Wireless communications system integrating electronics into orally ingestible products for controlled release of active ingredients

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator, and an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule. The activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule, and the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator.

Systems and methods of creating liquid crystal polymers using stepped reactions

Provided herein are systems and methods for polymerizing and programming a liquid crystal polymer, including a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) with two-way shape-memory via a stepped or self-limiting reaction. In the described method, the reaction may be stepped to achieve different aspects of the two-way shape-memory effect in the produced LCE. In one embodiment, the method creates a polydomain LCE body with a completed thiol-acrylate Michael addition reaction polymerization. The method may further crosslink the polydomain LCE body under a stimulus, thereby locking a domain state in a portion of the polymer. A two-way shape-memory effect of the LCE may thereafter be programmed and locked into the LCE the second stage polymerization reaction. The self-limiting reaction allows for unprecedented control over LCE domain states and cross-linking densities, as well as the resultant mechanical and optical properties of the LCE formed.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CREATING LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYMERS USING STEPPED REACTIONS

Provided herein are systems and methods for polymerizing and programming a liquid crystal polymer, including a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) with two-way shape-memory via a stepped or self-limiting reaction. In the described method, the reaction may be stepped to achieve different aspects of the two-way shape-memory effect in the produced LCE. In one embodiment, the method creates a polydomain LCE body with a completed thiol-acrylate Michael addition reaction polymerization. The method may further crosslink the polydomain LCE body under a stimulus, thereby locking a domain state in a portion of the polymer. A two-way shape-memory effect of the LCE may thereafter be programmed and locked into the LCE the second stage polymerization reaction. The self-limiting reaction allows for unprecedented control over LCE domain states and cross-linking densities, as well as the resultant mechanical and optical properties of the LCE formed. 1. A method comprising:creating a monomeric solution with a non-stoichiometric ratio of acrylate functional groups to thiol functional groups in the monomeric solution, the non-stoichiometric ratio being greater than 1;causing a first polymerization of the monomeric solution that is limited by the non-stoichiometric ratio, resulting in a LCE body with a surplus of unreacted acrylate functional groups; anddeforming with a first bias force the LCE body along at least one dimension of the LCE body into a first shape;wherein the first shape aligns a plurality of polydomains in the LCE body into a temporary monodomain.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:activating reversible shape-memory actuation of the LCE body via exposing the LCE body to a second temperature and a second bias force.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:activating a reversible shape-memory actuation of the LCE body via exposing the LCE body to a second temperature while the LCE body is under a strain.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein a monomer of the ...

WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM INTEGRATING ELECTRONICS INTO ORALLY INGESTIBLE PRODUCTS FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator, and an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule. The activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule, and the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator. 1. A consumable capsule , comprising:an outer surrounding sidewall defining a capsule interior;a signal receiving section disposed at least partially with the capsule interior for receiving a wireless activation signal and emitting electromagnetic energy in response thereto;a control section disposed at least partially within the capsule interior, said control section responsive to the electromagnetic energy emitted by said signal receiving section to generate a trigger; andat least one capsule compartment associated with said outer surrounding sidewall, said at least one capsule compartment storing an active ingredient and being movably sealed by a linear actuator that is responsive to said trigger to change its configuration to allow for release of the active ingredient.2. The consumable capsule of wherein said linear actuator is comprised at least partially of a stimuli responsive material.3. The consumable capsule of wherein said stimuli responsive material is a liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE).4. The consumable capsule of wherein said linear actuator is responsive to an increase in temperature to change its configuration.5. The consumable capsule of wherein said linear actuator is responsive to UV irradiation to change its configuration.6. The consumable capsule of wherein said linear actuator is responsive to said trigger to reduce a length of its longest dimension.7. The consumable capsule of wherein said ...

WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM INTEGRATING ELECTRONICS INTO ORALLY INGESTIBLE PRODUCTS FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator, and an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule. The activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule, and the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator. 1. A consumable capsule , comprising:an outer surrounding sidewall defining a capsule interior;a triaxial coil arrangement disposed within the capsule interior for receiving a wireless activation signal and emitting electromagnetic energy in response thereto;a control section configured in response to the electromagnetic energy emitted by said triaxial coil arrangement to condition said wireless activation signal into a trigger signal; andat least one capsule compartment associated with said outer surrounding sidewall, said at least one capsule compartment storing an active ingredient and being movably sealed by an actuator that is responsive to said trigger signal to change its configuration to allow for release of the active ingredient into an external environment.2. The consumable of wherein said triaxial coil arrangement comprises at least three coils which are oriented at substantially orthogonally with respect to one another.3. The consumable capsule of wherein said triaxial coil arrangement comprises a plurality of stacked coils.4. The consumable capsule of wherein said actuator comprises at least one linear actuator.5. The consumable capsule of wherein said at least one linear actuator is configured at least partially from a stimuli responsive material.6. A system claim 4 , comprising: a consumable capsule, comprising:', a receiving antenna arrangement comprising a plurality of antenna coils supported within ...

WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM INTEGRATING ELECTRONICS INTO ORALLY INGESTIBLE PRODUCTS FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator, and an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule. The activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule, and the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator. 1. A system for activating a consumable capsule , comprising:a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator comprising at least one stimuli responsive material; and wherein the activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule, and', 'wherein the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator., 'an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule,'}2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a communication device configured to instruct the activation device to emit the wireless signal.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the communication device is configured to instruct the activation device to emit the wireless signal based on user input.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the communication device is configured to instruct the activation device to emit the wireless signal based on at least one physical attribute of a user.5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the communication device is configured to instruct the activation device to emit the wireless signal based on at least one environmental attribute.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one stimuli responsive material comprises azobenzene incorporated in a liquid- ...

Liquid crystal polymer device and method

Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are described herein that include novel arrangements of bio-mimicking properties for use in surgery, therapy, and treatment of medical or comfort issues. Through the particular arrangements medical devices and portions of them may be adapted to have properties that dampen and dissipate vibrations such as shocks to body tissues during surgical recovery and/or during subsequent use. This dampening is attained by novel arrangements of LCP and processes for forming them that vary from prior attempts at synthesizing activated LCP elements. These novel arrangements include using LCP bodies that include thicknesses and properties that have not been demonstrated or achieved for medical or other purposes and that are achieved using distinct processes. These novel LCP arrangements and methods of creating them can produce medical devices that bio-mimic natural tissue or operation to provide better results for patients.

Wireless Communications System Integrating Electronics Into Orally Ingestible Products For Controlled Release Of Active Ingredients

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator, and an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule. The activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule, and the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator. 1. A system for activating a consumable capsule , comprising:a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator comprising at least one stimuli responsive material; and wherein the activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule,', 'wherein the activation device is configured to provide power to the consumable capsule, and', 'wherein the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator., 'an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule,'}2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a communication device configured to instruct the activation device to emit the wireless signal.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the communication device is configured to instruct the activation device to emit the wireless signal based on user input.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the communication device is configured to instruct the activation device to emit the wireless signal based on at least one physical attribute of a user.5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the communication device is configured to instruct the activation device to emit the wireless signal based on at least one environmental attribute.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at ...

Wireless communications system integrating electronics into orally ingestible products for controlled release of active ingredients

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator, and an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule. The activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule, and the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator.

A polymer formulation a method of determining a polymer formulation and a method of determining a polymer fabrication

The thermomechanical response of shape memory polymer (SMP) materials can be controlled to predict and optimize shape-memory properties. Polymer systems may be designed and optimized to a high degree of tailorability that is capable of adapting and responding to patients needs for biomedical applications such as stenting or orthopedic fixation.

A graft fixation device and method

In one aspect a device is disclosed for use as a bone implant comprising, a body having a pre-implantation shape and a post-implantation shape different from the pre-implantation shape. The body is configured to change from the pre-implantation shape to the post-implantation shape in response to the body being activated. The body is configured to be inserted in a bone recess while the body is in the pre-implantation shape. In another aspect a method is disclosed comprising inserting a cable member into a recess in a bone, inserting a retention device into the recess, the retention device containing a shape memory material, and activating the shape memory material.

Suture anchor device

Suture anchor device

Shape Memory Polymer Medical Devices

Medical devices for in vivo medical applications are disclosed. The medical devices are constructed of shape memory polymer (SMP) materials capable of assuming a memory shape at physiological temperatures. These medical devices may be used in surgical procedures and in both vascular and non-vascular applications. These SMP medical devices have a post-implantation memory shape that is substantially identical to or slightly larger than the insertion site to adapt to vessel growth or size changes. SMP medical devices may be formed as stents or occlusion devices (i.e., plugs) having a number of different structural features. The SMP medical devices may be formed from a first monomer and a second cross-linking monomer, wherein the weight percentages of the first and second monomers are selected by performing an iterative function to reach a predetermined glass transition temperature (T g ) and a predetermined rubbery modulus to optimize post-implantation memory shape properties of the devices.

