Abstract: In general, the present invention is related to biopolymer and biocomposite materials and structures, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to oriented collagen based biocomposite materials and structures, and methods of making.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a substantially uniaxially-oriented, high content cellulose nanocrystal film. The method includes providing a plant-biomass-based suspension of cellulose nanocrystals and altering the pH of the cellulose nanocrystals to a substantially neutral pH. The suspension is sheared at a shearing rate. The method further includes orienting the cellulose nanocrystals in a substantially axial direction and removing water from the sheared cellulose nanocrystal suspension. As a result, a substantially uniaxially-oriented cellulose nanocrystal film is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high strength organic/inorganic composite using plate-shaped inorganic particles and to a method for preparing the same. The organic/inorganic composite of the present invention comprises a polymer and inorganic particles uniformly arranged into a matrix structure in said polymer. A mineral bridge is formed between the inorganic particles. According to the present invention, plate-shaped inorganic particles are uniformly distributed in the polymer to improve the filling rate of inorganic particles, and a mineral bridge is formed between the inorganic particles to provide a high strength and lightweight organic/inorganic composite. The organic/inorganic composite of the present invention may be widely used in high value-added industry such as an aerospace industry, space industry, car industry, energy industry, environmental industry, defense industry and construction industry.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oramucosal pharmaceutical dosage form in the form of a wafer. The wafer comprises a porous, hydroscopic, muco-adhesive polymeric matrix with at least one desired pharmaceutically active compound added thereto. The polymer is selected from a number of polymers having different dissolution rates and, in use when taken orally, the matrix adheres to an oramucosal surface to dissolve over a predetermined period of time to release the pharmaceutically active compound. The invention also extends to a method of manufacturing an oramucosal pharmaceutical dosage form in the form of a wafer which involves freeze drying or lyophilisation.

Abstract: The invention provides fabricated PVA-hydrogels, PVA-hydrogel-containing compositions, and methods of making the same. The invention also provides methods of implanting or administering the PVA-hydrogels, or the PVA-hydrogel-containing compositions to treat a subject in need. Methods of cross-linking pre-solidified or pre-gelled hydrogel particles and making cross-linked PVA-hydrogels, and cross-linked PVA-hydrogel-containing compositions also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method and assembly for manufacturing ingestible products from liquids and soft-solid ingestible matters, the method including the steps of hard freezing the liquid or soft-solid ingestible matter, granulating the hard-frozen ingestible matter, and thereafter either (1) placing the hard-frozen granules in a mold and molding a single hard-frozen product, or (2) drying the granules and packaging same for subsequent molding or transporting or use.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a porous ceramics material. The method comprises preparing a slurry by dispersing a ceramics raw material in a medium, filling the slurry in a container, inserting the container in a given direction into a cooling medium having a temperature not higher than the freezing point of the slurry such that the slurry freezes unidirectionally from one end side, drying the frozen slurry to give a green body, and firing the green body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing moldings made of a fiber-reinforced polymer, comprising the following steps: (a) inserting a fiber structure into a mold and injecting a polymer precursor compound around the fiber structure or saturating a fiber structure with a polymer precursor compound and inserting the saturated fiber structure into a mold, where the viscosity of the polymer precursor compound is at most 2000 mPas, (b) polymerizing the polymer precursor compound to give the polymer, to produce the molding, (c) removing the molding from the mold as soon as the polymerization process has proceeded at least to the extent that the molding is in essence dimensionally stable.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of making are provided for mesoporous metal oxide microspheres electrodes. The mesoporous metal oxide microsphere compositions comprise (a) microspheres with an average diameter between 200 nanometers (nm) and 10 micrometers (?m); (b) mesopores on the surface and interior of the microspheres, wherein the mesopores have an average diameter between 1 nm and 50 nm and the microspheres have a surface area between 50 m2/g and 500 m2/g. The methods of making comprise forming composite powders. The methods may also comprise refluxing the composite powders in a basic solution to form an etched powder, washing the etched powder with an acid to form a hydrated metal oxide, and heat-treating the hydrated metal oxide to form mesoporous metal oxide microspheres.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the solvent-free preparation of a homogenizate, especially for implants or microparticles, wherein one or more polymers and one or more active constituents, as raw materials, are homogenized together below the glass transition temperature of the polymer(s) and, when homogenization is complete, brought to room temperature.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide materials and methods of forming hollow cubes. The hollow cubes can be formed to include a metal oxide shell layer encasing a cubic hollow space. In one embodiment, the hollow cubes can be formed from an emulsion having aqueous droplets with an interfacial layer encasing an aqueous core. By an exemplary freezing treatment, the aqueous droplets having a spherical shape can be transformed into ice components having a cubic shape. Metal oxide precursors can then be added to react with the encased cube-shaped ice core at the interface with the interfacial layer to form a sol-gel metal oxide shell layer. Hollow cubes can be formed by removing the cube-shaped ice core from the sol-gel metal oxide shell layer.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprises a first component having a bearing surface and a second component having a bearing surface arranged to articulate with the bearing surface of the first component, said bearing surfaces of the first and the second component thus forming a bearing couple. The bearing surfaces consist of a silicon carbide whisker reinforced alumina. Thus, a bearing couple with low wear, low friction and high hardness is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiberglass spool comprising a self-supporting roll (12) having layers of windings (20) located one above the other of an optical fiber (13) for transmitting data that may be unwound from the interior of the roll outwards, wherein the windings (20) are fixed to one another by means of an adhesive bonding agent. In order to realize a sufficiently stable, self-supporting roll (12) that may be reliably unwound from the inside outwards without loops being pulled out of the roll (12), the roll (12) is structured as a cross-winding and a hydrocarbon-based, salt water-resistant, chemically inert impregnating material that may be liquefied by heating is used as the bonding agent.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional preform for a structural component made of a fiber composite material includes simultaneously laying a plurality of dry fibers on a workpiece carrier having a contour that corresponds to an intended three-dimensional shape of the perform and then fixing the fibers on an edge of the workpiece carrier. These steps are repeated in accordance with a predetermined fiber laying pattern until the three-dimensional perform has been completely formed. In addition, between each repetition, the fibers are cut beyond a segment of the fibers fixed on the edge of the workpiece carrier. After the three-dimensional preform has been completely formed, the three-dimensional preform is removed from the workpiece carrier and transferred to a subsequent manufacturing step. An apparatus configured to perform this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an open matrix network carrying a pharmaceutically active ingredient, wherein the open matrix network comprises inulin.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue implant. The tissue implant may be bioabsorbable, consists of a biocompatible polymeric foam. The tissue implant also includes a biocompatible reinforcement member. The polymeric foam and the reinforcement member are soluble in a lyophilizing solvent. The reinforcement may be annealed and/or coated.

