Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, a biodegradable compound of formula I, and sub-formulas thereof: Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where each X independently is O or S, each Y independently is O or S, and each R1 independently is defined herein; and a liposome composition comprising the cationic lipid of formula I or a sub-formula thereof, and methods of delivering agents, such as nucleic acids including mRNA, in vivo, by administering to a subject the liposome comprising the cationic lipid of formula I or a sub-formula thereof, where the agent is encapsulated within the liposome.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, a biodegradable compound of formula I, and sub-formulas thereof: Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where each X independently is O or S, each Y independently is O or S, and each R1 independently is defined herein; and a liposome composition comprising the cationic lipid of formula I or a sub-formula thereof, and methods of delivering agents, such as nucleic acids including mRNA, in vivo, by administering to a subject the liposome comprising the cationic lipid of formula I or a sub-formula thereof, where the agent is encapsulated within the liposome.

Abstract: There is described a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding for a functional preproinsulin protein wherein the nucleotide sequence has at least 86% identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1. Also described are: vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecule for expressing the preproinsulin protein; host cells comprising the nucleic acid molecule or a vector; a transgenic animal comprising cells comprising the nucleic acid molecule or the vector; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule or the vector; a method of treating diabetes comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the vector to a patient suffering from diabetes; the nucleic acid molecule for use in therapy; and the nucleic acid molecule or the vector for use in the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polynucleotides having a plurality of thymine nucleotides and an endonuclease recognition site inserted therein, methods of engineering the polynucleotides having a plurality of thymine nucleotides and an endonuclease recognition site inserted therein, and methods of enhancing transcription, translation, and increasing stability of a polynucleotide.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a nanoparticle based platform, and nanoallergens for identifying, evaluating and studying allergen mimotopes as multiple copies of a single mimotope or various combinations on the same particle. The nanoparticle is extremely versatile and allows multivalent binding to IgEs specific to a variety of mimotopes, simulating allergen proteins. Nanoparticles can include various molecular ratios of components. For example, the nanoallergens can include about 0.1-40% mimotope-lipid conjugate and about 60-99.9% lipid. The mimotope-lipid conjugate includes a mimotope, a first linker, and lipid molecule. Nanoallergens can be used in in vitro and in vivo applications to identify a specific patient's sensitivity to a set of epitopes and predict a symptomatic clinical response, identify allergen epitopes through blind screening peptide sequences from allergen protein, and in a clinical application similar to a scratch test.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a non-human primate model of AMD, a method for evaluating the efficacy of a test substance in the prevention or treatment of AMD using the AMD animal model produced according to this method, and a method for screening substances effective in the prevention or treatment of AMD using the aforementioned AMD animal model. The method for preparing the AMD animal model consists of administering sodium iodate into a vitreous body of a non-human primate, and the method for evaluating the efficacy of a test substance in the prevention or treatment of AMD consists of preparing a non-human primate model of AMD according to the aforementioned method for preparing an AMD animal model, and evaluating the efficacy of the test substance in the prevention or treatment of AMD using the resulting AMD animal model.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lymph targeting nuclear magnetic contrast agent using a brown algae polysaccharide as a carrier, and a preparation method and a use thereof. A macromolecular contrast agent with good water solubility was prepared by using the brown algae polysaccharide as the carrier, using mannose or mannose derivatives as a mannose receptor (MBP) recognition group, and using a paramagnetic metal ion chelate as a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging group. The binding capacity of lymphoid tissue was improved. The mannose or mannose derivative group introduced into the synthesized contrast agent molecule achieves the goal of binding to the enriched mannose receptors in the lymphoid tissues.

Abstract: An MRI contrast agent, including superparamagnetic nanoparticles and hydroxyethyl starch. The weight ratio of the superparamagnetic nanoparticles to the hydroxyethyl starch is between 1:5 and 1:15. The superparamagnetic nanoparticles have a particle size of 100-140 nm, and include the following layers, from the inside out, ferrous ferric oxide particles, citric acid, and poly-R-lysine. The citric acid accounts for 6-13 wt. % of the ferrous ferric oxide particles. The poly-R-lysine accounts for 6-20 wt. % of the ferrous ferric oxide particles.

Abstract: Stable perfluorocarbon nanodroplet compositions with properties such as low-boiling points and small particle diameters are provided for improved performance in ultrasound imaging and therapeutic applications. Methods of producing stabilized nanodroplet compositions and methods of using the compositions are further provided to allow for improved performance in ultrasound imaging techniques and/or therapeutic applications.

Abstract: 1,7-diaryl-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione derivatives, methods for the production and use thereof.

