Abstract: The present invention is directed to materials that assist respiration of living cells contained in cell-containing systems. The materials form air-filled conduits or channels through which gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, can readily exchange by diffusional means between regions of different gas partial pressures. When the present invention is placed within an aqueous environment, such as cell-culture media or host tissue, the invention provides aid to cellular respiration in cell-containing systems.

Abstract: A flexible, breathable, composite is provided. The laminate comprises a middle layer of a padding and top and bottom layer comprising a sheet of water impermeable, moisture-vapor-permeable film bonded to the middle layer and wherein at least one outer surface of the top or bottom layer is provided with a pressure-sensitive biocompatible adhesive. Preferably the top and bottom layers comprise a composite of (a) a flexible, first sheet of hydrophobic material; and (b) a continuous hydrophilic sheet attached to or penetrating the first sheet, and forming a contamination barrier. The composite is useful in diverse applications such as a padding under orthopedic casts.