Abstract: A freeze-forging method for producing sintered three-dimensional ceramic bodies, particularly magnesium aluminate spinel domes. The method comprises forming a ceramic mix of a ready-to-sinter ceramic powder and a nonaqueous liquefied sublimable vehicle having a solidification temperature from room temperature to below 200° C.; reducing the temperature of the ceramic mix to below the vehicle's solidification temperature to freeze the mix; crushing the frozen mix into powdered form; molding the frozen powder into net shape by cold forging in a mold to form a net-shaped green body preform of the desired three-dimensional shape; and densifying the green body into a sintered three-dimensional ceramic body.

Abstract: Product formed from a ceramic material, at least part of the said product not being formed from amorphous silica and including pores and satisfying the following criteria (a), (b) and (c): (a) at least 70% by number of the said pores are frustoconical tubular pores extending substantially parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction; (b) in at least one cross-section plane, the mean size of the cross sections of the said pores is greater than 0.15 ?m and less than 300 ?m; (c) in at least one cross-section plane, at least 50% by number of the pores have a convexity index Ic of greater than 87%, the convexity index of a pore being equal to the ratio Sp/Sc of the surfaces Sp and Sc delimited by the perimeter and by the convex envelope of the said pore, respectively.

Abstract: A method of forming granules, the method including forming a suspension of a nanopowder such as a nano zirconia powder containing yttria. The powder is formed from a suspension, and freon is added directly to the suspension as an additive. The suspension is then granulated by spray freeze drying, and the freon subsequently removed by heat treatment. The voids left by the vacated freon provide meso, micro and macro flaws or structural defects in the granules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an oral form of administration which decomposes immediately and releases active ingredients in the mouth. According to said method, (a) an anionic pharmaceutical active ingredient is intensively mixed with (b) a copolymer consisting of radically polymerized C1-C4 esters of the acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and other (meth)acrylate monomers containing functional tertiary amino groups, and (c) between 5 and 50 wt. %, in relation to (b), of a C12-C22 carboxylic acid in the melted mass; the mixture is solidified and ground to form a powder containing active ingredients having an average particle size of 200 ?m or less; and the powder is encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix consisting of pharmaceutically standard adjuvants, on the condition that no more than 3 wt. %, in relation to the copolymer, of emulsifiers with an HLB value of at least 14 must be contained therein.

