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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to broad spectrum antiseptic or antimicrobial compositions that may be coated or impregnated on medical articles.

Abstract: A method for perfusing a biocompatible material graft with a perfusion liquid includes the steps of: introducing the graft (100) in a perfusion chamber (2), arranging a transfer chamber (3) partly filled with the perfusion liquid (101), coupling in a tight manner the perfusion chamber (2) and the transfer chamber (3) for establishing a fluid communication between them, lowering the pressure in the transfer chamber (3) for transferring therein part of the air existing in the perfusion chamber (2), increasing the pressure within the transfer chamber (3) for injecting in the perfusion chamber (2) the perfusion liquid (101) existing in the transfer chamber (3).

Abstract: A coating and devices using the coating are provided. The coating is applied in liquid form and dried or otherwise cured to form a durable adherent coating resistant to high temperatures and having optional hydrophobic properties. The coating formulation contains an aqueous formulation of silica, one or more fillers, and sufficient base, (e.g., potassium hydroxide), to have a pH exceeding about 10.5 during at least part of the formulation process. The formulation may contain a compound(s) that affects surface free energy, energy to make the cured coating hydrophobic. Such compounds include silanes containing halogens (e.g., fluorine or chlorine) and in particular silanes containing one or more hydrolyzable groups attached to at least one silicon atom and a group containing one or more halogens (e.g., chlorine or fluorine). A medical instrument (e.g., electrosurgical instrument) may be at least partially covered by a coating using the formulation.

Abstract: This invention provides a glass container (in particular, a medical glass container) that is excellent in water repellency, powder repellency, heat resistance, water resistance, alkali resistance, etc., and a method for producing the container. This invention relates to a method for producing a glass container (in particular, a medical glass container), the method comprising the steps of (1) treating the inner surface of a glass container with a silane coupling agent and/or a partial hydrolysate thereof and (2) treating the treated surface obtained in step (1) with an amorphous fluorine-containing resin. The invention also relates to a glass container obtained by using the production method.

Abstract: A method of applying a dental composition to tooth surfaces is provided. The dental composition, comprising polymerizable resin and fluorescing compound, is applied to a tooth surface and cured so that it hardens. The composition is preferably used as a dental sealant that provides a hard, glossy surface finish over a tooth. Upon irradiating the sealant with ultraviolet light, the sealant exhibits a bright fluorescent glow. The sealant reverts immediately to its natural color when it is no longer exposed to the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: In a method for making a wire guide, a fluoropolymer coating is removed from a distal section of an FP coated core wire to expose a metallic portion. A polymer coating is applied to a proximal section of the FP coated core wire such that the polymer coating overlays at least a portion of the FP coating, and to the distal section of the FP coated core wire including the exposed metal portion. The polymer coating is removed from the FP coating to form the wire guide having a proximal portion with the FP coating and a distal portion with the polymer coating. A hydrophilic coating may be applied to the distal portion over the polymer coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing solvent contents in drug-containing polymeric compositions. Specifically, the solvent contents in the drug-containing polymeric compositions are first reduced by one or more conventional drying methods, to a range from about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt % of the total weight of the polymeric composition. Subsequently, the drug-containing polymeric compositions are further treated by one or more low temperature (i.e., having processing temperatures of less than 60° C.) drying methods for further reduction of the solvent content to less than 10,000 ppm.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a medical wire, which includes a coating applied to the surface of the medical wire. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the medical wire and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated medical wire form markings which, as an example, enable a surgeon to determine the length of the medical wire inserted into a body by observing the markings on the portion of the marked medical wire located exterior to the body.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an elongated, tubular shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, said shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An inflatable balloon is supported along the distal end of the shaft, the balloon when inflated including first and second spaced conical end sections and a working surface between the conical sections. The balloon further includes at least one radiopaque marking identifying the transition from the conical end section to the working surface. Related aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems for nerve and tissue modulation are disclosed. An illustrative system may include an intravascular nerve modulation system including a catheter shaft, an expandable basket and one or more energy delivery regions. The one or more energy delivery regions may be defined by regions of the basket free from an insulating material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing organic, semi-organic, mineral, inorganic and hybrid thin layers and thin layers containing nanoparticles, by simultaneous or alternate spraying of solutions of reactive partners (that is polymer/polymer interacting by hydrogen bonding, polyelectrolyte/small oligo-ion, inorganic compounds, etc.) on the surface of a solid substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the impregnation of a product consisting of fibrous material and formed from a continuous web (22), the method comprising at least one first step of cutting out a specific zone (24) of the continuous web (22) and at least one second step of applying an impregnation product to the specific zone (24), the first and second steps being carried out simultaneously or virtually simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a microarray of plural soft materials includes: vapor-depositing a first layer poly(para-xylylene) resin on a substrate, forming a first micro pattern in the poly(para-xylylene) resin; obtaining a substrate including a first microarray formed by pouring a first soft material solution, freeze-drying the first soft material to obtain a micro-arrayed substrate of the freeze-dried first soft material; vapor-depositing a second layer poly(para-xylylene) resin on the micro-arrayed substrate of the freeze-dried first soft material, forming a second micro pattern placed differently from the first micro pattern by penetrating the poly(para-xylylene) resin of the first and second layers, forming a second microarray on the substrate by pouring a second soft material solution; and forming a microarray of the first and second soft materials on the substrate by peeling off the poly(para-xylylene) resin of the first and second layers.

