Abstract: The invention relates to a metallic, nanoporous canister used to encapsulate cellular and/or biotherapeutic agents. The device is biocompatible and functions to wholly isolate a therapeutically active agent and/or cells therein. Their implantation, and survival in vivo, permits the local or systemic diffusion of their encapsulated cellular and/or biomolecular and therapeutics factors with the potential to promote repair of damaged or degenerated tissues in mammalian hosts, primarily humans.

Abstract: An air filtration media for use with a heating ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system is provided. The filtration media comprises an air filter media layer having a first and second side, a PCO media layer having a first and second side, and a barrier layer positioned between the second side of the air filter media layer and the first side of the PCO media layer. The air filter media layer, barrier layer, and PCO layer are pleated together and enclosed within a frame for placement adjacent a light source within a plenum of the HVAC system.

Abstract: This is to provide a blood filter comprising a porous element; and a copolymer which exists in at least a part of a surface of the porous element, and which contains a recurring unit containing an organic group of the following formula (a) and a recurring unit containing an organic group of the following formula (b), wherein Ua1, Ua2, Ub1, Ub2 and Ub3, and An? are as defined in the present specification and the claims.

Abstract: A composition for the creation of a protective barrier on a wide variety of materials to prevent the deterioration and degradation caused by exposure to moisture and sun over time.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for wound healing and tissue regeneration. The compositions of the present invention comprise amniotic membrane of the placenta. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises amniotic membrane powder or solubilized amniotic membrane (SAM). In some aspects, the composition is cell-free and rich in cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins, and other components that improve tissue regeneration. In one aspect, the composition is a hydrogel scaffold that comprises amniotic membrane. The present invention reduces contraction and improves blood vessel development in regenerating tissue.

Abstract: A tissue buttress is provided on at least a first and second jaw of a surgical stapling apparatus. The tissue buttress comprises an electrophilic component and a nucleophilic component. At least a portion of the tissue buttress may be disposed within either or both of the staple pockets and staple forming pockets, securing the tissue buttress to at least one of the staple jaws.

Abstract: A surgical implant, which in use, provides a barrier between layers of tissue such that tissue on one side of the implant does not adhere to tissue on the other side, the implant being made of suitably anatomically shaped surgically acceptable sheet material.

Abstract: A multi-step stabilization method for connective tissue is described. Stabilized tissues can exhibit increased resistance to degradation due to enzyme activity, fatigue and storage. The multi-step method includes a first step during which the tissue can be incubated with a glycosaminoglycanase inhibitor such as a sulfated oligosaccharide, one example of which being neomycin, a second step during which the tissue can be incubated with a crosslink activator such as a carbodiimide crosslink activator and/or a crosslinking agent such as a heterobifunctional crosslinking agent and/or a phenolic compound such as a tannin, examples of which include tannic acid and pentagalloylglucose, and a third step during which the tissue can be incubated with a second crosslink activator that can be the same or different as the first crosslink activator.

Abstract: Simple mixing/blending of a special class of drug-depot forming tri-block copolymers polymers, with the opportunity to cost-effectively tailor drug delivery performances of such biodegradable, injectable depots in a clinical and an industrial setting. How to visualize these depots for various imaging related purposes is described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing therapy related data management are provided. The subject systems include one or more device components, and at least one memory storage unit and at least one data storage unit associated with such one or more device components. The device components may include one or more of an analyte monitoring system, a fluid delivery device and a remote terminal. The subject methods include use of the subject systems to optimize treatment of a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of microstructured membranes, methods of fabricating microstructured membranes, bioreactors housing microstructured membranes, and methods of using bioreactors and microstructured membranes. In some embodiments, the present disclosure allows culturing of cellular tissues in an environment which more accurately resembles a native environment. In some more specific embodiments, the present disclosure allows culturing of tumor cells on a membrane having a microfabricated pattern which mimics a native vasculature system.

