Abstract: A device and method for directing a cannula toward a target location under a patient's skin. The device is handheld and the device operations may be automated. The device includes an imaging probe for imaging the target location, a positioning unit for manipulating a cannula towards the target location, and a processor. The processor receives imaging data from the imaging probe, cannula pose data from at least one cannula position sensor, and device pose data from at least one device position sensor. The target location is identified from the imaging data, and a trajectory for manipulating the cannula towards the target location is determined based on the imaging data, the cannula pose data, and the device pose data. The processor may determine that the trajectory becomes misaligned with the target position, and may update to a corrected trajectory based on the imaging data, cannula pose data, and the device pose data.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for use with reagents bound to microspheres for determination of the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample are provided. The devices include two sequential mixing channels that promote rapid binding of microsphere-bound reagents with reagents in solution and a means for detecting labeled microsphere-bound reaction products. Also provided are methods for using the devices with microsphere-bound reagents to determine the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample and to measure the binding affinity of antibody for an antigen.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling microbial growth on and in medical devices and implants, especially biofilm infections, involves using pulsed electric fields (PEF). To eradicate at least a portion of a biofilm on a medical implant, for example, 1500 volts can be applied through an electrode system, with pulse duration of 50 ?s and pulse delivery frequency of 2 Hz. In the clinical setting, systemic microbial therapy can be combined with PEF to achieve a synergistic effect leading to improved eradication of infections.

Abstract: A device and method for directing a cannula toward a target location under a patient's skin. The device is handheld and the device operations may be automated. The device includes an imaging probe for imaging the target location, a positioning unit for manipulating a cannula towards the target location, and a processor. The processor receives imaging data from the imaging probe, cannula pose data from at least one cannula position sensor, and device pose data from at least one device position sensor. The target location is identified from the imaging data, and a trajectory for manipulating the cannula towards the target location is determined based on the imaging data, the cannula pose data, and the device pose data. The processor may determine that the trajectory becomes misaligned with the target position, and may update to a corrected trajectory based on the imaging data, cannula pose data, and the device pose data.

Abstract: Described herein is a cell culture device and methods of use in three-dimensional cell co-cultures and for use in studying paracrine signaling in vitro.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling microbial growth on and in medical devices and implants, especially biofilm infections, involves using pulsed electric fields (PEF). To eradicate at least a portion of a biofilm on a medical implant, for example, 1500 volts can be applied through an electrode system, with pulse duration of 50 ?s and pulse delivery frequency of 2 Hz. In the clinical setting, systemic microbial therapy can be combined with PEF to achieve a synergistic effect leading to improved eradication of infections.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and compositions to determine viability of an organ for transplantation and other medical purposes. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for assessing the viability of an organ by measuring the energy parameters to determine the energy level of the organ by determining the stored cellular energy (e.g., ATP levels), and/or energy consumption over a particular time period of viability. The energy parameters can be compared to reference energy parameters as a highly accurate and reliable prediction of viable cell yield, and organ viability. Another aspect of the invention relates methods to preserve or extend the time period of viability of an organ any combination of (i) preservation perfusion of the organ to prevent ischemic damage, (ii) chemical metabolic suppression of the organ e.g., using metabolic suppressants, (iii) metabolic suppression by physical or environmental conditions, e.g., sub-zero non-freezing storage.

Abstract: This application discloses alginate microencapsulation-mediated differentiation of embryonic stem cells and use of the stem cell differentiation method for the development of effective treatment of various diseases and disorders. The microencapsulation of embryonic stem (ES) cells results in decreased cell aggregation and enhanced neural lineage differentiation through incorporating the soluble inducer retinoic acid (RA) into the permeable microcapsule system. This differentiation process can be augmented by differentiation pathway regulators such as PPAR agonists.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling microbial growth on and in medical devices and implants, especially biofilm infections, involves using pulsed electric fields (PEF). To eradicate at least a portion of a biofilm on a medical implant, for example, 1500 volts can be applied through an electrode system, with pulse duration of 50 ?s and pulse delivery frequency of 2 Hz. In the clinical setting, systemic microbial therapy can be combined with PEF to achieve a synergistic effect leading to improved eradication of infections.

