Abstract: A method for forming a monolithic swirl nozzle configured to aerosolize a pharmaceutical drug. The swirl nozzle comprises an inlet for receiving the pharmaceutical drug to be aerosolized; a swirl chamber connected to the inlet and configured to aerosolize the pharmaceutical drug provided by the inlet; and an outlet connected to the swirl chamber and configured to discharge the aerosolized pharmaceutical drug. The method comprises providing a photoactivatable material and forming the swirl nozzle by selectively activating voxels in the photoactivatable material.

Abstract: A microneedle (100) for extracting a blood sample from the skin (10) of a mammal subject is disclosed. The microneedle comprises at least one substantially flat blade (110) comprising at least one cutting edge (120a, 120b) configured to incise the skin of the mammal subject, and at least one microchannel (130) comprising an opening (132) and a passage (134). The at least one microchannel is arranged adjacent to the at least one blade and configured to be inserted into the skin of the mammal subject together with the at least one blade. The passage is configured to transport the blood sample away from the opening via capillary action. A device (200) for extracting a blood sample from a mammal subject comprising a microneedle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Self-actuating articles including, for example, self-actuating needles and/or self-actuating biopsy punches, are generally provided. Advantageously, the self-actuating articles described herein may be useful as a general platform for delivery of a wide variety of pharmaceutical drugs that are typically delivered via injection directly into tissue due to degradation in the GI tract. The self-actuating articles described herein may also be used to deliver sensors and/or take biopsies without the need for an endoscopy. In some embodiments, the article comprises a spring (e.g., a coil spring, a beam, a material having particular mechanical recovery characteristics).

Abstract: A drug delivery device may be configured to delivery an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to a subject via the subject's oral-gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The drug delivery device may be configured to deliver a payload of an API while within the GI tract of the subject. The drug delivery device may include a reservoir, a potential energy source, a plurality of outlets, and a plurality of valves, wherein each outlet has a corresponding valve. The drug delivery device may further include a sensor configured to sense the direction of gravity, and the valves may be selectively opened based on a sensed direction of gravity. Thus, the drug delivery device may dispense a dose of API within the GI tracts of the subject based at least in part on the sensed direction of gravity.

Abstract: The method is for preparing a sample in a microfluidic device. A microfluidic device is provided that has a first reservoir in fluid communication with a second reservoir in fluid communication with and adjacent to a draining unit that has a first absorbing member disposed therein. The first reservoir contains a first liquid that is held in the first reservoir by a capillary stop valve connecting the first and second reservoirs. The second reservoir has a sample support disposed therein. A second liquid, containing substances, is added to the second reservoir. The second liquid contacts the first liquid and the first absorbing member. The first absorbing member absorbs the second liquid and the first liquid. The substances adhere to the sample support.

Abstract: Self-actuating articles including, for example, self-actuating needles and/or self-actuating biopsy punches, are generally provided. Advantageously, the self-actuating articles described herein may be useful as a general platform for delivery of a wide variety of pharmaceutical drugs that are typically delivered via injection directly into tissue due to degradation in the GI tract. The self-actuating articles described herein may also be used to deliver sensors and/or take biopsies without the need for an endoscopy. In some embodiments, the article comprises a spring (e.g., a coil spring, a beam, a material having particular mechanical recovery characteristics).

Abstract: A device for detaching cells or tissue from a cavity in a subject, the device includes: an elongated member arranged to be moved within a lumen of a needle or a catheter; and at least one flexible member arranged at a distal end of the elongated member, wherein the flexible member is configured to be brought between a first, constrained configuration within the lumen of the needle or catheter, and a second, expanded configuration outside said lumen, wherein the flexible member in the second, expanded configuration is configured to conform to an inner geometry of a cavity in which the device is inserted.

Abstract: A device for extracting an interstitial fluid sample from the skin of a mammal subject is disclosed. The device comprises at least one micro-needle comprising a tip portion configured to be inserted into the skin of the mammal subject, and a passage configured to transport the interstitial fluid from the skin to a retaining material arranged in a channel of a body of the device. The retaining material is fluidically connected to the passage and configured to absorb and store the interstitial fluid sample transported by the passage. A holder configured to receive such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Self-righting articles, such as self-righting capsules for administration to a subject, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may be configured such that the article may orient itself relative to a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). The self-righting articles described herein may comprise one or more tissue engaging surfaces configured to engage (e.g., interface with, inject into, anchor) with a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). In some embodiments, the self-righting article may have a particular shape and/or distribution of density (or mass) which, for example, enables the self-righting behavior of the article. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may comprise a tissue interfacing component and/or a pharmaceutical agent (e.g., for delivery of the active pharmaceutical agent to a location internal of the subject).

Abstract: Drug delivery articles, resident articles, and retrieval systems e.g., for gram-level dosing, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the articles are configured for transesophageal administration, transesophageal retrieval, and/or gastric retention to/in a subject. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal administration with a gastric resident system. In some cases, the article may be configured to control drug release e.g., with zero-order drug kinetics with no potential for burst release for weeks to months. In some embodiments, the articles described herein comprise biocompatible materials and/or are safe for gastric retention. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal retrieval. In some cases, the articles described herein may comprise relatively large doses of drug (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 gram).

