Abstract: Fractal-like polymeric particles having a hierarchical, branched structure are disclosed. The particles have fibers with nanometer-scale diameters on their peripheries, which enables a number of unique and highly desirable properties. The particles are fabricated by a method combining phase separation and shear forces of different solutions, in particular a polymer solution. In addition, the particles may be used as coatings, nonwovens, textiles and viscosity modifiers and adhesives, among other applications.

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 invention provides a method for directly measuring the color of transparent polymer particles. A composite liquid, comprising a transparent liquid with nanoparticles and matching the refractive index of the polymer, can be used to mitigate the light scattering due to the roughness of the particles surface. The method can be applied to copolyester particles, such as copolyester pellets.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for three-dimensional printing.

Abstract: Provided is a biopolymer composite film that includes a polysaccharide matrix reinforced with soft dendritic colloids and methods for making. The method can include dissolving agarose in water to form a first mixture, mixing nanofibrillated chitosan in the agarose, sonicating or stirring the mixture to form a homogeneous second mixture, casting the second mixture, and gelling the second mixture to form a film. Also provided is a food or consumer product packaging film that includes the biopolymer composite film.

Abstract: Fractal-like polymeric particles having a hierarchical, branched structure are disclosed. The particles have fibers with nanometer-scale diameters on their peripheries, which enables a number of unique and highly desirable properties. The particles are fabricated by a method combining phase separation and shear forces of different solutions, in particular a polymer solution. In addition, the particles may be used as coatings, nonwovens, textiles and viscosity modifiers and adhesives, among other applications.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices are provided for continuous sampling of biological fluid for extended periods of time, e.g. for periods of time up to and including 10 days. The microfluidic devices can be made from porous hydrophilic substrate, e.g. hydrophilic paper substrates. The devices can include a collection pad, an evaporative pump, and a channel connecting the collection pad and the evaporative pump. Hydrogels at the collection pad can promote collection of sweat or other biological fluids from a subject, which in some aspects is assisted by the use of one or more microneedles on the substrate. An evaporative pump can provide for long periods of sampling by providing continual pumping, e.g. through the use of an evaporation pad where sampled fluid can evaporate.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the preparation and applications of internally and/or externally functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs), which are produced by a three step procedure: (1) synthesis of native EbNPs, (2) functionalization with active agents, and (3) additional surface property customization via one or more modifier(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for three-dimensional printing.

Abstract: Fractal-like polymeric particles having a hierarchical, branched structure are disclosed. The particles have fibers with nanometer-scale diameters on their peripheries, which enables a number of unique and highly desirable properties. The particles are fabricated by a method combining phase separation and shear forces of different solutions, in particular a polymer solution. In addition, the particles may be used as coatings, nonwovens, textiles and viscosity modifiers and adhesives, among other applications.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the preparation and applications of internally and/or externally functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs), which are produced by a three step procedure: (1) synthesis of native EbNPs, (2) functionalization with active agents, and (3) additional surface property customization via one or more modifier(s).

Abstract: Nanofibers are fabricated in a continuous process by introducing a polymer solution into a dispersion medium, which flows through a conduit and shears the dispersion medium. Liquid strands, streaks or droplets of the polymer solution are continuously shear-spun into elongated fibers. An inorganic precursor may be introduced with the polymer solution, resulting in fibers that include inorganic fibrils. The resulting composite inorganic/polymer fibers may be provided as an end product. Alternatively, the polymer may be removed to liberate the inorganic fibrils, which may be of the same or smaller cross-section as the polymer fibers and may be provided as an end product.

Abstract: Nanofibers are fabricated by introducing a mixture of a polymer solution and inorganic precursor into a dispersion medium and shearing the mixture. Liquid strands, streaks or droplets of the mixture are spun into elongated fibers that include inorganic fibrils. The resulting composite inorganic/polymer fibers may be provided as an end product. Alternatively, the polymer may be removed to liberate the inorganic fibrils, which may be of the same or smaller cross-section as the polymer fibers and may be provided as an end product.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the preparation and applications of internally and/or externally functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs), which are produced by a three step procedure: (1) synthesis of native EbNPs, (2) functionalization with active agents, and (3) additional surface property customization via one or more modifier(s).

Abstract: Nanofibers are fabricated by introducing a polymer solution into a dispersion medium and shearing the dispersion medium. Droplets of the polymer solution are spun into elongated fibers that are insoluble in the dispersion medium.

Abstract: Nanofibers are fabricated in a continuous process by introducing a polymer solution into a dispersion medium, which flows through a conduit and shears the dispersion medium. Liquid strands, streaks or droplets of the polymer solution are continuously shear-spun into elongated fibers. An inorganic precursor may be introduced with the polymer solution, resulting in fibers that include inorganic fibrils. The resulting composite inorganic/polymer fibers may be provided as an end product. Alternatively, the polymer may be removed to liberate the inorganic fibrils, which may be of the same or smaller cross-section as the polymer fibers and may be provided as an end product.

Abstract: Nanofibers are fabricated by introducing a mixture of a polymer solution and inorganic precursor into a dispersion medium and shearing the mixture. Liquid strands, streaks or droplets of the mixture are spun into elongated fibers that include inorganic fibrils. The resulting composite inorganic/polymer fibers may be provided as an end product. Alternatively, the polymer may be removed to liberate the inorganic fibrils, which may be of the same or smaller cross-section as the polymer fibers and may be provided as an end product.

Abstract: Nanofibers are fabricated by introducing a polymer solution into a dispersion medium and shearing the dispersion medium. Droplets of the polymer solution are spun into elongated fibers that are insoluble in the dispersion medium.

Abstract: A photocurable material having a microfluidic endoskeleton constructed in a flexible polymeric slab is disclosed. The flexible polymeric slab comprises a first flexible polymeric sheet with microchannel network embedded thereon and a second flexible polymeric sheet sealed to the first flexible polymeric sheet. The microchannel network is filled with a photocurable fluid that may be solidified upon exposure to an activated light to create a rigid endoskeleton within the slab. The flexible polymeric sheet may be polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The process allows preserving a user-defined shape by illumination of the material. The disclosed photocured shaped PDMS slab with microfluidic skeleton has enhanced tensile stress-strain properties, elastomeric modulus and bending modulus compared to the PDMS slab without the photocured microfluidic skeleton.

Abstract: A new class of microwires and a method for their assembly from suspensions of metallic nanoparticles in water under the influence of dielectrophoretic forces. The wires are formed in the gaps between planar electrodes in an alternating current (AC), allowing manipulation of the particles without the interference of electro-osmotic and electro-chemical effects resent in direct current (DC) systems. The structures created cover a new size domain of microwires of micrometer diameter and millimeter to centimeter length, closing the gap between tradition metallic wires and the more recently synthesized nanowires and carbon tubes. The wires have good Ohmic conductance and their thickness, conductivity, and fractal dimension can be controlled by varying the frequency and voltage of the applied field.