Systems, devices and methods for making or administering frozen particles

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Application(s)). All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Applications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

Related Applications

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,671, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,683, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,685, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,686, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,690, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,691, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,684, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,670, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SURFACE ABRASION WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,664, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SURFACE ABRASION WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,659, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SURFACE ABRASION WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,658, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SURFACE ABRASION WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,665, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SURFACE ABRASION WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,677, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SURFACE ABRASION WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,687, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SURFACE ABRASION WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/290,676, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SURFACE ABRASION WITH FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/383,264, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF FROZEN PARTICLE ADHESIVES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 20 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/383,263, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF FROZEN PARTICLE ADHESIVES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 20 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/383,260, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF FROZEN PARTICLE ADHESIVES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 20 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/383,265, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF FROZEN PARTICLE ADHESIVES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 20 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/383,851, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ADMINISTERING COMPARTMENTALIZED FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/383,863, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ADMINISTERING COMPARTMENTALIZED FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/383,821, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ADMINISTERING COMPARTMENTALIZED FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/383,829, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ADMINISTERING COMPARTMENTALIZED FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/384,202, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR BIOLOGICAL REMODELING WITH FROZEN PARTICLE COMPOSITIONS, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/384,201, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR BIOLOGICAL REMODELING WITH FROZEN PARTICLE COMPOSITIONS, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/384,212, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR BIOLOGICAL REMODELING WITH FROZEN PARTICLE COMPOSITIONS, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/384,215, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR BIOLOGICAL REMODELING WITH FROZEN PARTICLE COMPOSITIONS, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/384,216, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR BIOLOGICAL REMODELING WITH FROZEN PARTICLE COMPOSITIONS, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Mar. 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,221,480, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/384,218, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR BIOLOGICAL REMODELING WITH FROZEN PARTICLE COMPOSITIONS, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/384,214, entitled COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR BIOLOGICAL REMODELING WITH FROZEN PARTICLE COMPOSITIONS, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31 Mar. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/586,076, entitled FROZEN COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PIERCING A SUBSTRATE, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 15 Sep. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/586,074, entitled FROZEN COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PIERCING A SUBSTRATE, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 15 Sep. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/586,070, entitled FROZEN COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PIERCING A SUBSTRATE, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 15 Sep. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/586,072, entitled FROZEN COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PIERCING A SUBSTRATE, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 15 Sep. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/586,073, entitled FROZEN COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PIERCING A SUBSTRATE, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 15 Sep. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/586,077, entitled FROZEN COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PIERCING A SUBSTRATE, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 15 Sep. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/586,075, entitled FROZEN COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PIERCING A SUBSTRATE, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 15 Sep. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/586,071, entitled FROZEN COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PIERCING A SUBSTRATE, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 15 Sep. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/590,033, entitled SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR MAKING OR ADMINISTERING FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 30 Oct. 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,414,356, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/590,029, entitled SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR MAKING OR ADMINISTERING FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 30 Oct. 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,256,233, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/590,049, entitled SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR MAKING OR ADMINISTERING FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 30 Oct. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/590,034, entitled SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR MAKING OR ADMINISTERING FROZEN PARTICLES, naming Edward S. Boyden, Daniel B. Cook, Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 30 Oct. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is a continuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior - Filed Application , USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003. The present Applicant Entity (hereinafter “Applicant”) has provided above a specific reference to the application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understands that the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require either a serial number or any characterization, such as “continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and hence Applicant is designating the present application as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not to be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter of its parent application(s).

Compositions, methods, systems, and other embodiments related to one or more frozen particle compositions are described herein. In an embodiment, frozen particle compositions, frozen piercing implements, or frozen piercing implement devices are described.

In an embodiment, a device comprises a body portion including at least one compartment configured to hold at least one fluid, the body portion including at least one port, wherein the at least one port provides fluid communication between the at least one compartment and an environment external to the body portion; inlet means for facilitating introduction of at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement into the body portion; and expansion means for inducing a volume expansion of the at least one fluid in the at least one compartment to propel the at least one frozen particle composition or at least one frozen piercing implement through the at least one port to the external environment.

In an embodiment, a device comprises a body portion including at least one first compartment and at least one second compartment, the at least one first compartment configured to hold at least one fluid composition, the body portion including at least one first port, wherein the at least one first port provides fluid communication between the at least one first compartment and the at least one second compartment, the at least one fluid composition including at least one first fluid and at least one agent; wherein the at least one first compartment includes cooling means for providing conditions for a time sufficient to solidify the at least one fluid composition into at least one frozen fluid composition; inlet means for facilitating introduction of at least one fluid composition into the body portion; one or more apertures configured to extrude at least one frozen fluid composition to at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement, wherein the one or more apertures are in fluid communication with the at least one first compartment and the at least one second compartment; wherein the at least one second compartment is configured to hold at least one frozen fluid composition, the body portion including at least one second port, wherein the at least one second port provides fluid communication between the at least one second compartment and an environment external to the body portion; pressure means for facilitating contact between the at least one frozen fluid composition and the one or more apertures, and movement of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement extruded from the one or more apertures into the at least one second compartment; the at least one second compartment having at least one second port, the at least one second compartment configured for holding at least one second fluid, and configured for receiving the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement extruded from the one or more apertures; and expansion means for inducing a volume expansion of the at least one second fluid in the at least one second compartment to propel the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement through the at least one second port to the external environment.

In an embodiment, a device comprises a body portion including at least one nonlinear channel including a hydrophobic surface, and configured to hold at least one fluid composition, the body portion including at least one port, wherein the at least one port provides fluid communication between the at least one nonlinear channel and an environment external to the body portion; and inlet means for facilitating introduction of at least one fluid composition to the at least one nonlinear channel; wherein the at least one nonlinear channel is configured to maintain conditions for a time sufficient to at least partially freeze at least one fluid composition received in the at least one nonlinear channel, thereby forming at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement; and pressure means for translocating the at least one frozen particle composition through the at least one port to the external environment.

Various methods of utilizing the devices, as well as computer-implemented methods, automated devices, systems, computer program products, and circuitry for any thereof are also provided herein. In an embodiment, instructions for making at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device are provided for various non-limiting examples. In an embodiment, instructions for administering at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device are provided for various non-limiting examples.

The various embodiments disclosed are described in greater detail herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates particular phases of hydrogen oxide.

FIG. 2 illustrates the density of hydrogen oxide at various pressure points.

FIG. 3 illustrates particular phases of hydrogen oxide at various pressure and temperature points.

FIG. 4 illustrates particular phases of hydrogen oxide at various pressure and temperature points.

FIG. 5 illustrates the strength of hydrogen oxide samples reinforced with fiberglass or kaolin.

FIG. 6 illustrates the strength of hydrogen oxide samples reinforced with a reinforcement agent.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial view of a method 700 that includes generating at least one response.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 7 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 7 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial view of a method 1000 that includes generating at least one response.

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 10 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 10 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 13 illustrates a partial view of a system 1300 that includes a computer program for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 14 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 13 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 15 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 13 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 16 illustrates a partial view of a system 1600 that includes a computer program for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 17 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product 1700 for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 18 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product 1800 for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 19 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product 1900 for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 20 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product 2000 for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 21 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product 2100 for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 22 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product 2200 for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 23 illustrates a partial view of a method 2300 that includes generating at least one response.

FIG. 24 illustrates a partial view FIG. 23 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 25 illustrates a partial view FIG. 23 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 26 illustrates a partial view of a method 2600 that includes generating at least one response.

FIG. 27 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 26 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 28 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 26 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 29 illustrates a partial view of a system 2900 that includes a computer program for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 30 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 29 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 31 illustrates a partial view of a system 3100 that includes a computer program for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 32 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 31 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 33 illustrates a partial view of a system 3300 that includes a computer program for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 34 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 33 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 35 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 33 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 36 illustrates a partial view of a system 3600 that includes a computer program for executing a computing process on a computing device.

FIG. 37 illustrates a partial view of a method 3700 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 38 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 37 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 39 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 37 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 40 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 37 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 41 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 37 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 42 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 37 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 43 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 37 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 44 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 37 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 45 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 37 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 46 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 37 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 47 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 37 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 48 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 37 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 49 illustrates a partial view of a method 4900 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 50 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 49 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 51 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 49 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 52 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 49 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 53 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 49 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 54 illustrates a partial view of a method 5400 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 55 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 54 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 56 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 54 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 57 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 54 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 58 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 54 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 59 illustrates a partial view of a method 5900 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 60 illustrates a partial view of a method 6000 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 61 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 60 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 62 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 60 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 63 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 60 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 64 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 60 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 65 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 60 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 66 illustrates a partial view of a method 6600 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 67 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 66 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 68 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 66 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 69 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 66 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 70 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 66 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 71 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 66 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 72 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 66 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 73 illustrates a partial view of a system 7300 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 74 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 73 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 75 illustrates a partial view of a system 7510 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 76 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 75 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 77 illustrates a partial view of a system 7700 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 78 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product 7800 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 79 illustrates a partial view of a system 7900 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 80 illustrates a partial view of a system 8000 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 81 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 80 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 82 illustrates a partial view of a system 8200 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 83 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 82 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 84 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 82 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 85 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 82 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 86 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 82 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 87 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 82 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 88 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 82 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 89 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 82 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 90 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 82 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 91 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 82 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 92 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 82 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 93 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 82 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 94 illustrates a partial view of a system 9400 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 95 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 94 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 96 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 94 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 97 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 94 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 98 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 94 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 99 illustrates a partial view of a system 9900 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 100 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 99 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 101 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 99 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 102 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 99 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 103 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 99 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 104 illustrates a partial view of a system 10400 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 105 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 104 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 106 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 104 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 107 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 104 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 108 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 104 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 109 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 104 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 110 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 104 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 111 illustrates a partial view of a system 11100 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 112 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 111 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 113 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 111 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 114 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 111 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 115 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 111 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 116 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 111 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 117 illustrates a partial view of FIG. 111 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 118 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of mammalian skin.

FIG. 119 illustrates a general phase diagram, including the critical point and sinodal curve.

FIG. 120 illustrates the boiling liquid expansion vapor explosion diagram for carbon dioxide, calculated using the critical point and sinodal curve.

FIG. 121A illustrates particular examples of optional configurations of embodiments including at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement.

FIG. 121B illustrates particular examples for configurations of embodiments including at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement with optional at least one cavity.

FIG. 121C illustrates particular examples of optional configurations of embodiments including at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement.

FIG. 122 illustrates a diagram for a particular force per implement for amount of displacement.

FIG. 123(A-H) illustrate perspective views of particular examples of optional configurations of embodiments including at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 124A illustrates an example of an embodiment including at least one frozen piercing implement or frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 124B illustrates an example of an embodiment for making at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement or frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 124C illustrates an example of an embodiment for making at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement or frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 124D illustrates an example of an embodiment for making at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement or frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 124E illustrates an example of an embodiment for making at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement or frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 124F illustrates an example of an embodiment for making at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement or frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 124G illustrates an example of an embodiment for making at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement or frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 125A illustrates cross-sectional view of a piercing implement including one or more functionalized surfaces, and optional channel, according to some illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 125B illustrates cross-sectional view of a piercing implement including one or more functionalized surfaces, and optional channel, according to some illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 125C illustrates cross-sectional view of a piercing implement including one or more functionalized surfaces, and optional channel, according to some illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 125D illustrates an exploded view of the implement illustrated in FIG. 125C , including one or more functional groups in the form of bonded amino groups, according to some illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 125E illustrates an exploded view of an implement, including one or more functional groups in the form of polisilane groups, according to some illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 126(A-G) illustrate a cross-sectional view of a plurality of implements, according to some illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 127A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment including at least one frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 127B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment including at least one frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 128A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment including at least one frozen piercing implement.

FIG. 128B illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of frozen piercing implements, according to an illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 128C illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of at least one frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 128D illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of at least one frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 129A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of at least one frozen piercing implement.

FIG. 129B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of at least one frozen piercing implement.

FIG. 130A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of at least one frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 130B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of at least one frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 131(A-H) illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment including a plurality of frozen piercing implements, including at least one frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 132 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment including at least one frozen piercing implement device, optionally including a plurality of frozen piercing implements.

FIG. 133A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment including at least one frozen piercing implement device, optionally including a plurality of frozen piercing implements.

FIG. 133B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment including at least one frozen piercing implement device, optionally including a plurality of frozen piercing implements.

FIG. 134A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment including at least one frozen piercing implement device, optionally including a plurality of frozen piercing implements.

FIG. 134B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment including at least one frozen piercing implement device, optionally including a plurality of frozen piercing implements.

FIG. 135 illustrates a partial view of a method 13500 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 136 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 135 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 137 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 135 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 138 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 135 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 139 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 135 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 140A-C illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of an embodiment of a frozen piercing implement device.