Abstract: A caster wheel assembly includes a swivel frame and a caster wheel rotatably coupled to the swivel frame via an axle. The swivel frame can include a rotatable shaft enabling rotation of the wheel and at least one light emitting diode (LED) disposed on a surface of the swivel frame to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings. The LED may be an ultraviolet (UV) LED disposed on the surface of the swivel frame to interface a portion of the caster wheel thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to sterilize pathogens colonizing the caster wheel. The LED may be disposed on an external surface of the swivel frame to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings. Upon an adjustable predetermined time or distance of motion, the wheel may be braked for ultraviolet light to sterilize pathogens colonizing the caster wheel and released following an adjustable predetermined time.

Abstract: A modular light assembly for an ultraviolet (UV) treatment device includes a UV light reflective surface. First and second sidewalls are coupled to respective sides of the reflective surface. Electrical input contacts are formed on each of the first and second sidewalls for receiving electrical power, and electrical output contacts are formed on each of the first and second sidewalls for delivering electrical power. A plurality of UV lamps are included, each of which have a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the UV lamps is coupled to a respective one of the electrical output contacts on the first sidewall, and the second end is coupled to a respective one of the electrical output contacts on the second sidewall.

Abstract: A disinfection system is provided herein. The disinfection system includes an UV light source to generate UV light and a housing supporting the UV light source. The housing includes a fan and a shield having a body partially surrounding the UV light source. The body has an inner surface sized and shaped to reflect the UV light from the UV light source. The body defines at least one hole configured to receive air flow from the fan and direct the air flow to contact the UV light source to control a temperature of the UV light source.

Abstract: Disinfection methods and apparatuses are provided which generate pulses of germicidal light at a frequency greater than 20 Hz and project the pulses of light to surfaces at least 1.0 meter from the disinfection apparatus. The pulses of light comprise a pulse duration and an energy flux sufficient to generate a power flux between approximately 200 W/m2 and approximately 5000 W/m2 of ultraviolet light in the wavelength range between 200 nm and 320 nm at the surfaces. Other disinfection methods and apparatuses are provided which generate pulses of light comprising germicidal light and visible light from a germicidal light source and generate pulses of light from a visible light source that is distinct from the germicidal light source. The projections of visible light from the light sources produce a continuous stream of visible light or a collective stream of visible light pulsed at a frequency greater than 60 Hz.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. The storage area is scanned and monitored for the presence of biological activity within designated zones. Once biological activity is identified, ultraviolet radiation is directed to sterilize and disinfect designated zones within the storage area.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a system and method for sterilizing a wide variety of products. Specifically, in some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a package that is capable of self-sterilizing by initiating sterilizing conditions inside the package interior without the necessity of being treated with an externally-supplied sterilizing medium. Particularly, the disclosed package includes at least one dual-layer lid that comprises inner and outer layers and an interstitial space that houses a sterilizing gas-producing component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disinfectant dispenser configured to store and dispense a surface and/or skin disinfectant, the disinfectant dispenser including a first storage container including a disinfectant; a second storage container (4) a including marking agent, wherein the marking agent is inactive in the second storage container; and a mixing section in which the marking agent is mixed with the disinfectant when the disinfectant dispenser is actuated, wherein the marking agent is provided in an inactive state after it is dispensed from the disinfectant dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soybean based non-toxic, non-hazardous, user and environmentally friendly odor trapping composition matter as a toilet spray. This product not only limits the undesired smell from defecation and releases a desirable smell, but also has potential antimicrobial properties to sanitize the toilet bowl.