Abstract: A non-synthetic, hydrophilic, biodegradable, biocompatible polysaccharide based non-toxic anti-adhesion hydrogel barrier is disclosed herein. The barrier of the present invention is formed by constructing a unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network with a unique porosity. Furthermore, the barrier of the present invention is comprised of tunable biopolymers for controllable mechanical robustness and degradation. The barrier of the present invention effectively reduces unwanted adhesions using non-synthetic components.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly and method of use is disclosed. The surgical access assembly comprises an outer sheath and an obturator. The outer sheath and obturator are configured to be delivered to an area of interest within the brain. Either the outer sheath or the obturator may be configured to operate with a navigational system to track the location of either within the brain. Once positioned at a desired location, the obturator is removed, leaving a distal end of the outer sheath adjacent an area of interest, and creating a working corridor. Interventional devices may be introduced to the area of interest, as well as a variety of treatments. A subsequent treatment process may also be employed.

Abstract: Novel pentablock polymers having a PCL-PLA-PEG-PLA-PCL or PCL-PGA-PEG-PGA-PCL configuration, wherein PEG is polyethylene glycol, PCL is poly(8-caprolactone), PGA is poly(glycolic acid), and PLA is poly(lactic acid), and methods of making nanoparticles from the pentablock polymers, are disclosed. The invention is also directed to a method for preparing nanoparticle compositions comprised of polymers with high levels of bioactive or diagnostic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to osmotic delivery devices, formulations, and methods for delivery of two or more beneficial agents. In one aspect, the present invention provides osmotic delivery devices useful for substantially concurrent administration of two or more beneficial agents. In another aspect, the present invention provides beneficial agent formulations for use in the osmotic delivery devices. The formulations include formulations wherein beneficial agents are soluble in the vehicle, suspension formulations comprising particle formulations of one or more beneficial agent, and combinations thereof. Further, methods for treatment of a variety of diseases or conditions using two or more beneficial agents are disclosed, wherein the methods are preferably practiced using the osmotic delivery devices and/or formulations of the invention.

Abstract: A sensor (e.g., an optical sensor) that may be placed within a living animal (e.g., a human) and may be used to measure an analyte (e.g., glucose or oxygen) in a medium (e.g., interstitial fluid) within the animal. The sensor may include a sensor housing and a polymer graft including indicator molecules and covering at least a portion of the sensor housing. The opacity of the polymer graft may remain substantially the same (i.e., may have little or no variation) over time. The sensor may include a photodetector, and variation in the opacity of the polymer graft does not cause a significant change in a measurement signal output by the photodetector. The polymer hydrogel may be made of polymers including acrylic acid and/or polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a serum-free freezing medium used in adipose-derived stem cells and a method for establishing an adipose-derived stem cell library. The serum-free freezing medium comprises a serum-free culture medium, dimethyl sulfoxide and a serum substitution component KSR; the defects of unstable freezing quality of the adipose-derived stem cells and influence of harmful factors in serum on the adipose-derived stem cells are solved, and the adipose-derived stem cells stored have the advantages of high survival percentage, well adherence growth and strong differentiation capacity.

Abstract: A bioresorbable drug eluting intravitreal implant system includes a syringe with a chamber containing a medicinal drug. A balloon is releasably secured to a needle where the needle has a central section chamber in fluid communication with a chamber in the syringe. The needle central section has an opening formed through a wall for transporting the medicinal drug to the interior of the balloon subsequent to insertion of the needle through the sclera of a patient's eye.

Abstract: Composite structures composed of a fibril core and a polymeric coat and designed capable of encapsulating both hydrophobic and hydrophilic bioactive agents while retaining the activity of these agents are disclosed. Further disclosed are processes of preparing such composite structures, and medical devices and disposable articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A system is provided, including a plurality of donor cells and a first alginate structure that encapsulates the plurality of donor cells. The first alginate structure has a guluronic acid concentration of between 64% and 74%. The system additionally includes a second alginate structure that surrounds the first alginate structure, the second alginate structure having a mannuronic acid concentration of between 52% and 60%. A selectively-permeable membrane is coupled at least in part to the second alginate structure. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A bioresorbable drug eluting intravitreal implant system includes a syringe with a chamber containing a medicinal drug. A balloon is releasably secured to a needle where the needle has a central section chamber in fluid communication with a chamber in the syringe. The needle central section has an opening formed through a wall for transporting the medicinal drug to the interior of the balloon subsequent to insertion of the needle through the sclera of a patient's eye.