FIG. 141 illustrates a partial view of a method 14100 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 142 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 141 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 143 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 141 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 144 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 141 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 145 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 141 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 146 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 141 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 147 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 141 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 148 illustrates a partial view of a method 14800 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 149 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 148 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 150 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 148 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 151 illustrates a partial view of a method 15100 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 152 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 151 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 153 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 151 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 154 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 151 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 155 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 151 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 156 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 151 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 157 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 151 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 158 illustrates a partial view of a method 15800 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 159 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 158 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 160 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 158 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 161 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 158 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 162 illustrates a partial view of a method 16200 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 163 illustrates a partial view of a system 16300 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 164 illustrates partial view of the system of FIG. 163 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 165 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 163 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 166 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 163 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 167 illustrates a partial view of a system 16700 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 168 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 167 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 169 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 167 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 170 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 167 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 171 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 167 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 172 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 167 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 173 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 167 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 174 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 167 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 175 illustrates a partial view of a system 17500 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 176 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 175 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 177 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 175 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 178 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 175 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 179 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 175 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 180 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 175 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 181 illustrates a partial view of the system FIG. 175 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 182 illustrates a partial view of a system 18200 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 183 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 182 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 184 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 182 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 185 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 182 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 186 illustrates a partial view of a system 18600 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 187 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 186 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 188 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 186 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 189 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 186 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 190 illustrates a partial view of a system 19000 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 191 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 190 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 192 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 190 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 193 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product 19300 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 194 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 193 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 195 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 193 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 196 illustrates a partial view of a system 19600 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 197 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 196 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 198 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 196 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 199 illustrates a partial view of a system 19900 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 200 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 199 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 201 illustrates a partial view of a system 20100 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 202 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 201 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 203 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 201 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 204 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 201 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 205 illustrates a partial view of a system 20500 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 206 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 205 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 207 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 205 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 208 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 205 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 209 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product 20900 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 210 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 209 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 211 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 209 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 212 illustrates a partial view of a system 21200 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 213 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 212 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 214 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 212 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 215 illustrates a partial view of a system 21500 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 216 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 215 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 217 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 215 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 218 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 215 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 219 illustrates a partial view of configurations of the device of FIG. 220 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 220 illustrates a partial view of a device 22000 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 221 illustrates a partial view of a device 22100 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 222 illustrates a partial view of a device 22200 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 223 illustrates a partial view of a device 22300 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 224 illustrates a partial view of a device 22400 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 225 illustrates a partial view of a device 22500 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 226 illustrates a partial view of a system 22600 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 227 illustrates a partial view of a system 22700 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 228 illustrates a partial view of a system 22800 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 229 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 228 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 230 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 228 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 231 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 228 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 232 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 228 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 233 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 228 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 234 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 228 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 235 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 228 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 236 illustrates a partial view of a computer-implemented method 23600 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 237 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 236 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 238 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 236 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 239 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 236 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 240 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 236 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 241 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product, in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 242 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 241 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 243 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 241 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 244 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 241 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 245 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 241 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 246 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 241 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 247 illustrates a partial view of a system 24700 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 248 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 247 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 249 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 247 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 250 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 247 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 251 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 247 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 252 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 247 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 253 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 247 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 254 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 247 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 255 illustrates a partial view of a computer-implemented method 25500 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 256 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 255 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 257 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 255 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 258 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 255 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 259 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 255 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 260 illustrates a partial view of the method of FIG. 255 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 261 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product 26100 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 262 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 261 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 263 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 261 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 264 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 261 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 265 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 261 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 266 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 261 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 267 illustrates a partial view of a system 26700 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 268 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 267 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 269 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 267 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 270 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 267 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 271 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 267 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 272 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 267 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 273 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 267 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 274 illustrates a partial view of the system of FIG. 267 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 275 illustrates a partial view of a computer program product 27500 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 276 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 275 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 277 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 275 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 278 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 275 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 279 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 275 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 280 illustrates a partial view of the computer program product of FIG. 275 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 281 illustrates a partial view of a computer-implemented method 28100 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 282 illustrates a partial view of the computer-implemented method of FIG. 281 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 283 illustrates a partial view of the computer-implemented method of FIG. 281 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 284 illustrates a partial view of the computer-implemented method of FIG. 281 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 285 illustrates a partial view of the computer-implemented method of FIG. 281 , in which embodiments may be implemented.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments can be utilized, and other changes can be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

In an embodiment, at least one frozen particle composition (including therapeutic compositions), device, system, product, machine, or method disclosed herein relates to making, administering, or utilizing one or more frozen particle compositions for various purposes.

Frozen Particles

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, frozen piercing implements, or frozen piercing implement devices include one or more frozen particles and optionally, at least one other agent. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes at least one of a therapeutic agent, reinforcement agent, abrasive, biological remodeling agent, explosive material, or adhesive agent. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement (or device) includes at least one material that modulates the rate of diffusion or degradation of the at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one material reduces the rate of diffusion or degradation of the at least one agent.

In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes or is substantially in the form of at least one of an organic or inorganic small molecule, clathrate or caged compound, protocell, coacervate, microsphere, Janus particle, proteinoid, laminate, helical rod, liposome, macroscopic tube, niosome, sphingosome, toroid, vesicular tube, vesicle, small unilamellar vesicle, large unilamellar vesicle, large multilamellar vesicle, multivesicular vesicle, lipid layer, lipid bilayer, micelle, organelle, cell, membrane, nucleic acid, peptide, polypeptide, protein, glycopeptide, glycolipid, lipoprotein, sphingolipid, glycosphingolipid, glycoprotein, peptidoglycan, lipid, carbohydrate, metalloprotein, proteoglycan, chromosome, nucleus, acid, support structure, buffer, protic solvent, aprotic solvent, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide synthase, amino acid, micelle, polymer, copolymer, monomer, prepolymer, cell receptor, adhesion molecule, cytokine, chemokine, immunoglobulin, antibody, antigen, platelet, extracellular matrix, blood, plasma, cell ligand, zwitterionic material, cationic material, oligonucleotide, nanotube, piloxymer, transfersome, gas, element, contaminant, radioactive particle, hormone, microorganism, bacteria, virus, quantum dot, contrast agent, or any part thereof. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements (or devices) include one or more frozen particles made up of at least one frozen constituent. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements (or devices) include one or more frozen particles including a single frozen constituent. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particles include multiple frozen constituents. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements (or devices) include frozen solute particles, and optionally, at least one agent. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements (or devices) include non-hydrogen oxide frozen solute particles, and optionally, at least one agent. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compostions, or frozen piercing implements (or devices) include frozen solvent particles, and optionally, at least one agent. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements (or devices) include non-hydrogen oxide frozen solvent particles and optionally, at least one agent. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements (or devices) include frozen solution particles, and optionally, at least one agent. In an embodiment, a frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement (or device) includes one or more frozen solution particles and at least one agent; wherein the frozen particle composition is in at least one crystalline or amorphous phase.

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements (or devices) include frozen particles of at least one component that is in a gaseous state at or above physiological conditions, which include but are not limited to approximately 0.25 bar, approximately 0.5 bar, approximately 1.0 bar, approximately 5.0 bar, approximately 10.0 bar, approximately 25 bar, approximately 50 bar, approximately 100 bar, approximately 200 bar, or approximately 500 bar pressure; and at or above approximately 10° C., approximately 15° C., approximately 20° C., approximately 25° C., approximately 30° C., approximately 35° C., approximately 37° C., approximately 40° C., approximately 45° C., approximately 50° C.

In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement (or device) includes one or more frozen particles including at least one of hydrogen oxide, helium, neon, krypton, argon, xenon, nitrogen, chlorine, bromine, methane, oxygen, air, carbon dioxide, polyethylene glycol, acetone, ethyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, acetronitrile, acetic acid, n-butanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, hexamethylphosphorotriamide, perfluorohydrocarbon, methanol, ethanol, tert-butyl alcohol, formic acid, hydrogen fluoride, ammonia, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, hexane, dichloromethane, methylene chloride, carboxylic acid, saline, standard saline citrate, methane, toluene, chloroform, polyethylene glycol, acetic acid, Ringer's solution, lactated Ringer's solution, Hartmann's solution, acetated Ringer's solution, phosphate buffered solution, TRIS-buffered saline solution, Hank's balanced salt solution, Earle's balanced salt solution, standard saline citrate, HEPES-buffered saline, dextrose, glucose, methane, diethyl ether, or any solution, suspension, mixture, or colloid including one or more thereof.

In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement (or device) includes one or more frozen solution particles, optionally including at least one agent; wherein the one or more frozen solution particles have at least one major dimension of approximately one centimeter or less, approximately one millimeter or less, approximately one micrometer or less, approximately one nanometer or less, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, at least one of the constituents of the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements (or devices) is frozen. In an embodiment, all of the constituents of the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements (or devices) are frozen. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements (or devices) have at least one major dimension of approximately one decimeter or less, approximately one centimeter or less, approximately one millimeter or less, approximately one micrometer or less, approximately one nanometer or less, approximately one picometer or less, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, a plurality of frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements (or devices) is delivered or administered, and the plurality includes at least two subsets of frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements which can be differentiated based on size. In an embodiment, a plurality of frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements includes at least one subset of frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements that have at least one major dimension of approximately ten micrometers or less. In an embodiment, the at least one major dimension of the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements (or devices) includes at least one of radius, diameter, length, width, height, or perimeter.

As described herein, in an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements approximate the shape of at least one of a sphere, bullet, flechette, cone, needle, arrow, spear, diamond, pyramid, cylinder, mini ball, shuttlecock, spiral, helical, bell, pear, crystal, cube, spheroid, tetrahedron, crescent, or high aspect ratio shape. The size, shape, weight, or density, as well as other physical parameters of the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements can be adjusted according to a particular parameter for making or administering the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, or desired goal in utilizing the frozen particle composition(s) or frozen piercing implement(s). In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements include a plurality of frozen particles that are approximately uniform with regard to size, shape, weight, or density. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements include an array of different sizes, shapes, weights, or densities.

In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implements is substantially in the form of a hatchet, saw, rotary device, fork, sciber, graver, spade, screw, pin, needle, blade, knife, razor, scissors, tweezers, scalpel, or other tool. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes at least one microneedle, micropin, nanoneedle, or nanopin. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implements includes means for piercing, stitching, extracting material, or administering at least one agent to at least one substrate.

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements are substantially solid at about 30° C., about 20° C., about 10° C., about 5° C., about 0° C., about −10° C. about −20° C., about −30° C., about −40° C., about −50° C., about −60° C., about −70° C., about −75° C., about −80° C., about −85° C., about −90° C., about −95° C., about −100° C., about −120° C., about −150° C., about −180° C., about −200° C., about −220° C., about −250° C., or any temperature less than or therebetween. In an embodiment, a frozen piercing implement is substantially solid if it is approximately 1%, approximately 5%, approximately 10% approximately 20%, approximately 30%, approximately 40%, approximately 50%, approximately 60%, approximately 70%, approximately 80%, approximately 90%, approximately 99%, approximately 100% solid, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement (or device) includes at least one of a solid, liquid, or gas. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement (or device) includes at least one of a frozen liquid, or frozen gas. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement (or device) includes at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement (or device) is formulated to be administered by one or more of topical administration, oral administration, enteral administration, mucosal administration, percutaneous administration, or parenteral administration. In an embodiment, parenteral administration includes at least one of intravenous administration, intra-arterial administration, intracardiac administration, subcutaneous administration, intraperitioneal administration, or intramuscular administration. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement (or device) is formulated to be administered by high velocity impact. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement (or device) is formulated to be administered by one or more devices.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement at least partially melts during administration, or upon contact with the substrate (e.g., biological cell, tissue, or organ). For example, the frozen components of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement will melt or vaporize as a thermal transfer occurs from the environment or substrate (e.g., biological cell, tissue, organ, structure, or device) to the composition or implement. In one example, the heat of a subject's body to which the frozen particle composition or implement is administered at least partially melts or vaporizes at least one component of the composition or implement. In an embodiment, at least part of the composition or implement does not melt or vaporize (e.g., magnetic particles, therapeutic agent, sensor, etc.). In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement acts as a vehicle for delivering at least one agent (therapeutic agent, adhesive agent, biological remodeling agent, etc.) or article (e.g., sensor, detection material, etc.) wherein the vehicle dissipates upon administration.

As described herein, in an embodiment, the substrate is cooled prior to, during, or subsequent to administration of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement, which reduces the thermal transfer and allows for a slower melting or evaporation process to occur. In an embodiment, all of the constituents of the frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement are frozen. In an embodiment, at least one constituent of the frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is not frozen (e.g., magnetic particle, adhesive agent, sensor, etc.).

In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement (or device) includes one or more, of a suspension, mixture, solution, sol, clathrate, colloid, emulsion, microemulsion, aerosol, ointment, capsule, powder, tablet, suppository, cream, device, paste, resin, liniment, lotion, ampule, elixir, spray, syrup, tincture, detection material, polymer, biopolymer, buffer, adjuvant, diluent, lubricant, disintegration agent, suspending agent, solvent, light-emitting agent, colorimetric agent, glidant, anti-adherent, anti-static agent, surfactant, plasticizer, emulsifying agent, flavor, gum, sweetener, coating, binder, filler, compression aid, encapsulation aid, preservative, granulation agent, spheronization agent, stabilizer, adhesive, pigment, sorbent, nanoparticle, or gel.

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particles include one or more frozen hydrogen oxide particles. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement (or device) includes one or more frozen particles, wherein the frozen hydrogen oxide particle is in one or more phases including at least one of amorphous solid water, low density amorphous ice, high density amorphous ice, very high density amorphous ice, clathrate ice, hyperquenched glassy water, ice Ic, ice Ih, ice II, ice III, ice IV, ice V, ice VI, ice VII, ice VIII, ice IX, ice X, ice XI, ice XII, ice XIII, ice XIV, or ice XV.

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, frozen piercing implements (or devices) include frozen hydrogen oxide particles. Frozen hydrogen oxide, or typical water ice, exists in several non-crystalline forms. Each of these forms has specific physical characteristics such as density and vibrational spectra. Some examples of frozen hydrogen oxide phase transformations are shown in FIG. 1 . (See e.g., Ivanov et al., Russian J. Gen. Chem. vol. 75, pp. 1851-1856 (2005), each of which is incorporated herein by reference).

Hydrogen oxide (water) has many frozen phases (ices), including crystalline and non-crystalline phases. The crystalline phases generally have the common structure of having hydrogen bonds to four neighboring water molecules, such as two hydrogen atoms near each oxygen atom. Structural data on the known frozen hydrogen oxide polymorphs are shown in Table I, with two known phases of ice XI. (See, e.g., Chaplin, Ibid; and Zheligovskaya, et al., Russian Chem. Rev. 75, pp. 57-76, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference).

Cooling liquid hydrogen oxide below its standard freezing point typically results in the formation of frozen hexagonal ice. However, if the hydrogen oxide is pure and cooled slowly, the liquid hydrogen oxide can be supercooled to approximately −42° C. Amorphous solids harden without crystallizing, such that if hydrogen oxide is cooled rapidly it results in formation of a glass-like state, for example, hyperquenched glassy water. (See e.g., Debenedetti, J. Phys. Condens. Matter, vol. 15, pp. R1669-R1726 (2003), which is incorporated herein by reference.) Generally, hyperquenched glassy water is formed by rapidly spraying a fine mist of micrometer-sized hydrogen oxide droplets into very cold liquefied gas, such as propane. Alternatively, a fine mist of hydrogen oxide can be sprayed onto a very cold frozen cell or tissue, for example, at or below approximately −193° C. Hyperquenched glassy water may also be formed by cooling capillary tubes containing bulk liquid water (˜100 μm diameter) with liquid helium, for example, at approximately −269° C. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition includes a constitutent in a superglass state, or supersolid. For example, solid helium includes a supersolid, or a superglass amorphous solid. See, for example, Hunt, et al., Science, vol. 324, pp. 632-635 (2009), which is incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4 , hydrogen oxide attains various structures and phases depending upon the temperature or pressure of the environment. As indicated in FIG. 1 , for example, hydrogen oxide ice Ic is derived from high density amorphous water or deeply supercooled liquid water, when put under low temperature or higher pressure. Likewise, as indicated in FIG. 2 , the hydrogen oxide has a greater density as a liquid than as a solid under ambient conditions (ice Ih). However, at increasing pressure, at least ice stages III, V, VI, and VII exhibit a greater density than liquid hydrogen oxide. FIG. 3 indicates the phase diagram for hydrogen oxide based on pressure and temperature variance, while FIG. 4 shows the specific sub-categories of hydrogen oxide based on physical properties, such as structure and density, among others, as the temperature and pressure vary.