Abstract: An in vitro methods of characterizing biliary excretion of a chemical entity using a single hepatocyte culture. Comprising providing cell culture comprising hepatocytes forming at least one bile canaliculus; contacting the cell culture with a first chemical entity for a time sufficient to allow uptake of the chemical entity by hepatocytes in the culture; disrupting the at least one bile canaliculus without lysing the hepatocytes and detecting the amount (if any) of the first chemical entity and/or a metabolite thereof released by the at least one bile canaliculus; and lysing the hepatocytes and detecting the amount of the first chemical entity and/or a metabolite thereof released by the hepatocytes.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and compositions to determine viability of an organ for transplantation and other medical purposes. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for assessing the viability of an organ by measuring the energy parameters to determine the energy level of the organ by determining the stored cellular energy (e.g., ATP levels), and/or energy consumption over a particular time period of viability. The energy parameters can be compared to reference energy parameters as a highly accurate and reliable prediction of viable cell yield, and organ viability. Another aspect of the invention relates methods to preserve or extend the time period of viability of an organ any combination of (i) preservation perfusion of the organ to prevent ischemic damage, (ii) chemical metabolic suppression of the organ e.g., using metabolic suppressants, (iii) metabolic suppression by physical or environmental conditions, e.g., sub-zero non-freezing storage.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for use with reagents bound to microspheres for determination of the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample are provided. The devices include two sequential mixing channels that promote rapid binding of microsphere-bound reagents with reagents in solution and a means for detecting labeled microsphere-bound reaction products. Also provided are methods for using the devices with microsphere-bound reagents to determine the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample and to measure the binding affinity of antibody for an antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods for identifying a compound for de-fatting and functional recovery of macrosteatotic hepatocytes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a tissue of a subject using applied pulsed electric fields. The system includes an electrode assembly configured to engage a skin tissue of a subject to deliver a series of electric field pulses to the skin tissue and a user input configured to receive an operational instruction for the series of electric field pulses. The system also includes at least one processor configured to access the operational instruction received by the user input and, using the operational instruction, create an electric field profile to be generated by the electrode assembly about the skin tissue of the subject to control a fibroblast characteristic while preserving a vascular perfusion in at least a portion of the skin tissue. The processor is also caused to control the electrode assembly using the electric field profile to deliver the series of electric field pulses to control the fibroblast characteristic.

Abstract: This invention discloses devices and methods for high throughput skin sensitization detection. The devices comprise a microfabricated chamber comprising a region having one or more input channels and an outlet, and a face suitable for mounting a skin tissue and in fluidic communication with the region. The devices can be used in the methods for determining a prognosis of sensitization in an animal subject and identifying compounds that do not cause sensitization and thus are suitable for preparing cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a tissue of a subject using applied pulsed electric fields. The system for controlling a therapy provided to a tissue of a subject using applied pulsed electric fields. The system includes an electrode assembly configured to engage a skin tissue of a subject to deliver a series of electric field pulses to the skin tissue and a user input configured to receive an operational instruction for the series of electric field pulses. The operational instruction defines at least one of a pulse duration, a pulse frequency, a pulse number, and a pulse amplitude. The system also includes at least one processor configured to access the operational instruction received by the user input and, using the operational instruction, create an electric field profile to be generated by the electrode assembly about the skin tissue of the subject to control a fibroblast characteristic while preserving a vascular perfusion in at least a portion of the skin tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling microbial growth on and in medical devices and implants, especially biofilm infections, involves using pulsed electric fields (PEF). To eradicate at least a portion of a biofilm on a medical implant, for example, 1500 volts can be applied through an electrode system, with pulse duration of 50 ?s and pulse delivery frequency of 2 Hz. In the clinical setting, systemic microbial therapy can be combined with PEF to achieve a synergistic effect leading to improved eradication of infections.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a microfluidic device for encapsulation, incubation, and analysis of cell surface markers or secreted molecules from a single cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods for identifying a compound for de-fatting and functional recovery of macrosteatotic hepatocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods for identifying a compound for de-fatting and functional recovery of macrosteatotic hepatocytes.