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.

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.

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 car 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.

Orthopedic and dental implants coated with an antibacterial coating and methods of making and using, are described herein. The implant can be coated with a hydrophobic, polycationic antibacterial polymer. The polymer can be covalently or non-covalently associated with the surface; however, in particular embodiments, the polymer is non-covalently associated with the surface. As shown in the examples below, clinical observations, digital radiography, and a battery of well-accepted ex vivo analytical methods show that the presence of a hydrophobic polycationic polymer coating, such as N,N-dodecyl,methyl-PEI coating on the surface of a metal implant, was effective in eliminating the clinical signs of infection in vivo in a large animal infection model. Moreover, the coated plates supported bone healing, and in fact decreased healing times, even in the presence of significant bacterial contamination compared to a control.

Presented herein are integrated tube sheaths (tube sheaths) for implantable stimulation assemblies. An integrated tube sheath is configured to be disposed around, and is slideably engaged with, an outer surface of an associated stimulation assembly. The integrated tube sheath is configured to retain the stimulation assembly in a straight arrangement for implantation of the stimulation assembly into a recipient. Following implantation of the stimulation assembly, the integrated tube sheath is configured to remain implanted in the recipient.

Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for delivering a therapeutic substance to an ear of a subject, including a reservoir configured to contain the therapeutic substance and an outlet configured to transport the therapeutic substance from the reservoir to a lumen of a tympanostomy tube disposed within a tympanic membrane bordering the tympanic cavity and/or the tympanic cavity via the lumen of the tympanostomy tube, such that the therapeutic substance can be delivered to the tympanic cavity and/or a round window to an inner ear bordering the tympanic cavity.

Otologic materials and methods are provided. For example, a cell-adhesive, biodegradable hydrogel scaffold loaded with time-released drugs for repairing chronic tympanic membrane perforations is disclosed, methods of making same and administering same are provided. This hydrogel may promote vascular in-growth and epithelial cell growth of the tympanic membrane with the purpose of closing the perforation and providing a barrier between the external and middle ear. The hydrogel is initially a liquid polymer that only gels upon exposure to specific conditions, such as exposure to light. This scaffold may simultaneously induce repair of the tympanic membrane while preventing or alleviating middle ear infection, thus filling a void in current tympanic membrane perforation therapies.

A method of corneal implantation with cross-linking is disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of: (i) forming a flap in a cornea of an eye so as to expose a stromal tissue of the cornea underlying the flap; (ii) pivoting the flap so as to expose the stromal tissue of the cornea underlying the flap; (iii) inserting an implant under the flap so as to overlie the stromal tissue of the cornea; (iv) applying laser energy and/or microwaves to the implant in the eye so as to modify the refractive power of the implant; (v) applying a cross-linking solution that includes a photosensitizer to the implant; (vi) covering the implant with the flap; and (vii) irradiating the implant so as to activate cross-linkers in the implant, and thereby cross-link the implant and the stromal tissue of the cornea surrounding the implant.

A nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit configured for surgical implantation through a patient's tympanic membrane. The nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit comprises a gas-permeable cured resin material configured for releasably sequestering therein gas. The gas-permeable cured resin material is charged with nitric oxide gas. The nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit may be optionally coated with an antimicrobial gas-releasing composition. The gas-releasing coating composition may be configured to release nitric oxide.

Provided herein is a system, e.g., a living electrode, comprising a biocompatible construct comprising a matrix, and a plurality of auditory neurons. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the system, and methods of using the same for implantation in a subject, for modulating an auditory neuron in the subject, and/or for treating or alleviating a symptom of a hearing loss disorder. Further provided herein are kits comprising the system described herein.