Abstract: A molding method may include forming a pattern on a surface of a substrate, the pattern and the surface of the substrate having an opposite polarity to each other, providing the substrate on which the pattern is formed with a liquid to form a liquid mold on either the surface of the substrate or the pattern, the liquid having a polarity identical to the polarity of the surface of the substrate or the polarity of the pattern and cooling the liquid mold at a temperature below a freezing point of the liquid to form a solid mold.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulose hydrogels having one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and an optimal thickness. The present invention further provides a process for preparing a cellulose hydrogel comprising: (i) contacting cellulose with a solvent to activate the cellulose; (ii) optionally removing the solvent from the activated cellulose; (iii) substantially dissolving the activated cellulose to form a solution; (iv) allowing the solution to gel; and optionally (v) drying the gel and rehydrating the gel. The cellulose hydrogel can have many uses, including uses as contact lenses.

Abstract: Polymer blend compositions are disclosed comprising a polychloroprene homopolymer and a polymethacrylic acid having a weight average molecular weight of not greater than 50,000 daltons. A process for preparation of the polymer blend composition is also disclosed. The polymer blend compositions are useful for preparing solvent-based adhesive compositions having excellent high temperature adhesion properties.

Abstract: A facility that is especially suited for the freezing of juices and similar products, which includes a cooling tank that supplies the product by means of an impelling pump to a freezing chamber that receives a supply of a liquefied gas at a temperature of around ?140° C., preferably nitrogen, and pressurized air through an electro-valve to transform the juice into micro-drops or pellets and to freeze the droplets or the pellets inside the freezing chamber, which then exit the chamber through one or more dispensing valves, said freezing not affecting the original characteristics of the juice, in terms of its vitamin, protein and enzyme content.

Abstract: Injection molding units and methods of delivering a cooled molding material to portions of an injection molding unit are disclosed. An injection molding unit can comprise a barrel having a feed zone, a feeding portion configured for dispensing a molding material into the feed zone, and a cooling apparatus configured for cooling at least one of the feed zone or the feeding portion to a temperature that is selected to avoid or reduce bridging or obstruction of the molding material. The cooling apparatus can include a jacket configured to cover at least a portion of the feed zone or the feeding portion. The injection molding unit can further comprise an insulation shield. A method can comprise feeding the molding material into the feed zone and cooling the molding material prior to dispensing it into the feed zone or while it is in the feed zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides surgical training aids formed from hydrogels and adapted to exhibit realistic mechanical properties mimicking those of real organs. Surgical training aids are preferably fabricated by subjecting a concentration of polyvinyl alcohol to freeze-thaw cycles in a mold designed to approximate the shape of an organ, and process parameters are selected to tailor the mechanical properties of the formed hydrogel to those of the organ simulated by the surgical aid. The mechanical properties of the hydrogel forming the surgical training aid may be tailored by incorporating bacterial cellulose and by applying strain during hydrogel formation, thereby producing controlled anisotropy.

Abstract: A functional, porous, interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) includes a first polymer network in the form of a porogenic support fabric (PSF) composed of linear polymers in the form of a pre-formed network comprising a fibrous composite and a second polymer network synthesized, gelated, and/or cross-linked in the presence of the first polymer network to form a system of polymers which have their respective chains held in place by means of permanent physical entanglements produced by the interweaving of the component polymer networks. The IPN is modified by dissolving and dispersing a portion of the PSF fibers, the dispersible fiber network (DFN) to form a pre-designed interconnected pore structure. The resultant porous, supported, second polymer network has convective flow, diffusive flow, and high capacity, and may include functional capture chemistries to provide an adsorptive media for chromatography and filtration of various compounds including biomolecules.

Abstract: The precision formed compressed demineralized cancellous bone matrix product is made by the process of: (a) providing a demineralized cancellous bone matrix in a compression mold for the tissue implant; (b) freeze-drying the demineralized cancellous bone matrix in the mold to form freeze-dried compressed demineralized cancellous bone matrix; (c) compressing the matrix contained within the compression mold for a time and under conditions sufficient to form a tissue implant part there from; and (d) removing the precision formed compressed demineralized cancellous bone matrix product.

