Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of biomedical material, and is particularly related to a method of preparing bioactive glass coatings by liquid precursor thermal spray. The objective of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the air plasma spraying where the powder feedstock preparation is complicated and time-consuming, and sol-gel or other wet chemistry method where the synthesized coating generally has thin coating thickness and with low production efficiency. Therefore, a new method is provided for preparation of bioactive glass coatings. In this method, organic and inorganic raw materials were first weighed in accordance with the chemical composition of bioactive glasses, and sol or suspension was prepared; then the sol or suspension was used as the feedstock for thermal spray, and was deposited on the biomedical materials substrate, at high temperature to form the bioactive glass coating.

Abstract: A stent with at least one severable supporting device and methods of coating using the same are disclosed. The severable supporting device can be an end tube or a tab attached to some portion of the stent by at least one “gate” or attachment. The end tube or tab may be part of the design of the stent when it is originally manufactured, or it may be attached to the stent in a secondary process by a biocompatible glue or solder. The end tube or tab can be used to support a stent during a coating process eliminating the need for a mandrel which would otherwise contact the stent during the coating process.

Abstract: A mechanism for preventing or inhibiting bubbles of dissolved gasses from outgassing due to phase change phenomenon of the pressure differential inside a liquid-filled incompressible line can be provided. This mechanism may be useful in a variety of applications, such as coating of stents and scaffolds.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed containing a polymeric mixture diluted into an aqueous solution, which can be usefully applied to any surface mat is hydbcphoixc to act, for example, as an aotifoggiag coating with minimal optical distortion and excellent transparency. The compositions can also be used as lubricious agents on medical implants, shunts, and surgical supplies to minimize tissue trauma, to maximize bio-compatibility, and to increase healing by enhancing better irrigation and flow in adjacent tissue.

Abstract: A container for culturing cells having nanostructures according to the present invention comprises a cell culture surface onto which adult stem cells are adhered so as to be proliferated and differentiated, wherein the cell culture surface comprises nanostructures placed thereon at regular intervals, the nanostructures comprise nano-pillars protruded from the cell culture surface, the width of the nano-pillars is 40-500 nm, and the height of the nano-pillars is 10 nm-1 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical repair article, comprising a structural member of high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filament(s). The invention also relates to a method of making such a surgical repair article, and to a kit of parts comprising the article. The surgical repair article comprises a structural member of high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filament(s), and a biodegradable coating applied to the surface of the structural member, wherein the coating comprises a sol/gel produced inorganic oxide and a biologically active compound incorporated therein. The article combines high tensile strength, biocompatibility and favorable bioactive compound delivery characteristics.

Abstract: The teachings are directed to a medical device having a drug-retaining coating that at least substantially delays the initial elution of a drug for a time effective at forming a functional endothelium over a surface of the medical device.

Abstract: A variety of medical devices including staples sutures and dental floss with surface treatment on at least one tissue-facing surface to improve biologic function such as to control tissue adhesion are disclosed including heparin surface treatment which provides heparin present in an amount to yield heparin bioactivity of at least one of i) an ATIII binding of at least 2 pmol/cm2, and ii) a thrombin deactivation of at least 0.2 IU/cm2; an acrylic surface treatment for coupling thereto of a heparin surface treatment, a collagen surface treatment or both; and an amino-functional polysiloxane surface treatment for coupling thereto of a heparin surface treatment.

Abstract: A quartz or otherwise similar crystal (‘host crystal’) embedded with minerals, metals, homeopathic, organic/inorganic, and magnetic materials (which allow for magnetic interactions) and the method for embedded ‘host crystal’ with said materials is disclosed. The ‘host crystal’ can be any size, shape, cut, or color of crystal. A hole/depression is first drilled/etched anywhere on the quartz or similar ‘host crystal’, this hole is then filled with a chosen combination of materials using force/compression, and are semi-permanently sealed by compressing metal flake or powder onto/into the top of the material-filled hole in the ‘host crystal’.

