Abstract: A balloon coating method and a balloon coating apparatus are disclosed for forming a coating layer containing a water-insoluble drug on an outer surface of a balloon of a balloon catheter. The balloon coating method including fixing a connection portion between the balloon and an inner tube passing through an inside of the balloon, and moving a dispensing tube relative to the balloon in an axial direction of the balloon while rotating the balloon about an axis of the balloon and while also dispensing the coating liquid containing the water-insoluble drug from the dispensing tube to apply the coating liquid to the outer surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A medical device and a method of manufacturing the same which excels in lubricity under severe conditions are provided. The medical device according to the present disclosure is inserted into a living body. The medical device includes a resin coating layer that includes a maleic acid polymer substance and is provided on a surface of a base member. The resin coating layer is formed by covalently bonding the maleic acid polymer substance to a reactive functional group which exists on at least the surface of the base member of the medical device. A ratio of a peak height of carboxylate with respect to a total peak height of carboxylic acid ester and a carboxylic acid in the maleic acid polymer substance ranges from 1.2 to 1.7 when being measured through infrared spectroscopy (IR method).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogel contact lens having a wet surface, and a manufacturing method therefor and, more specifically, to a hydrogel contact lens and a manufacturing method therefor wherein the hydrogel contact lens satisfies basic physical properties of a hydrogel contact lens and has excellent wettability by forming a hydrophilic surface layer of an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure on a surface of the hydrogel contact lens.

Abstract: A balloon coating method for forming a coating layer on the outer surface of a balloon of a balloon catheter includes: inserting a core member into a guide wire lumen penetrating the balloon, disposing a proximal portion of the core member on a proximal side of a region of inflation of the balloon, with a distal portion of the core member protruded distally beyond a distal opening portion of the guide wire lumen, and fixing by clamping together with the core member a part of the balloon catheter that is on a distal side of the region of inflation; and moving a dispensing tube for supplying a coating liquid containing the drug relative to the balloon in an axial direction of the balloon, while rotating the balloon about an axis of the balloon, thereby to apply the coating liquid to the outer surface of the balloon.

Abstract: Embodiments of the technology relate to a contact lens having a core that is coated by a hydrogel layer, and to methods of making such a lens. The coated lens can include a rigid gas permeable contact lens. The coated lens can also include a hybrid silicone and rigid gas permeable contact lens. In one aspect, embodiments provide for a coated contact lens comprising a lens core with a water equilibrium constant of less than about 2% comprising an outer surface; and a hydrogel layer covalently attached to at least a portion of the outer surface, the hydrogel layer adapted to contact an ophthalmic surface, wherein the hydrogel layer comprises a hydrophilic polymer population of one or more species.

Abstract: A wound dressing product that includes a substrate layer having an upper surface and a lower surface; a tacky silicone coating composition present on the upper surface and on the lower surface; and upper and lower release sheets covering the substrate and the tacky silicone coating composition on the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, and adhered to the surfaces by the tacky silicone coating composition, wherein the upper surface is less tacky than the lower surface whereby the upper release sheet can be removed from the upper surface more readily than the lower release sheet can be removed from the lower surface. Also provided are methods for making such dressings.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for producing silicone hydrogel contact lenses with having a stable coating thereon. A method of the invention comprises a water-based coating process (step) for forming a relatively-stable base coating of a homo- or copolymer of acrylic acid or C1-C3 alkylacrylic acid onto a silicone hydrogel contact lens made from a lens formulation comprising from about 35% to about 60% by weight of N-vinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicular monitoring and controlled response system includes a substance having a plurality of particles dispersed therein, the particles being tunable in response to an external stimulus; a sensor for measuring a disruption to a vehicle; and a computing device in communication with the sensor and the vehicle. The computing device has non-transitory computer readable medium with computer executable instructions stored thereon executed by a digital processor to analyze data received by the sensor; determine a magnitude of the external stimulus based on the data received by the sensor; and activate the external stimulus.

Abstract: Articles, methods of making, and uses for modifying surfaces for liquid repellency are disclosed. The liquid repellant surfaces comprise a surface comprising an anchoring layer. The anchoring layer, which forms an immobilized molecular anchoring layer on the surface, has anchoring molecules, where each anchoring molecule has a head group that is covalently linked to the surface and a functional tail group. The anchoring molecules are crosslinked to each other to form a crosslinked network. The functional tail group has an affinity for a lubricating liquid, which is applied to the treated surface to form a lubricating layer. The anchoring layer and replenishable lubricating liquid are held together by non-covalent attractive forces. Together, these layers form an ultra-repellant slippery surface that repels certain immiscible liquids and prevents adsorption, coagulation, and surface fouling by components contained within.