Similarly, amorphous solid water is formed from the slow deposition of hydrogen oxide vapor on a cold metal crystal surface (for example, at less than approximately 2 nm/s), below the temperature of approximately −153° C. Amorphous solid water is a viscous semi-solid material that has a density of approximately 0.94 g/cm 3 and harbors gaps and spaces in its structure, as well as reactive hydrogen bonds. These structures are removed by annealing under vacuum pressure, which allows the material to convert to a high density glassy water or low density amorphous ice, depending on the temperature. Typically, high density glassy water, which has a density of approximately 1.1 g/cm 3 , is formed by vapor deposition at approximately −263° C.

Low-density amorphous (LDA) ice also occurs from heating high-density amorphous (HDA) ice to just above approximately −153° C. at atmospheric pressure, and transforms to cubic ice at approximately −113° C. to −123° C. Low-density amorphous ice is also prepared by submitting low-pressure phases (Ih, Ic, XI, etc.) to high pressure (e.g., approximately 1.0 GPa) at low temperatures (e.g., below approximately −148° C.).

Very-high density amorphous (VHDA) ice is a viscous water state with a density of approximately 1.25 g/cm 3 , and is prepared by heating high-density amorphous ice to just above approximately −113° C. and approximate pressure of 1.15 GPa. When very-high density amorphous ice is heated at different pressures between, e.g., 0.3 and 2 GPa, it re-crystallizes into only the proton disordered ices III, IV, V, XII, VI and VII in order of increasing pressure, but does not typically re-crystallize into the proton ordered phases (e.g., ice II).

Typically, the density of liquid water increases with increased pressure. When liquid water approaches the critical point in the liquid-vapor phase, water enters a supercritical phase where it exists as small but liquid-like hydrogen-bonded clusters dispersed within a gas-like phase and its physical properties vary according to changing density. Supercritical water is an excellent solvent for non-polar molecules, due to its low dielectric constant and poor hydrogen bonding. Due to these same properties, supercritical water is typically not a good solvent for electrolytes, which tend to form ionic bonds.

As indicated in FIG. 2 , hexagonal ice is less dense than liquid water, whereas the other ice phases are all denser and phase changes occur near the liquid and solid densities (See e.g., Loerting et al., J. Phys.: Condens. Matter vol. 18, R919-R977 (2006), which is incorporated herein by reference). Liquid water density varies with change in temperature or pressure, whereas the density of amorphous ice varies only with change in pressure, but not temperature.

Hydrogen oxide has a high heat of vaporization (approximately 40.7 kJ/mol), and a high heat of sublimation (approximately 51.059 kJ/mol at 0° C.), which allows for the frozen particle compositions to remain intact for a short time period during which the particles are delivered to one or more cells or tissues. These properties further enable the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements to serve as particles for delivery of at least one therapeutic composition to one or more cells or tissues.

Frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements may include a “solid,” such as true solids, semi-solids, and viscous fluid, such as gels, polymers, hydrogels, or sols. Frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements including one or more frozen particles may include particles that are at least partially frozen, or are entirely frozen. Frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements including one or more frozen particles may include one or more subset groups of one or more particles, some of which are entirely frozen and some of which are at least partially frozen. For example, a frozen particle composition may be at least about 1% frozen, about 5% frozen, about 10% frozen, about 20% frozen, about 30% frozen, about 40% frozen, about 50% frozen, about 60% frozen, about 70% frozen, about 80% frozen, about 90% frozen, about 95% frozen, about 98% frozen, about 99% frozen, about 100% frozen, or any value there between.

In an embodiment, frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements may include multiple different constitutions, wherein a group of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes at least one subset of multiple frozen particles, wherein each frozen particle has an individual therapeutic agent, adhesive agent, biological remodeling agent, abrasive, explosive material, reinforcement agent, other agent, a common constitution, or unique constitution. The group of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements may also include at least one subset of multiple frozen particles, wherein each frozen particle includes multiple agents.

A particular plurality of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements may include multiple frozen particles where various multiple agents are associated with a single particle. Likewise, a particular plurality of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements may include various multiple agents, where each individual agent is associated with a single frozen particle. In an embodiment, a plurality of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes any number of subsets of frozen particles associated with a particular agent, or other constituent. During the course of any particular method described herein, one or more plurality of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, or any particular subset thereof, can be administered in a single treatment or in multiple treatments. A frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement including at least one therapeutic agent may be referred to as a “therapeutic composition” or “frozen particle therapeutic composition” herein.

In certain instances, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are utilized at a very low temperature, which may increase the degree of penetration of the one or more particles or the one or more compositions or implements for a biological tissue. In certain instances, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are utilized at higher temperatures, depending on the freezing temperature of the constituents of the one or more particles, the goals of administration or treatment, or other factors. For example, the freezing point of nitrogen is approximately −210° C., whereas the freezing point of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is approximately 18.45° C. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are utilized at room temperature, or physiological temperature.

Hydrogen oxide becomes more viscous as the temperature is decreased to below approximately 33° C., or the pressure is increased. Ice Ic is generally formed by condensation of water vapor, at ambient pressure and low temperatures (less than approximately −80° C.), or below approximately −38° C. as a mist. (See e.g., Murray et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. Vol. 8, pp. 186-192 (2006), which is incorporated herein by reference). Ice Ic is also prepared by reducing the pressure on high-pressure hydrogen oxide ice at approximately −196° C. It can be the preferred phase for ice formed from hydrogen oxide droplets smaller than about 15 nm in radius, particularly at low temperatures (e.g., −113° C. to −53° C.). (See e.g., Johari, J. Chem. Phys. vol. 122 pp. 194504 (2005); Zhang, et al., Chem. Phys. Lett. vol. 421, pp. 251-255 (2006), each of which is incorporated herein by reference).

Ice Ih constitutes a large portion of naturally-occurring snow and ice. Since hexagonal ice exhibits changes in the hydrogen bonding, ice Ih shows anomalous reduction in thermal conductivity with increasing pressure (as does cubic ice and low-density amorphous ice). (See e.g., Andersson et al., Phys. Rev. B vol. 65 pp. 140201.1-14201.4 (2002), which is incorporated herein by reference).

Ice II maintains a general rhombohedral unit shape, similar to ice I. The density of ice II is approximately 1.17 g/cm 3 . Ice III maintains a general tetragonal unit shape, with a density of approximately 1.14 g/cm 3 . Ice VI also maintains a general tetragonal unit shape, with a density of approximately 1.31 g/cm 3 . Ice VII is primarily composed of multiple intercalating ice Ic lattices, and has a density of approximately 1.66 g/cm 3 .

Some non-limiting examples of materials that are included in one or more compositions, or implements described herein include, but are not limited to, liquid nitrogen, which is nontoxic and inert, with a freezing point at 1 atm pressure of approximately −210° C. Liquid helium is nontoxic and inert, with a freezing point at 367 psi of approximately −272.2° C. Liquid argon is nontoxic and inert with a freezing point at 1 atm pressure of approximately −189.4° C. Liquid neon has a freezing point of approximately −245.95° C., while liquid xenon has a freezing point of approximately −111.9° C. The freezing point of liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is approximately 18.45° C., and water or other co-solvents can decrease the freezing point. The freezing point of lactated Ringer's solution is approximately −45° C. These and other materials can be utilized as described herein either alone, or in combination with other materials.

In an embodiment, at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, is made or maintained by utilizing a magnetic time-averaged orbiting potential trap. See, for example, Han et al., Phys. Rev. vol. 57, pp. R4114-4117 (1998), which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition includes one or more Bose-Einstein condensation of a dilute atomic gas. Id.

In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implements includes a clathrate. Clathrate ice forms from water or other liquids, and contains small amounts of non-polar molecules (generally gases) under moderate pressure of a few MPa, and temperatures close to 0° C. Clathrate structures can vary, but generally allow a minimum amount of small molecules to fit into and stabilize gaps without forming covalent or hydrogen bonds with the hydrogen oxide molecules. Certain clathrates are formed at the interface of the liquid phase, under atmospheric pressure. Clathrates include but are not limited to the structural forms of sI, sII, and sh. In certain instances, noble gases can be used to form clathrate compounds with hydrogen oxide or other molecules. Noble gases generally have low polarizability, and tend to be spherically symmetrical, which allows for solubility with the hydrogen oxide cage. In addition, the solubility of the noble gases increases considerably as the temperature is lowered.

The solubility properties of particular noble gases as clathrates with hydrogen oxide are shown in Table IV. (See e.g., Dec et al., J. Solution Chem. vol. 14, pp. 417-429 (1985); Ivanov, et al., J. Struct. Chem. vol. 46, pp. 253-263 (2005); Fernandez-Prini, et al., Elsvier, pp. 73-98 (2004); Ivanov, et al., Russian J. Gen. Chem. vol. 75, pp. 1851-1856 (2005), each of which is incorporated herein by reference.)

In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implements includes at least two frozen particles that are joined. In an embodiment, the at least two frozen particles are joined by at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least two frozen particles are joined by at least one cavity or compartment. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes a cluster of three or more frozen particles that are joined. In an embodiment, the cluster of three or more frozen particles is joined by at least one agent. In an embodiment, the cluster of three or more frozen particle is joined by at least one cavity or compartment.

Cavitized or Compartmentalized Frozen Particle Compositions or Frozen Piercing Implements

In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes at least one frozen particle as described herein, defining at least one cavity or compartment configured for holding at least one agent, article or other material. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity contains at least one agent. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes at least one frozen particle defining at least one cavity or compartment containing at least one agent, and further including one or more agents located outside of the at least one cavity.

In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the at least one cavity. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes at least one status indicator. In an embodiment, the at least one status indicator indicates one or more of: content of the at least one cavity, amount of cavity space occupied, or amount of cavity space available. In an embodiment, the at least one status indicator includes at least one of a sensor, a magnet, a colorimetric substance, or a physical measuring device. In an embodiment, the at least one status indicator measures one or more of a change in cavity volume, a change in cavity shape, a change in cavity temperature, a change in cavity pressure, a change in cavity pH, a change in frozen particle density, a change in frozen particle volume, a change in frozen particle weight, a change in frozen particle temperature, a change in frozen particle shape, a change in electrical field, a change in vehicle magnetic field, a change in frozen particle pH, a change in the state of an activatable agent of the composition, or a change in the state of an activating factor or inactivating factor of the composition.

In an embodiment, the at least one cavity includes at least one of a permeable, semi-permeable or impermeable partition. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity includes at least one of at least one means for at least partially sealing the cavity. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity includes at least one cap, seal, screw, door, or hinge. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity is substantially in the form of at least one of a space-filling curve, a depression, a helix, a cylinder, a spheroid, a cuboid, a high aspect ratio shape, a tetrahedron, a pyramid, a channel, or a cone.

In an embodiment, the at least one cavity differs in physical or chemical composition from at least one other cavity of the frozen particle. In an embodiment, the cavity or compartment is configured to physically or chemically separate the at least one agent from at least one other cavity of the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. For example, in an embodiment, the cavity or compartment includes a matrix that is physically separable from the rest of the composition (e.g., by way of utilizing physical constituents that are different from the rest of the composition, or is chemically separate from the rest of the composition (e.g., hydrophobic cavity in an otherwise hydrophilic composition).

In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment is configured to physically or chemically separate from at least one other cavity or compartment of the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement during administration. In an embodiment the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes at least one agent, and the at least one agent includes at least one agent in a different phase state than the frozen particle composition. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment includes at least one of a solid, liquid, or gas. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment includes at least one of a liquid or gas, and at least one other cavity or compartment includes a solid.

In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment includes at least one clathrate. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment includes at least one matrix. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment is an inner core cavity of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment includes an inner core region and wherein the at least one agent is at least one of a liquid or gas. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment is intercalated with at least one other cavity or compartment. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity is located at a substantially superficial or exterior region of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the at least one agent is distributed substantially uniformly within the at least one substantially superficial or exterior region.

In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment has a higher concentration of the at least one agent than any other cavity or compartment. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment includes a graduated concentration of the at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment includes varying levels of the at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one agent is fractionated. In an embodiment, the cavity or compartment includes one or more layers of at least one agent. In an embodiment, the cavity or compartment includes one or more layers of multiple agents. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes one or more of a pro-drug or precursor compound. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes one or more time-release or extended-release formulations. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes an activatable agent. In an embodiment, the at least one agent is configured to activate upon administration of the frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. For example, in an embodiment, the at least one activatable agent is configured to activate by one or more of an enzymatic reaction, a reduction reaction, an oxidation reaction, a reduction-oxidation reaction, a hydrolysis reaction, a dehydration synthesis reaction, a glycosylation reaction, a phosphorylation reaction, a dehydration reaction, a hydration reaction, a decarboxylation reaction, a condensation reaction, a polymerization reaction, a glycolysis reaction, a gluconeogenesis reaction, a fermentation reaction, a photo chemical reaction, a thermal reaction, a magnetic reaction, an electrical reaction, an electrochemical reaction, a photolysis reaction, a photosynthetic reaction, an esterification reaction, altering the pressure on at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, altering the content of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, altering at least one chemical property of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, altering at least one physical property of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, or applying at least one external stimulus to at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implements.