Abstract: A method of purifying at least one of THC and CBD from a cannabis-containing composition includes heating the cannabis-containing composition to a temperature sufficient to volatilize at least one of THC and CBD into a vapor and condensing the vapor on a substrate. A drug delivery cartridge includes a substrate coated with at least one of THC and CBD and configured to allow for passage of air through the cartridge to volatilize at least one of THC and CBD for inhalation by a user to induce a medicinal or therapeutic effect to the user.

Abstract: Microcapsules are described that comprise (a) a liquid aqueous or hydrogel core; (b) a semipermeable membrane surrounding said core; (c) live animal cells (e.g., pancreatic cells) in the core; and (d) oxygen-generating particles in said core, said oxygen-generating particles included in said microcapsules in an amount sufficient to lengthen the duration of viability of said animal cells in said microcapsules. Compositions comprising such microcapsules and uses thereof, such as in treating diabetes, are also described.

Abstract: A biocompatible insulin delivery device is provided comprising an insulin reservoir sealed with a glucose-responsive plug or membrane. The plug functions to release insulin from the reservoir in response to a hyperglycemic glucose concentration and to prevent insulin release from the reservoir in response to hypoglycemic glucose concentration. In one embodiment, the plug is made of a biocompatible polymeric matrix comprising an inorganic component, a stimulus-responsive component and a catalytic component.

Abstract: A self-sealing shell useful as a component of a soft fluid-filled prosthetic implant is provided. The shell is at least partly constructed of a wall made of a colloid of an elastomeric polymer matrix and particles of a water-swellable material distributed therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for Encapsulated Cell Therapy. The device includes an implantable capsule containing cells which secrete a biologically active compound for providing a biological function. The capsule has a semi permeable outer membrane for delivery of the compound e.g. at a site in the central nervous system or the spinal cord, e.g. in the brain of a patient. The capsule is connected to a tether which e.g. facilitates removal of the capsule from the patient. To facilitate insertion of the capsule into the patient, a stiffener may be attached to the tether to make the tether more rigid. The invention further provides a container for storing a cell therapy device and a method of locating the device in the body of a patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass anti-adhesion wound dressings including patches made from amnion tissue obtained from human birth tissue. Exemplary amnion patches can be fabricated by folding a section of amnion over on itself with the epithelial layer on the outside of the folded patch and the fibroblast layer on the inside of the folded patch. Optionally, individual amnion tissue pieces can be sandwiched together to provide a multi-layer patch. Sufficient pressure is applied to the layered amnion to cause adherence between opposing faces of the fibroblast layers. The pressed fibroblast layers provide mechanical strength to hold the amnion patch together with the epithelial layers on the outsides of the amnion patch.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a drug delivery system comprising a layered structure where a drug layer and a biodegradable polymer layer for controlling the release of drugs are alternately laminated. The drug delivery system can easily control an in-vivo drug release rate and a release amount.

Abstract: An improved composition for inducing bone growth is provided that is a mixture of DBM and a perfluorocarbon oxygen carrier. Injection/implantation of a composition of DBM and a perfluorocarbon results in enhancement of bone formation.

Abstract: Drug-eluting devices and methods for the treatment of tumors of the pancreas, biliary system, gallbladder, liver, small bowel, or colon, are provided. Methods include deploying a drug-eluting device having a film which includes a mixture of a degradable polymer and a chemotherapeutic drug, wherein the film has a thickness from about 2 ?m to about 1000 ?m, into a tissue site and releasing a therapeutically effective amount of the chemotherapeutic drug from the film to treat the tumor, wherein the release of the therapeutically effective amount of the drug from the film is controlled by in vivo degradation of the polymer at the tissue site.

Abstract: A method for producing a drug delivery system provides a member including a combination of a drug substance and a polymer or other material; and forms a layer on a surface of the combination using gas cluster ion beam irradiation, which layer determines a release rate for the drug substance, wherein the layer is an encapsulating layer formed by densifying or carbonizing components of the drug or of the polymer or of the other material by the gas cluster ion beam irradiation.

