Abstract: This application relates to omniphobic materials which are physically and chemically modified at their surface to create hierarchically structured materials with both nanoscale and microscale structures that provide the omniphobic properties. Methods of making such omniphobic surfaces with hierarchical structures and uses thereof, including as flexible films that repel contaminants are also disclosed in the application.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having oily stain washability or weed juice stain resistance that is adjustable depending on a temperature. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film composed of at least one layer and covering the golf ball body, wherein a molecular chain of a base resin constituting an outermost layer located at an outermost side of the paint film has a graft chain, and 80 mole % or more of repeating units constituting the graft chain includes any one of repeating units represented by formulae (1) to (4): [In the formulae (1) to (4), R1 to R5 each independently represent hydrogen, halogen or an organic group.].

Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to materials that when in use resist fouling on their surfaces. Such materials may be used in the construction of various process equipment having surfaces exposed to a given fluid that contains a foulant or chemical substance that may deposit on, or adhere to, the surface and thereafter continue to grow on the surface resulting in deteriorated performance of the equipment and process. The materials are specifically selected using a method that takes into account the dielectric spectra of the fluid to which the surface is exposed and the surface itself. It has been unexpectedly found that if the dielectric spectra of the surface and the fluid are matched to within relative agreement, there should be no adhesion of the foulant on the surface. In some embodiments, the dielectric spectra to be matched include the intrinsic indexes of refraction.

Abstract: Implantable devices are provided herein, along with methods of fabricated such implantable devices. An exemplary method of fabricating an implantable device includes coupling electronics to a conductive via at a first side of a first glass substrate. The conductive via extends from the first side through the first glass substrate to a second side of the first glass substrate. The method further includes attaching a second glass substrate to cap the first side of the first glass substrate and form a hermetically sealed chamber containing the electronics, rounding edges of the implantable device after attaching the cap.

Abstract: A medical catheter includes an elongate member and an insert. The elongate member has proximal and distal end portions and defines a longitudinal axis through the proximal and distal end portions. The elongate member includes a wall at least partially defining a longitudinal lumen and defining a side opening extending radially from an outer surface of the wall to the longitudinal lumen. The insert is at least partially disposed within the side opening and at least partially defines an insert passage in fluid communication with the longitudinal lumen. The elongate member includes a first material defining the side opening and the insert includes a second material different from the first material.

Abstract: Provided is a resin composition having a large proportion of polyolefin components, allowing preparation of a solution having a high solid content, having a good solution property after long-term storage, having good pigment dispersibility, and including a modified product of component (A): polyolefin resin with component (B): (meth)acrylic acid and/or (meth)acrylic acid ester, in which the weight ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) ((A)/(B)) is 90/10 to 30/70, and the component (B) contains 20% by weight or more of component (B1): an alkoxy (poly)alkylene glycol mono(meth)acrylic acid ester.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ bioresorbable corneal implants to treat corneal ectatic disorders and/or refractive errors. The corneal implants may be formed from a porous microstructure that can encourage the proliferation of endogenous keratocytes. As such, the corneal implants act as tissue scaffolds that promote tissue growth to increase the biomechanical stability and/or change the shape of the cornea. Over time, the corneal implants may resorb via hydrolysis or enzymatic breakdown, negating the risks of inflammation, scarring, or foreign body response. The corneal implants may also employ drug coating(s) to promote tissue growth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anti-biofouling copolymer including a first structural unit represented by formula (I) and a second structural unit represented by formula (II), wherein each of the substituents is given the definition as set forth in the Specification and Claims. Also disclosed herein is a method for preparing an anti-biofouling copolymer which includes subjecting a first compound represented by formula (a) to polymerization reaction with a second compound represented by formula (b), wherein each of the substituents is given the definition as set forth in the Specification and Claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curable coating composition comprising at least one glycidyl carbamate (GC) resin, at least one amphiphilic GC-functional prepolymer, and at least one curing agent. The invention also relates to a method of making the curable coating compositions. The invention also relates to an article of manufacture comprising the curable coating composition of the invention and a method of making such article. The invention also relates to a fouling-release (FR) coating system and an anti-coating system, each of which comprises the curable coating compositions of the invention, methods of applying the FR coating systems and anti-coating systems to substrates, and methods for reducing or preventing biofouling or icing of a surface exposed to an aqueous environment using the FR coating systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a novel production technique that enables production of a polymer whose molecular weight and molecular weight distribution are controlled and production of a polymer having a complicated structure in a desirably controlled manner using commercially available materials without using a radical polymerization initiator or a special material for use in living radical polymerization and without the need for strict polymerization conditions; and a radical polymerization initiating group-containing compound for use in the technique.