Abstract: An automatic dispensing device for volatile fluid operable to apply one or more agent to a local environment for more than 14 days. Preferred devices dispense a first agent for air freshening, and may optionally dispense a second agent, such as a drain cleaner. A workable drain cleaner is structured to permit a slow release of drain cleaning agent. A dispensing device may nonexclusively operate by evaporation of volatile fluid from a polymer or rubber-like carrier material that is infused with the volatile fluid; gravity-induced drip from a bulk supply of volatile fluid through a small orifice onto an emanator; osmotic transfer of volatile fluid from a bulk supply; gas-pump drive of volatile fluid at controlled pressure; or diffusion of volatile fluid through a wall of a container of bulk volatile fluid; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A hydroxyl generator unit includes an ultraviolet light source, a reaction chamber within interior space of the hydroxyl generator unit, environmental sensors and a smart optic controller coupled to environmental sensors and to the ultraviolet light source. The smart optic controller integrates environmental conditions, and in response to at least the environmental conditions, the smart optic controller generates an output signal to the ultraviolet light source to control to the hydroxyls generated by the hydroxyl generator unit. The smart optic controller includes at least one of an air flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and a light sensor, to control operation of the hydroxyl generator unit. The smart optic controller includes a microcontroller that interrogates the sensors and that interfaces to external systems. The smart optic controller includes a near field communications circuit attached to a sensor communications link, and a control interface via an RS-485 connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus capable of purifying air and maintaining freshness inside a refrigerator while minimizing deformation of the structure of an existing refrigerator, and a method for controlling the same. The apparatus for air purification and freshness maintenance according to the present invention is formed separately from a storage space (12) of a refrigerator (10) and is installed on a cooling passage (14) which communicates with the storage space (12) through an inlet (13) and an outlet (15), wherein a photocatalyst filter (30) is installed in the vicinity of the outlet (15) within the cooling passage (14), and a plurality of cells (32) forming an air vent are formed in the photocatalyst filter (30) in the same direction as the air flow direction within the cooling passage (14), in which a UV LED (41) for radiating ultraviolet rays toward the cells (32) of the photocatalyst filter (30) is installed.

Abstract: Described herein are surgical or wound dressings comprising a sheet of gellan gum and an antifibrotic agent. Methods for producing dressings comprising gellan gums and biologically active agents are also described.

Abstract: The present innovation relates to the use of Tilapia skin, processed in several steps, on the basis of glycerol in concentrations ranging from 50% to 99% in a Type 5 and 7 Clean Room environments and, in certain cases, when the microbial count is high, it is necessary to have supplementary radio-sterilization with Gamma Irradiation. The skin can be used as an occlusive biological dressing in skin injuries, such as burns and acute or chronic wounds.

Abstract: Described herein is the synthesis of adhesive complex coacervates and their use thereof. The adhesive complex coacervates are composed of a mixture of one or more polycations and one or more polyanions. The polycations and polyanions in the adhesive complex coacervate are crosslinked with one another by covalent bonds upon curing. The adhesive complex coacervates have several desirable features when compared to conventional bioadhesives, which are effective in water-based applications. The adhesive complex coacervates described herein exhibit good interfacial tension in water when applied to a substrate (i.e., they spread over the interface rather than being beaded up). Additionally, the ability of the complex coacervate to crosslink intermolecularly increases the cohesive strength of the adhesive complex coacervate. The adhesive complex coacervates have numerous biological applications as bioadhesives and drug delivery devices.

Abstract: A surgical sealant comprising a first agent containing a hydrophobically-modified gelatin derived from a cold-water fish, and a second agent containing a water-soluble molecule for crosslinking, wherein the water-soluble molecule for crosslinking is at least one kind selected from the group consisting of poly acids and acid anhydrides having two or more active ester groups, and aldehyde compounds having two or more aldehyde groups, the hydrophobically-modified gelatin derived from a cold-water fish is a gelatin in which at least a part of amino groups of side chains of a gelatin derived from a cold-water fish has been substituted by hydrophobic groups, and the hydrophobic groups are linear chain aliphatic groups each having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, with a substitution rate (number of moles of hydrophobic groups/(total number of moles of hydrophobic groups and reactive amino groups in gelatin)×100) of 3 to 20 mol %.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermally sprayed ceramic layers and a method for the production thereof.

Abstract: Various aspects described herein relate to compositions comprising silk fibroin fragments with particular characteristics and/or properties as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides including DEDE(SSD)nDEG indicated by SEQ NO. 1, RRRDEDE(SSD)nDEG indicated by SEQ NO. 2, RRRGDEDE(SSD)nDEG indicated by SEQ NO. 3, and LKKLKKLDEDE(SSD)nDEG indicated by SEQ NO. 4, wherein n is an integer from 2 to 20. The invention also relates to phosphorylating these peptides at multiple amino acid sites by employing casein kinases. These phosphorylated peptides may be used in various applications such as forming mineralized collagen fibrils and biomimetic composites for use in tissue repair and regeneration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for repairing a cartilage defect including: preparing a cartilage defect by removing unwanted or damaged tissue; creating at least one perforation into or through subchondral bone, below and/or adjacent to the cartilage defect to induce the flow of bone fluid; allowing the bone fluid to bleed through the at least one perforation up into the cartilage defect to fill at least a portion of the cartilage defect; and applying a biomaterial into the defect to produce a clot for cartilage regeneration.