Abstract: A novel silicone coating process for surgical needles is disclosed. Coating solutions are applied to a surgical needle and a stream of air is directed at the needle in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the distal section of the needle, providing superior coatings and performance.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for manufacturing nanoparticles in a slurry based on an aqueous solvent by treating said inorganic particles or their agglomerates in said solvent at a solids content of 30-75w-%, by adding dispersing agent(s) and by carrying out ultrasonic treatment at an intensity of 5-1000 W/cm2 on this concentrated slurry. Thereby, a homogenous consistent particle slurry is obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of marking an item with a naturally-derived or synthetic non-natural polymeric marker molecules, such as a DNA or Peptide marker in conjunction with optional visible or rapid scan reporters for authenticating or tracking, in which the method includes providing an item for marking, and applying a medium including a DNA marker to the item. The invention also provides a method of marking an item with a DNA marker for authenticating or tracking, in which the method includes providing a medium including a DNA marker, and molding the medium including the DNA marker to provide all or part of the item. The DNA marker encodes information unique to the item and/or the model of the item as desired.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The energy modulation agent has a normal predominant emission of radiation in a first wavelength range outside of a second wavelength range (WR2) known to produce the change, but under exposure to the applied initiation energy produces the change. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein-binding material including a mesoporous silica and a method for selectively separating and purifying using the protein-binding material. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of preparing a magnetic mesoporous silica responding to a magnetic field by adsorbing a precursor of a transition metal or its ion, such as an iron (Fe) precursor, onto a mesoporous silica, and to a protein-binding material prepared by coating the surface of the magnetic mesoporous silica with a transition metal or its ion so as to be capable of binding to a specific protein labeled with histidine, and also to a method of selectively separating and purifying a specific protein using the protein-binding material.

Abstract: Applicants have disclosed a process for fusing a biocompatible glass to a metal substrate. In the preferred embodiment, the process comprises: grit blasting a metallic substrate (e.g., titanium) to remove a surface layer of the metal; after blasting, cleaning the abrasion residue off the surface layer; blending a solvent to use as a suspension agent; creating a suspension of glass-coating powders in the solvent solution; depositing the suspension onto the metallic substrate; drying thoroughly the suspension-coated metallic substrate; inserting the dried, coated substrate into a non-reactive chamber, purging the chamber with an inert gas, such as pure argon; and firing the metallic substrate, inside the furnace, in the inert gas. This process forms a robust fusion between the biocompatible glass/ceramic and titanium, according to preliminary test results. This process can be used for various medical and dental devices, including implants and onplants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microneedle array which holds a drug only in the microneedle portions, and a method of manufacturing the same. The microneedle array 2A which holds the drug only on the tips of the microneedles can be manufactured by the microneedle deposition method, i.e. a) the microneedle array 2 is prepared using an water-soluble polymer as a base material; b) a drug solution 1 to be applied to the tips of the microneedle array 2 is prepared; and c) the tips of the microneedle array 2 are contacted with the drug solution 1 for a short time. When the drug solution 1 is a water solution, the biodegradable polymer is of water-soluble, and in addition to the drug, the biodegradable polymer is dissolved in the solution at high concentration, the applied drug is integrated with the microneedle so that only the drug does not fall away during insertion.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for modulating nerves. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal region. A balloon may be coupled to the distal region. An electrode may be disposed within the balloon. A virtual electrode may be defined on the balloon. The virtual electrode may include a conductive region having an edge and a peripheral region disposed at least partially along the edge of the conductive region. The peripheral region may be configured to dissipate forces, electrical current, or both accumulating along the edge of the conductive region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to implantable bioabsorbable medical devices having an amphiphilic coating for delaying the degradation of the device and methods of making such devices.

Abstract: The novel biomaterial fillers containing cross-linked sodium alginate and the method for manufacturing same are used in the medical field and are intended for filling tissue lesions having a layered structure of varying compositions, such as cartilage, skin or the epithelium. These novel biomaterials have the special feature of being multiphasic, composite and functionalized, for medical use and, in particular, for treating tissue lesions having a layered structure of varying compositions. The biomaterials are particularly suitable for treating focal lesions of the articular cartilage.