Abstract: A device for regenerating biological tissues, particularly for regenerating tissues of the peripheral nervous system, the respective manufacturing method and the instrument used in the method, the regeneration device comprising a hollow tubular structure based on biocompatible material and having a structural porosity in which the pores are oriented substantially radially with respect to its longitudinal axis so as to minimize the formation of scar tissue around the damaged site and allow the growth of the biological tissue inside the pores and inside the duct defined by the hollow tubular structure and facilitate the transport of nutrients.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing extruded parts having microstructures comprising: a support structure; a hopper carried by the support structure for receiving feedstock; an extrusion chamber operatively associated with the hopper for receiving the feedstock from the hopper and melting the feedstock above a feedstock melting temperature; a die carried by the support structure having die microstructures disposed on an inner surface of the die, the die microstructures having a plurality of microfeatures each having an upper surface and a lower surface, the melted feedstock being forced through the die to produce an extrudate having extrudate microstructures; and, a cooling assembly wherein the extrudate microstructures of the pre-cooled extrudate have larger physical dimensions than that of the extrudate microstructures of the cooled extrudate.

Abstract: There is provided a fast dissolving solid dosage form adapted for the release of a biologically active material in the oral cavity wherein the dosage form comprises at least one biologically active material, and at least one matrix forming agent, wherein the dosage form substantially dissolves in the oral cavity. A method of producing the same and a kit comprising the same are also provided.

Abstract: Nerve guides which are formed from three dimensional (3D) arrays of highly aligned electrospun fibers are provided. The electrospun fibers are oriented parallel to the long axis of the guide, and gaps and elongated spaces between the stacked fiber arrays provide channels for directed axonal growth. In some embodiments, the nerve guides also comprise high precision gradients of beneficial substances such as growth factors, which aid in nerve regeneration and growth along the guide.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a device for regenerating biological tissues, particularly for regenerating tissues of the central nervous system, and a device that can be manufactured with said method, the device comprising an outer sheath based on collagen which is substantially tubular and can be interposed between the endings of a biological tissue to be regenerated, and at least one supporting element based on collagen, which is accommodated inside the outer sheath.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mineralized collagen/bioceramic composite useful as a hard tissue replacement material or substitute material, comprising about 10% to 95% by weight of mineralized collagen and about 5% to 90% by weight of bioceramics, and a method of manufacturing the same. Wherein, the mineralized collagen is used as a binder for the bioceramics, such as calcium phosphate ceramics, calcium sulfate ceramics, calcium carbonate ceramics, and other biocompatible ceramics. The bioceramic used in the mineralized collagen/bioceramic composite can be either in powder form or in granular form.

Abstract: A phantom for medical imaging instrumentation, the phantom including a first hydrogel matrix, said matrix containing additives for simulating the optical and acoustic properties of a living organ or tissue. In the phantom, the additives include Indian ink or haemoglobin, silica powder and titanium dioxide powder. The phantom may contain a tumor simulator in solid or liquid form. It may also comprise several hydrogel matrices, each matrix including additives in different concentrations depending on the organ or tissue simulated. A method of producing the phantom includes one or more freeze-thaw cycles for optimizing the characteristics of the phantom.

Abstract: A detector for use in an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, the detector comprising a sense conductive component and an excitation conductive component to define a first gap that is configured to receive a consumable material used in the extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, where the excitation conductive component is configured to generate a first electrical field across the first gap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic material comprising: a first phase comprising zirconia, yttrium and cerium, wherein the yttrium and cerium are present in a molar ratio of 0.15 to 0.5 and in a combined amount of 5 to 15 mol %, a second phase comprising alumina, and a third phase comprising metal aluminate platelets.

Abstract: A blood vessel model which imitates a human blood vessel including an aqueous gel made from polyvinyl alcohol having an average polymerization degree of 300 to 3500 and a saponification degree of 90% by mole or more, and silica particles; and a method for producing a blood vessel model which imitates a human blood vessel, including filling a mixed solution containing polyvinyl alcohol having an average polymerization degree of 300 to 3500 and a saponification degree of 90% by mole or more, silica particles and water in a mold for forming a blood vessel model, and freezing the mixture at a temperature of ?10° C. or lower, followed by thawing. The blood vessel model can be suitably used as a blood vessel model for practicing insertion of a stent graft into an aneurysm, a blood vessel model for practicing resection or ligation surgery of a blood vessel, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to scaffolds that can physically guide cells, e.g. neurons, while best matching the material properties of native tissue. The present invention also relates to methods of generating such scaffolds, and for the use of such scaffolds, e.g. in spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury repair. The methods of the present invention include a uniquely controlled freeze casting process to generate highly porous, linearly oriented scaffolds. The scaffolds of the present invention not only comprise a highly aligned porosity, but also contain secondary guidance structures in the form of ridges running parallel to the pores to create a series of microstructured and highly aligned channels. This hierarchy of structural guidance aligns and guides neurite outgrowth down the channels created by the ridges, and keep neurites from branching perpendicular to the inter-ridge grooves.

