Abstract: Bio-ink compositions comprising bio-compatible microgels or nanogels are described. The bio-inks can comprise, for example, micro- or nanogels comprising crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (poly-NIPam). The bio-inks can further comprise viscosity control agents, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and/or surface tension agents. Three-dimensional (3D) printing (e.g., piezoelectric printing) of the bio-inks can provide 3D printed materials comprising microgel or nanogel assemblies of the bio-ink compositions. These materials can be used as scaffolds for preparing biological tissues for use, for instance, in regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to interstitial fluid (ISF) or extracellular fluid (ECF) harvesting and processing. In one example, a microfluidic monitoring platform includes a microneedle patch including microneedles on a first side; an osmotic patch on a second side of the microneedle patch that includes glycerogel or hydrogel equilibrated with glycerin or glucose; and a microfluidic or fluid transport film or material channel between the osmotic patch and the microneedle patch. The channel can extract fluid from the osmotic-microneedle patch complex. In another example, a wearable electrochemical sensing system includes a monitoring platform including a microneedle-osmotic patch, a microfluidic or fluid transport film or material channel, and at least one sensor between the channel; and processing circuitry coupled to the at least one sensor. The processing circuitry can monitor presence of a chemical or biomarker in the fluid based upon signals obtained from the sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, and systems related to a dual-affinity ratiometric quenching bioassay. In particular, the present disclosure provides novel compositions and methods that combine selective biorecognition and quenching of fluorescence signals for rapid and sensitive quantification of antibodies in complex samples.

Abstract: Wearable fetal health monitoring device for determining a heath condition of a fetus based on biosignals of an expecting mother and the fetus is provided. The device includes a MEMS accelerometer that converts an acoustic wave sensed in an abdominal region into an abdominal acoustic signal. The device also includes a pulse oximeter generates a maternal photoplethysmogram (mPPG) value from a pulse sensed in the abdominal region. The device further includes a microcontroller configured to: generate a maternal phonocardiogram (mPCG) value from the abdominal acoustic signal; calculate a first maternal heart rate (mHR) value from the mPCG value; calculate a second mHR value from the mPPG value; compare the first mHR value with the second mHR value to identify a noise correction value; and apply the identified noise correction value to the mPCG value to extract a fetal phonocardiogram (fPCG) value.

Abstract: Described herein are two-dimensional (2D) models of tissue barriers, methods of making and using the same, and on-model analysis techniques. Aspects of the present disclosure include systems and methods relating to microfluidic tissue models, in particular those of the vasculature-endothelial barrier. Systems and methods as described herein can utilize impedance mapping to assess model conditions in response to stimuli, for example the introduction of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Bio-ink compositions comprising bio-compatible microgels or nanogels are described. The bio-inks can comprise, for example, micro- or nanogels comprising crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (poly-NIPam). The bio-inks can further comprise viscosity control agents, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and/or surface tension agents. Three-dimensional (3D) printing (e.g., piezoelectric printing) of the bio-inks can provide 3D printed materials comprising microgel or nanogel assemblies of the bio-ink compositions. These materials can be used as scaffolds for preparing biological tissues for use, for instance, in regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and systems that can be configured to and/or capable of monitoring and/or controlling fluid flow within microchannels and/or vessels in a microphysiological model. Described herein are aspects of a system configured to monitor and/or control fluid flow in a microfluidic device that can include a manifold device, where the manifold device can include an inlet reservoir, an outlet reservoir, a pressure jumper, a sensor, and a scaffold block that can have a plurality of microfluidic channels and/or vessels. Also described herein are methods of making and using the systems and devices described herein.

Abstract: A microneedle array including a plurality of microneedles that include nanocellulose or a nanocellulose composite, methods of producing a microneedle array, a device including a microneedle array, and methods of extracting a dermal biofluid or subdermal biofluid by applying a microneedle array.