Abstract: A medical stent may include a tubular support structure including a plurality of struts defining a plurality of cells disposed between the plurality of struts. A polymeric coating may be disposed over the tubular support structure such that a first portion of the plurality of cells are closed by the polymeric coating in a first region of the tubular support structure and a second portion of the plurality of cells in a second region of the tubular support structure remain open to fluid flow and/or tissue ingrowth therethrough. The struts in the first region of the tubular support structure and the struts in the second region of the tubular support structure may be at least partially covered by the polymeric coating.

Abstract: An embolic filter balloon is disclosed. The embolic filter balloon may comprise an inflatable balloon portion. Further, the inflatable balloon portion may be coupled to a filter member. The embolic filter balloon may be disposed in a body lumen. In some embodiments, the embolic filter balloon may be configured such that when the inflatable balloon portion is at least partially inflated the filter member extends at least partially across the body lumen. Such a configuration may allow the embolic filter balloon, when deployed, to filter particles greater than a predetermined size from a fluid in the body lumen.

Abstract: A peripheral nerve stimulator configured as a flexible circuit to stimulate or block the operation of a nerve or nerve bundle, including electrode array, cable and bond pad portions connected to an electronics package. The electrode array is configured for peripheral nerve modulation and may be curved cylindrically to encompass a nerve. A cylindrical curve can be imparted through thermoforming or by applying a stretchable polymer. The stretchable polymer places the electrode array portion into a cylinder when the electrode array portion is in a relaxed position. The electronics package includes low profile, stacked thin chip electronic components that are tunable in-situ, requiring less vertical and lateral space than stacked passives. The thin chip components may be high density trench capacitors, metal-on-semiconductor capacitors positioned on an integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: A composition contains silicic acid polycondensate modified with organic groups, as a coating for medicines and foodstuffs or as a component in such a coating. The organic groups are partially or wholly biodegradeable. A method for producing a product coated with the composition and a coated product are further described.

Abstract: A method for treating a surface of a contoured titanium substrate used for adhesively bonded engine components. The method including applying energy from a fiber laser system to a contoured surface of a titanium substrate, the laser energy is distributed to the contoured titanium surface by at least one of direct light of sight, reflection, or scattering of one or more laser beam.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a contact lens comprising a disclosed lubricious surface layer. In a further aspect, the lubricious surface layer comprises a polyacrylamide, e.g., a poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide. In various aspects, the lubricious surface layer is formed at the surface of a contact lens. In a further aspect, the lens can be a hydrogel lens. In a further aspect, the lens can be a silicone hydrogel lens. The present disclosure also pertains to methods of forming the disclosed lubricious surface layers on a surface of a contact lens. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A lens including a flexible refractive optic having a fixed refractive index, an electro-active element embedded within the flexible refractive optic, wherein the electro-active element has an alterable refractive index, and a controller electrically connected to the electro-active element wherein when power is applied thereto the refractive index of the electro-active element is altered.

Abstract: A detoxification method includes the steps of inducing flow of patient blood through an extracorporeal device inlet and outlet in fluid connection to the circulatory system of a patient. Biological agents including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contained within patient blood can be detoxified by passing patient blood over a biochemical reactor surface having attached or immobilized Saccharomyces boulardii alkaline phosphatase enzyme, with the biochemical reactor being contained within the extracorporeal device. An acyloxyacyl hydrolase enzyme may also be used on the biochemical reactor surface.

Abstract: Medical devices with a hydrogel layer covalently attached to a portion of the outer surface of the medical device are provided along with methods for applying the coating. The hydrogel layer can include a first polymer species comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a second polymer species. Examples of the second polymer species include PEG and polyacrylamide (PAM). The first and second species can be at least partially cross-linked. Methods for forming the hydrogel coatings on the medical devices are provided including nucleophilic conjugate reactions, such as Click reactions.