Abstract: A microbiopsy device for extracting a tissue sample, the microbiopsy device comprising a main body extending between a distal end and a proximal end and adapted to have or assume a shape of substantially uniform transverse width along the length of the main body, wherein the distal end is arranged to enter tissue; the proximal end comprises a mounting interface adapted for connection with an elongated member, or is integrally formed with a solid elongated member; the transverse width of the main body is smaller than 1 mm; and the main body comprises a recess extending in a longitudinal direction of the main body and defining a cavity arranged to capture tissue therein.

Abstract: Self-righting articles, such as self-righting capsules for administration to a subject, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may be configured such that the article may orient itself relative to a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). The self-righting articles described herein may comprise one or more tissue engaging surfaces configured to engage (e.g., interface with, inject into, anchor) with a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). In some embodiments, the self-righting article may have a particular shape and/or distribution of density (or mass) which, for example, enables the self-righting behavior of the article. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may comprise a tissue interfacing component and/or a pharmaceutical agent (e.g., for delivery of the active pharmaceutical agent to a location internal of the subject).

Abstract: A method for transferring an atomically thin layer comprising providing a target substrate and a donor substrate on which a first atomically thin layer has been formed. The method further comprises disposing an adhesion layer at the donor substrate or at the target substrate. The method further comprises bringing the target substrate and the donor substrate together. Further, the method comprises bonding together the donor substrate, the adhesion layer and the target substrate and removing the donor substrate.

Abstract: The method is for preparing a sample in a microfluidic device. A microfluidic device is provided that has a first reservoir in fluid communication with a second reservoir in fluid communication with and adjacent to a draining unit that has a first absorbing member disposed therein. The first reservoir contains a first liquid that is held in the first reservoir by a capillary stop valve connecting the first and second reservoirs. The second reservoir has a sample support disposed therein. A second liquid, containing substances, is added to the second reservoir. The second liquid contacts the first liquid and the first absorbing member. The first absorbing member absorbs the second liquid and the first liquid. The substances adhere to the sample support.

Abstract: The microfluidic device has a first reservoir that preferably includes a first liquid. The first liquid is being held by a capillary stop valve in the first reservoir. A second reservoir is in fluid communication with the first reservoir. The second reservoir has a second liquid and a sample support disposed therein. The second reservoir has an inlet opening defined therein. A draining unit is adjacent to the second reservoir. The draining unit is in fluid communication with the second reservoir. The draining unit has a first absorption member disposed therein.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for assembling one or more microchips (415; 615; 715; 815; 915; 1015) into one or more holes (422; 722), respectively, in a substrate surface (421; 721) of a separate receiving substrate (420; 720; 820; 1020). The holes (422; 722) of the substrate is for microchip insertion out-of-plane in relation to said substrate surface. Each of said microchips is provided with a ferromagnetic layer (213; 613) of ferromagnetic material. The microchips are placed (503) on said substrate surface (421; 721) and it is applied and moved (504) one or more magnetic fields affecting said ferromagnetic layer (213; 613) of each microchip such that the microchips thereby become out-of-plane oriented in relation to said substrate surface (421; 721) and move over the substrate surface (421; 721) until assembled into said holes (422; 722).

Abstract: Components with relatively high loading of active pharmaceutical ingredients (e.g., drugs), are generally provided. In some embodiments, the component (e.g., a tissue interfacing component) comprises a solid therapeutic agent (e.g., a solid API) and a supporting material (e.g., a binder such as a polymer) such that the solid therapeutic agent is present in the component in an amount of greater than or equal to 10 wt % versus the total weight of the tissue interfacing component. Such tissue-interfacing components may be useful for delivery of API doses e.g., to a subject. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the reduction of volume required to deliver the required API dose as compared to a liquid formulation permits the creation of solid needle delivery systems for a wide variety of drugs in a variety of places/tissues (e.g., tongue, GI mucosal tissue, skin) and/or reduces and/or eliminates the application of an external force in order to inject a drug solution through the small opening in the needle.

Abstract: Self-actuating articles including, for example, self-actuating needles and/or self-actuating biopsy punches, are generally provided. Advantageously, the self-actuating articles described herein may be useful as a general platform for delivery of a wide variety of pharmaceutical drugs that are typically delivered via injection directly into tissue due to degradation in the GI tract. The self-actuating articles described herein may also be used to deliver sensors and/or take biopsies without the need for an endoscopy. In some embodiments, the article comprises a spring (e.g., a coil spring, a beam, a material having particular mechanical recovery characteristics).

Abstract: Self-righting articles, such as self-righting capsules for administration to a subject, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may be configured such that the article may orient itself relative to a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). The self-righting articles described herein may comprise one or more tissue engaging surfaces configured to engage (e.g., interface with, inject into, anchor) with a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). In some embodiments, the self-righting article may have a particular shape and/or distribution of density (or mass) which, for example, enables the self-righting behavior of the article. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may comprise a tissue interfacing component and/or a pharmaceutical agent (e.g., for delivery of the active pharmaceutical agent to a location internal of the subject).

Abstract: Self-righting articles, such as self-righting capsules for administration to a subject, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may be configured such that the article may orient itself relative to a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). The self-righting articles described herein may comprise one or more tissue engaging surfaces configured to engage (e.g., interface with, inject into, anchor) with a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). In some embodiments, the self-righting article may have a particular shape and/or distribution of density (or mass) which, for example, enables the self-righting behavior of the article. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may comprise a tissue interfacing component and/or a pharmaceutical agent (e.g., for delivery of the active pharmaceutical agent to a location internal of the subject).