Abstract: An apparatus for enrobing a product portion can include a polymer spray head arranged to direct a plurality of polymeric fibers in an upward direction and levitate product portions in a polymer enrobing zone above the polymer spray head. Polymeric fibers produced by the polymer spray head can wrap around the product portions levitated in the polymer enrobing zone to create an enrobed product. Side guide structure(s) and/or air knife(s) can be provided adjacent to the polymer enrobing zone to inhibit levitated product portions from falling out of the polymer enrobing zone and/or to guide levitated product portions along a desired path. Exemplary enrobed products include smokeless tobacco products.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for coating a vascular endoprosthesis, wherein the vascular endoprosthesis is at least partially wetted with a first solution of an active ingredient and the areas of the vascular endoprosthesis at least partially wetted with the first solution of the active ingredient are at least partially wetted with a liquid containing water and/or at least an alcohol. The additional wetting with a liquid containing water/alcohol imparts a different consistency to the active ingredient layer, specifically making it is less transparent and lacquer-like and more chalklike and opaque. It has been found that such an active ingredient layer provides better transfer of the active ingredient to the blood vessels in which the vascular endoprosthesis is implanted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified polymeric material. The modified polymeric material includes a polymer having a modified surface, where the modified surface includes nano, micron, and/or submicron scale features. The present invention also relates to an implant comprising the modified polymeric material. The present invention further relates to processes for making the modified polymeric material and the implant.

Abstract: A method of conferring modified properties, e.g. modified physical and/or biochemical properties, to a metallic substrate surface, including at least two steps being (i) a first step including at least exposing the substrate surface to a hetero-bifunctional anchoring molecule carrying at least a silane group and at least a A1 group, the A1 group being optionally introduced within the anchoring molecule via a preliminary functionalizing step, and (ii) a second step of exposing the substrate surface to a polymer carrying at least three groups A2 capable of reacting with A1 in a thiol-ene reaction, the number average molecular weight of the polymer being greater than 1 000 g/mol.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hybrid fabric comprising at least one structural fiber having a first melting temperature range and at least one thermo-formable fiber of having a second melting temperature range which is lower than the first melting temperature range to such an extent that the structural fiber does not melt in the second melting temperature range of the thermo-formable fiber. The hybrid fabric comprises (1) a first network comprising the structural fibers, (2) a second network comprising the thermo-formable fibers, the thermo-formable fibers comprising non-relaxed fibers made of a thermoplastic material, and (3) a plurality of openings between the fibers of the first and second network. The structural and thermo-formable fibers of respectively the first and second network interpenetrate one another and are connected to each other over at least part of the first and second network at a plurality of knot positions in the fabric where the structural and thermo-formable fibers are interwoven.

Abstract: There is described inter alia a medical device having a surface which comprises a coating layer, said coating layer being a biocompatible composition comprising an entity capable of interacting with mammalian blood to prevent coagulation or thrombus formation, which entity is covalently attached to said surface through a link comprising a 1,2,3-triazole.

Abstract: A method of coloring pre-sintered dental restoration, comprises: securing a pre-sintered dental restoration; applying a preceding liquid on the dental restoration; dipping the dental restoration, with the preceding liquid thereon, into a subsequent liquid for coloring; and sintering the dental restoration to acquire a fully sintered dental restoration. The subsequent liquid is different from the preceding liquid. The preceding liquid at least partly blocks or interferes with an infiltration of the subsequent liquid into an area where the preceding liquid was applied. The fully sintered dental restoration has less color/chroma in the area where the preceding liquid was applied.

Abstract: A balloon coating method for forming a coating layer containing a water-insoluble drug on an outer surface of a balloon of a balloon catheter includes: inserting a core member into a guide wire lumen penetrating the balloon, disposing a proximal portion of the core member on a proximal side of a region of inflation of the balloon, with a distal portion of the core member protruded distally beyond a distal opening portion of the guide wire lumen, and fixing by clamping together with the core member a part of the balloon catheter that is on a distal side of the region of inflation; and moving a dispensing tube for supplying a coating liquid containing the drug relative to the balloon in an axial direction of the balloon, while rotating the balloon about an axis of the balloon, thereby to apply the coating liquid to the outer surface of the balloon.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for sulfonation of hyaluronic acid. The present disclosure provides sulfonated hyaluronic acid, and compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the sulfonated hyaluronic acid. The present disclosure provides implantable materials and drug delivery compositions comprising a subject sulfonated hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A roll coater can be modified by the addition of one or more needle tubes that supply coating fluid to the roll coater in discrete locations across the face of the coating roll. The needle tubes supply a localized band of coating material onto the coating roll superimposed over the uniform coating layer already present on the surface of the coating roll from an upstream coating pond creating a stripe pattern over the uniform coating layer. By varying the relative speeds of the coating rolls in the coater, the width of the stripe can also be adjusted.

