Ear implants for auricular tissue reconstruction in a patient are provided. The ear implant may be a tissue scaffold multicomponent assembly for reconstruction of auricular tissue. Thus, the assembly may include both a first and a second tissue scaffold component. Each comprises a biocompatible polymeric material having a plurality of open pores configured to support cell growth. The first tissue scaffold component defines a central void region and at least a portion of an outer ear framework of the patient after implantation. The second tissue scaffold component defines a base portion. After implantation into the patient, the second tissue scaffold component seats within the central void region of the first tissue scaffold component, so that the second tissue scaffold component is secured to the first tissue scaffold component. Methods for reconstructing auricular tissue in a patient using such ear implant tissue scaffolds are also provided.

The present invention provides a three-dimensional bioprinter for fabricating cellular constructs such as tissues and organs using electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at or above 405 nm. The bioprinter includes a material deposition device comprising a cartridge for receiving and holding a composition which contains biomaterial that cures after exposure to EMR. The bioprinter also includes an EMR module that emits EMR at a wavelength of about 405 nm or higher. Also provided is a bioprinter cartridge which contains cells and a material curable at a wavelength of about 405 nm or greater. The cells are present in a chamber and are extruded through an orifice to form the cellular construct.

This invention relates to a composite material which is a copolymer of at least (i) a functionalised carbon nanoparticle, (ii) a polyol, (iii) a compound comprising at least two isocyanate groups, wherein the functionalised carbon nanoparticle and the polyol are covalently bonded by a urethane and optionally a urea and/or an amide linkage, and a process for producing the same. Such composite materials are suitable for use in moulded articles for implantation within a mammal.

A foam earplug for reception at least partially within the ear canal and including a body portion formed of resilient foam plastic material having a multiple open cell structure and having a size and shape for at least partial reception within the ear canal. A transdermal material having a particular beneficial action, and with an outer layer of the foam earplug infused with the transdermal material so that the benefits of the transdermal material is in transdermal contact with the ear canal. One example is a humectant material and, specifically, a moisturizer/lubricating material, for providing an increase to the lubrication and moisturizing in the ear canal. A second example is where the beneficial action is provided by systemic distribution such as a sleep aid, i.e., Melatonin, so that, when the earplugs are worn during sleep, the earplugs will provide a sleep aid to the wearer.

An auditory prosthesis (1, 101) for middle-ear, in particular for reconstructing the ossicular chain, the auditory prosthesis (1, 101) comprising a portion (2) configured to contact the tympanic membrane, wherein said portion (2) comprises a substrate (4) provided with a coating (6) made of biocompatible silicone, wherein said coating (6) is integrally fixed to said substrate (4) and is adapted to contact, at least partially, the tympanic membrane.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for making resorbable ear tubes including the steps of providing a silk fibroin solution, and forming a silk ear tube from the silk fibroin solution, wherein the silk ear tube is less than 2 mm in length and has an outer diameter of less than 1.5 mm, and wherein the silk ear tube is resorbable. In some embodiments, the present invention also provides methods for treating otitis media including the step of introducing a silk ear tube into the ear canal of a subject, wherein the silk ear tube is less than 2 mm in length and has an outer diameter of less than 1.5 mm, and wherein the silk ear tube is resorbed by the subject.

The present invention relates to polymerizable and photochemically crosslinkable compositions which contain at least one polymerizable benzaldehyde derivative according to general formula I

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and which are suitable as materials for technical and medical applications, for example in surgery or ophthalmology, and in particular as dental materials.

Antibacterial coatings and methods of making the antibacterial coatings are described herein. In particular, a method for forming an organocatalyzed polythioether coating is provided in which a first solution including a bis-silylated dithiol and a fluoroarene is prepared. A second solution including an organocatalyst is prepared. The first solution and the second solution are mixed to form a mixed solution. The mixed solution is applied to a substrate, and the substrate is cured.

The invention provides a method for skin expansion utilizing at least one polymer.

A tympanostomy tube containing a polymeric material and a drug is described. The polymeric material may comprise a non-resorbable polymer and a water-soluble polymer. The drug may be released when the device is contacted by an aqueous liquid such as middle ear exudate during otitis media. The implant may contain sufficient drug to treat multiple episodes of otitis media or to catch subsequent episodes in their early stages as a prophylactic. The device may be hydrophilic and further may contain a surfactant. The implant may be porous. The implant may have enhanced surface area at places exposed to middle ear liquid and may have enlarged mass so as to contain an increased total amount of drug. Intentional reorientation of the patient's head may aid in moving drug-containing liquid around the middle ear cavity. Similar implants can be used in other mucosal cavities.