In an embodiment, the at least one external stimulus includes one or more of light, heat, electrical field, magnetic field, or electromagnetic energy. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement further comprises at least one activating factor or at least one inactivating factor capable of modulating the activity of the at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one activating factor or the at least one inactivating factor forms at least part of one or more of a lipid conjugate, carbohydrate conjugate, peptide conjugate, polymer-lipid conjugate, fusion protein, antibody or antibody fragment, receptor or receptor fragment, reversible inhibitor, irreversible inhibitor, enzyme, gene repressor, gene suppressor, microRNA, siRNA, kinase, gene activator, DNA-binding protein, polymerase, gene promoter, gene enhancer, diamagnetic chemical, explosive material, reactive metal, adhesive agent, abrasive, reinforcement agent, biological remodeling agent, or therapeutic agent.

In an embodiment, the at least one activating or inactivating agent is configured to activate by one or more of altering the temperature of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, altering the pressure on at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, altering the content of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, altering at least one electrical property of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, altering at least one magnetic property of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, altering at least one chemical property of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, altering at least one physical property of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, or applying at least one external stimulus to at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. For example, metals (e.g., sodium) can be utilized to react with fluids in the substrate (e.g., hydrogen oxide) to rapidly activate a lyophilized agent in the frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement.

In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment is substantially in a form that is different than the remainder of the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one cavity or compartment is substantially in the form of at least one of an organic or inorganic small molecule, clathrate or caged compound, protocell, coacervate, microsphere, Janus particle, proteinoid, laminate, helical rod, liposome, macroscopic tube, niosome, sphingosome, toroid, vesicular tube, vesicle, small unilamellar vesicle, large unilamellar vesicle, large multilamellar vesicle, multivesicular vesicle, lipid layer, lipid bilayer, micelle, organelle, cell, membrane, nucleic acid, peptide, polypeptide, protein, glycopeptide, glycolipid, lipoprotein, sphingolipid, glycosphingolipid, glycoprotein, peptidoglycan, lipid, carbohydrate, metalloprotein, proteoglycan, chromosome, nucleus, acid, support structure, buffer, protic solvent, aprotic solvent, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide synthase, amino acid, micelle, polymer, copolymer, monomer, prepolymer, cell receptor, adhesion molecule, cytokine, chemokine, immunoglobulin, antibody, antigen, platelet, extracellular matrix, blood, plasma, cell ligand, zwitterionic material, cationic material, oligonucleotide, nanotube, piloxymer, transfersome, gas, element, contaminant, radioactive particle, hormone, microorganism, bacteria, virus, quantum dot, contrast agent, or any part thereof. In an embodiment, the agent includes at least one negatively charged substance. In an embodiment, the agent includes at least one positively charged substance.

In an embodiment, a frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement comprises a frozen hydrogen oxide particle defining two or more cavities, wherein the two or more cavities each contain at least one agent. In an embodiment, the two or more cavities each contain at least one different agent. In an embodiment, the different agents are configured to combine upon administration of the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the different agents are configured to react upon administration of the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the different agents are configured to act cooperatively or synergistically upon administration of the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. For example, several adhesive agents are described herein that remain inert when separated, but become activated upon combining (such as fibrin glue which is a combination of fibrinogen and thrombin).

In an embodiment, a frozen particle composition comprises a frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement defining three or more cavities, wherein the three or more cavities each contain at least one agent. In an embodiment, a frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement comprises a frozen particle defining four or more cavities, five or more cavities, six or more cavities, seven or more cavities, eight or more cavities, or any value greater than.

Agents

In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes at least one agent. In an embodiment, the frozen particle provides a vehicle for the at least one agent. In an embodiment, the frozen particle is constituted solely by the at least one agent. In an embodiment, the agent includes at least one nontoxic, biocompatible, bioresorbable, or biodegradable agent. In certain instances, the one or more reinforcement agents, one or more explosive materials, one or more abrasives, one or more adhesive agents, or one or more therapeutic agents, or one or more biological remodeling agents are utilized in the form of a plate, spheroid, resin, powder, solution, flake, sheet, film, ribbon, gel, ball, pellet, or bead. (See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,584; U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,046; each of which is incorporated herein by reference). The one or more materials or agents of the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements can be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gas. In an embodiment, one or more of the agents are the same agent. For example, in an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes at least one therapeutic agent that is the same as a reinforcement agent, an adhesive agent, an abrasive, an explosive material, or a biological remodeling agent. In an embodiment, any one single agent is the same as any single other agent (i.e. the constitution of an agent may be the same as another agent, or the function of an agent may be the same as another agent).

In certain instances, at least one agent may be configured to provide more than one function. For example, in an embodiment, the at least one therapeutic agent and the at least one adhesive agent, biological remodeling agent, abrasive, reinforcement agent, or explosive material are the same agent. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent and the at least one biological remodeling agent, therapeutic agent, abrasive, reinforcement agent, or explosive material are the same. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent and the at least one adhesive agent, therapeutic agent, abrasive, reinforcement agent, or explosive material are the same agent. In an embodiment, the at least one reinforcement agent and the at least one adhesive agent, therapeutic agent, biological remodeling agent, abrasive, or explosive material are the same. In an embodiment, the at least one abrasive and the at least one adhesive agent, therapeutic agent, biological remodeling agent, explosive material, or reinforcement agent are the same. In an embodiment, the at least one explosive material and abrasive, adhesive agent, therapeutic agent, biological remodeling agent, or explosive material are the same.

In an embodiment, the at least one is included as part of at least one carrier that assists in synthesis or activation of the at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one carrier encompasses the at least one agent. In an embodiment, the carrier includes a microbe, other cell (such as a cell from a subject or related to a particular subject, including but not limited to a transgenic cell). In an embodiment, the cellular carrier is included in the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements described. In an embodiment, the carrier includes or is substantially in the form of at least one of at least one of an organic or inorganic small molecule, clathrate or caged compound, protocell, coacervate, microsphere, Janus particle, proteinoid, laminate, helical rod, liposome, macroscopic tube, niosome, sphingosome, toroid, vesicular tube, vesicle, small unilamellar vesicle, large unilamellar vesicle, large multilamellar vesicle, multivesicular vesicle, lipid layer, lipid bilayer, micelle, organelle, cell, membrane, nucleic acid, peptide, polypeptide, protein, glycopeptide, glycolipid, lipoprotein, sphingolipid, glycosphingolipid, glycoprotein, peptidoglycan, lipid, carbohydrate, metalloprotein, proteoglycan, chromosome, nucleus, acid, support structure, buffer, protic solvent, aprotic solvent, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide synthase, amino acid, micelle, polymer, copolymer, monomer, prepolymer, cell receptor, adhesion molecule, cytokine, chemokine, immunoglobulin, antibody, antigen, platelet, extracellular matrix, blood, plasma, cell ligand, zwitterionic material, cationic material, oligonucleotide, nanotube, piloxymer, transfersome, gas, element, contaminant, radioactive particle, hormone, microorganism, bacteria, virus, quantum dot, contrast agent, or any part thereof.

In an embodiment, the at least one agent is frozen. In an embodiment, the at least one agent is at least partially frozen. In at least an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes one or more frozen particles and at least one agent that is not frozen. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes two or more components configured to combine upon administration of the at least one agent.

In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes one or more inactive components. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes two or more components that are configured to activate when combined. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes one or more components that are configured to activate when administered. In an embodiment, at least two of the one or more components are included in the same or different frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, at least two of the one or more components each reside in a separate cavity of the same or a different frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, at least one agent is included as a precursor molecule.

In an embodiment, at least one agent is configured to be activated prior to or subsequent to administration. In an embodiment, at least one agent is configured to be activated after a prolonged time subsequent to administration. For example, in instances where the agent is encased or associated with a polymer or other agent that may insulate one or more reactant or retard the explosive or decomposition process, the release of the agent can be delayed. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes at least one activatable agent. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes at least one activating agent or at least one inactivating agent, or both. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes two or more components configured to combine upon deposition (e.g., fibrin glue or other agents described herein). In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes two or more components configured to react upon deposition.

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements including at least one agent are part of a kit for administration, optionally to at least one substrate (including at least one biological cell or tissue). In an embodiment, one or more subsets of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include different agents or different components of an agent and are administered in a kit or device wherein one subset is kept separate from another subset until administration of the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements.

Reinforcement Agents

In an embodiment disclosed herein, one or more reinforcement agents are included in the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. Examples of some reinforcement agents include, but are not limited to, polyaramid, vinylester matrix, metal (including but not limited to gold, silver, copper, zinc, brass, tin, bronze, gallium, sodium, potassium, tungsten, steel, iron, carbon, aluminum, copper, platinum, tantalum, rhodium, or alloys thereof), ceramic, fiberglass, cellulose, broad carbide, aromatic polyamide, nylon, silk, rayon, acetate, modacrylic, olefin, acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrylamide polymer or copolymer, polyester, aromatic polyester, poly-lactic acid, vinyon, saran, spandex, vinalon, aromatic nylon, vinylidene chloride, modal, polybenzimidazole, sulfur, lyocell, orlon, zylon, high-performance polyethylene, polypyridobenzimidazole, vectran, acrylonitrile rubber, glass, copper, iron, steel, sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, manganese, carbon, magnesium, alluvium, sand, sugar, calcite, emery, diamond, novaculite, pumice, rouge, borazon, corundum, zirconia alumina, silicon, silica, frozen hydrogen oxide ice, plant matter, animal matter, or mineral matter. In an embodiment, plant matter may include vegetable matter, nuts or nut products or pieces (e.g., almonds), grains (e.g., oatmeal), wood (e.g., wood fibers) or other stalk material, leaf matter, fruit matter (including pits or seeds or parts thereof), and other plant material.

In an embodiment, one or more reinforcement agents are made by spinning into a fiber, wire, or filament. Some non-limiting examples of reinforcement fibers can be found at, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,663; U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,058; KEVLAR® technical guide, Polymer Bulletin, vol. 16, pp. 167-174 (1986), and WO/2003/060002, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The one or more agents are positioned on or in the one or more frozen particle compositions depending on a given context. For example, the positioning of one or more agents may consider the particular goal of administering the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, the components of the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, or the needs or desires of a particular outcome of treatment or administration of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the one or more agents are located at least on the surface or beneath the surface of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the one or more agents are located within the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements.

As shown in published FIGS. 5 and 6 , the strength of hydrogen oxide ice samples increases when particular reinforcement agents are added, according to the published studies. As indicated in published FIG. 5 , ice samples exhibit increased strength, as measured by beam deflection as an angle of shear when reinforced with fiberglass or kaolin. (See e.g., Kingery, Science, vol. 134, pp. 164-168 (1960), which is incorporated herein by reference). As indicated in FIG. 6 , the maximum stress (in MPa) and strain rate increases when particular reinforcement agents are added to the hydrogen oxide ice samples, according to the published studies. (See e.g., Yasui et al, Geophys. Res. Lett., vol. 35, L12206, (2008), which is incorporated herein by reference).

Abrasives

In certain instances, the frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement described herein includes one or more abrasives. The one or more abrasives may include treated or untreated abrasives, coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, powders, aggregates, composites, or other forms. In an embodiment, the one or more abrasives include, but are not limited to, polyaramid, vinylester matrix, metal, ceramic, fiberglass, cellulose, broad carbide, aromatic polyamide, nylon, silk, rayon, acetate, modacrylic, olefin, acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrylamide polymer or copolymer, polyester, aromatic polyester, poly-lactic acid, vinyon, saran, spandex, vinalon, aromatic nylon, vinylidene chloride, modal, polybenzimidazole, sulfur, lyocell, orlon, zylon, high-performance polyethylene, polypyridobenzimidazole, vectran, acrylonitrile rubber, glass, copper, iron, steel, sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, manganese, carbon, magnesium, alluvium, sand, sugar, calcite, emery, diamond, novaculite, pumice, rouge, borazon, corundum, zirconia alumina, silicon, silica, frozen hydrogen oxide ice, plant matter, animal matter, or mineral matter. In an embodiment, plant matter may include vegetable matter, nuts or nut products or pieces (e.g., almonds), grains (e.g., oatmeal), wood (e.g., wood fibers) or other stalk material, leaf matter, fruit matter (including pits or seeds or parts thereof), or other plant material. In an embodiment, the abrasive includes at least one depilatory.

Explosive Materials

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include one or more explosive materials. Explosive materials are typically chemically or energetically unstable or produce a sudden expansion of the material with a change in pressure. Such a sudden expansion of the material under pressure changes is generally accompanied by the production of heat. Explosive materials are generally differentiated according to their decomposition rates. Generally, a chemical decomposition rate of an explosive material takes about one or more years, about one or more days, about one or more hours, about one or more minutes, about one or more seconds, or about a fraction of a second. Certain explosive materials are relatively stable, and may maintain their explosive ability for some amount of time. Other explosive materials have relatively high rates of decomposition and detonate rapidly.

In an embodiment, frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include one or more explosive materials that may include, for example, at least one of a high explosive or a low explosive. In an embodiment, the one or more explosive materials include at least one of carbonate, carbon dioxide, nitroglycerine, acid, base, epoxy, acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrlyamide polymer or copolymer, urethane, hypoxyapatite, or a reactive metal. In certain instances, the one or more explosive properties are the result of activation of one or more explosive materials.

In certain instances, the one or more explosive properties are the result of inherent tendencies of the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements themselves. In certain instances, the one or more explosive properties relate to an external event or stimulus, such as a change in temperature or pressure. In certain instances, the one or more explosive properties relate to a change in light intensity. In certain instances, the one or more explosive properties relate to a change in the composition upon administration or contact with at least one composition, cell, tissue, or subject. In certain instances, the one or more explosive properties result from a temperature or pressure increase relating to penetration of at least one cell, tissue, or subject. In certain instances, the one or more explosive properties result from contact with water or other moisture in a cell or tissue. In certain instances, the one or more explosive properties result from contact with at least one substrate. In addition to the intensity of the one or more explosives, the one or more explosive materials may differ with regard to the volatility, density, toxicity, hygroscopicity, or brisance of a particular explosive material.

Explosive materials may contain at least one oxidizer that provides fuel for certain explosive materials. In certain instances, the oxidizer can be an oxidizing element, such as oxygen. In certain instances, the oxidizer reacts with a reactive metal; an example of such a compound includes reacting fine metal powder (e.g., aluminum or magnesium) with an oxidizer (e.g., potassium chlorate or perchlorate). Chemically pure compounds may have high decomposition rates and lead to an explosion, including but not limited to nitroglycerin, acetone peroxide, trinitrotoluene, nitrocellulose, carbon, carbon monoxide, chlorine, potassium nitrate, sulfur, nitrogen compounds (such as nitrite, nitrate, and azide), potassium chlorate and potassium nitrate, hydrogen, ammonium nitrate, phosphorous, dinitrogen tetroxide, or others. In an embodiment, one or more mixtures of organic materials and oxidizers are included. In an embodiment, one or more mixtures of reactive metals and oxidizers or oils are included.