Abstract: A fiber includes one or more layers of polymer surrounding a central lumen, and living animal cells disposed within the lumen and/or within at least one of the one or more layers, wherein the fiber has an outer diameter of between 5 and 8000 microns and wherein each individual layer of polymer has a thickness of between 0.1 and 250 microns. Also disclosed are model tissues including such fibers, and method of making such fibers. The fibers can serve as synthetic blood vessels, ducts, or nerves.

Abstract: The properties of microbial pellicles are tuned by adjusting the physical culture conditions. A culture of Gluconacetobacter xylinus can be grown in a liquid growth media having a surface exposed to air so that a basal pellicle of microbial cellulose forms on the surface. Feeding the culture by adding additional liquid growth media at the surface, thereby submerging the basal pellicle; and then allowing the culture to grow again forms a second pellicle of microbial cellulose.

Abstract: A fiber includes one or more layers of polymer surrounding a central lumen, and living animal cells disposed within the lumen and/or within at least one of the one or more layers, wherein the fiber has an outer diameter of between 5 and 8000 microns and wherein each individual layer of polymer has a thickness of between 0.1 and 250 microns. Also disclosed are model tissues including such fibers, and method of making such fibers. The fibers can serve as synthetic blood vessels, ducts, or nerves.

Abstract: Synthetic human blood vessels can be constructed using human brain derived endothelial cells and incorporated into a tissue model that contains astrocytes and other neurons and microglia. Multi-cell type microvessels incorporate cell types such as astrocytes and pericytes in order to construct a highly representative blood-brain barrier in vitro model with a functional lumen containing brain-derived microvascular endothelial cells and a polymer wall containing human astrocytes and/or pericytes.

Abstract: A method of direct-write manufacturing (3D printing) includes a simple to manufacture printhead configured to create sheathed flow. The method is operable at room temperature and suitable for use with sensitive materials.

Abstract: A masked etching process can prepare patterned nanocellulose for use in conformal electronics such as electrodermal structures might be adhered to human skin.

Abstract: A masked etching process can prepare patterned nanocellulose for use in conformal electronics such as electrodermal structures might be adhered to human skin.

Abstract: Described herein is a materials system for electronic device substrates made of nanocellulose and nanocellulose composites that can be transferred to biological tissue while carrying electronic devices. These electronic device substrates are suitable for thin-film electronic devices to adhere and conform to a biological surface, such as human, plant or animal tissue.

Abstract: A perfusable, microtube-based flow system for microdevice models of human tissues and organs includes a microfluidic chip with a network of microtubes passing through at least one common chamber space suitable to hold cells of an appropriate organ and/or a biocompatible support matrix. The microtube model network can be used to create model tissues and organs for study and research.

Abstract: A fiber includes one or more layers of polymer surrounding a central lumen, and living animal cells disposed within the lumen and/or within at least one of the one or more layers, wherein the fiber has an outer diameter of between 5 and 8000 microns and wherein each individual layer of polymer has a thickness of between 0.1 and 250 microns. Also disclosed are model tissues including such fibers, and method of making such fibers. The fibers can serve as synthetic blood vessels, ducts, or nerves.

Abstract: A fiber includes one or more layers of polymer surrounding a central lumen, and living animal cells disposed within the lumen and/or within at least one of the one or more layers, wherein the fiber has an outer diameter of between 5 and 8000 microns and wherein each individual layer of polymer has a thickness of between 0.1 and 250 microns. Also disclosed are model tissues including such fibers, and method of making such fibers. The fibers can serve as synthetic blood vessels, ducts, or nerves.

Abstract: A fiber includes one or more layers of polymer surrounding a central lumen, and living animal cells disposed within the lumen and/or within at least one of the one or more layers, wherein the fiber has an outer diameter of between 5 and 8000 microns and wherein each individual layer of polymer has a thickness of between 0.1 and 250 microns. Also disclosed are model tissues including such fibers, and method of making such fibers. The fibers can serve as synthetic blood vessels, ducts, or nerves.