Abstract: The disclosure features blood compatible articles and methods of making the articles. The methods include providing a substrate and forming a rough surface on the substrate. The rough surface includes a plurality of three-dimensionally curved features each having a radius of curvature of less than about 50 nm. The surface includes a sufficient concentration of features per unit area to limit blood coagulation activity on the substrate and to limit the number of platelets that adhere to the surface when the substrate is exposed to blood.

Abstract: There is described a method for depositing at least one biological fluid onto a surface of a substrate, the method comprising the steps of (i) providing at least one thermal bubble jet printhead loaded with at least one biological fluid, (ii) positioning the printhead next to the substrate, and (iii) supplying the printhead with energy thereby depositing the biological fluid onto the surface. The printhead is supplied with an energy E such that E>1.6*Eth where Eth is the threshold energy of the printhead. There are also described an apparatus for depositing at least one biological fluid onto a surface of a substrate and a microarray obtained by carrying out the depositing method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for preventing the fouling of a liquid dispensing nozzle. The end of the dispensing nozzle is placed in a hollow interior of a band carrying the same solvents that are dispensed by the nozzle. The solvent on the band evaporates into a gap between the ring and dispensing nozzle, thus providing a vapor sheath or environment that helps to prevent the fouling of the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a microbial substance-releasing layer on a technical surface. The inventive method comprises three steps: a) producing a solution from polyvinylacetate, a preservative agent and a solvent, b) applying the solution to the technical surface, and c) drying the solution applied to the technical surface while forming the layer. The inventive method is characterized by using benzoic acid, sorbic acid, natamycin, bacteriocines, plant extracts or mixtures thereof as the preservative agent and an ethanol/water mixture, ethyl acetate or acetone as the solvent.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a beneficial agent in the form of a viscous liquid or paste allows holes in a medical device to be loaded in a single step process. The loading of a beneficial agent in a paste form also provides the ability to deliver large and potentially sensitive molecules including proteins, enzymes, antibodies, antisense, ribozymes, gene/vector constructs, and cells including endothelial cells.

Abstract: Methods for forming core-shell magnetic nanoparticles are provided. The method can include: forming an oxide shell around a metal oxide core to form a core-shell magnetic nanoparticle; attaching an anchoring agent to the magnetic nanoparticle; reacting a RAFT agent with the functional group of the anchoring agent such that the RAFT agent is bonded to the magnetic nanoparticle through the anchoring agent; and attaching a polymeric chain to the RAFT agent.

