Abstract: Hydrogel jacketed stents provide the ability to fill in the stent frame in vivo to at least partially cover the interior of the surface of the stent following deployment while having the convenience of attaching the jacket to the exterior of the stent. The hydrogel can be pleated and/or folder over the exterior of the stent to provide for extension of the stent without damaging the hydrogel. The hydrogel sheet can be secured at one or more points along the circumference to associate the sheet of hydrogel with the exterior surface of the stent frame. The stent can be conveniently delivered using similar technology as conventional stents if desired. The hydrogel can provide for drug delivery if desired.

Abstract: Hydrogel jacketed stents provide the ability to fill in the stent frame in vivo to at least partially cover the interior of the surface of the stent following deployment while having the convenience of attaching the jacket to the exterior of the stent. The hydrogel can be pleated and/or folder over the exterior of the stent to provide for extension of the stent without damaging the hydrogel. The hydrogel sheet can be secured at one or more points along the circumference to associate the sheet of hydrogel with the exterior surface of the stent frame. The stent can be conveniently delivered using similar technology as conventional stents if desired. The hydrogel can provide for drug delivery if desired.

Abstract: Hydrogel jacketed stents provide the ability to fill in the stent frame in vivo to at least partially cover the interior of the surface of the stent following deployment while having the convenience of attaching the jacket to the exterior of the stent. The hydrogel can be pleated and/or folder over the exterior of the stent to provide for extension of the stent without damaging the hydrogel. The hydrogel sheet can be secured at one or more points along the circumference to associate the sheet of hydrogel with the exterior surface of the stent frame. The stent can be conveniently delivered using similar technology as conventional stents if desired. The hydrogel can provide for drug delivery if desired.

Abstract: A material includes a layer with a plurality of self-assembled structures comprising compositions. The structures are localized in separate islands covering a portion of the layer in an integrated assembly. In some embodiments, the compositions include nanoparticles. In particular, some embodiments pertain to a material with a self-assembled formation of inorganic particles with an average diameter less than about 100 nm. The structures can be used as devices within an integrated article. The method for producing the articles comprise a localization process defining boundaries of the devices and a self-assembly process within the identified boundaries.

Abstract: Blends are described involving electrically conductive polymer and solid particles, in which the electrically conductive polymer binds the particles to form a cohesive material. In embodiments of particular interest, the blends include at least about 10 weight percent solid particles. The electrically conductive polymers have sufficient cohesiveness to function as a binder. In some embodiments of particular interest, the electrically conductive polymer is soluble in solvents. Several processing approaches are described for forming the blends. The blends are useful in the formation of electrodes, including battery electrodes.

Abstract: Medical devices include biocomatible materials and a plurality of exogenous storage structures. The exogenous storage structures store a therapeutic agent which acts to inhibit restenosis. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agents are radioactive metal ions. In other embodiments, the medical device has an expandable structure with particles of therapeutic agent on its surface. The particles of therapeutic agent are delivered into a region susceptible to restenosis by direct application of the medical device against the adjacent wall.

Abstract: Polymer based solar cells incorporate nanoscale carbon particles as electron acceptors. The nanoscale carbon particles can be appropriate carbon blacks, especially modified laser black. Conducting polymers are used in the solar cells as electron donors upon absorption of light. Preferred solar cell structures involve corrugation of the donor/acceptor composite material such that increased amounts of electricity can be produced for a given overall area of the solar cell.