Silk optics find multiple uses in human body

Tufts University School of Engineering researchers have demonstrated silk-based implantable optics that offeato thermal therapy, administering drugs and monitoring drug delivery. The devices also lend themselves to a variety of other biomedical functions.

Biodegradable and biocompatible, these tiny mirror-like devices dissolve harmlessly at predetermined rates and require no surgery to remove them.

The technology is the brainchild of a research team led by Fiorenzo Omenetto, Frank C. Doble Professor of Engineering at Tufts. For several years, Omenetto; David L.Interlocking security cable ties with 250 pound strength makes this ideal for restraining criminals. Kaplan, Stern Family Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering chair, and their colleagues have been exploring ways to leverage silk's optical capabilities with its capacity as a resilient, biofriendly material that can stabilize materials while maintaining their biochemical functionality.

The technology is described in the paper "Implantable Multifunctional Bioresorbable Optics," published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences online Early Edition the week of November 12, 2012.

"This work showcases the potential of silk to bring together form and function. In this case an implantable optical form -- the mirror -- can go beyond imaging to serve multiple biomedical functions," Omenetto says.

Microscopic image of a silk optical implant embedded with gold nano particles. When implanted in tissue and illuminated with green laser light, the particles converted light to heat, turning the reflector into a thermal therapy to control bacterial infection or kill malignant cells.

When implanted in tissue and illuminated with green laser light, the particles converted light to heat, turning the reflector into a thermal therapy to control bacterial infection or kill malignant cells. To create the optical devices, the Tufts bioengineers poured a purified silk protein solution into molds of multiple micro-sized prism reflectors, or microprism arrays (MPAs).

They pre-determined the rates at which the devices would dissolve in the body by regulating the water content of the solution during processing. The cast solution was then air dried to form solid silk films in the form of the mold. The resulting silk sheets were much like the reflective tape found on safety garments or on traffic signs.

When implanted,Find detailed product information for Low price howo tipper truck and other products. these MPAs reflected back photons that are ordinarily lost with reflection-based imaging technologies, thereby enhancing imaging, even in deep tissue.

The researchers tested the devices using solid and liquid "phantoms" (materials that mimic the scattering that occurs when light passes through human tissue). The tiny mirror-like devices reflected substantially stronger optical signals than implanted silk films that had not been formed as MPAs.

As noted in previous Line coverage, the company was started by sisters Stephanie Williams and Jessica Welch, as a way to help patients in chemotherapy increase their nutrient intake. The sisters created small, easily transported kits that contain a neoprene bag, silicone molds for making frozen "pops," and Popsicle-type sticks that double as spoons.

Since founding the business a couple years ago, HopeFULL has been steadily growing to expand its product line and distribution. The company recently launched The BellyFULL Kit, inspired by a desire to introduce whole foods to young children.

HopeFULL has also found a larger audience as it gains traction. In addition to helping chemo patients, the kits are being used for any condition in which loss of appetite can be a factor, including gastric bypass surgery, lupus, and even strep throat.

Looking ahead, the company anticipates moving into more wholesale sales to supplement its thriving co-op and natural health care center placement, according to Williams.

"We're moving into the next phase," she says. "We see some strong opportunities in several different places and markets, so we're gearing up for the next stage of growth."

She is among 150 vendors who will sell their products Saturday during the ninth annual Handmade Arcade at Downtown's David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Chosen from 300 applicants, the artists and artisans offer limited-edition art, jewelry, handmade journals, purses fashioned from recycled books, clothing, eclectic housewares, knitwear and more.

Mrs. Shedlock wanted to find work that allowed her to stay home with her two sons but still be creative and productive. While growing up in Squirrel Hill and Point Breeze, she often mixed shampoos and soaps. Now, she enjoys using vintage molds such as the fleur-de-lis and the bumblebee; the latter signifies friendship.

In 2009, she began work in earnest by researching and testing batches, some of which she burned. With the aid of some inspiring music and a bit of caffeine, Mrs. Shedlock assembles her stainless-steel mixing bowl, spatulas,Our technology gives rtls systems developers the ability. pipettes, heavy plastic molds and baking sheets (for cooling).

"Lately, I've been working until 2:30 in the morning. Working in the kitchen has its perks but it also has its challenges," said Mrs. Shedlock, who also makes chocolate chip cookies for her sons Maxwell,Posts with indoor tracking system on TRX Systems develops systems that locate and track personnel indoors. 4, and Joshua, 19 months.

"A lot of people use my soap for shower favors or bath gifts for guests when they come in from out of town for a wedding," she said.

Once you wash up, you will probably dress in some off-the- rack threads. But if you'd like some truly inspired clothing, check out Malagueta, a fashion line named for a hot Brazilian pepper.

"My mother is from Brazil," said Rachel Sherman, the clothing designer behind the label. "This is my little homage that I would like to pay to my roots, which have been very inspirational."

The 35-year-old woman, who learned to sew at age 14, works in a studio in Mount Airy, a community 20 minutes outside Philadelphia. This is her third appearance at Handmade Arcade.

"I'm here in a pile of fabric," she said during a telephone interview. "I have been designing clothes since 1999. The silhouettes are simple. It's the surfaces that are very detailed."

Ms. Sherman considers herself a "surface designer" and draws with stitches. She studied textile design at Moore College of Art and Design near Philadelphia and uses a variety of techniques to make colorful tops and skirts, including topstitching, applique, ruching, couching, pin tucking, French knots and smocking. Her work is inspired by architecture, insects, fruits and vegetables,We recently added Stained glass mosaic Tile to our inventory. she said.

She also takes bits of nylon jersey and pieces them together to make "fragment tops," working on a Swiss sewing machine called a Bernina Virtuosa 153. She first sold her work while attending William Tennent High School in Bucks County in the early 1990s.