Abstract: An article is described including an article surface, a primer coating or layer of SiOx, SiOxCy or SiNxCy applied to the article surface, and a deposit of lubricant applied to the primer coating or layer. The primer coating or layer of SiOx, SiOxCy or SiNxCy is applied by chemical vapor deposition of a polysiloxane or polysilazane precursor in the presence of oxygen. A first deposit of lubricant is applied to the primer coating or layer. The primer coating or layer improves the adhesion or wetting of the lubricant on the surface to be lubricated. Examples of such an article are a prefilled syringe having a barrel with a lubricated interior portion and a plunger tip that slides along it. Another example of such an article is a vial having a lubricated opening to receive a septum. Another aspect of the invention is a method of making such an article.

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: A medical device includes a layer made of an acidic polymer and a basic polymer formed on at least a part of a surface of a base material, wherein at least one kind of an acidic polymer and a basic polymer forming the layers made of the acidic polymer and the basic polymer is a multi-component copolymer of three or more components.

Abstract: A medical inhalation device or a component thereof having a diamond-like glass coating comprising hydrogen and on a hydrogen free basis about 20 to about 40 atomic percent of silicon, greater than 39 atomic percent of carbon, and less than 33 down to and including zero atomic percent of oxygen.

Abstract: Methods are presented for a continuous, two-step, phase sequenced deposition of hydroxyapatite film over the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Medicinal inhalation devices and components having a non-metal coating and a fluorine-containing coating bonded to the non-metal coating wherein the fluorine-containing coating comprises an at least partially fluorinated compound comprising at least one functional group which shares at least one covalent bond with the non-metal coating are provided. In some embodiments, the partially fluorinated compound comprises a polyfluoropolyether silane of Formula Ia: Rf[Q-[C(R)2—Si(Y)3-x(R1a)x]y]z??Ia wherein: Rf is a monovalent or multivalent polyfluoropolyether segment; Q is an organic divalent or trivalent linking group; each R is independently hydrogen or a C1-4 alkyl group; each Y is independently a hydrolysable group; R1a is a C1-8 alkyl or phenyl group; x is 0 or 1 or 2; y is 1 or 2; and z is 1, 2, 3, or 4. Methods of making the devices and components are also provided.

Abstract: A drug-delivering medical device for delivering a drug to a target site in a body lumen is disclosed. The drug-delivering medical device includes a balloon catheter and an inflatable balloon positioned on the balloon catheter. The inflatable balloon has a hydrophilic surface. One or more portions of the hydrophilic surface are coated with two or more nano-carriers. A nano-carrier of the two or more nano-carriers includes a drug surrounded by an encapsulating medium. As the drug is surrounded by the encapsulating medium, the surface of the nano-carrier is devoid of the drug. When the inflatable balloon is inflated upon coming in proximity to a target site in the body lumen, about 30% to 80% of the two or more nano-carriers are released from the hydrophilic surface within 15-90 seconds.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also measure the conditions of the environment surrounding the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to provide a metal wire with a coating system comprising a primer and a topcoat, particularly a hydrophilic, lubricious topcoat. The method comprises applying directly onto the wire metal a primer coating composition, which is an aqueous coating composition comprising a multiphase vinyl polymer, the polymer comprising a first phase having a Tg in the range of from ?20° C. to 40° C. and a hard phase having a Tg in the range of from 25° C. to 120° C. The primer has good adhesion to both the metal surface and the topcoat, and provides the eventual coating system with, inter alia, a good flexibility.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the application of a supplemental corona source to provide surface charge on submicrometer particles to enhance collection efficiency and micro-structural density during electrostatic collection.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting electrical signals is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substrate and a twisted pair of conductors located on the substrate. The twisted pair of conductors has a first layer comprising conductive material, a second layer comprising nonconductive material, and a third player comprising conductive material. The first layer has a plurality of segments separated by a plurality of gaps. The second layer is positioned in said gaps and electrically insulates a portion of the segments positioned within the gaps. The third layer is positioned over the second layer. The third layer is configured to electrically connects an end of one segment to an end of another segment. The twisted pair of conductors formed by the three dimensional structure comprises two electrically isolated conductors twisted about each other.

