon, ZrO2 and SiO2. The membrane is initially in a buckled state, and may function as a mirror or a lens. Application of an electric voltage between an inner and outer electrode on the piezoelectric thin film induces a lateral strain on the PZT thin film, thereby altering the curvature of the membrane, and thus its focal length. Focal length tuning speeds as high as 1 MHz have been demonstrated. Tuning ranges of several hundred microns have been attained. The varifocal optical system can be used in many applications that require rapid focal length tuning, such as optical switching, scanning confocal microscopy, and vibration compensation in optical storage disks.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a bodily cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a drug supply reservoir to supply drug into a delivery channel and an actuator for delivering the drug to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear. The drug is loaded into the delivery channel while producing substantially negligible flow at an outlet of the delivery channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously separating or concentrating particles that includes flowing two fluids in laminar flow through a magnetic field gradient which causes target particles to migrate to a waste fluid stream, and collecting each fluid stream after being flowed through the magnetic field gradient.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an actuating mechanism is employed to displace a conductor disposed within a fluidic channel, thereby reconfiguring an electronic component.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a body cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a variable-volume vessel defining a working chamber for receiving a drug and recirculating a therapeutic fluid. The fluid can contain a bodily fluid, such as, for example, perilymph, and a drug. The device allows for the controlled delivery of the therapeutic fluid to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear.

Abstract: Electrodes are positioned substantially in contact with at least one surface of a solid to generate or absorb alkali metals when a voltage is applied between the electrodes.