Wireless communications system integrating electronics into orally ingestible products for controlled release of active ingredients

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator, and an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule. The activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule, and the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator.

Liquid crystal elastomer compositions

A light system includes a protective LCE layer disposed relative to a light source of the light system so that light emitted from the light source passes through the protective LCE layer. The light source may be any of a variety of light sources, including an LCD display, an LED, an array of LEDs, and the like. In some aspects, the protective LCE layer may be formed from monodomain LCE. In some aspects, the protective LCE layer may be formed from polydomain LCE.

Suture anchor device

Shape memory polymer medical devices

Medical devices for in vivo medical applications are disclosed. The medical devices are constructed of shape memory polymer (SMP) materials capable of assuming a memory shape at physiological temperatures. These medical devices may be used in surgical procedures and in both vascular and non-vascular applications. These SMP medical devices have a post-implantation memory shape that is substantially identical to or slightly larger than the insertion site to adapt to vessel growth or size changes. SMP medical devices may be formed as stents or occlusion devices (i.e., plugs) having a number of different structural features. The SMP medical devices may be formed from a first monomer and a second cross-linking monomer, wherein the weight percentages of the first and second monomers are selected by performing an iterative function to reach a predetermined glass transition temperature (Tg) and a predetermined rubbery modulus to optimize post-implantation memory shape properties of the devices.

Shape memory polymer medical devices

Medical devices for in vivo medical applications are disclosed. The medical devices are constructed of shape memory polymer (SMP) materials capable of assuming a memory shape at physiological temperatures. These medical devices may be used in surgical procedures and in both vascular and non-vascular applications. These SMP medical devices have a post-implantation memory shape that is substantially identical to or slightly larger than the insertion site to adapt to vessel growth or size changes. SMP medical devices may be formed as stents or occlusion devices (i.e., plugs) having a number of different structural features. The SMP medical devices may be formed from a first monomer and a second cross-linking monomer, wherein the weight percentages of the first and second monomers are selected by performing an iterative function to reach a predetermined glass transition temperature (Tg) and a predetermined rubbery modulus to optimize post-implantation memory shape properties of the devices.

Stereolithography three-dimensional printing of foam materials containing hollow microspheres

In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method for forming a three-dimensional (3D) printing resin. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a mixture by combing a mesogen with a solvent and a stabilizer, heating the mixture, adding a spacer to the mixture, and adding a catalyst to the mixture. In some embodiments, the method further includes mixing a photoinitiator into the mixture. In some embodiments, the method further includes mixing a filler into the mixture. In some embodiments, the method further includes tailoring viscosity of the mixture. In some embodiments, the method further includes mixing a thermal initiator into the mixture. In an additional embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to methods of forming a material utilizing the 3D printing resin and a 3D foam device composed of a porous material printed into a form via the forming method.

Thermal circuits built in liquid crystal elastomers

Provided herein are liquid crystal polymers and elastomers configured to include a thermal circuit for creating thermal paths between various nodes of the thermal circuit including a heat source, a heat sink, and an insulated area or insulated body. The liquid crystal elastomers described herein may be configured to include portions of the thermal circuit with modified conductivities that meet specifications for the heat flows along thermal paths and for the temperatures of nodes in the thermal circuit. The liquid crystal elastomers described herein include modifiable thermal conductivities based on a selected alignment of directors of the liquid crystal elastomers. Described herein are methods for designing alignments of directors for several and different portions of the liquid crystal elastomer and methods to create various thermal circuits utilizing liquid crystal elastomers and polymers.

Suture anchor device

Use of liquid crystal elastomers for impact protection

A helmet for improved impact protection includes a shell and a first pad disposed within the shell. The first pad includes a first lattice structure with at least one LCE pillar. In some aspects, the helmet includes a plurality of pads. Each pad may include multiple regions. Each region of a pad may be comprised of different lattice structures, some of which contain LCE pillars and some of which do not.

Use of liquid crystal elastomers in orthopedic applications

A device for a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint includes a body with a stem and a head. The stem may be hollow and include a plurality of perforations about its length to improve osseointegration. The head may include one or more perforations and/or one or more islands. The one or more perforations and one or more islands are configured to promote bonding the body and liquid-crystalline elastomer (LCE) that is applied to the head. The device may be inserted into bone to form an MTP joint replacement.