Abstract: A biodegradable therapeutic carrier and implant comprises a layer of biodegradable electrospun material and floored wells formed by the layer to contain therapeutic.

Abstract: Methods for the deposition of silver-comprising films on nonconducting substrates, and, more particularly, to deposition of such films that are very thin, are provided. The surface of nonconducting substrates is modified with a superabsorbent polymer to increase silver deposition when compared to a non-modified surface. Also provided are films produced using a swelling agent, whereby porosity of the surface of the nonconducting substrate is increased, thereby permitting increased silver deposition when compared to an unmodified surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a bilayer of amphipathic molecules comprising providing a hydrated support and providing a hydrophilic body, and bringing the hydrated support and hydrophilic body into contact to form a bilayer of amphipathic molecules. A bilayer produced by the method of the invention, and uses of the bilayer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for producing a coated substrate, including dissolving at least one biomolecule to form a solution; nebulizing the solution to form a liquid aerosol; combining the liquid aerosol and a plasma to form a coating; and depositing, in the absence of reactive monomers, the coating onto a substrate surface. In an aspect, the substrate can be an implantable medical device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coating microneedles by which the microneedles mounted on a microneedle device are coated accurately and easily in a mass-producible manner. In this method, a microneedle device (22) with a plurality of microneedles (21) is mounted on a table (23), while a mask plate (25) with a plurality of apertures (24) is fixed to a frame member (26), and a coating solution (27) is drawn in the direction of arrow A on the mask plate (25) using a spatula (28) to fill the apertures (24) with the coating solution. The microneedles (21) are inserted in the apertures (24) before or after the filling of the apertures (24) with the coating solution (27) to coat the microneedles (21).

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: A medical device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes an inner liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, a reinforcing layer surrounding at least a portion of the liner; and an outer layer surrounding the reinforcing layer and inner liner. The liner and outer layer may include multiple sections having different properties than one another, adjacent sections attached together by seams, which may be offset from one another. Apparatus and methods for making tubular devices with coated liners are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a coating on a surface of an intraocular lens delivery device and methods of manufacturing the device are provided. A method includes forming the coating on the device, the coating including a lubricious-enhancing component and a fluorescing component, illuminating the fluorescing component to cause the fluorescing component to emit a glow, and determining characteristics of the coating on the device based on the glow of the fluorescing component.

Abstract: Methods for the deposition of silver-comprising films on nonconducting substrates, and, more particularly, to deposition of such films that are very thin, are provided. The surface of nonconducting substrates is modified with a superabsorbent polymer to increase silver deposition when compared to a non-modified surface. Also provided are films produced using a swelling agent, whereby porosity of the surface of the nonconducting substrate is increased, thereby permitting increased silver deposition when compared to an unmodified surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the wear resistance of dyed surgical instruments having a vacuum-resistant material as the main body which, over the course of a vacuum coating step, is coated with a thin layer of titanium, and the coated surface is subjected to anodic oxidation. The method is characterized in that, over the course of the vacuum coating step, prior to coating with the layer of titanium, at least parts of the main body are coated with a layer of hard material which improves the wear protection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides nanoparticles of barium zirconium oxide (BaZrO3.BaCO3) and a process for preparation thereof. The present disclosure further provides a coating formulation that chiefly comprises the BaZrO3.BaCO3 nanoparticles along with its method of preparation. Still further, the present disclosure provides X-ray retardant articles and an X-ray retardant preparation for topical application.