Abstract: A positioning method for balloon coating by which the thickness and morphological form of a drug in a coating formed on a balloon can be suitably set. This method is a positioning method for balloon coating for forming a coating layer containing a water-insoluble drug on an outer surface of a balloon of a balloon catheter. The positioning method includes a positioning step in which a dispensing tube is moved, from a state of non-contact with the balloon, in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the dispensing tube, and an opening portion-formed end portion side of the dispensing tube formed at its end portion with an opening portion for discharging a coating solution is thereby placed in contact with the outer surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A positioning method for balloon coating by which the thickness, morphological form and the like of a drug in a coating formed on a balloon can be suitably set. This method is a positioning method for balloon coating for forming a coating layer containing a water-insoluble drug on an outer surface of a balloon of a balloon catheter. The positioning method includes a positioning step in which the dispensing tube is positioned in such a manner that a virtual position at which an opening portion would be located if the dispensing tube is assumed to be non-flexible is located within the range of 0 degrees to 40 degrees from the reference plane toward the rotating direction side of the balloon, in a region extending from the reference plane in a direction opposite to the discharge direction of the dispensing tube.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to an implantable device, systems, and methods related thereto, that includes at least one sensor and/or therapeutic agent delivery depot. In one embodiment, the system and device include methods for detecting general or specific biological agents in a subject's intestinal tract, and utilizing the information from the detection for determining the timing and content of any therapeutic treatment needed by the subject.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to materials, gels, coatings and films prepared using a biomaterial (e.g., a fatty acid-based material comprising a network of cross-linked fatty acids) and a fixating material, layer or film (e.g., a fixating material comprising Na—CMC). The materials, gels, coatings and films disclosed herein can be used to facilitate the delivery of one or more therapeutic agents to a targeted tissue and a desired rate of release.

Abstract: An electrode system includes a gel deployment receptacle configured to release a conductive gel onto a body of a subject and a fluid pump in fluid communication with the gel deployment receptacle.

Abstract: It is an objective to provide a plug capable of enhancing a usage count of the plug, which is for use in a piercing machine for piercing-rolling a billet, and a regenerating method of the plug. The plug (10) is for use in a piercing machine (30) for piercing-rolling a billet (36). The plug (10) includes a body (18), a columnar portion (20), and a sprayed film (16). The body (18) has a maximum diameter at its rear end. The columnar portion (20) has the same diameter as the diameter of the rear end of the body (18), and extends from the rear end of the body (18). The sprayed film (16) is formed on a surface of the body (18) and on a surface of the columnar portion (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating electronic displays comprises a glass substrate that includes pixel arrays formed on the glass substrate. Individual pixels of the pixel arrays include pixel walls to retain a first fluid, such as oil. The pixel arrays may include an edge seal to retain a second fluid, such as an electrolyte solution, that overlays the pixel walls and the first fluid. The glass substrate also includes a hydrophobic strip formed on the glass substrate. A wettability between the first fluid and the hydrophobic strip is different from a wettability between the second fluid and the hydrophobic strip.

Abstract: Devices to deliver one or more active ingredients for medical treatment may include a body of material presenting a surface including a polymer adapted to be rendered conductive such that one or more layers of electrospray particles are formable thereon or a body of conductive material presenting a surface upon which one or more layers of electrospray particles are formable thereon. A coating formed of electrospray particles may be deposited to adhere on the surface of the body of material (e.g., the coating may include one or more layers of coating material, at least one layer of the one or more layers of coating material may include an open matrix coating, the open matrix coating may include one or more active ingredients, the open matrix coating may include one or more polymers and one or more active ingredients, etc.).