Abstract: Articles having functional surfaces, for example antimicrobial functional surfaces, are prepared by methods comprising anodization. Organophosphorous compounds are deposited on a surface by methods comprising anodization, followed by attaching functional compounds, functional oligomers or functional polymers. Alternatively, functional organophosphorous compounds, functional oligomers or functional polymers are deposited on a surface by methods comprising anodization.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention provide compositions and implantable devices including a water-insoluble therapeutic agent solubilized in a matrix of a gallate-containing compound. Other aspects provide methods of manufacturing and using such compositions and devices.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant having a metal surface and a calcium phosphate layer disposed on at least part of the metal surface is described. The calcium phosphate layer has an average crystallite size of less than about 100 nm in at least one direction and dissolves for more than 2 hours in vitro. The calcium phosphate layer is substantially free of carbonate. The coating, which is formed on a sodium titanate surface, has increased shear strength and tensile strength. The coating is formed by a solution deposited hydroxyapatite process under inert conditions. The pH of the solution varies by less than 0.1 pH unit/hour during coating formation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a channel-coupled scaffold. The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a channel-coupled scaffold, which includes: (1) a step of compressing a first elastic substrate which includes a groove on the surface of the substrate to close the groove; (2) a step of loading a scaffold composition onto the closed groove; and (3) a step of restoring the elastic substrate. The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for manufacturing a channel-coupled scaffold, which includes: a first elastic substrate which includes a groove on the surface of the substrate and onto which a scaffold composition is loaded: and a compression module which compresses the width of the groove of the elastic substrate to close it. The apparatus or method may accumulate a microchannel controlling local mass transfer, and align a collagen fiber in the scaffold at the same time.

Abstract: A method of grafting a bioactive polymer on implants, the method comprising the following steps: a) mounting implants on a support structure; b) dipping the implants in a bath of acid; c) rinsing the implants; b) dipping the implants in an anodizing bath so as to anodize them; e) rinsing the implants; f) putting the implants into a polymerization chamber; g) mounting the implants on an elevator present in the chamber; h) actuating the elevator so as to dip the implants into a polymerization bath; i) subjecting the polymerization bath to a polymerization catalyst; j) raising the elevator from the polymerization bath; k) removing the implants from the elevator; l) extracting the implants from the chamber; m) washing the implants so as to remove any excess non-grafted bioactive polymer therefrom; and n) drying the grafted implants.

Abstract: An apparatus for plasma treatment of an implant prior to installing the implant in a live subject is provided. The apparatus comprises an activation device and a portable container detachable from the activation device. The portable container comprises a closed compartment containing the implant immersed in a fluid, and the activation device comprises a slot configured to receive the portable container. The activation device further comprises an electrical circuit configured to be electrically associated with at least one electrode and configured to provide to the at least one electrode electric power suitable for applying a plasma generating electric field in the closed compartment, when the portable container is disposed in the slot. A container suitable for providing plasma treatment to a silicone implant and a method for preparing an implant for implantation surgery are also provided.

Abstract: A method for core impregnation of a finished part made of plastic material with an additive, including: dissolving the additive in a liquid medium to form a solution; placing the plastic part at ambient pressure in a pressure enclosure; hermetically sealing the chamber; impregnating the plastic part with the solution by a fluid at supercritical or near supercritical conditions in the enclosure at a pressure between 3 MPa and 6 MPa, at a temperature between 25° C. and 65° C. for a duration between 1 minute and 15 minutes; releasing the pressure inside the enclosure so that the liquid medium diffuses outside the plastic part and to trap the additive inside the plastic part.

Abstract: An antibacterial device is disclosed that includes a substrate and an antibacterial coating or antibacterial surface being provided on at least a part of the substrate's surface. The antibacterial coating or surface includes Angstrom scale flakes, where the Angstrom scale flakes are arranged in a standing position on the substrate surface and are attached to the substrate surface via edge sides thereof. The Angstrom scale flakes can, for example, be graphene flakes, or graphite flakes having a thickness of a few atom layers. It has been found that such standing flakes are efficient in killing prokaryotic cells but do not harm eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ocular device for regulating intraocular fluid pressure comprising or consisting of a tubular body wherein the inner surface of the tubular body or the inner and outer surface is/are coated with covalently immobilized hyaluronic acid (HA). In more specific embodiments, the tubular body comprises or consists of a biocompatible material selected from the group comprising a biocompatible metal such as titanium, ceramics, glass, polymers and composites thereof, and the immobilized hyaluronic acid molecules are linked with further HA molecules to form a HA hydrogel. The ocular device is a stent free from mechanical valves or other mechanical means for actively regulating the flow of intraocular fluid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for improving the blood compatibility of a material surface by using a controllable grafting technique. The method involves placing a monomer NVP, an RAFT reagent and a solvent acetonitrile in a container, adding an initiator AIBN, mixing the same uniformly, removing oxygen with liquid nitrogen, making the same react in an oil bath; after polymerization, adding liquid nitrogen to quench and stop the reaction, thus obtaining PVP-COOH; mixing the PVP-COOH with DCC and NHS; adding dry dichloromethane to the mixture in a nitrogen atmosphere, adding mercaptoethylamine, and making the same react in darkness at room temperature; obtaining a crude sample; dissolving the crude sample in water, and performing dialysis with deoxygenated water in darkness, and then obtaining HS-PVP by freeze-drying. An Au—S bond chemisorption method is used to controllably graft an anti-protein high-molecular polymer onto an Au surface.