Abstract: Effective treatments of pain for extended periods of time are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of a TRPV1 compound (e.g., capsaicinoid compound) at or near a target site, one can relieve pain caused by diverse sources, including but not limited to, postoperative pain, spinal disc herniation (i.e. sciatica), spondilothesis, stenosis, discogenic back pain and joint pain, as well as pain that is incidental to surgery. When appropriate formulations are provided within biodegradable polymers, this relief can be continued for at least three days. In some embodiments, the relief can be for at least twenty-five days, at least fifty days, at least one hundred days, at least one hundred and thirty-five days or at least one hundred and eighty days.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulose hydrogels having one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high oxygen permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and desirable thermal stability. The present invention further provides a process for preparing a cellulose hydrogel comprising (i) a step of activating cellulose, in which the activating step comprises contacting the cellulose with a solvent to activate the cellulose for a time duration from about 2 hours to about 30 hours; (ii) substantially dissolving the activated cellulose to form a solution; and (iii) gelling the solution to form a gel, in which the gelling step comprises allowing the solution to gel in an environment comprising a relative humidity from about 30% to about 80% at 35° C.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel neurotrophic factor protein, MANF2 and a genetic sequence encoding the same. The molecule will be useful in the development of a range of therapeutics and diagnostics useful in the treatment, prophylaxis and/or diagnosis of MANF2 dependent conditions. The molecule of the present invention is also a useful effector of primary and central neurons, especially dopaminergic neurons at the central nervous system and growth factor genes.

Abstract: A method of making a stent, including preparing a solution containing a composition, the composition comprising a biodegradable polymer and a vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor of a kind, including argatroban, which does not inhibit proliferation of endothelial cells, the weight compositional ratio of the polymer to the vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor being within the range of 8:2 to 3:7, the composition dissolved in a solvent selected from the group consisting of a mixture of a lower alkyl ketone and methanol, a mixture of a lower alkyl ester and methanol or a mixture of a lower halogenated hydrocarbon and methanol; coating at least an outer surface of a stent body of a cylindrical configuration having outer and inner surfaces with a diamond-like thin film coated on the surfaces; and after the coating, removing the solvent to complete a first coated layer.

Abstract: A method for delivering at least one drug at a target site in a blood vessel for treating at least one of an acute myocardial infarction, a thrombus containing lesion and a saphenous-vein graft lesion is disclosed. The method includes delivering nano-carriers at the target site. The nano-carriers include one or more drugs encapsulated with a first biological agent. The nano-carriers further include a second biological agent in contact with one or more of the first biological agent and the one or more drugs. The first biological agent and the second biological agent have a first dissolution rate and a second dissolution rate respectively. The first dissolution rate is different from the second dissolution rate. The one or more drugs are released at the target site from the nano-carriers at a first release rate and a second release rate in response to dissolution of the first biological agent and the second biological agent, respectively.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating and healing injured soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments are provided. The composition may be a wrap comprising human collagen in the form of a sheet. The human collagen has been processed so that is retains proteins that are associated with it in its natural state. The sheet may optionally be coated on one or more sides with one or more of additional human collagen, therapeutic agents, additional soft tissue growth factors or hydroxyapatite.

Abstract: Devices and methods for transplanting cells in a host body are described. The cell comprises a porous scaffold that allows ingrowth of vascular and connective tissues, a plug or plug system configured for placement within the porous scaffold, and a seal configured to enclose a proximal opening in the porous scaffold. The device may further comprise a cell delivery device for delivering cells into the porous scaffold. The method of cell transplantation comprises a two step process. The device is incubated in the host body to form a vascularized collagen matrix around a plug positioned within the porous scaffold. The plug is then retracted from the porous scaffold, and cells are delivered into the vascularized space created within the porous scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a functionalized semi-permeable membrane composed of a porous biocompatible support pretreated so as to increase the surface energy thereof and characterized in that it includes at least two layers, each having a hydrophilic polymer and at least one biological active molecule, and to the use thereof in particular for producing a bioartificial organ.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable non-aqueous single phase viscous vehicles and to formulations utilizing such vehicles. The formulations comprise at least one beneficial agent uniformly suspended in the vehicle. The formulation is capable of being stored at temperatures ranging from cold to body temperature for long periods of time. The formulations are capable of being uniformly delivered from drug delivery systems at an exit shear rate of between about 1 to 1×10?7 reciprocal second.

Abstract: A method of treating the symptoms of spasticity comprises implanting a reservoir-based drug delivery composition into a subject to systemically deliver a therapeutically effective amount of tizanidine to the subject for a long period of time (e.g., one month or one year). The drug delivery composition may include a rate-controlling excipient (e.g., an elastomeric polymer) defining a reservoir containing at least one discrete solid dosage form (e.g., one or more pellets), which includes tizanidine free base and optionally, a sorption enhancer.