Abstract: A method for electrostatic coating of medical devices such as stents and balloons is described. The method includes applying a composition to a polymeric component of a medical device which has little or no conductivity. The polymeric component could be a material from which the body or a strut of the stent is made or could be a polymeric coating pre-applied on the stent. The polymeric component could be the balloon wall. A charge can then be applied to the polymeric component or the polymeric component can be grounded. Charged particles of drugs, polymers, biobeneficial agents, or any combination of these can then be electrostatically deposited on the medical device or the coating on the medical device. One example of the composition is iodine, iodine, iodide, iodate, a complex or salt thereof which can also impart imaging capabilities to the medical device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pH-dependent silk fibroin-based ionomeric compositions and colloids, and methods of making the same. The state of the silk fibroin ionomeric compositions is reversible and can transform from a gel-like colloid to a more fluid-like solution, or vice versa, upon an environmental stimulus, e.g., pH. Thus, the silk-based ionomeric compositions and colloids can be applied in various industries, ranging from electronic applications to biomedical applications, such as sensors, gel diodes, absorbent materials, drug delivery systems, tissue implants and contrast agents.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for measuring an analyte concentration in a fluidic sample. Such methods further allow one to provide an error code or correct and/or compensate for interferents such as an antioxidant before providing an analyte concentration. The measurement methods utilize information obtained from test sequences having at least one DC block, where DC block includes at least one recovery potential, and where a closed circuit condition of the electrode system is maintained during the DC block. The methods use information relating to status of a redox mediator during the electrochemical analysis to provide a statistical antioxidant failsafe using either a classifier or a discriminator to determine whether the antioxidant is interfering with the analyte concentration. Also disclosed are devices, apparatuses and systems incorporating the various measurement methods.

Abstract: A method of forming a coating film over a substrate is provided. The method includes spinning the substrate. The method further includes providing a central coating liquid spray over a central portion of the substrate. The method also includes providing first coating liquid sprays over the substrate. The first coating liquid sprays surround the central coating liquid spray and are spaced apart from the central coating liquid spray by a same first distance.

Abstract: A coloring solution for dental zirconia ceramics and a method for using the same are provided. The coloring solution consists of coloring agents, a solvent, and an additive. The coloring agents are a combination of two or more rare earth metal compounds, wherein the rare earth metal compounds having rare earth metal ions selected from the group consisting of praseodymium (Pr) ions, erbium (Er) ions, cerium (Ce) ions, and neodymium (Nd) ions. The concentration of the rare earth metal ions in the solution is 0.05˜3 mol/liter solvent. The molar ratio of Pr ions:Er ions:Ce ions:Nd ions in the solution is 1:(10˜50):(0˜20):(0˜30).

Abstract: Implantable biocompatible polymeric medical devices include a substrate with a plasma-modified surface which is subsequently modified to include click reactive members.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a method for deposition of a biofunctionalizing material, such as for the production of a biomedical device. The method can include positioning a substrate on a substrate support, the substrate having a plurality of wells formed therein. A printing mask is positioned over the substrate, the printing mask having a plurality of mask openings, the plurality of mask openings corresponding to the plurality of wells. A biofunctionalizing material is then deposited through the printing mask and into the wells, the biofunctionalizing material being guided by the plurality of mask openings, the biofunctionalizing material forming a layer over a bottom surface of the plurality of wells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an antimicrobial filter medium with improved antimicrobial property and microbe capture ability wherein gaseous antimicrobial nanoparticles are uniformly coated onto the filter medium and conductive members are attached on both sides of the filter medium, and an apparatus and a method for fabricating the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading material into a stent strut can comprise a chamber capable of maintaining an internal pressure below pressure external to the chamber. The chamber carries within it the stent and the material to be loaded into a lumen within the stent strut. Pressure within the chamber is decreased. The decreased pressure can draw the material into lumen. The decreased pressure can draw air out of the lumen so that, after a subsequent increase in pressure in the chamber, the material is drawn into the lumen.

Abstract: System and method for coating an expandable member of a medical device comprising a support structure to support the expandable member and an applicator positioned with at least one outlet proximate a surface of an expandable member. A drive assembly establishes relative movement between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member to apply fluid on the surface of the expandable member along a coating path. A positioning device maintains a substantially fixed distance between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member during relative movement therebetween by ejecting a pressurized medium against the surface of the expandable member.

Abstract: A balloon system for treating sinusitis or allergic rhinitis includes a central inner tube, a balloon to be filled and a balloon catheter outer tube, all of which axially extend. The central inner tube includes a distal end part and a proximal end part detachably connected with each other by a connector in an axial direction. A first end of the balloon is connected to the distal end part, and a second end of the balloon and the balloon catheter outer tube are detachably connected with each other by the connector. The balloon catheter outer tube is radially outwardly spaced from the proximal end part, and the connector includes a first grommet and a second grommet rotating coaxially and relatively fixed with each other in axial direction. Each of the first grommet and second grommet has at least one gas port.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles comprising layered nanocrystalline calcite and methods for forming nanocrystalline calcite layers and compositions comprising nanocrystalline calcite layers.

