Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment methods and methods for sustained delivery of one or more exogenous factors to desired nervous system sites. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of biodegradable microspheres to deliver exogenous factors, such as the morphogenic factor, sonic hedgehog (Shh), to the site of spinal cord injury. In certain embodiments, the Shh-releasing microspheres are administered together with stem cells, which may be spinal cord neural stem cells. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to regrowth of neural cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Abstract: The present invention describes improved microfluidic systems and procedures for fabricating improved microfluidic systems, which contain one or more levels of microfluidic channels. The methods for fabrication the systems disclosed can provide a convenient route to topologically complex and improved microfluidic systems. The microfluidic systems can include three-dimensionally arrayed networks of fluid flow paths therein including channels that cross over or under other channels of the network without physical intersection at the points of cross over. The microfluidic networks can be fabricated via replica molding processes utilizing mold masters including surfaces having topological features formed by photolithography. The present invention also involves microfluidic systems and methods for fabricating complex patterns of materials, such as biological materials and cells, on surfaces utilizing the microfluidic systems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing a substrate suitable for separation of a target molecule from a fluid medium. This method includes providing an emulsion comprising a water phase in an oil phase, where the oil phase contains a polymerizable monomer and the water phase contains the target molecule. The substrate, having pores extending from one side of the substrate to another side of the substrate, is coated with the emulsion, and the monomer in the emulsion coated substrate is then polymerized. The water and target molecule are removed from the polymerized, emulsion coated substrate. As a result, the substrate is imprinted with the target molecule and, therefore, is suitable for separation of the target molecule from a fluid medium. The resulting article and its use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a carbon nanotube structure includes providing an array of substantially aligned carbon nanotubes, wetting the array with a liquid, and evaporating the liquid to form the carbon nanotube structure having a pattern in the carbon nanotube array. The structure is preferably a carbon nanotube foam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a masking system for selectively applying cells to predetermined regions of a surface. A mask is positioned adjacent to a surface to cover some portions of the surface while allowing other portions of the surface to remain uncovered. Cells then are applied to uncovered portions of the surface and the mask removed. Alternatively, a cell-adhesion promoter is applied to uncovered portions of the surface, and then cells are applied to the surface before or after removal of the mask from the surface. The masking system can be pre-coated, at least on those surfaces which will come into contact with cells, with a cell-adhesion inhibitor to resist absorption of cells and thereby avoid cell damage when the mask is removed (if cells are deposited prior to removal of the mask). A polymeric elastomeric mask that comes into cohesive-conformal contact with a surface to be patterned can be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diffusion barrier useful in an integrated circuit, which serves to prevent the migration of material from a conductive layer to the underlying substrate and further provides improved adhesion of the conductive layer to the substrate. The diffusion barrier comprises a polymer which is a polyelectrolyte, having both cationic and anionic groups along its backbone chain. Preferred polyelectolyte barriers are polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyacrylic acid (PAA). Other polyelectrolytes may be used, such as those that contain SH— OH— aromatic groups, or those that can interact with either the metal or the adjacent layers via covalent interactions and cross-linking (e.g., POMA, PSMA). The polymeric layer may be applied in two coatings, so that the amine side chains contact the dielectric (e.g. silicon) substrate and the acidic groups are adjacent to the overlying metallic interconnect (e.g. copper).