Abstract: A detoxification method includes the steps of inducing flow of patient blood through an extracorporeal device inlet and outlet in fluid connection to the circulatory system of a patient. Biological agents including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contained within patient blood can be detoxified by passing patient blood over a biochemical reactor surface having attached or immobilized Saccharomyces boulardii alkaline phosphatase enzyme, with the biochemical reactor being contained within the extracorporeal device.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for aneurysm treatment using a material that minimizes susceptibility artifacts in MRA images. Since images are not obscured by susceptibility artifacts associated with the aneurysm treatment device, those images are useful and reliable for evaluating the success of treatment. The material is preferably a non-ferromagnetic metal alloy and may include one or a combination of cobalt, nickel, chromium, and molybdenum. In certain embodiments, the material is a 35Cobalt-35Nickel-20Chromium-10Molybdenum-Low Titanium alloy medical-grade material.

Abstract: A soft breast prosthesis is provided, the prosthesis having a surface configuration advantageous for dual plane placement of the prosthesis in a breast.

Abstract: A number of methods may be utilized to correct for the first drop dissimilarity in drop-on-demand inkjet devices. Various collection processes, mass calculations and timing manipulation may be utilized to correct the first drop dissimilarity problem.

Abstract: Methods are described for treatment of aramid fibers to modify the surface of the fibers. The treated fibers have improved adhesion to elastomer materials as compared to untreated fibers. Modification methods include irradiating the fibers, compressing and straining the fibers under a constant pull force and immersing the fibers in a coupling agent fluid. The treated fibers can be used with elastomers and provide reinforcement elements in products such as tires.

Abstract: The present application discloses biopolymer-based ink formulations that are useful for inkjet printing and other applications. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coated rubber composition includes a rubber composition coated with a liquid refresh agent selected from the group consisting of one or more liquid terpenes, limonene, carvone, pinene, pine needle oil, citral, orange oil, C9-C15 aliphatics, C9-C15 cycloaliphatics, ethyl lactate, dipentene, 1,8-cineole, eucalyptol, citronellol, geraniol, citronellene, terpinen-4-ol, and combinations thereof. A method of application and a coated rubber composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a stent is disclosed which prevents a drug from being peeled off or separated due to stress concentration or distortion resulting from the expanding deformation of the stent so that the drug is further uniformly effective and further improved yields are expected when the stent is manufactured, and a coating device. The method has a non-coating portion forming process of preventing a bending portion from being coated with the drug by causing a nozzle to go past the bending portion when the nozzle reaches the bending portion and to move toward main strut portions. In the non-coating portion forming process, an adhesion amount of a coating solution is reduced while the nozzle is going past the bending portion.

Abstract: A porous membrane with a molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) greater than about 10 kDa, and a coating on at least a portion of a major surface of the porous membrane. The coating includes a star polymer having a hydrophobic core and hydrophilic arms, wherein the hydrophobic core contacts the porous membrane.

Abstract: An implantable electrode system of is disclosed that includes a conductive electrode layer, an interconnect coupled to the electrode layer, an insulator that insulates the interconnect, and an anchor that more securely fixes the electrode layer in place. This structure is particularly useful with the electrode layer being a neural interface that is configured to provide either a recording or stimulating function. A method for forming such an implantable electrode system includes forming an interconnect over a base layer, forming an anchoring structure over the base layer, depositing an insulating material layer over the interconnect structure and over the anchoring structure, exposing a portion of the interconnect structure, forming an electrode layer over the insulating layer, the electrode layer contacting the exposed portion of the interconnect structure.

Abstract: A soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell, that has discrete fixation surfaces thereon for tissue adhesion. The fixation surfaces may be provided on the posterior face of the shell, as well as either on the periphery or at discrete areas on the anterior face. Band-shaped fixation surfaces may be provided on the anterior face of the shell to generally match the angle of pectoralis major or pectoralis minor muscle groups. The fixation surfaces may be roughened areas of the shell, or may be separate elements adhered to the shell.