Abstract: Various aspects described herein relate to compositions comprising silk fibroin particles and methods of using the same, as well as devices and methods of delivering such compositions. The compositions described herein are suitable for injection into a site of defect in a soft tissue to provide bulking and/or augmentation effect to the soft tissue.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the use of cationic steroidal antimicrobial (CSA) compounds to prevent microbial fouling of medical implants, including microbial fouling caused by bacterial and/or fungal biofilms. The CSAs are incorporated into the medical implants to provide effective antimicrobial properties. A medical implant includes a component formed from a polymeric material. A plurality of CSA molecules are mixed with the polymeric material so that the CSA molecules are incorporated into the structure of the medical implant as formed. A medical implant can additionally or alternatively include a lubricious coating containing CSA molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed are bioprinted, three-dimensional, biological skin tissues comprising: a dermal layer comprising dermal fibroblasts; and an epidermal layer comprising keratinocytes, the epidermal layer in contact with the dermal layer to form the three-dimensional, engineered, biological skin tissue. Also disclosed are arrays of engineered skin tissues and methods of making engineered skin tissues.

Abstract: Products, processes, compositions, kits, and methods are provided for cartilage-derived implants. The implants can exhibit resistance to enzyme (e.g., collagenase, protease, etc.) digestion compared to the source tissue from which they were derived while still having one or more mechanical properties comparable to the source tissue from which they were derived. The implants can also have a plurality of molecular bridges between molecules of the cartilaginous material. The molecular bridges can connect one or more collagen fibrils and/or/with one or more glycosaminoglycans. The implants can also be treated with cationic detergent, packaged and sterilized with or without additional components, and surgically implanted into subjects.

Abstract: The invention provides devices for supporting regeneration of body tissue and of tubular structures, such as the esophagus or intestine, and methods for making and for using the devices.

Abstract: The present application describes a polymeric mesh for the repair and regeneration of tissues from an organism that comprises pores wherein at least 70% of the pores of the said mesh have a size smaller than the one required to confine the cells of the said tissues, and wherein at least 70% of the pores of the said mesh has a size superior than the one needed for the passage of interstitial fluids of the said tissues; the degradation time of the said polymeric mesh within the organism is at least 8 weeks; the said polymeric mesh has an apparent tensile strength superior than 1 MPa; the said polymeric mesh has an apparent elastic modulus superior than 0.1 MPa. The mesh described in this application allows that the “new tissue” formed presents very similar properties to the ones of the damaged tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a foley catheter and a method of manufacturing the same, it is characterized in that the foley catheter comprises a catheter body made of a material which a carbon nanotube polymer (CNT Polymer) bonded a carbon nanotube and zinc oxide (ZnO) is combined with a silicon; and a foley for catheter that are made of a material which a carbon nanotube polymer (CNT Polymer) bonded a carbon nanotube and zinc oxide (ZnO) is combined with a silicon, and are bonded to the catheter body so as to be inflated by a fluid introduced from the outside; wherein the mixing ratio of the carbon nanotube polymer of the said foley for catheter is higher than that of the carbon nanotube polymer of the said catheter body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include bioactive agent eluting devices. In an embodiment the invention includes a bioactive agent delivery device including a substrate, a hydrophilic polymer disposed on the substrate, and a substantially amorphous bioactive agent disposed on the surface of the hydrophilic polymer. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of making a bioactive agent delivery device including depositing a hydrophilic polymer on a substrate forming a hydrophilic surface and depositing a substantially amorphous bioactive agent on the hydrophilic surface. In an embodiment, the invention includes a bioactive agent-eluting catheter including a catheter shaft and an expandable balloon disposed on the catheter shaft. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: Provided is a ureteral stent comprising certain amount of ethylene-vinyl acetate polymer and a certain amount of an additive selected from barium sulfate, bismuth subcarbonate, bismuth oxychloride, a polyolefin elastomer, a thermoplastics elastomer, and a mixture thereof. The provided stent may have multiple layers such as inner layer and outer layer with each layer having different elastic modulus. Also provided is a method of making the aforementioned ureteral stent and a method of using the ureteral stent in treating kidney or bladder related diseases.

Abstract: A polymer film coating for medical devices and medical devices with coating are provided to controllably release one or more therapeutics or other agents locally at the tissue-device interface for a prolonged period of time. The coating can be prepared via layer by layer (LbL) assembly of polymers and/or polymers conjugated to or otherwise associated with one or more drugs, particularly recyclable antioxidants or antioxidant regulators. The resulting coating contains alternating layers that are assembled via electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, or other secondary interactions. The coated device can provide for long term local delivery of antioxidants, preferably antioxidant upregulators and/or recyclable antioxidants, to modulate the oxidative stress associated with brain implants.