In an embodiment, the one or more explosive materials include carbon dioxide gas. In an embodiment, carbon dioxide gas is entrapped in the frozen particle composition. One method of incorporating carbon dioxide gas into at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes liquefying the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement and introducing carbon dioxide gas while maintaining the mixture under pressure. (See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,289,794; 4,289,790; 4,262,029; 5,439,698, each of which is incorporated herein by reference). The carbon dioxide may also be present as a clathrate compound.

In an embodiment, at least one gasified frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement is formed, for example, by contacting fluid with gas under high pressure for a sufficient time period to form a gas hydrate. This gas hydrate is then cooled to a lower temperature in order to freeze the remaining unreacted fluid and entrap the gas hydrate. As one non-limiting example, aqueous liquid and carbon dioxide are kept in contact at approximately 0° C. for a time sufficient under a pressure range including at least approximately 200 psig to approximately 600 psig, while permitting absorption in the liquid of the gas in bound form and formation of the gasified ice. This process yields approximately 25-27.5 milliliters of gas per gram of ice. (See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,487,023; 2,975,603; 3,086,370; 3,217,503, and 4,404,807, each of which is incorporated herein by reference).

Similarly, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,975,603, which is incorporated herein by reference, water contacted with carbon dioxide at a pressure of approximately 400 psig, in a temperature bath of approximately 0° C., is subsequently placed at −10° C. for 24 hours to effect degasification. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,975,603, the resulting product yields approximately 75 volumes of carbon dioxide per gram of ice. Additionally, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,086,370, which is incorporated herein by reference, gasified ice products are produced in a similar manner that contain other gases, such as nitrous oxide, sulfur-containing gases, chlorine-containing gases, inert gases, or carbon monoxide.

In an embodiment, the one or more explosive materials include at least one of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, or both. In an embodiment, the one or more explosive materials include hydrogen peroxide.

In certain instances, the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement is configured to explode during or upon administration. Various examples of explosive materials are described herein. In certain instances, the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement is configured to explode prior to or subsequent to administration. In certain instances, the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement explodes after a prolonged time subsequent to administration or delivery to at least one biological tissue, or other substrate. For example, in an embodiment, the one or more explosive materials are encased or associated with a polymer or other agent that may insulate one or more reactant or retard the explosive or decomposition process.

Therapeutic Agents

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes at least one therapeutic agent. (See, e.g., The Merck Index, 14 th Ed. Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J. (2006), which is incorporated herein by reference). Other therapeutic agents that are approved for use in humans can be utilized as at least one therapeutic agent described herein, and can be found at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website on the worldwide web at fda.gov, the information at which is incorporated herein by reference.

In certain instances, the one or more frozen particles themselves provide at least one therapeutic benefit. In certain instances, the one or more frozen particles act as vehicles for one or more therapeutic agents that provide at least one therapeutic benefit. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particles including at least one therapeutic agent is inert.

In an embodiment, the at least one therapeutic agent includes at least one of an anti-tumor agent, antimicrobial agent, anti-coagulant, anti-viral agent, analgesic, antiseptic, anesthetic, diagnostic agent, anti-inflammatory agent, vaccine, cell growth inhibitor, cell growth promoter, chemical debridement agent, immunogen, antigen, radioactive agent, apoptosis promoting factor, angiogenic factor, anti-angiogenic factor, hormone, enzymatic factor, enzyme, papain, collagenase, protease, peptidase, elastase, urea, vitamin, mineral, nitrite, nitrate, nutraceutical, histatin, honey, alcium alginate, angiogenic factor, hormone, vitamin, mineral, nutraceutical, cytokine, chemokine, probiotic, sterol, contraceptive, coagulant, anti-coagulant, phage, prodrug, prebiotic, blood sugar stabilizer, smooth muscle cell activator, epinephrine, adrenaline, neurotoxin, neuro-muscular toxin, Botulinum toxin type A, microbial cell or component thereof, or virus or component thereof. In an embodiment, the nutraceutical includes one or more of a flavonoid, antioxidant, beta-carotene, anthocyanin, alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, yeast, bacteria, algae, other microorganisms, plant products, or animal products. In an embodiment, the analgesic or anesthetic includes one or more of any aminoamid or aminoester local anesthetic, ibuprofen, morphine, codeine, aspirin, acetaminophen, lidocaine/lignocaine, ropivacaine, mepivacaine, benzocaine, chloroprocaine, cocaine, cyclomethycaine, dimethocaine/larocaine, propoxycaine, procaine/novocaine, proparacaine, tetracaine/amethocaine, articaine, bupivacaine, carticaine, cinchocaine/dibucaine, etidocaine, levobupivacaine, piperocaine, prilocaine, trimecaine, saxitoxin, or tetrodotoxin.

In an embodiment, the therapeutic agent includes at least one anti-inflammatory agent, including but not limited to steroids (e.g., betamethasone, hydrocortisone, and derivatives thereof), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical anti-inflammatory agents, or subcutaneously administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. diclofenac). In an embodiment, the therapeutic agent includes one or more of: anti-freeze substances (e.g., polyethylene glycol), antisporiasis agents (e.g., dovonex, tazarotene, tars, etc.), pigments (e.g., dihyroxyacetone, melanin, hemoglobin, hemosiderin, iron copper, etc.), depigmenters (e.g., hydroquinone, phenolic compounds, etc.), tattoo colorants (e.g., skin dyes), preservatives (e.g., benzoate, paraben, or salicylate compounds), antioxidants (e.g., conezyme Q, vitamins, etc.), anesthetics (e.g., xylocaine, bupivicane, carbocane, amid or ester-based anesthetics, etc.), vasoconstrictors (e.g., epinephrine, ephedrine, or congeners thereof, etc.), acids (e.g., alpha-hydroxy acid, beta-hydroxy acid, halogenated acetic acid, etc.), irritants (e.g., acids, bases, croton oil, soap, salts of fatty acids, etc.), antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, monocycline, minocycline, mupirocin, flagyl, ciprofloxacin, polymixin, gentamycin, etc.), antivirals (e.g., acyclovir, famciclovir, valtrex, etc.), antifungals (e.g., imidazole, nystatin, griseofulvin, sporonox, etc.), depilatories (e.g., eflornithine hydrochloride), proanthrocyanins (e.g., maritime pine extract, tocopheryl acetate, etc.), or other substances utilized for diagnostic, prophylactic, or treatment of afflicting conditions.

In an embodiment, the analgesic includes but is not limited to one or more of paracetamol (acetaminophen), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), salicylates, narcotics, or tramadol. In an embodiment, the analgesic includes but is not limited to aspirin, rofecoxib, celecoxib, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, diamorphine, pethidine, buprenorphine, amitriptyline, carbamazepine, bagapentin, pregabalin, ibuprofen, naproxen, lidocaine, a psychotropic agent, orphenadrine, cyclobenzaprine, scopolamine, atropine, gabapentin, methadone, ketobemidone, or piritramide.

In an embodiment, the at least one therapeutic agent includes one or more antiseptic, including but not limited to one or more of an alcohol, a quaternary ammonium compound, boric acid, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate, iodine, mercurochrome, octenidine dihydrochloride, phenol (carbolic acid) compounds, sodium chloride, superoxidized water, superoxidized solution, oxidative reductive potential solution, or sodium hypochlorite.

In an embodiment, the antiseptic includes but is not limited to one or more of povidone-iodine, iodine, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol/isopropanol, benzalkonium chloride, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, chlorhexidine, octenidine dihydrochloride, or carbolic acid.

In an embodiment, the at least one therapeutic agent is an antimicrobial agent, and includes at least one of an anti-fungal agent, antibiotic agent, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic agent, or anti-worm agent. In certain instances, the antimicrobial agent may occur in nature, or it can be synthetic.

In an embodiment, the at least one therapeutic agent includes one or more of a penicillin, cephalosporin, polymixin, sulfonamide, beta-lactam antibiotic, beta-lactamase inhibitor, enediynes, lincosamide antibiotic, nitroimidazole antibiotic, pleuromutilin antibiotic, polyketide antibiotic, polymyxin antibiotic, polypeptide antibiotic, antimicrobial peptides, quinolone antibiotic, rifamycin antibiotic, sulfonamide antibiotic, tetracycline antibiotic, aminoglycoside antibiotic, macrolide, tetracycline, cyclic lipopeptide, glycylcycline, or oxazolidinone. In an embodiment, the at least one therapeutic agent includes one or more of amoxicillin, tobramycin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, streptomycin, oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, or ampicillin.

In an embodiment, the at least one therapeutic agent includes one or more anti-tumor agent, at least one of which may also be identified as a cytotoxic agent, or chemotherapy agent. Non-limiting examples of an anti-tumor agent for use as described herein include at least one of an alkylating agent, antimetabolite, anthracycline, plant alkaloid (such as paclitaxel), topoisomerase inhibitor, monoclonal antibody, or tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In an embodiment, the therapeutic agent includes one or more of imatinib, mechlorethamine, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, azathioprine, mercaptopurine, vinca alkaloid, taxane, vincristine, vinblastine, vinorelbine, vindesine, podophyllotoxin, etoposide, teniposide, amsacrine, dactinomycin, trastuzumab, cetuximab, rituximab, bevacizumab, dexamethasone, finasteride, tamoxifen, goserelin, telomerase inhibitor, dichloroacetate, aminopterin, methotrexate, pemetrexed, raltitrexed, cladribine, clofarabine, fludarabine, pentostatin, thioguanine, cytarabine, decitabine, fluorouracil/capecitabine, floxuridine, gemcitabine, enocitabine, sapacitabine, chloromethine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, melphalan, bendamustine, trofosfamide, uramustine, carmustine, fotemustine, lomustine, nimustine, prednimustine, ranimustine, semustine, spretpozocin, carboplatin, cisplatin, nedaplatin, oxaliplatin, triplatin tetranitrate, satraplatin, busulfan, mannosulfan, treosulfan, procarbazine, decarbazine, temozolomide, carboquone, ThioTEPA, triaziquone, triethylenemelamine, docetaxel, larotaxel, ortataxel, tesetaxel, vinflunine, ixabepilone, aclarubicin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, amrubicin, pirarubicin, valrubicin, zorubicin, metoxantrone, pixantrone, actinomycin, bleomycin, mitomycin, plicamycin, hydroxyurea, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, rubitecan, belotecan, altretamine, amsacrine, bexarotene, estramustine, irofulven, trabectedin, cetuximab, panitumumab, trastuzumab, rituximab, tositumomab, alemtuzumab, bevacizumab, edrecolomab, gemtuzumab, axitinib, bosutinib, cediranib, dasatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, imatinib, lapatinib, lestaurtinib, nilotinib, semaxanib, sorafenib, sunitinib, vandetanib, alvocidib, seliciclib, aflibercept, denileukin diftitox, aminolevulnic acid, efaproxiral, porfimer sodium, talaporfin, temoporfin, verteporfin, alitretinoin, tretinoin, anagrelide, arsenic trioxide, asparaginase/pegaspergase, atrasentan, bortezomib, carmofur, celecoxib, demecolcine, elesclomol, elasamitrucin, etoglucid, lonidamine, lucanthone, masoprocol, mitobronitol, mitoguanzone, mitotane, oblimersen, omacetaxine, sitimagene ceradenovec, tegafur, testolactone, tiazofurine, tipifarnib, or vorinostat.

In an embodiment, at least one nutraceutical is included. At least one nutraceutical includes but is not limited to, one or more of an extract of plant or animal matter (e.g., an oil, aqueous, or solid extract), a vitamin, a mineral, a mixture or solution, a food supplement, a food additive, a food fortification element, or other nutraceutical. In an embodiment, at least one nutraceutical includes but is not limited to resveratrol, an antioxidant, psyllium, sulforaphane, isoflavonoid, alpha-linolenic acid, beta-carotene, anthocyanins, phytoestrogens, polyphenols, polyphenons, catechins, benzenediols, tannins, phenylpropanoids, caffeine, alcohol, or others.

In an embodiment, at least one therapeutic agent includes one or more vaccine or other prophylactic therapy. In an embodiment, the therapeutic agent includes a diagnostic agent. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement including at least one vaccine includes at least one prophylactic vaccine or therapeutic vaccine. In an embodiment, the at least one therapeutic vaccine includes at least one anti-cancer vaccine. In an embodiment, the at least one vaccine includes at least one of a tumor antigen, microbial antigen, viral antigen, immunogen, antigen, live microbe, dead microbe, attenuated microbe, microbe or component thereof, live virus, recombinant virus, killed virus, attenuated virus, virus component, plasmid DNA, nucleic acid, amino acid, peptide, protein, glycopeptide, proteoglycan, glycoprotein, glycolipid, sphingolipid, glycosphingolipid, cancer cell or component thereof, organic or inorganic small molecule, or toxoid.

One or more vaccine may include but not be limited to, vaccines containing killed microorganisms (such as vaccines for flu, cholera, bubonic plague, and hepatitis A), vaccines containing live, attenuated virus or other microorganisms (such as vaccines for yellow fever, measles, rubella, and mumps), live vaccine (such as vaccines for tuberculosis), toxoid (such as vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria, and crotalis atrox), subunit of inactivated or attenuated microorganisms (such as vaccines for HBV, VLP, and HPV), conjugate vaccines (such as vaccines for H. influenzae type B), recombinant vector, DNA vaccination. In an embodiment, the at least one vaccine includes but is not limited to rubella, polio, measles, mumps, chickenpox, typhoid, shingles, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease, pneumonia, tetanus, rattlesnake venom, virus-like particle, or human papillomavirus, or anti-cancer vaccine.

