Abstract: Provided is a composition that includes oblate spheroidal particles comprising an active agent, such as a therapeutic or imaging agent, and a method for treating or monitoring a physiological condition, such as a disease, by administering the composition to a subject in need thereof. Also provided are methods for making particles that have a volume that can enhance the particles' adhesion to a target site in a subject's body for a pre-selected shape of the particles and methods for making particles that have a shape that can enhance particles' adhesion to a target site in a subject's body for a pre-selected volume of the particles.

Abstract: A nanochannel delivery device and method of manufacturing and use. The nanochannel delivery device comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a nanochannel. The nanochannel may be oriented parallel to the primary plane of the nanochannel delivery device. The inlet and outlet may be in direct fluid communication with the nanochannel.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions that comprise: (1) a biodegradable polymer matrix; and (2) at least one biodegradable reinforcing particle that is dispersed in the matrix. In some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforcing particle is selected from the group consisting of porous oxide particles and porous semiconductor particles. In additional embodiments, the compositions of the present invention further comprise a (3) porogen particle that is also dispersed in the matrix. In further embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are also associated with one or more active agents. In various embodiments, the active agents are associated with the biodegradable polymer matrix, the biodegradable reinforcing particle, and/or the porogen particle. In various embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be utilized as scaffolds, such as scaffolds for treating bone defects.

Abstract: A nanochannel delivery device and method of manufacturing and use. The nanochannel delivery device comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a nanochannel. The nanochannel may be oriented parallel to the primary plane of the nanochannel delivery device. The inlet and outlet may be in direct fluid communication with the nanochannel.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to therapeutic compositions and delivery systems comprising at least one microparticle or nanoparticle. In various embodiments, the surface of the microparticle or nanoparticle is modified or functionalized with at least a portion of an isolated cellular membrane, such as an isolated plasma membrane. In addition, the microparticle or nanoparticle contains at least one active agent, such as a therapeutic and/or imaging agent. In additional embodiments, the compositions and delivery systems of the present invention may be used for targeted delivery of an active agent. Also provided are methods of making the therapeutic compositions and delivery systems of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified stem cells that comprise a delivery system that comprises at least one microparticle or nanoparticle, wherein the at least one microparticle or nanoparticle comprises an active agent. The present invention also provides delivery methods that comprise the administration of the modified stem cells to a subject. Additional aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of making said modified stem cells.

Abstract: Endocytosis of an active agent into a cell having surface receptors can be enhanced by using particles that have a radius no less than an endocytotic threshold determined based on a surface density of the receptors, a surface density of the moieties and interaction parameters that include at least one of a receptor-moiety spring constant and a non-specific interaction strength.

Abstract: A clip for closing blood vessels which branch off from a main blood vessel during an intervention of the main blood vessel has a base body via which the clip can be placed on an inside face of the opened main blood vessel. At least three limbs protrude from the base body and are able to be bent in the direction towards the base body in order to clamp tissue in the area of the branch between the base body and the bent-back limbs thereby closing said branch.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to diffusion delivery systems and more particularly to high precision nanoengineered devices for therapeutic applications. The device contains diffusion areas that may be fabricated between bonded substrates, and the device can possess high mechanical strength. The invention further relates to capsules containing a diffusion delivery system. The present invention also relates to methods of fabricating the diffusion delivery systems.

Abstract: A method of formulating a particle composition having a pre-selected cell internalization mode involves selecting a target cell having surface receptors and obtaining particles that have i) surface moieties, that have an affinity for or are capable of binding to the surface receptors of the cell and ii) a preselected shape, where a surface distribution of the surface moieties on the particles and the shape of the particles are effective for the pre-selected cell internalization mode.

Abstract: A capsule configured for in vivo refilling of a thereapeutic agent. In certain embodiments, the capsule may contain methotrexate.

Abstract: Biodegradation kinetics of biodegradable porous objects, such as porous silicon objects, can be controlled by a molecular weight of polymer chains, such as polyethylene glycol chains, disposed on an outer surface of the object. Provided are biodegradable porous objects, which have their biodegradation kinetics controlled by a molecular weight of the disposed polymer chains. Also provided are methods of making such biodegradable porous objects as well as methods of using such biodegradable porous objects for delivery of active agents, such as therapeutic agents and/or imaging agents.

Abstract: Opsonizable micro- or nanoparticles, that contain at least one active agent, such as an imaging or therapeutic agent; that have a positive surface charge and that do not contain on their surface targeting ligands, such as antibodies, peptides or aptamers, can be used to treating and/or monitoring a condition associated with an inflammation, such as a cytokine stimulated inflammation.

Abstract: MRI imaging compositions are disclosed comprising non-chelated MRI contrast agents in the pores of at least one porous microparticle or nanoparticle. The compositions of the invention have been found to exhibit increased relaxivity and therefore, enhanced MRI imaging. The non-chelated contrast agents include T1 contrast agents, such as those including Gd(III) or Mn(II). Methods of MRI imaging and methods of making the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a variety of porous and non-porous wire-like structures of microscopic and nanoscopic scale. For instance, disclosed are structures that comprise a porous object that comprises: (i) a first region; and (ii) a second region adjacent to the first region along an axis of the object, where the first region has at least one porous property different from that of the second region. Also disclosed are structures that include: (i) a high resistivity silicon; and (ii) a cross-section that is substantially perpendicular to an axis of the object. Also disclosed are methods of making and using such structures.

Abstract: A system and method for screening tissue is provided. The system provides a computer-based system for distinguishing between normal and potentially abnormal tissue. The system includes computer components for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves, for storing a tissue model, and for analyzing received ultrasonic waves in the context of the tissue model.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a quality control system and method for testing micro- or nano-channeled devices. The system and method can utilize a pressure-driven gas flow for the detection and quantification of structural defects. The test method and system are non-destructive and allow defects to be detected and classified quickly based on measured factors, such as mass flow rate for a given pressure differential.

Abstract: A folding unit for producing sealed packages of pourable food products from respective packs, each having a main portion folded into a desired shape, and opposite end portions to be folded to form respective folded ends of a relative finished package. The unit has a first folding station, in turn having a first retaining mechanism for securing each pack by a relative first end portion, and a first folding mechanism for folding a relative second end portion of the pack. The unit also has a second folding station located downstream from the first folding station in the traveling direction of the packs, a second retaining mechanism for securing each pack by the relative folded second end portion, and a second folding mechanism for folding the relative first end portion.

Abstract: A new fractionation device shows desirable features for exploratory screening and biomarker discovery. The constituent MSCs may be tailored for desired pore sizes and surface properties and for the sequestration and enrichment of extremely low abundant protein and peptides in desired ranges of the mass/charge spectrum. The MSCs are effective in yielding reproducible extracts from complex biological samples as small as 10 ?l in a time as short as 30 minutes. They are inexpensive to manufacture, and allow for scaled up production to attain the simultaneous processing of a large number of samples. The MSCs are multiplexed, label-free diagnostic tools with the potential of biological recognition moiety modification for enhanced specificity. The MSCs may store, protect and stabilize biological fluids, enabling the simplified and cost-effective collection and transportation of clinical samples.

Abstract: A nanochannel delivery device and method of manufacturing and use. The nanochannel delivery device comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a nanochannel. The nanochannel may be oriented parallel to the primary plane of the nanochannel delivery device. The inlet and outlet may be in direct fluid communication with the nanochannel.