Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure can include a thermoresponsive nanocomposite for disrupting or preventing biofilm formation. The nanocomposite can include at least one polymer, one or more D-amino acids, and one or more energy-actuatable particles. The nanocomposite can have a first viscosity at about room temperature and, when exposed to about physiological temperature, obtains a second viscosity that is greater than the first viscosity. Application of energy to the nanocomposite from an energy source can excite the one or more energy-actuatable particles to cause localized heat release from the nanocomposite.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a dynamically responsive brace that includes a flexible member sized and dimensioned to cover a target body region. At least one variable resistance element is associated with the flexible member. The at least one variable resistance element is configured to become exponentially stiffer in response to an applied force that causes deformation of the at least one variable resistance element. Deformation of the at least one variable resistance member restricts pathological motion of the target body region.