Abstract: An introducer sheath, which is formed from a tubular member provided with a hollow portion through which an elongated body is freely insertable, and which includes a distal portion and a main body portion, wherein the inner diameter of the distal portion is formed to become gradually smaller toward the distal side, and on the inner surface of the distal portion, there is provided a hydrophobic coating having a friction coefficient lower than the friction coefficient of the tubular member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for coating drug eluting medical devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a coating application unit comprising a movement restriction structure; a fluid applicator; and an air nozzle. The apparatus can further include a rotation mechanism and an axial motion mechanism, the axial motion mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the coating application unit and the rotation mechanism with respect to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the technology relate to a contact lens having a core that is coated by a hydrogel layer, and to methods of making such a lens. The coated lens can include a rigid gas permeable contact lens. The coated lens can also include a hybrid silicone and rigid gas permeable contact lens. In one aspect, embodiments provide for a coated contact lens comprising a lens core with a water equilibrium constant of less than about 2% comprising an outer surface; and a hydrogel layer covalently attached to at least a portion of the outer surface, the hydrogel layer adapted to contact an ophthalmic surface, wherein the hydrogel layer comprises a hydrophilic polymer population of one or more species.

Abstract: The current invention relates to methods of forming a coating that involves the in-situ formation of drug microspheres. The coating may be applied to a medical device, such as a catheter balloon or a stent. Coated devices and methods of treatment therewith are also encompassed within the embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A brace for a part of a body includes a first conductive fiber associated with a first polarity, and a second conductive fiber associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity. The second fiber is woven together with the first fiber and insulated from the first fiber. The brace also includes a selectively electrically activated cross-linking agent between the first and second fibers. The agent is constructed to cross-link in a first active mode when the first and second fibers are electrified and is constructed to not cross-link in a second inactive mode when the first and second fibers are not electrified. The brace surrounds a body part, such as a knee or neck. The agent can include an ER fluid and/or EAP. A brace system includes a selectively electrically activated brace for the part of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the surface treatment of a biologically inert titanium implant to be placed in contact with a bone of the human body, which involves allowing body fluids, such as the inorganic portion of human blood plasma, to naturally deposit, onto the titanium implant, a calcium phosphate film having the formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH), in the form of hydroxyapatite, with a view to rendering the biologically inert titanium biologically active so as to enable the bone to chemically bond to the implant, thus promoting osseointegration, the method including an operation that involves submerging the titanium in a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, wherein said submersion causes the formation of a film of hydrated titanium oxides (HTiO3—) on the titanium, which in turn causes hydroxyl groups (TiOH) to appear, thus enabling the deposition of said calcium phosphate film.

Abstract: An object is to provide a medical device having excellent antithrombotic and sliding characteristics, which can exert a cell adhesion inhibitory effect. A medical device comprising: a substrate capable of forming hydroxyl groups; and a biocompatible material layer laminated on the substrate at an appropriate position, wherein the hydroxyl groups are formed on a surface of the substrate at least at a required position by a surface treatment, while the biocompatible material layer is formed from a polymer containing phosphorylcholine groups, and wherein the substrate and the biocompatible material layer are joined via a binder layer formed from silica being covalently bonded with the hydroxyl groups and the biocompatible material, respectively.

Abstract: Novel antimicrobial compositions and coatings are disclosed. The antimicrobial compositions consist of mixtures of taurolidine and protamine, including protamine salts. The antimicrobial compositions are particularly useful in coatings for implantable medical devices. The antimicrobial compositions are effective against a broad spectrum of microbes.

Abstract: Provided are methods of catalytic atomic layer deposition using pyridine-based catalysts. Certain methods comprising activating a reaction between at least two film precursors and certain other methods of catalytic deposition of SiO2, both of which comprise using a pyridine-based catalyst.

Abstract: Device, system, method of coating an expandable member is provided. The method comprises providing an expandable member with a plurality of folds defined therein, the expandable member having a folded configuration and a fully expanded configuration at a rated nominal pressure. The expandable member is inflated to an initial pressure of from 10% to about 300% of nominal pressure. A therapeutic agent is disposed on at least a portion of the expandable member. The expandable member is partially deflated to an intermediate pressure by withdrawing an amount of inflation medium from the expandable member, and by applying an external force to the expandable member.

Abstract: By a silk fibroin porous material containing silk fibroin and an amino acid and a method for producing a silk fibroin porous material including freezing a fibroin solution having an amino acid added to a fibroin aqueous solution and subsequently thawing the solution to obtain a porous material, a porous material which does not contain a solvent and which is high in safety and a method for producing the same are provided.