Abstract: Provided herein is a coated coronary stent, comprising: a. stent; b. a plurality of layers deposited on said stent to form said coronary stent; wherein at least one of said layers comprises a bioabsorbable polymer and at least one of said layers comprises one or more active agents; wherein at least part of the active agent is in crystalline form.

Abstract: A braided polymeric scaffold, made at least in part from a bioresorbable material is deployed on a catheter that uses a push-pull mechanism to deploy the scaffold. A drug coating is disposed on the scaffold. A plurality of scaffold segments on a catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects include methods of fabricating antibacterial surfaces for medical implant devices including patterning a photoresist layer on a silicon substrate and etching the silicon to generate a plurality of nanopillars. Aspects also include removing the photoresist layer from the structure and coating the plurality of nanopillars with a biocompatible film. Aspects also include a system for preventing bacterial infection associated with medical implants including a thin silicon film including a plurality of nanopillars.

Abstract: Aspects include methods of fabricating antibacterial surfaces for medical implant devices including patterning a photoresist layer on a silicon substrate and etching the silicon to generate a plurality of nanopillars. Aspects also include removing the photoresist layer from the structure and coating the plurality of nanopillars with a biocompatible film. Aspects also include a system for preventing bacterial infection associated with medical implants including a thin silicon film including a plurality of nanopillars.

Abstract: Aspects include methods of fabricating antibacterial surfaces for medical implant devices including patterning a photoresist layer on a silicon substrate and etching the silicon to generate a plurality of nanopillars. Aspects also include removing the photoresist layer from the structure and coating the plurality of nanopillars with a biocompatible film. Aspects also include a system for preventing bacterial infection associated with medical implants including a thin silicon film including a plurality of nanopillars.

Abstract: Aspects include methods of fabricating antibacterial surfaces for medical implant devices including patterning a photoresist layer on a silicon substrate and etching the silicon to generate a plurality of nanopillars. Aspects also include removing the photoresist layer from the structure and coating the plurality of nanopillars with a biocompatible film. Aspects also include a system for preventing bacterial infection associated with medical implants including a thin silicon film including a plurality of nanopillars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood recirculation device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a blood recirculation device capable of continuous blood suction and capable of minimizing mechanical damage to the blood during such a process. The blood recirculation device according to the present invention repeats suction with one side unit and repeats a process of transferring stored blood with the other side unit, thereby being capable of continuous blood suction and capable of efficiently supplying suctioned blood to an erythrocyte washing system of an autologous blood transfusion machine or a cardiopulmonary bypass machine.

Abstract: Improved medical devices having anti-thrombogenic and anti-adherent surface modifiers for improved medical device performance and patient outcomes are provided. In certain embodiments, the medical devices are at least partially manufactured using an admixture of a base polymer and surface modifying fluoropolymer additives. In certain embodiments, the medical devices are vascular access devices, vascular access accessories, peripheral vascular devices, or components of these devices.

Abstract: Implementations described herein include a system for guiding medical waste fluid into a medical waste collection canister. The system includes a manifold and a filter. The manifold includes a top surface and a sidewall extending from the top surface in a first direction. The top surface and the sidewall define an interior chamber of the manifold. The top surface includes an inlet port and a vacuum port disposed therein. The inlet port connects to a source of medical waste fluid and the vacuum port connects to a vacuum source. The manifold can be formed from a first polymer. A filter is positioned within the interior chamber of the manifold and immediately upstream of the vacuum port so as to filter air flowing into the vacuum port. The filter extends away from the top surface of the manifold in the first direction and the filter is formed from a second polymer.

Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods for providing negative-pressure therapy to a tissue site are described. The system can include an absorbent and a sealing layer configured to cover the absorbent. The system can also include a blister fluidly coupled to the absorbent. The blister may have a collapsed position and an expanded position. A first check valve may be fluidly coupled to the absorbent and the blister and configured to prevent fluid flow from the blister into the absorbent if the blister is moved from the expanded position to the collapsed position. A second check valve may be fluidly coupled to the blister and the ambient environment and configured to prevent fluid flow from the ambient environment into the blister if the blister is moved from the collapsed position to the expanded position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing at least one function of a medical functional device which is inserted in and connected and compressed with a medical treatment apparatus, and/or a function of this treatment apparatus, wherein between a hydraulic device or a pneumatic unit of the treatment apparatus and the functional device at least one fluid communication is established. It further relates to a detection device which is programmed and/or configured for executing the method according to the invention as well as a medical treatment apparatus which comprises at least one detection device and/or is in signal transmission or is connected for signal transmission with it, a digital storage medium, a computer program product as well as a computer program.