Abstract: A method of protecting a biologically active substance against denaturation, wherein a liquid (14) containing the active substance and a matrix-forming substance are deposited on a target surface (18) and dried so as to form a solid amorphous matrix (26) with the molecules of the active substance embedded therein, wherein an ink jet printer (10) is used for depositing the liquid (14) on the target surface (16) in the form of droplets (12) having a volume small enough to cause the liquid to dry when it impinges on the target surface (16) and to be held on the target surface through adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for antimicrobial silver compositions comprising silver nanoparticles. The present invention further comprises compositions for preparing silver nanoparticles comprising at least one stabilizing agent, one or more silver compounds, at least one reducing agent and a solvent. In one aspect, the stabilizing agent comprises a surfactant or a polymer. The polymer may comprise polymers such as polyacrylamides, polyurethanes, and polyamides. In one aspect, the silver compound comprises a salt comprising a silver cation and an anion. The anion may comprise saccharinate derivatives, long chain fatty acids, and alkyl dicarboxylates. The methods of the present invention comprise treating devices with the silver nanoparticle compositions, including, but not limited to, such devices as woven wound care materials, catheters, patient care devices, and collagen matrices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bioactive surface on the balloon (3) of a balloon catheter (1). According to said method, the surface of the balloon (3) is at least partially wetted with a first solution of an active substance (8) and the section of the surface of the balloon (3) wetted with the first solution of an active substance (8) is then wetted with a second, saturated solution of the active substance (28). The invention further relates to a balloon (3) of a balloon catheter (1) the surface of which is at least partially coated with an active substance (11), the coating (11) being homogeneous and brittle in the entire coated region.

Abstract: The invention hereunder concerns an antibacterial hybrid layer operating against pathogenic bacteria, particularly against the bacterial strain MRSA, made up of hybrid polymer resulting from the reaction of 3-(trialkoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate and/or 3-(trialkoxysilyl) propyl acrylate with 3-glycidoxy-propyltrialkoxy-silane, titanium alkoxide and silicon alkoxide with addition of soluble salts of silver, copper and zinc and potentially also with addition of titanium oxide nanoparticles. The hybrid polymer may further also contain addition of soluble salts of chromium (III) and/or vanadium or up to 90 mol. % of 3-(trialkoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate may be replaced with an equimolar mixture of methyl methacrylate and silicon alkoxide and, similarly, up to 90 mol. % of 3-(trialkoxysilyl) propyl acrylate may be replaced with an equimolar mixture of methyl acrylate and silicon alkoxide.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a brush polymer, including: a linear polymer main chain; and brush structural side chains, including: a hydrophobic molecular branch, and a hydrophilic molecular branch and/or an anti-biofilm/or an anti-microbial molecular branch, wherein the linear polymer main chain is conjugated to the side chains by covalent bonds formed between a hydroxyl group and a reactive functional group, wherein the reactive functional group includes: isocyanate, carboxyl, or epoxy. The present disclosure also provides a medical application of the brush polymer.

Abstract: An implant unit may include a substrate and an implantable circuit arranged on the substrate. An encapsulation structure may be disposed over at least a portion of the substrate and at least a portion of the implantable circuit, the encapsulation structure including a parylene layer and a silicon layer disposed over the parylene layer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to articles of manufacture, such as medical devices, having a non-fouling surface comprising a grafted polymer material. The surface resists the adhesion of biological material.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method and compositions for modification of medical devices, such as indwelling medical devices, implantable catheters, in particular, urinary catheters, to enhance formation of a high density and stable biofilm comprising non-pathogenic organisms for the treatment and prevention of colonization of pathogens leading to device-associated infections, such as urinary tract infections. In some embodiments the present disclosure also relates to a method and compositions for storage and use of the catheters coated with a non-pathogenic biofilm. In some embodiments the present disclosure also pertains to a method and compositions for modification of implantable medical devices with bacterial resistant polymers, and/or antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing pulverulent, antioxidant-comprising coating compositions, comprising providing an aqueous polymer dispersions comprising one or more antioxidants and a polymer obtained by radical polymerization of a) N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and b) at least one radically polymerizable compound selected from esters of ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated mono- and dicarboxylic acids with C1-C8-alkanols, wherein the antioxidants are incorporated into the aqueous polymer dispersion in the form of a solution or of a dispersion, and spray processing the aqueous polymer dispersion to provide a powder form.

