Abstract: A device for sample tissue disruption and/or cell lysis comprising: a piezoelectric material; and at least a second material in contact with the piezoelectric material; and wherein the second material has an uneven surface on an opposite side to that in contact with the piezoelectric material. The device may be made by assembling at least three layers and membranes for the valves and pumps. The piezoelectric material is actuated by an external voltage source to generate cavitation, which disrupts tissue and/or lyses cells, in particular by a modulated alternative external voltage. The invention further provides a method of disrupting tissue and/or lysing cells in a device. Also provided is a piezoelectric device comprising a piezoelectric material in contact with a second material, and wherein the second material has an uneven surface on an opposite side to that in contact with the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A porous biomaterial-filler composite comprising a biomaterial, such as collagen, interspersed with a calcium phosphate-type filler material. The porosity of the composite is similar to that of natural bone and can feature a pore size ranging from a few nanometres to greater than 100 microns. Scaffolds prepared from the biomaterial-filler composite are suitable for resorbable bone substitute materials.

Abstract: A device for sample tissue disruption and/or cell lysis comprising: a piezoelectric material; and at least a second material in contact with the piezoelectric material; and wherein the second material has an uneven surface on an opposite side to that in contact with the piezoelectric material. The device may be made by assembling at least three layers and membranes for the valves and pumps. The piezoelectric material is actuated by an external voltage source to generate cavitation, which disrupts tissue and/or lyses cells, in particular by a modulated alternative external voltage. The invention further provides a method of disrupting tissue and/or lysing cells in a device comprising the steps: loading a sample and reagents; actuating a piezoelectric material; obtaining disrupted tissue and/or lysed cells; and recovering the eluate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of an implantable biomaterial comprising the steps of: obtaining bone tissue; boiling the bone tissue; and treating the bone tissue to remove the collagen. It also provides an implantable biomaterial prepared according to the process.