Abstract: A solventless method for forming a coating on a medical electrical lead is described. The method includes combining particles of a therapeutic agent with a polymeric material in a flowable form in the absence of a solvent to form a uniform suspension. A predetermined amount of the suspension is dispensed onto a portion of the lead and is then cured to form the therapeutic agent eluting layer. Additional layers such as a primer layer, fluoro-opaque layer and/or a topcoat layer can be formed using the solventless method. Employing a solventless method may avoid contraction of the layer being formed due to solvent evaporation during the curing process, and may facilitate greater control over the thickness of the therapeutic agent eluting coating.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include coating apparatuses and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus. The coating apparatus can include a motor, a rotating contact member, a fluid applicator, a fluid pump, and a base member. The fluid applicator can include an orifice. The rotating contact member can be configured to rotate around a device to be coated that does not rotate. The rotating contact member can be configured to move along the lengthwise axis of a device to be coated. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of coating a medical device.

Abstract: Methods for forming a “coating gradient” on medical devices, such as a balloon catheter or guidewire are disclosed. The balloon portion of the catheter has a protective covering initially placed over it to prevent the balloon from receiving a first hydrophilic coating. After a first hydrophilic coating is applied, the protective covering is removed. A second hydrophilic coating could be applied to the catheter. A guidewire having less lubricity at the distal end portion also can be created. A first hydrophilic coating is applied to the elongated shaft and distal shaft section of the guidewire. After the first hydrophilic coating cures, the first hydrophilic coating is removed from a portion of the distal shaft section of the guidewire. A second hydrophillic coating can then be applied to the elongated shaft and distal shaft section of the guidewire. The second hydrophilic coating can be allowed to cure.

Abstract: A use in a medical device of at least one salt of organic acid(s), and preferably a benzoate or a sorbate, as an antimicrobial agent is disclosed, and in particular for the manufacturing of an antimicrobial coating for a medical device, e.g., hydrophyllic urinary catheters, for the prevention of bacterial infection. The pH of the hydrophilic coating may be controlled to be in the range 4.0-8.0, preferably in the range 5.0-6.0, and preferably to be below 7.0. The pH of the hydrophilic coating could be controlled by means of a pH buffer, and preferably a citrate or phosphate buffer. A salt of organic acid in combination with a pH buffer has proven surprisingly efficient for inhibition of bacterial growth, and for prevention of bacterial infections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel antifungal compound, derivatives that are used to treat fungal infections. In a specific embodiment, the compound is a small molecule. In a specific embodiment, the compound described herein inhibits yeast to hypha transition under robust hyphal inducing conditions at lower concentration of the molecule. Also disclosed is a composition comprising the antifungal compound. In a specific embodiment, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition. Also disclosed is a method of treating and/or preventing fungal infection using the disclosed compound. The disclosed compound exhibits antifungal activity against wide range of fungal species at slightly higher concentrations. Antifungal compound disclosed herein is used as anti-biofilm agent against fungal infections.

Abstract: Methods of coating an implantable device, such as a stent, are provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of synthesizing a multicomponent and biocompatible nanocomposite material, which includes: synthesizing a gold/hydroxyapatite (Au/HA) catalyst; distributing the Au/HA catalyst into a thin film; and heating the thin film in a reactor with a carbon source gas to perform radio frequency chemical vapor deposition (RF-CVD) to form the nanocomposite material, where the nanocomposite material includes a graphene structure and Au/HA nanoparticles formed by the Au/HA catalyst and distributed within the graphene structure. In another aspect, a multicomponent and biocompatible nanocomposite material includes: a graphene structure formed with a plurality of graphene layers and Au/HA nanoparticles distributed within the graphene structure. The nanocomposite material is formed by heating an Au/HA catalyst thin film with a carbon source gas to perform radio frequency chemical vapor deposition (RF-CVD).

Abstract: A fine metal structure having its surface furnished with microprojections of high strength, high precision and large aspect ratio; and a process for producing the fine metal structure free of defects. There is provided a fine metal structure having its surface furnished with microprojections, characterized in that the microprojections have a minimum thickness or minimum diameter ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 micrometers and that the ratio between minimum thickness or minimum diameter (D) of microprojections and height of microprojections (H), H/D, is greater than 1.