Abstract: Medical device surfaces, for example a plastic catheter or metal guide wire, are disclosed with a lubricating coating made from Brasenia schreberi polysaccharide mucilage. The coated device surfaces may be prepared with a variety of techniques offering improved alternatives to conventional coatings.

Abstract: Implantable non-bioabsorbable medical devices have an amphiphilic coating for reducing the inflammatory response to the device after implantation.

Abstract: Apparatus, and methods of making and using apparatus, for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) are disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an interior wall defining a hollow space through which an intraocular lens may be passed from the open space into an eye. A lubricity enhancing component is covalently bonded to the hollow tube at the interior wall in an amount effective to facilitate the passage of the intraocular lens through the hollow space. The lubricity enhancing component includes a substituent component effective to reduce hydrolysis of said lubricity enhancing component relative to an identical lubricity enhancing component without the substituent component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a respiration-assisting tube whereby tissue damages in vivo can be prevented and, as a result, inflammatory reactions and infections can be avoided. The respiration-assisting tube is developed based on the finding that adhesion of cells to a respiration-assisting tube can be inhibited by coating the respiration-assisting tube with a polymer containing 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC). Also, the respiration-assisting tube is developed based on the finding that, by coating a respiration-assisting tube with a polymer containing MPC, mucosa peeling and tissue damages, which occur after using the respiration-assisting tube, can be prevented and, as a result, inflammatory reactions can be avoided.

Abstract: System for treating vascular disease comprising a balloon having an outer surface for temporary contact with a vessel wall when in an expanded state, a coating disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface, the coating including an initial amount of a cytostatic agent selected from the group consisting of Zotarolimus (ABT578), everolimus, pimecrolimus, and a combination thereof, the coating being capable of maintaining a therapeutically effective amount of the cytostatic agent on the outer surface for delivery to a vessel wall, and further wherein between about 4.9% to about 23% of the initial amount of the cytostatic agent on the outer surface remains disposed on the outer surface after delivery of the therapeutically effective amount of the cytostatic agent to the vessel wall, and optionally, a stent disposed on the balloon.

Abstract: A device includes a crutch (400) comprising at least two vertical crutch columns (404,405). A substantially flat panel (422) is attached to the crutch interior to the at least two vertical crutch columns. In one embodiment, the substantially flat panel comprising a marking receiving panel to accept a marking (530) from a marking instrument (531). The substantially flat panel can be at least partially coated with a marking receiving coating (302) in one embodiment.

Abstract: An autographable crutch (300) includes a crutch (322) and a marking receiving coating 302. The marking receiving coating at least partially covers the crutch and accepts a marking (330) from a marking instrument (331).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated low-friction medical device, such as low-friction medical tubing, including applying a coating to one or more selected portions of a surface of low-friction medical tubing to indicate at least one marking formed along the surface of the low-friction medical tubing, and simultaneously or substantially simultaneously: (a) curing the applied coating to a designated temperature (which is above the temperature at which the low-friction medical tubing begins to decompose and shrink) to adhere the applied coating to the surface of the low-friction medical tubing, (b) utilizing one or more anti-shrinking devices to counteract or otherwise inhibit the shrinking of the low-friction medical tubing, and (c) exhausting any harmful byproducts resulting from curing the low-friction medical tubing to a temperate above the temperature at which the low-friction medical tubing begins to decompose.

Abstract: Implantable prosthesis, components of prosthesis, and methods of making same are provided. The methods generally include the steps of providing an implant shell, applying a curable fluid composition to the shell to form a coating thereon and applying a particulate component to the composition. The composition is a mixture, for example, an emulsion, containing a silicone-based elastomer dispersion and droplets of a suspended leachable agent. After the elastomer is stabilized and cured, the particulate component and leachable agent are removed, resulting in an implantable member having a porous, open-cell surface texture designed to be effective in reducing incidence of capsular formation or contraction.