Abstract: A biocompatible, resorbable biphasic collagen membrane having a first area of relatively higher tensile strength and stiffness and lower porosity and a second area of relatively lower tensile strength and stiffness and higher porosity, and a method of manufacturing the such a membrane.

Abstract: A biocompatible, resorbable collagen membrane having a wedge shape with a thick edge of relatively higher strength and rigidity and a thin edge of relatively higher deformability and elasticity, which membrane is bendable to a desired configuration and is sufficiently rigid to retain the bent configuration upon implantation at a surgical site; a method of making such a membrane, and the use of such a membrane in a “sinus lift” procedure for augmenting alveolar bone.

Abstract: A substance, which contains anti-inflammatory substances, anti-microbial substances, anti-tumor substances, anti-viral substances, and/or bone stimulating substances, as an additive, can be added to an UHMWPE material for the production of a medical implant for imparting benign body response properties to the medical implant.

Abstract: Ceramic catalyst carriers that are mechanically, thermally and chemically stable in a ionic salt monopropellant decomposition environment, high temperature catalysts for decomposition of liquid high-energy-density monopropellants and ceramic processing techniques for producing spherical catalyst carrier granules are disclosed. The ceramic processing technique is used to produce spherical catalyst carrier granules with controlled porosities and desired composition and allows for reproducible packing densities of catalyst granules in thruster chambers. The ceramic catalyst carrier has excellent thermal shock resistance, good compatibility with the active metal coating and metal coating deposition processes, melting point above >2300° C., chemical resistance to steam, nitrogen oxides and nitric acid, resistance to sintering to prevent void formation, and the absence of phase transition associated with volumetric changes at temperatures up to and beyond 1800° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming a three dimensional sintered body comprising the steps of a) providing a basic mould having a configuration adapted to the sintered body that is to be produced, b) treating the surface of the basic mould to facilitate application of a first surface layer of the sintered body, c) applying powder particles onto the basic mould, to form said first surface layer, d) applying at least one more layer on top of said first surface layer, e) heat treating the basic mould and the particles to form a sintered body, wherein step b) is performed by providing an adhering layer to the basic mould arranged to adhere the particles of at least a portion of the surface layer.

Abstract: A method of forming an anisotropic porous material includes forming an aerogel precursor, the aerogel precursor including a matrix material and a liquid dispersion medium for dispersing the matrix material. The aerogel precursor is frozen so that the dispersion is solidified while controlling the direction of crystal growth within the aerogel precursor. The aerogel precursor is freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material.

Abstract: A porous material having controlled void dimensions and method of forming the same includes forming an aerogel precursor, the aerogel precursor including a matrix material and a liquid dispersion medium for dispersing the matrix material. A plurality of particles having preselected dimensions is dispersed in the aerogel precursor. The aerogel precursor with the particles dispersed therein is frozen so that the liquid dispersion is solidified. The aerogel precursor is freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material.

Abstract: A degradable hemostatic sponge that can be self-degraded and absorbed by a human body has poly lactic acid as its main material and mixed with a moisture-absorbent material, such as collagen, chitosan, starch and the like, at a specific ratio. Given grinding, mixing and melting steps, the materials using a supercritical fluid as a foaming agent can be used to manufacture the degradable hemostatic sponge having an open-cell microcellular form by a continuous extrusion foaming process. In addition, the present invention also includes a system and a method for manufacturing the degradable hemostatic sponge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a wound dressing device and cholesteryl sulfate and especially to a composition containing cholesteryl sulfate and at least one carrier material for use as a haemostatic agent, as well as to a method for its preparation and use.

Abstract: A compressed implant composite for repairing mineralized tissue. The compressed implant composite includes a matrix formed of biopolymeric fibers and a plurality of calcium- and/or silicate-based mineral particles dispersed in the matrix. The matrix constitutes 4 to 80% by weight and the mineral particles constitute 20 to 96% by weight of the composite. The composite is free of soluble collagen and is expandable to a volume 2 to 100 times of its compressed volume (e.g., upon absorption of water). Also disclosed are methods of preparing the above-described composite.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for obtaining para-type wholly aromatic polyamide particles, comprising the steps: a) introducing an aramid polymer solution into a water-based coagulating liquid to obtain a hydrous shaped product; and b) subjecting the never-dried or partly-dried shaped product having a water content of 10 to 99% by weight to freeze-grinding. These aramid polymer particles can be used as a filler material.