Abstract: A biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material having a sintered CAP core and at least one closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core, whereby the epitactically grown nanocrystals have the same size and morphology as human bone mineral, wherein the closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core has a non-homogeneous external surface comprising individual clusters of flat crystal platelets consisting of epitactically grown HAP nanocrystals and coarse areas between the individual clusters, whereby the percentage of the coarse areas between the individual clusters as measured by SEM is at least 20% of the total surface, which material shows an increased capacity to induce bone formation, and a process of preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present application relates to bioactive implants, methods of making bioactive implants, and methods of using bioactive implants to treat or repair a bone defect or a cartilage defect. In an aspect, the present application relates to compositions comprising bone microparticles in a solution, wherein the compositions harden upon desiccation into bioactive implants. In an aspect, the present application relates to compositions comprising cartilage microparticles in a solution, wherein the compositions harden upon desiccation into bioactive implants. In an aspect, disclosed herein are methods of making and using the disclosed compositions comprising bone microparticles and the disclosed composition comprising cartilage microparticles. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and devices for trans-jugular carotid access are disclosed. Methods within the scope of this disclosure include methods of trans-jugular carotid access originating in the leg of a patient or other location remote to the jugular vein and carotid artery and methods originating at the neck of a patient. Devices used in connection with the disclosed methods may comprise access catheters, lumens, and stylets.

Abstract: Provided is a nitrided metal surface functionalized with molecules, each molecule comprising at least one binding group and an antimicrobial moiety. The molecules are immobilized on the surface by only covalent interactions between the binding groups of the molecules and nitrogen atoms within the nitrided metal surface. Articles comprising the functionalized nitrided surface find use in inhibiting or reducing the growth of microorganisms on surfaces that are frequently touched. A method for preparing the functionalized nitrided surface comprises contacting a nitrided metal surface with molecules so as to form covalent bonds between the binding groups of the molecules and the nitrogen atoms in the surface, thereby immobilising the molecules on the metal surface.

Abstract: Supercritical fluid (“SCF”) is used to scour a target material to leave scour elements, such as oligomers and oils from the target material. Carbon dioxide (“CO2”) is introduced into a pressure vessel also containing the target material to be scoured. The CO2 is raised in temperature and pressure to a SCF state. The CO2 is recirculated within the pressure vessel to scour the target material. An exchange of the CO2 is occurs allowing for the scoured elements to be removed from the CO2 and therefore from within the pressure vessel. Operation variables such as temperature, pressure, time, internal flow rate, and CO2 exchange are adjusted to achieve a scouring of the target material.

Abstract: Flexible electrical devices comprising electrode layers on softening polymers and methods of manufacturing such devices, including lift-off processes for forming electrodes on softening polymers, processes for forming devices with a patterned double softening polymer layer, and solder reflow processes for forming electrical contacts on softening polymers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for filling a therapeutic substance or drug within a hollow wire that forms a stent. The stent is placed within a chamber housing a fluid drug formulation. During filling, the chamber is maintained at or near the vapor-liquid equilibrium of the solvent of the fluid drug formulation. To fill the stent, a portion of the stent is placed into contact with the fluid drug formulation until a lumenal space defined by the hollow wire is filled with the fluid drug formulation via capillary action. After filling is complete, the stent is retracted such that the stent is no longer in contact with the fluid drug formulation. The solvent vapor pressure within the chamber is reduced to evaporate a solvent of the fluid drug formulation. A wicking means may control transfer of the fluid drug formulation into the stent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endovascular treatment. More particularly, the present invention uses a modified hydrogel intrasaccular occlusion device designed to implement an endovascular treatment to ameliorating or eliminating aneurysm recurrence, which hydrogel may optionally be impregnated with pharmaceutical compounds. The present invention also teaches the use of thin hydrogel coatings to ameliorate endovascular treatment related difficulties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultra-thin film silk fibroin/collagen composite implant for tissue engineering and a manufacturing method therefor. The ultra-thin film silk fibroin/collagen silk fibroin/collagen composite implant according to the present invention has no cytotoxicity and can minimize the influence on cell growth, due to the combined use of a refined silk fibroin aqueous solution, collagen and various biomaterials, and thus can be widely used as an ultra-thin film implant for implanting.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of immobilizing an active agent to a substrate surface, including the steps of, providing a substrate, contacting the substrate with a solution of a compound including a trihydroxyphenyl group, thereby forming a trihydroxyphenyl-treated substrate, and contacting the trihydroxyphenyl-treated substrate with an active agent, thereby immobilizing the active agent on the substrate. Further provided are methods of immobilizing an active agent on a substrate, including the steps of providing a substrate, combining a solution of a compound including a trihydroxyphenyl group with a solution of an active agent, thereby forming a solution of an active agent-trihydroxyphenyl conjugate, and contacting the substrate with the solution of the active agent-trihydroxyphenyl conjugate, thereby immobilizing the active agent on the substrate. The invention further provides substrates and medical device or device components with active agents immobilized on the surface thereof.