Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transferring an agent into a cell. The method includes the steps of providing an agent outside of a cell and generating a vapor bubble and a plasma discharge between an avalanche electrode and a conductive fluid surrounding the cell. The vapor bubble and plasma discharge generate a mechanical stress wave and an electric field, respectively. The combination of this mechanical stress wave and electric field results in permeabilization of the cell, which in turn results in transfer of the agent into the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating an ocular disease in a subject. In a first step, a nucleic acid is introduced into cells or a tissue. The nucleic acid is introduced by electron avalanche transfection. With this technique, a high electric field induces a vapor bubble and plasma discharge between an electrode and the surrounding medium. The formation of a vapor bubble generates mechanical stress. Plasma discharge through the ionized vapor in the bubble enables connectivity between the electrode and the surrounding medium, so that mechanical stress and electric field are applied simultaneously, which results in permeabilization of the cells or tissue. This permeabilization in turn allows the nucleic acid to enter the cell or tissue. Cells or tissue containing the nucleic acid are then transplanted into an ocular region of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transferring an agent into a cell. The method includes the steps of providing an agent outside of a cell and generating a vapor bubble and a plasma discharge between an avalanche electrode and a conductive fluid surrounding the cell. The vapor bubble and plasma discharge generate a mechanical stress wave and an electric field, respectively. The combination of this mechanical stress wave and electric field results in permeabilization of the cell, which in turn results in transfer of the agent into the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transferring an agent into a cell. The method includes the steps of providing an agent outside of a cell and generating a vapor bubble and a plasma discharge between an avalanche electrode and a conductive fluid surrounding the cell. The vapor bubble and plasma discharge generate a mechanical stress wave and an electric field, respectively. The combination of this mechanical stress wave and electric field results in permeabilization of the cell, which in turn results in transfer of the agent into the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transferring an agent into a cell. The method includes the steps of providing an agent outside of a cell and generating a vapor bubble and a plasma discharge between an avalanche electrode and a conductive fluid surrounding the cell. The vapor bubble and plasma discharge generate a mechanical stress wave and an electric field, respectively. The combination of this mechanical stress wave and electric field results in permeabilization of the cell, which in turn results in transfer of the agent into the cell.

Abstract: Three-dimensionally (3-D) shaped interpenetrating double network (IPN) hydrogel based on a first network and a second network are provided. The 3-D shape is characterized by a non-uniform distribution of the second network (e.g. carboxylic acid groups) when in hydrated state. The 3-D shape can further be characterized by changes in the radius of curvature of the shape. The 3-D IPN hydrogel is created by applying a non-uniform illumination pattern to polymerize the second network of monomers within a layer of a first network. In hydrated state, the second network causes a swelling force that is resisted by the first network. The non-uniformal distribution of the second network with the first network is responsible for the 3-D of the resulting IPN. The invention can find use in ophthalmic applications as well as non-ophthalmic applications.

Abstract: A nanotube mat is provided with an array of conduits to support, direct growth, select or interface one or more biological cells or cell processes. The carbon nanotube mat provides mechanical stability, is biocompatible, will support cell growth, can desirably be derivatized with growth factors, molecules, nutrients, inhibitory factors, ligands, transduction molecules or morphogenic factors, and would allow the formation of conduits to guide cells and cell extensions to be hosted or grown. The conduits could take any size or shape to support, direct growth, select or interface one or more cells or processes. In general the conduits could be channels, discontinuous channels, tapered channels or walls. The nanotube mat could be used to interface biological cells with other cells, tissue or structures that have electrical, mechanical, magnetic means, or optical means. The nanotube mat could also incorporate chemicals, analytes, drugs, lips, carbohydrates, secretory products or the like.

Abstract: An interface for selective excitation or sensing of neural cells in a biological neural network is provided. The interface includes a membrane with a number of channels passing through the membrane. Each channel has at least one electrode within it. Neural cells in the biological neural network grow or migrate into the channels, thereby coming into close proximity to the electrodes. Once one or more neural cells have grown or migrated into a channel, a voltage applied to the electrode within the channel selectively excites the neural cell (or cells) in that channel. The excitation of these neural cell(s) will then transmit throughout the neural network (i.e. cells and axons) that is associated with the neural cell(s) stimulated in the channel.

Abstract: The invention provides implants suitable for use as an artificial cornea, and methods for making and using such implants. Artificial corneas having features of the invention may be two-phase artificial corneas, or may be three phase artificial corneas. These artificial corneas have a flexible, optically clear central core and a hydrophilic, porous skirt, both of which are biocompatible and allow for tissue integration. A three-phase artificial cornea will further have an interface region between the core and skirt. The artificial corneas have a high degree of ocular tolerance, and allow for tissue integration into the skirt and for epithelial cell growth over the surface of the prosthesis. The use of biocompatible material avoids the risk of disease transmission inherent with corneal transplants, and acts to minimize post-operative inflammation and so to reduce the chance or severity of tissue necrosis following implantation of the synthetic cornea onto a host eye.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modifying membranous tissue, growing cells on modified membranous tissue, and for transplantation of modified tissues and modified tissues with attached cells are provided. In particular, the invention provides methods and apparatus for modifying membranous tissue such as lens capsule tissue and inner limiting membrane tissue, for growing cells such as iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cells and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells on modified membranous tissue, and for modifying membranous tissue and growing cells on biodegradable polymer substrates. A method of modifying membranous tissues comprises depositing micropatterns of biomolecules onto membranous tissue with a contacting surface such as a stamp; other methods include mechanical ablation, photoablation, ion beam ablation, and modification of membranous tissues via the action of proteolytic enzymes.