In an embodiment, the at least one therapeutic agent includes at least one adjuvant. The at least one adjuvant may include but not be limited to one or more organic or inorganic compounds. The at least one adjuvant may include but not be limited to at least one of a liposome, virosome, lipid, phospholipid, mineral salt, single-stranded DNA, double-stranded RNA, aluminum salts, microbial components carrying pathogen-associated molecular patterns (e.g., Toll-like receptor ligands or agonists), lipopolysaccharide, molecular antigen cage, CpG motif (e.g., CPG oligodeoxynucleotides), microbial cell wall or component thereof, squalene, oil emulsion, surfactant, saponin, isolated microbial toxin, modified microbial toxin, endogenous immunomodulator, or cytokine. In an embodiment, the at least one adjuvant and the at least one vaccine are located in at least one of the same cavities of the same frozen particle composition. In an embodiment, the at least one adjuvant and the at least one vaccine are located in different cavities of the same frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, two or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements of a plurality of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include one or more similar vaccines. In an embodiment, two or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements of a plurality of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include one or more dissimilar vaccines.

In one non-limiting example, a composition includes one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements including paclitaxel and at least one other constituent including at least one frozen component including air, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen oxide, helium, neon, xenon, krypton, chlorine, bromine, methane, or argon.

In one non-limiting embodiment, a composition or implement includes one or more frozen particles including one or more pegylated cytokines or one or more anti-tumor compounds; wherein the one or more frozen particles include nitrogen, air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen oxide, helium, xenon, krypton, chlorine, bromine, methane, or argon.

Adhesive Agents

In an embodiment, at least one adhesive agent is included in one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes at least one monomer, prepolymer, polymer, or copolymer. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes at least one monomer of self-polymerizing agent. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is configured to polymerize upon administration to at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is configured to polymerize at or above the temperature of the at least one substrate (e.g., acrylates, fibrin glue, etc.). In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is configured to polymerize at or above the temperature of at least one biological tissue (e.g., acrylates, fibrin glue, etc.). In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is configured to polymerize at or above the temperature of at least one subject (e.g., acrylates, fibrin glue, etc.).

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more of a cement, glue, paste, fixative, or bonding agent. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more of a solid, liquid, or gas.

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is at least one of non-toxic, biocompatible, biodegradable or bioresorbable. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent resists biodegradation or bioresorption. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is not biocompatible, or may induce a response from the at least one biological tissue, or subject's body. In one non-limiting example, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are administered with or contain at least one therapeutic agent, such as a vaccine, and optionally, at least one adhesive agent (which may act as an adjuvant).

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is degradable or resorbable (e.g., dissolvable sutures constructed from or secured with an adhesive). See e.g., Sierra, and Saltz, “Surgical Adhesives and Sealants,” Technomic Pub. Co., 1996, which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent stimulates cell or tissue growth, allowing for healing of a wound (e.g., burn, surgery incision, etc.) while the adhesive agent itself subsequently degrades, dissolves, or is resorbed by the at least one substrate, including at least one biological tissue or the subject's body. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent stimulates or increases tissue regeneration. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent suppresses or decreases scarring or keloid formation or recurrence.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include at least one liquid adhesive agent. For example, the freezing point of acrylic or epoxy resins is generally approximately −10° C. to −15° C., while the freezing point of hydrogen oxide water is approximately 0° C. Thus, in an embodiment, one or more frozen hydrogen oxide particle compositions, or frozen hydrogen oxide piercing implements include at least one liquid adhesive agent.

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more of a hemostat, such as a mechanical hemostat (including but not limited to, porcine gelatin, bovine gelatin, oxidized regenerated cellulose, or polysaccharide spheres), an active hemostat (including but not limited to, bovine thrombin, human pooled thrombin, or recombinant thrombin), a flowable hemostat (including but not limited to, bovine gelatin and human thrombin, or porcine gelatin with or without thrombin), or a hemostat and sealant (such as fibrin sealants of human pooled fibrin; human fibrin; plasma, collagen, and bovine thrombin; animal fibrin or thrombin, or others). In an embodiment, the adhesive agent includes one or more of a sealant (such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers, including dual PEG or single PEG). In an embodiment, the adhesive agent includes but is not limited to albumin (such as bovine serum albumin) and glutaraldehyde. (See, for example, Spotnitz and Burks, Transfusion, pp. 1502-1516, Vol. 48, 2008; which is incorporated herein by reference.) In an embodiment, the adhesive agent is part of one or more adhesive laminates which include at least one adhesive agent and at least one non-adherent substance (which may optionally be biocompatible, bioresorbable, biodegradable, or nontoxic). See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20050153090, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes at least one naturally-occurring substance, such as gelatin, blood plasma, albumin, collagen, fibrin, fibrinogen (including lytic fragments, for example FPA, FPB, fragments D and E), hyaluronate, hyaluronan, glycosaminoglycans, chitin, thrombin, Factor XIII, or other substances. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes at least one artificial or synthetic substance, such as an acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrylamide polymer or copolymer, polyacrylic acid (including but not limited to zinc polycarboxylate, resin bonding, or glass ionomer cement), epoxy, urethane, gum arabic, polyester, polyhydroxyalkanoate, poly(L-lactic acid), polyglycolide, polylactic acid, polyether, polyol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, pyroxylin, polymethyacrylate-isobutene-monoisopropylmaleate, siloxane polymer, polylactic-co-glycolic-acid, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, poly-4-hydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyvalerate, polydydroxyhexanoate, polydyroxyoctanoate, polycaprolactone, poly(e-caprolactone), sialyl Lewis x , heme group, hemoglobin, healon, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyapatite, silicone, cadherin, integrin, polyelectrolyte, maleic polyelectrolyte, cellulose, resilin, cyanoacrylate; isocyanate, (including but not limited to 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, 2-butyl-n-cyanoacrylate, monomeric n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, methyl 2-cyanoacrylate, or its higher homologs (ethyl, butyl, octyl, etc.), or polyisohexylcyanoacrylate), fibrin, thrombin, firbrinogen, hyaluronate, chitin, Factor XIII, Factor XII, silk, nylon, collagen, glycosaminoglycan, selectin, polyurethane, methacrylate, polysulfide, polyanhydride, polydioxanone, poly-p-dioxanone, albumin, glutaraldehyde, polyethylene glycol, hydrogel, soy or other plant based adhesives, or gelatin. In at least an embodiment, the adhesive agent includes gecko glue. In at least an embodiment, the adhesive agent includes microscopic seta configured to adhere by van der Waals forces.

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more of a globin, hemoglobin, heme group, carbohydrate, cell or cell component, silicone, hydroxyapatite, acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrylamide polymer or copolymer, hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid, carboxymethylcellulose, healon, polymer or biopolymer, gelatin-resorcinol-formaldehyde (GRF) combination, a fibrin-collagen combination, or a fibrinogen-thrombin combination. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more naturally-occurring, artificial, or synthetic polymers, including but not limited to urethane prepolymers or polymers, cyano-based polymers, polyether, polyol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, pyroxylin/nitrocellulose, polymethylacrylate-isobutene-monoisopropylmaleate, acrylate polymers or siloxane polymers (such as acrylate terpolymer, polyphenylmethylsiloxane, hexamethyldisiloxane or isooctane solvent based polymers). (For other specific examples of adhesive agents see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,740,534 and 7,264,823; and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20040097990, 20070161109, and 20070031474, each of which is incorporated herein by reference). In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes a combination of more than one adhesive agents.

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes at least one crosslinking or derivatized agent. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is configured to form a crosslink bond with at least one component of at least one substrate. In an embodiment the crosslink bond of the at least one adhesive agent is configured for modulation by one or more of a chemical agent, change in pH, change in exposure to air, vacuum, change in moisture content, change in pressure, or change in temperature. In an embodiment, the formation of a crosslink bond of the at least one adhesive agent is configured for modulation by exposure of the at least one adhesive agent to one or more of electromagnetic energy, optical energy, thermal energy, laser energy, ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, or sonic energy.

In an embodiment, one or more constituent of the at least one adhesive agent includes a crosslinked constituent (such as gelatin or albumin that is cross-linked with, for example, glutaraldehyde), or a derivatized constituent (such as derivatized collagen). In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more constituents that are configured to crosslink with one or more substances in the at least one biological tissue. The crosslinking bond can form upon administration of the at least one adhesive agent to the at least one biological tissue, or upon administration of at least one of a chemical agent (such as an acid, base, enzyme, epoxide, diepoxide, 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether, glutaraldehyde, polysaccharide, or other chemical agent), air, moisture (such as from a biological fluid), electromagnetic energy (including ultraviolet light), optical energy, thermal energy, laser energy, ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, or sonic energy to the at least one adhesive agent.

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more protein glue, including but not limited to protein, peptide, or amino acid-based substances. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more naturally-occurring or synthetic component. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more naturally-occurring or synthetic polyphenolic protein from mussels, wherein the polyphenolic protein is optionally cross-linked by a catechol oxidase. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes mussel adhesive protein. In an embodiment, the mussel adhesive protein includes lysine, hydroxylated amino acids, and dopa. In certain instances, the mussel adhesive protein includes dihydroxyphenylalanine. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes prolamine. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more chemotactic agent, such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β).

In an embodiment, fibrin sealant or fibrin glue can be formed as indicated in the table herein, or from two components: one containing fibrinogen and calcium chloride solution and the other containing thrombin solution and epsilon amino caproic acid (EACA).

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more hydrogel. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,103,528, which is incorporated herein by reference. One non-limiting example of a hydrogel included in a composition as described herein includes polyethylene glycol, polylactic acid, polytrimethylene carbonate, polycarophil, carbopol, polyox, chitosan, polyvinylpyrrolidone, block polymers or block copolymers, polymethylvinyl ether-maleic anhydride, or other constituents. In certain embodiments, the hydrogel may include a constituent with a polymerizable end cap, such as an acrylate ester. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent at least partially generates a wound dressing, such as a sheet, bandage, film, or other permeable, semi-permeable, or impermeable covering. In an embodiment, the at least one wound dressing at least partially includes natural, synthetic, or artificial skin or skin deposit. (See, for example, Boateng et al., J. Pharm. Sciences. vol. 97, pp. 2892-2923 (2008), which is incorporated herein by reference).

Some specific non-limiting examples of particular adhesive agents that are included in at least one composition described herein are listed in Table II herein. (Adapted from Smith, Ch. 7, p. 574, Table 1; Ratner, et al, Biomaterials Science, Second Edition, 2004; Elsevier Acad. Press., which is incorporated herein by reference).

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is convertible to at least one therapeutic agent upon administration of the at least one adhesive agent. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is configured to undergo one or more of hydration, hydrolysis, hydrogenolysis, condensation, dehydration, or polymerization upon administration of the at least one adhesive agent. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes a methacrylate. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes at least one of poly(N,N-dimethyl-N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-N-[2′-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]-ammonium bromide) or poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate).

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is configured to form one or more of a hydrogen bond, ionic bond, covalent bond, or noncovalent bond with at least one substrate.

In certain instances, at least one adhesive agent is provided to at least one substrate, including but not limited to at least one biological tissue, in an inactive form. In certain instances, the at least one adhesive agent is configured to polymerize or activate during administration of the at least one adhesive agent to at least one substrate, or shortly thereafter.

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is compatible with moist or wet tissues. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent distributes evenly over the tissue surface. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent quickly forms a durable bond. In an embodiment, the bonding time of the at least one adhesive agent is controllable. In an embodiment, the bonding time of the at least one adhesive agent is controlled or regulated. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive degrades in a relatively short period of time. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is configured to be resorbed by the tissue to which it is applied, or by the subject's body (e.g., fibrin glue). In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent maintains an appropriate viscosity for the application, provides adequate working time prior to bonding or setting, develops good adhesion, modulates hemostasis, modulates wound healing, reduces fibrosis, or provides at least one antimicrobial effect. In an embodiment, the at least one composition including at least one adhesive provides a local depot for at least one therapeutic agent.

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes an active surface (i.e. having a bioglass, calcium phosphate, or biochemically active surface that can stimulate an in vivo response). In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent assists in delivering one or more therapeutic agents, including but not limited to antibiotics, vaccines, growth factors (e.g., members of the Fibroblast Growth Factor, members of the Bone Morphogenic Protein family, members of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta family, or others), transcription factors, anti-inflammatory agents, pain relievers, hemostatic agents, chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, or others), chemokines, cytokines, angiogenic or anti-angiogenic factors, enzymes, stem cells, cellular organelles, or other therapeutic agents described herein.

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is delivered as a precursor molecule that is configured to activate by an additional activation step or event (e.g., hydrolysis, hydration, electro-activation, etc.). In an embodiment, two or more components are configured to combine upon administration of the at least one adhesive agent. In an embodiment, the combination of the two or more components modifies at least one property of the adhesive agent. In an embodiment, the at least one property includes one or more of initiation of adhesive bond formation, strength of adhesive bond, adhesive bonding time, bond flexibility, bond biodegradability, bond bioresorbability, bond biocompatibility, or durability of adhesive bond. In an embodiment, the at least one property includes one or more of polymerization of the adhesive agent, or crosslinking of the adhesive agent. In an embodiment, two or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are administered; wherein at least one administration parameter is different for the two or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the at least one administration parameter includes at least one of: constitution of the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, formulation of the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, size of the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, shape of the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, angle of administration of the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, velocity of administration of the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, quantity of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements administered, rate of administration of more than one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, spatial location for administration of the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, temporal location for administration of the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, method of administration of the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, timing of administration of the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, modulation of administration of the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, deposition of the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, or rate of deposition of at least one agent included in the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements.

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent maintains the approximation of tissue of at least one wound of a subject. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent forms a bond that resists separation between at least two aspects of a substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent is administered to the at least one substrate, such as a biological tissue or structure, prior to, during, or subsequent to a surgical procedure. Specific, non-limiting examples of surgical procedures include thoracic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, vascular surgery, neurological surgery, plastic surgery or aesthetic surgery, ophthalmic surgery, skin or connective tissue surgery, or abdominal surgery.

In an embodiment, at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes an adhesive agent which provides a means for the repair, closure, maintenance of approximately the same tissue of a wound, treatment of a wound, or joining at least one substrate to another or joining at least one aspect of a substrate to another aspect of the same or different substrate.

In an embodiment, and as described herein, compositions and methods relate to the same or different frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, and are administered simultaneously, sequentially, randomly, or in another order. In certain instances, the at least one composition is administered that contains at least one adhesive agent as well as one or more other agents, such as bonding agents, that include functional groups or reactive side chains.