Abstract: A drug delivery balloon is provided, the a balloon having an outer surface, and a tunable coating disposed on at least a length of the balloon surface. The tunable coating includes a first therapeutic agent and a first excipient, and can include a second therapeutic agent and a second excipient. The first and second therapeutic agents have different dissolution rates during balloon inflation and therefore provide a coating that is tunable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the treatment of glaucoma, though insertion of an implant into the lumen of the Schlemm's canal to realize proper drainage of the aqueous humor, which implant is brought into its position in the Schlemm's canal by means of a catheter having a distal and a proximate portion and provided with a number of pores through which a gaseous or fluid medium which comes from a pressure source can emerge during insertion of the catheter carrying the implant into the Schlemm's canal, and while the catheter is being inserted into the Schlemm's canal the gaseous or fluid medium is released under pressure thereby expanding the Schlemm's canal and the implant and upon releasing the implant at its determined location, the catheter can be withdrawn from the Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system especially useful in damage resistant, ceramic dental and orthopedic prosthesis. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure comprises an outer (aesthetic) residual glass layer, a graded glass-ceramic layer, and a dense interior ceramic. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure may further comprise a veneer on an exterior surface. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system. A powdered glass-ceramic composition or a glass tape is applied to the accessible surfaces of a dense alumina substrate to thereby substantially cover the substrate surfaces. The glass of the composition has a CTE similar to that of the substrate material. The glass-ceramic composition is infiltrated into the dense substrate by heating the assembly to temperatures 50-700° C. below the sintering temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: A graphene-Au nanoplate structure, a method for fabricating the same, and a method for accelerating carbon ions using the graphene-Au nanoplate structure. The graphene-Au nanoplate structure includes: a substrate; an Au nanoplate attached on the substrate; and a graphene wrapped around the Au nanoplate.

Abstract: A biomimetic surfactant polymer modified with various crosslinking embodiments is described. The crosslinking embodiments provide a biomimetic surfactant coating that is designed to resist cracking, scratching, spalling and chemical dissolution. The crosslinking embodiments comprise the use of various hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups. The modified biomimetic surfactant adheres to different substrate surfaces, particularly the surfaces of medical devices.

Abstract: A coating comprised of a polymeric material and a bioactive agent where the properties of the casting solvent dictate the dispersion of the embedding bioactive agent. In preferred embodiments, controlled release of the bioactive agent is achieved by homogeneous dispersion of the bioactive agent within the coating. A further aspect of the invention is directed to formulations where the heterogeneous dispersion of the bioactive agent provides an initial rapid release of the bioactive agent. Methodology for production of coating formulations of the desired properties and the application of the coating to an article are also described.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a medical wire, which includes a coating applied to the surface of the medical wire. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the medical wire and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated medical wire form markings which, as an example, enable a surgeon to determine the length of the medical wire inserted into a body by observing the markings on the portion of the marked medical wire located exterior to the body.

Abstract: A system and method for coating an expandable member of a medical device comprising a support structure to support the expandable member and a dispenser 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 guide maintains a substantially fixed distance between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member during relative movement therebetween by displacing the expandable member relative to the at least one outlet.

Abstract: A method of coating a stent involves modifying a spray coating parameter until a target mass per coating layer is achieved. A method for coating involves spraying a batch of stents according to spraying parameters that were previously determined to provide a target mass per coating layer.

Abstract: Provided are a method and device for marking an article for security, tracking or authentication. The method includes depositing a solution comprising a nucleic acid marker onto at least a portion of the article. The nucleic acid marker may be activated, for example, by adding a functional group to the nucleic acid marker. The activation of the nucleic acid marker may be performed by exposure to alkaline conditions. The method is well suited for marking fibers and textiles, as well as many other items.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing the crystallization of a pharmaceutical in a polymer film, wherein the solvent-containing coating compound, which comprises a matrix-forming polymer or polymer mixture and at least one pharmaceutical and is spread to produce the polymer film, is temporarily dried at temperatures that is at least 10° C. above the melting temperature of the pharmaceutical contained in the coating compound. The maximum temperature is thus higher than that which is required for mere drying and obviates the need for an additional, time-consuming and expensive work step.

Abstract: A protective coating solution, liquid, gel, or film and a method of using such a material to provide a sterile covering for fingers, hands, arms or other selected skin surface for use as a glove substitute.