Abstract: Surgical implants of the present disclosed include a film comprising a first therapeutic agent and a mesh comprising a second therapeutic agent. The surgical implant includes a film in direct contact with a mesh. The first therapeutic agent may be released at a first rate and the second therapeutic agent may be released at a second rate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides mono- and multi-layered implants which include at least one porous layer made from a freeze-dried aqueous solution containing chitosan, the solution having a pH of less than about 5.

Abstract: Bioactive implant for myocardial regeneration and ventricular chamber support including an elastomeric microporous membrane. The elastomeric microporous membrane being at least one non-degradable polymer and at least one partially degradable polymer. The non-degradable polymer is selected from polyethylacrylate and polyethylacrylate copolymerized with a hydroxyethylacrylate comonomer. The partially degradable polymer is selected from caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester and caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester copolymerized with ethylacrylate. The elastomeric microporous membrane further includes a nanofiber hydrogel, and cells. The bioactive implant, having one or two helical loops, contributes to the restauration of the heart conical shape.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting vascular intimal hyperplasia including: placing a stent within a blood vessel, the stent having a stent body of a cylindrical configuration having outer and inner surfaces with a diamond-like thin film coated on the surfaces, a first coated layer coating at least the outer surface of the stent body, the first coated layer being prepared of a first composition comprising a biodegradable polymer and a vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor of a kind, comprising argatroban, which does not inhibit proliferation of endothelial cells, the weight composition ratio of the polymer to the vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor being within the range of 8:2 to 7:3, and a second coated layer; and causing argatroban to be released from the stent to thereby inhibit the vascular intimal hyperplasia without inhibiting proliferation of endothelial cells.

Abstract: Provided are methods of delivering at least one pharmaceutical agent to the central nervous system (CNS) of a subject, methods of treating a neurological disorder or pain in a subject that include administering at least one pharmaceutical agent onto a SEM graft in the skull base of the subject. Also provided are methods of treating a neurological disorder or pain in a subject that include forming a SEM graft in the skull base of the subject and administering at least one pharmaceutical agent onto the SEM graft in the skull base of the subject. Also provided are methods of forming a SEM graft in the skull base of a subject, compositions for administration onto a SEM graft in the skull base or into an endonasal reservoir or endonasal reservoir device in a subject, and devices for administering such compositions onto a SEM graft in the skull base of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the regeneration, reconstruction, augmentation or replacement of luminal organs or tissue structures in a subject in need using scaffolds seeded with autologous or non-autologous cell populations that are or are not derived from the corresponding organ or tissue structure that is the subject of the regeneration, reconstruction, augmentation or replacement.

Abstract: Cells and cell lines that are genetically modified to express the hCox-2 enzyme, which results in the upregulation of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2a) on the cells have been obtained. Encapsulated cell therapy devices containing such cells or cell lines that are capable of delivering PGF2a, as well as methods of using these devices to deliver PGF2a to the eye and to treat ophthalmic disorders in patients suffering therefrom are also described.

Abstract: According to one claim of the invention, a method for occluding a fallopian tube in a vertebrate subject is described, which comprises comprising transcervically delivering a solid blocking material into the fallopian tube. In various embodiments, a fluid sealing material is delivered along with the solid blocking material. Other claims of the invention pertain to articles of manufacture, delivery devices and kits for use in occluding the fallopian tubes of a vertebrate subject.

Abstract: A method for preparing a biomaterial containing at least one bioactive molecule from a base biomaterial, comprising the following successive operations carried out on the base biomaterial: a) application of a solid mixture of: cyclodextrin(s) and/or cyclodextrin derivative(s) and/or cyclodextrin inclusion complex(es) and/or cyclodextrin derivative inclusion complex(es), at least one poly(carboxylic) acid, and optionally a catalyst; b) heating at a temperature between 100° C. and 200° C. for a period of 1 to 60 minutes; c) washing with water; d) drying, wherein at least one bioactive agent is incorporated in the biomaterial by impregnation of the biomaterial after the drying step in a concentrated solution of the bioactive agent.