In one non-limiting example, polymerizable dimethacrylate monomers mixed with composite formulations are administered to calcified tissue, such as bone or tooth. In another non-limiting example, acid etching or priming of the cell or tissue surface (such as a calcified surface), is achieved by administration of phosphoric acid or another acidic substance. In certain instances, the acidic substance includes functional groups, such as polycarboxylate or polyphosphate. Next, one or more agents can be administered that react with the functional groups, such as hydrophilic monomers (including but not limited to hydroxyethyl methacrylate).

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent forms one or more of a hydrogen bond, ionic bond, covalent bond, or non-covalent bond upon administration to at least one substrate. In an embodiment the at least one adhesive agent includes at least one crosslinking or derivatized agent. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent forms a crosslink bond with at least one component of at least one substrate to which the adhesive agent is administered. In an embodiment, the crosslink bond of the at least one adhesive agent is modulated by one or more of a chemical agent, change in pH, change in exposure to air, vacuum, change in moisture content, change in pressure, or change in temperature. In an embodiment, formation of a crosslink bond of the at least one adhesive agent is modulated by exposure of the at least one adhesive agent to one or more of electromagnetic energy, optical energy, thermal energy, laser energy, ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, or sonic energy.

In an embodiment, adhesive agents can be selected for a particular use as described herein, based on factors including, but not limited to, viscosity, adhesive tenacity, kinetic rates of monomer formation, polymerization (with or without covalent cross-linking), ability to be cryoprecipitated, tensile strength, ability to restore biomechanical tissue integrity, in vivo effectiveness, or other factors. In certain instances, these or other factors can be measured and selection of the one or more particular adhesive agents can be based on those measurements. In certain instances, these or other factors can be measured by standard methods, including but not limited to, in vitro analysis, in vivo experiments (e.g., animal studies), ex vivo experiments, in planta experiments, or other methods.

In an embodiment, a method for providing at least one agent to at least one substrate comprises administering at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement to at least one substrate, wherein the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes one or more frozen particles as described herein, and at least one agent.

In an embodiment, a method for providing at least one adhesive agent to at least one substrate comprises administering at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement to at least one substrate, wherein the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes one or more frozen particles as described herein, and at least one adhesive agent.

In an embodiment, a method of maintaining the approximation of tissue of at least one wound of a subject comprises administering at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement to at least one wound of a subject for a time sufficient to maintain the approximation of tissue of the at least one wound; wherein the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements including at least one agent (such as an adhesive agent, biological remodeling agent, reinforcement agent, therapeutic agent, abrasive, or explosive material) as described herein.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes a detection state that varies with its adhesive state. In an embodiment, the adhesive agent includes one or more eposy adhesive, acrylic adhesive, urethane adhesive, polyurethane adhesive, silicone adhesive, cationic adhesive, anerobic adhesive, urethane acrylate, polyester acrylate, methacrylate, methyacrylate, or cyanoacrylate.

In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes at least one α-cyanoacrylate and a fluorescent compound including at least one of a bis-benzoxazolyl compound, pyrylium salt, quantum dot, or coumarin compound. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes an α-cyanoacrylate and 2,5-bis-(5-tert-butyl-2-benzoxasolyl)-thiophene. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more of a base component, initiator component, or activator component. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent further includes at least one curing component. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes at least one photopolymerizable adhesive, photocurable adhesive, thermal curable adhesive, free radical curable adhesive, or aerobic curable adhesive. In an embodiment, the at least one adhesive agent includes one or more adhesive agent configured to polymerize upon exposure to infrared light, ultraviolet light, x-ray, visible light, or other electromagnetic radiation.

In an embodiment, the adhesive agent includes at least one dye coinitiator. In an embodiment, the at least one dye coinitiator includes at least one of a bis-benzoxazolyl compound, pyrylium salt, QTX, safranin O, fluorescein, eosin yellow, eosin Y, eosin B, ethyl eosin, eosin bluish, erythrosine B, erythrosine yellowish blend, toluidine blue, 4′,5′-dibromofluorescein, Rose Bengal B, cyanine, pyronin GY, cresyl violet, brilliant green, lissamine green BN, rhodamine B, methylene blue, crystal violet, phosphine oxide, or coumarin compound.

Biological Remodeling Agents

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include at least one biological remodeling agent. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes one or more extracellular matrix components. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent is configured to provide at least one chemical or biochemical function to the at least one biological tissue. For example, in an embodiment, the biological remodeling agent is configured to modulate the growth of at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the biological remodeling agent is configured to promote growth of at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent is configured to promote at least one of cell migration, cell attachment, cell retention, cell differentiation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, diffusion of materials, nucleic acid expression, protein translation, protein modification, protein secretion, carbohydrate production, carbohydrate secretion, fat production, or fat secretion.

In an embodiment, the biological remodeling agent is configured to inhibit growth of at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent is configured to inhibit at least one of cell migration, cell attachment, cell retention, cell differentiation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, diffusion of materials, nucleic acid expression, protein translation, protein modification, protein secretion, carbohydrate production, carbohydrate secretion, fat production, or fat secretion.

In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent is configured to promote at least partial construction or at least partial reconstruction of at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes at least one cellular or tissue scaffolding component (e.g., collagen, elastin, protein, carbohydrate, nucleic acid, organic or inorganic agent, or other component). In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes at least one cell (e.g., endogenous cell, exogenous cell, transgenic cell, progenitor cell, allogeneic cell, neonatal cell, embryonic cell, stem cell, differentiated cell, blood cell, chondrocyte, endothelial cell, hepatocyte, keratinocyte, myocyte, osteoblast, osteoclast, osteocyte, mesenchymal cell, fibroblast, etc.), other cells are described herein. (See, for example, Nolte et al., Cells Tissues Organs vol. 187, pp. 165-176 (2008), which is incorporated herein by reference.)

In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent provides a scaffold or matrix for growth, regrowth, restructuring, remodeling, or physically, chemically, or biologically structuring one or more cells or biological tissues. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent is configured to provide at least one mechanical structure to the at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent provides a load-bearing structure to at least one biological tissue.

In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent is configured to provide oxygenation, nutrition, or other nourishment to at least one biological tissue.

In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes one or more self-organizing structures, including at least one hydrogel, nanofiber, nanoparticle, or helical structure. (See, for example, Pokroy et al, Science vol. 323, pp. 237-240 (2009); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20080070304, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.) In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes one or more self-assembling nanofibers or nanoparticles.

In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent at least partially generates a wound dressing, such as a sheet, bandage, film, or other permeable, semi-permeable, or impermeable covering. In an embodiment, the at least one wound dressing at least partially includes natural, synthetic, or artificial skin, skin substitute, or skin deposit. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes at least one nanotube (such as a carbon nanotube, DNA nanotube, or other nanotube).

In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes at least one of a tumor antigen, microbial antigen, viral antigen, analgesic, antiseptic, anesthetic, diagnostic agent, anti-inflammatory agent, vaccine, cell growth inhibitor, cell growth promoter, chemical debridement agent, immunogen, antigen, radioactive agent, apoptosis promoting factor, angiogenic factor, anti-angiogenic factor, hormone, enzymatic factor, enzyme, papain, collagenase, protease, peptidase, elastase, urea, vitamin, mineral, nutraceutical, cytokine, chemokine, probiotic, coagulant, anti-coagulant, phage, prodrug, prebiotic, blood sugar stabilizer, smooth muscle cell activator, epinephrine, adrenaline, neurotoxin, neuro-muscular toxin, Botulinum toxin type A, microbial cell or component thereof, or virus or component thereof. In an embodiment, the nutraceutical includes one or more of a flavonoid, antioxidant, beta-carotene, anthocyanin, alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, yeast, bacteria, algae, other microorganisms, plant products, or animal products.

In an embodiment, a frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, comprises: one or more frozen hydrogen oxide particles that include at least one non-nucleic acid biological remodeling agent.

In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent is utilized in at least partially constructing or reconstructing at least a portion of one or more biological tissues or organs. In on embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent assists in the repair, enhancement, or replacement of at least a portion of at least one biological tissue structure or function. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent assists in restoring, maintaining, or improving at least one tissue or organ function.

In an embodiment, at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement including at least one biological remodeling agent or adhesive agent is utilized in at least partially generating at least one biological tissue de novo. In an embodiment, at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement including at least one biological remodeling agent or adhesive agent is utilized in at least partially repairing at least one damaged or diseased biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one damaged or diseased biological tissue is located in vivo. In an embodiment, the at least one damaged or diseased biological tissue includes one or more wounds.

In an embodiment, a method includes at least partially constructing or reconstructing at least one biological tissue or organ by administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements in such a manner that at least one agent is deposited, wherein the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include at least one biological remodeling agent, at least one adhesive agent, at least one therapeutic agent, at least one reinforcement agent, at least one abrasive, at least one microneedle, or at least one explosive material. In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are deposited, resulting in at least partially constructing or reconstructing at least one biological tissue or organ.

In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent is administered to at least one substrate, as described herein. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes at least one nontoxic agent. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes a biocompatible, bioresorbable, or biodegradable agent. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate to which the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are deposited or administered is at least one of biocompatible, bioresorbable, or biodegradable.

In an embodiment, at least one scaffold is utilized for construction, reconstruction, or remodeling of at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one scaffold is at least partially generated by deposition or administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements including at least one biological remodeling agent. In an embodiment, the at least one scaffold is at least one of biocompatible, bioresorbable, or biodegradable.

In an embodiment, a template or molding is utilized for deposition of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements including at least one biological remodeling agent. In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes one or more of a biological remodeling agent, a therapeutic agent, abrasive, explosive material, adhesive agent, or other agent. In an embodiment, the template or molding is at least one of nontoxic, biocompatible, bioresorbable, or biodegradable. In an embodiment, the one or more biological remodeling agents, are deposited or administered directly onto at least one substrate that is utilized in constructing, reconstructing, or remodeling at least one biological tissue.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, including at least one biological remodeling agent, are delivered to at least one scaffold, including a three dimensional porous scaffold. In an embodiment, the scaffold includes means for cell attachment, means for cell proliferation, means for cell differentiation, means for cell migration, means for cell contracting, means for cell expression, means for cell matrix production, or means for cell spreading. In an embodiment, the means can include physical means (e.g., structural matrix), or chemical means (e.g., chemokines).

In an embodiment, the at least one scaffold includes seeding at least one cell (e.g., a live cell) within at least one scaffold. In an embodiment, seeding at least one cell within the at least one scaffold occurs prior to, simultaneously with, or subsequent to, at least partially generating, implanting, or transplanting the at least one scaffold. In an embodiment, the at least one scaffold includes injecting at least one biological remodeling agent and at least one cell (e.g., a live cell) mixture to the at least one substrate for at least partially constructing, reconstructing, or remodeling at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the scaffold is at least partially generated, implanted, or transplanted and is eventually seeded with a subject's own cells, either naturally or artificially.

In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes one or more of calcium phosphate, albumin, cytokine, pegylated cytokine, bone, cartilage, globulin, fibrin, thrombin, glutaraldehyde-crosslinked pericardium, hide powder, hyaluronic acid, hydroxyapatite, keratin, ligament, nitinol, nucleic acid polymers, polyethylene, polylethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, polyglycol, polylactate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone, PURAMATRIX™ self-assembly peptide hydrogel fibers, linear aliphatic polyester, tendon, fibrinogen, hyaluronate, chitin, chitosan, methylcellulose, alginate, hyaluronic acid, agarose, cellulose, polyaldehyde gluronate, Factor XIII, Factor XII, silk, nylon, collagen, elastin, silicone, polyurethane, ceramic powder, pectin, wax, glycosaminoglycan, poly(α-hydroxyacid), selectin, glutaraldehyde, hydrophobic non-glycosylated protein, hydrogel, peptide hydrogel, or gelatin.

In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes one or more of Type I collagen, Type II collagen, Type III collagen, Type VII collagen, or Type X collagen. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes one or more of elastin fibers or soluble elastin.

In an embodiment, the biological remodeling agent includes at least one member of the Transforming Growth Factor β superfamily, including but not limited to bone morphogenetic/osteogenic proteins (BMPs/OPs), growth differentiation factors, activin A and B, inhibin A and B, Anti-mullerian hormone, Nodal, TGF-β type receptors such as Activin Type I receptors, Activin Type II receptors, transducers/SMAD molecules, ligand inhibitors (e.g., Cerberus, chordin, Dan, Decorin, Follistatin, Gremlin, Lefty, LTBP1, Noggin, THBS1), co-receptors (e.g., BAMBI-Cripto), SARA, or other molecules. (See, for example, Aarabi et al., PLOS Med., vol. 4, Issue 9, pp. 1464-1470 (2007), which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the at least one biological remodeling agent includes one or more of epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), human growth hormone, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). In an embodiment, one or more biological remodeling agents include at least one nucleic acid. In an embodiment, one or more biological remodeling agents include at least one RNA or DNA molecule. In an embodiment, the one or more biological remodeling agents include at least one of a protein, carbohydrate, or fat.

Some other non-limiting examples of biological remodeling agents, as well as the general but non-limiting solidification mechanism of each, are set forth in Table III below. Abbreviations include: OPF: oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate); P(CL/TMC): poly(-caprolactone-co-trimethylene carbonate); PDLLA: poly(D,L-lactide); PEG: poly(ethylene glycol); PEO: poly(ethylene oxide); PEO-PPO-PEO: polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide; PhosPEG-dMA: poly(ethylene glycol) di[ethylphosphatidyl(ethylene glycol)methacrylate]; PLA(Glc-Ser): Poly(L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid-co-L-serine); PLA-PEG: poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol; PLAL-ASP: Poly(lactic acid-co-lysine)-poly(aspartic acid); PLGA: Poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid); PLLA: poly(L-lactic acid); PLLA-PEG: poly(L-lactide-ethylene glycol); PNIPAAm: poly(N-isopropylacrylamide); P(NIPAAm-AAc): Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-acrylic acid); PPF: poly(propylene fumarate); P(PF-co-EG): poly(propylene furmarate-co-ethylene glycol; PVA: poly(vinyl alcohol). (See, for example, Hou et al., M. Mater. Chem., vol. 14, pp. 1915-1923 (2004), which is incorporated herein by reference.)

In an embodiment, at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement is administered to at least one substrate by pushing, pulling, drilling, utilizing a screw-type action, propelling, ejecting, or accelerating a plurality of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements toward the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, propelling, ejecting, or accelerating the plurality of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements toward the at least one substrate includes at a predetermined angle, a predetermined velocity, a predetermined rate of administration, a predetermined spatial pattern, a predetermined location, a predetermined time sequence, or a predetermined depth. In an embodiment, two or more of the plurality of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include two or more biological remodeling agents configured to physically or chemically bind upon administration. For example, in an embodiment, a cell receptor and a cell ligand are used as remodeling agents and bind upon administration. In an embodiment, administering the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements to at least one substrate includes contacting the at least one substrate with the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, administering the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements to at least one substrate includes contacting the at least one substrate with the at least one biological remodeling agent.

Substrates

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, frozen piercing implements, or frozen piercing implement devices are administered to at least one substrate. Specific non-limiting examples of various different substrates are provided throughout the application.

In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one nontoxic, biodegradable, bioresorbable, or biocompatible substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes one or more of a cell, tissue, organ, structure, device, or food product. In an embodiment, the substrate includes at least a portion of which is naturally, artificially, or synthetically derived. In an embodiment, the substrate includes at least a portion of which is genetically altered. In an embodiment, at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement is administered to at least one cell or cell component for gene delivery.

In an embodiment, the structure or device may include a prosthesis, cell matrix or scaffold, tissue matrix or scaffold, supplement, implement, bandage, tourniquet, wound dressing, splint, stent, patch, gauze, covering, shunt, needle, scalpel, matrix, sponge, mesh, woven fabric, knitted fabric, film, instrument, or other tool or item. (See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20070021816, which is incorporated herein by reference.) In an embodiment, the device includes at least one mechanical or electrical device. In an embodiment, the device includes, but is not limited to, at least one mechanical or electrical device. Examples of particular devices are described herein.

In an embodiment, the substrate is located in at least one of in situ, in vitro, in vivo, in utero, in planta, in silico, or ex vivo. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate is transplanted or implanted into at least one subject. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate is ingested by at least one subject. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one biological cell or tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one biological cell or tissue is from at least one donor or recipient. In an embodiment, the at least one donor includes at least one cadaver. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one implantable or transplantable substrate (e.g., allographic, autographic, xenographic, etc.). In an embodiment, the at least one substrate is transplanted or implanted into at least one subject. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one biological tissue from at least one donor or recipient.

In an embodiment, the temperature of the substrate is adjusted for administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the temperature of the substrate is increased or decreased in order to adjust the rate of melting, sublimation, evaporation, transformation, activation, etc. of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements or a component thereof.

In an embodiment, the pressure exerted on a substrate is adjusted for administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the pressure exerted on a substrate is increased or decreased in order to adjust the rate of melting, sublimation, evaporation, transformation, activation, etc. of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements or a component thereof. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one polymer or hydrogel.

In an embodiment, the at least one agent is delivered to a single biological cell or tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate is ingested by at least one subject. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one implantable or transplantable substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate is transplanted or implanted into at least one subject. In an embodiment, the substrate includes at least one biological tissue from at least one donor or recipient. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least a portion of at least one subject. In certain embodiments, administering at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement includes self-administering the at least one frozen piercing implement by the at least one subject.

In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue includes one or more of a plant part, or whole plant. In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue includes one or more of a stalk, stem, leaf, root, or tendril. In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue includes at least one of meristem tissue, plant embryo tissue, cotyledon tissue, shoot apex tissue, scutellum tissue, epicotyl tissue, hypocotyl tissue, stamen tissue, receptacle tissue, anther tissue, stigma tissue, ovary tissue, carpel tissue, endosperm tissue, or seed germ tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue includes transgenic tissue. In an embodiment, the transgenic tissue includes meristem tissue cells for later generations. Non-limiting examples of plants that are included are cereal crops, fruits, nuts, vegetables, woody species, ornamental flower, cash crops (e.g., tobacco), and other plants.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are delivered to a substrate including at least one food or beverage product, or other product for consumption. In an embodiment, the at least one food product includes one or more of an animal, plant, fungal, or other biological food product. In an embodiment, the at least one food product includes at least one non-biological based food product. In an embodiment, the at least one food product includes, but not limited to at least one of a grain product; vegetable, fruit, leaf, stem, or other plant product; meat, milk, eggs, or other animal product; including processed products thereof. In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are delivered to at least one of a juice, cut food product, canned food product, pulped food product, frozen food product, homogenized food product, sterilized food product, dehydrated food product, or otherwise processed food product. In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include at least one component of a food product. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements are utilized for at least one of adding nutritional value to the food product, stabilizing one or more components of the food product, tenderizing the food product (e.g., meat), enhancing at least one characteristic of the food product (e.g., color, texture, taste, etc.), or altering at least one characteristic of the food product.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are delivered to at least one product for consumption. In an embodiment, the product for consumption includes, but is not limited to at least one of a hygienic product (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant, perfume, shampoo, soap, etc.), a cosmetic product (e.g., lotion, lipstick, nail polish, or other facial cosmetics, etc.).

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are delivered to at least one outdoor or indoor area (e.g., road surface, carpet, ice rink, garden, jungle, etc.).

In an embodiment, the substrate includes, but is not limited to, biological tissue as described herein. For example, biological tissue includes soft tissues (such as connective tissue, or other soft tissue), or hard tissues (including calcified tissues, such as bone or teeth). In an embodiment, a cell includes, but is not limited to, at least one of an autologous cell, allogenic, xenogenic, stem cell, or syngenic cell. The one or more cells may include endogenous or exogenous cells relative to a particular subject. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes one or more stem cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells, adipocyte stem cells, neuronal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, hepatic stem cells, dermal stem cells, pancreatic stem cells, stem cells related to bone, stem cells related to muscle, or others from donors or cell or tissue banks). In an embodiment, the substrate includes at least one wound, or cell mass. Other examples of cells and biological tissues are described herein at other sections.

In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue includes but is not limited to, one or more of cartilage, skin, scalp, hair, nail, nail bed, teeth, eye, ear, ovary, oviduct, tongue, tonsil, adenoid, liver, bone, pancreas, stomach, appendix, duct, valve, smooth muscle, blood vessel, bone marrow, blood, lymph, heart, lung, brain, breast, kidney, bladder, urethra, ureter, gall bladder, uterus, prostate, testes, vas deferens, fallopian tubes, large intestine, small intestine, esophagus, oral cavity, nasal cavity, otic cavity, connective tissue, muscle tissue, or adipose tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one tissue includes one or more of a tendon, vein (e.g., femoral or saphenous vein), artery, or capillary. In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue includes embryonic or fetal tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue includes a mucosal surface. In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue includes a plant, animal, fungal or other food product (e.g., biological food product). In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue includes meat.

In an embodiment, the treatment of at least one biological tissue includes one or more of ossicular chain reconstruction in otlogic surgery, nerve anastomosis (e.g. peripheral nerve anastomosis); cerebralspinal fluid sealing in neurological repair, vascular repair or anastomosis, ocular repair, gastrological repair, urological repair, skin closure, bronchial repair (e.g. bronchial stump leakage), alveolar repair, or dental fillings. In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue includes fetal tissues or organs (e.g. in utero) and can include any of the tissues or organs described herein.

In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue is located in at least one tissue or organ related to transplantation. In an embodiment, transplantation includes extraction or implantation of the at least one tissue or organ. In an embodiment, the at least one tissue or organ related to transplantation is extracted from at least one first biological source or subject and implanted into at least one second biological source or subject. In an embodiment, the at least one tissue or organ related to transplantation is cultured prior to implantation in a subject. In an embodiment, the tissue or organ related to transplantation is an artificial or synthetically derived tissue or organ (e.g. a bladder, heart, kidney, liver, pancreas, skin, eye, lung, nerve, blood vessel, and others). In an embodiment, the tissue or organ related to transplantation involves at least two sources (i.e. multiple species, partially artificial or synthetic, multiple biological cells or tissues including stem cells). In an embodiment, the at least one tissue or organ related to transplantation includes at least one donor or recipient tissue or organ. In an embodiment, the at least one tissue or organ is at least partly autologous.

In an embodiment, one or more blood vessels, including at least one of a vein, artery, or capillary is at least partially made by utilizing one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the one or more blood vessels include at least one vascular graft at least partially made by utilizing one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the at least one vascular graft includes at least one autologous component. See, for example, McAllister et al., Abstract, Lancet, vol. 373, No. 9673, pp. 1440-1446 (2009), which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one cell mass. In an embodiment, the at least one cell mass includes at least one of a scar, pore, pit, eschar, granuloma, keloid, artheromatous plaque, abscess, pustule, scaling (e.g., psoriasis or eczema), infected tissue, hair follicle, necrotic tissue, stratum corneum, wrinkle, wound, tumor, skin structure, nevus, cyst, lesion, callus, neoplastic tissue, gangrenous tissue, or cellular deposit. In an embodiment, the at least one cell mass includes at least one benign or malignant tumor. In an embodiment, the at least one benign or malignant tumor relates to one or more of a melanoma, lymphoma, leukemia, sarcoma, blastoma, or carcinoma.

In an embodiment, the at least one cell mass is related to at least one blood clot, embolus, microorganism accumulation, blood vessel obstruction, duct obstruction, bowel obstruction, infection, gangrene, connective tissue destruction, tissue or organ damage, injury, white blood cell accumulation, or cancer.

In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes one or more wounds. In an embodiment, the one or more wounds are located in at least one biological tissue or organ. In an embodiment, the one or more wounds are located in one or more of skin tissue, muscle tissue, eye tissue, nervous tissue, peritoneal tissue, an organ, connective tissue, neoplastic tissue, or bone tissue.

In an embodiment, the one or more wounds are located in at least one subject. The one or more wounds include but are not limited to at least one of an incision (including surgical incision such as for facial or other aesthetic construction or reconstruction, or other cranio-facial surgeries, laproscopic procedures, birthing assistance, or other surgical procedures), fracture, irritation, episiotomy, laceration, endovascular occlusion (e.g., aneurism), blood vessel anastomosis, nerve repair, abrasion, cerebral spinal fluid leak, puncture wound, penetration wound, gunshot wound, iatrogenic wound, severing, infection, ulcer, pressure sore, lesion, chemical burn (including but not limited to exposure to an irritant, plant, or synthetic chemical), dental caries, first-degree burn, second-degree burn, third-degree burn, fourth-degree burn, fifth-degree burn, or sixth-degree burn. In certain instances, the wound can be a result of a bite, such as a bite from an animal, insect, or arachnid.

In an embodiment, the at least one subject includes one or more of a vertebrate or invertebrate animal. In an embodiment, the at least one subject includes a fungus, or plant (including crop plants, as described herein). In an embodiment, the at least one subject includes at least one of an insect cell, plant, insect, bacterium, alga, plankton, fungus, or protozoan. In an embodiment, the at least one subject includes one or more of a reptile, mammal, amphibian, bird, or fish. In an embodiment, the at least one subject includes at least one human. In an embodiment, the at least one subject includes at least one of livestock, pet, zoo animal, undomesticated herd animal, wild animal, or product animal.

In an embodiment, the at least one subject includes at least one of a sheep, goat, frog, dog, cat, rat, mouse, vermin, monkey, duck, horse, cow, pig, chicken, shellfish, fish, turkey, llama, alpaca, bison, buffalo, ape, primate, ferret, wolf, fox, coyote, deer, rabbit, guinea pig, yak, chinchilla, mink, reindeer, elk, camel, fox, elk, deer, raccoon, donkey, or mule.

Detection Materials

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include at least one of a polymer, biopolymer, nanoparticle, sensor, micro-syringe, actuator, circuit, or other detection material. Such detection materials may allow for visualization of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, the administration process, or provide other benefits (including but not limited to reinforcement, adhesive, biological remodeling, abrasive, explosive, or therapeutic benefits). In an embodiment, the nanoparticle includes one or more of a nanorod, nanobone, nanocapsule, or other particle. In an embodiment, the nanoparticle releases its payload when exposed to an energy source, including heat or light. In an embodiment, the nanoparticles have a time-release payload of, for example, one or more therapeutic agents, adhesive agents, biological remodeling agents, reinforcement agents, abrasives, explosive materials, or other agents.

In certain instances, the detection material can be located on or in the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, or it can be intermixed with the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In certain instances, the detection material provides a “tracer” agent that allows for visualization of one or more locations of administration of the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. For example, in an embodiment, the detection material includes a particle with altered isotopes (e.g., for altering the mass of particles as a tracer). In an embodiment, only certain frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements of a plurality of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include one or more detection materials. In an embodiment, one or more detection materials are included in one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements in a predictable or predictive manner, for example, about every 2 nd , about every 3 rd , about every 4 th , about every 5 th , about every 6 th , about every 7 th , about every 8 th , about every 9 th , about every 10 th , about every 20 th , about every 50 th , about every 100 th , about every 1000 th , about every 2000 th , or about every 5000 th , etc. frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes one or more detection materials.

In certain instances the detection material is located on the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement or the at least one frozen particle. In other instances, the detection material is separate from the at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. In certain instances, the detection material forms a mixture with the frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. In certain instances, the detection material is separate from the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements and is administered at approximately the same time, in approximately the same place, or in approximately the same manner as the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the detection material is located in at least one cavity or compartment of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements.

In an embodiment, detection material includes a detection label including but not limited to, a colorimetric label, a radioactive label, a light-emitting label (such as a luminescent compound, a fluorescent compound, a phosphorescent compound, or a quantum dot), a nucleic acid label, a protein label, an antibody label, a ligand label, a receptor label, a magnetic label, or other detection label. In an embodiment, the at least one detection material includes but is not limited to, at least one electronic identification device. In an embodiment, the at least one electronic identification device includes at least one radio frequency identification device.

In an embodiment, the at least one detection material includes but is not limited to, at least one radioactive element. In an embodiment, the radioactive element includes but is not limited to, 32 P, 35 S, 13 C, 131 I, 192 Ir, 192 Ir, 193 Ir, 201 Tl, or 3 H. In an embodiment, the at least one detection material includes at least one radioactive, luminescent, colorimetric or odorous substance. In an embodiment, the at least one colorimetric substance includes one or more of an inorganic, organic, biological, natural, artificial, or synthetic substance. The colorimetric substance may include, but not be limited to a dye or a pigment. The colorimetric substance may include a chromogenic substrate.

In an embodiment, the at least one detection material includes at least one light-emitting substance, such as a luminescent substance, a fluorescent substance, phosphorescent substance, or quantum dot. In an embodiment, the at least one detection material is nontoxic, biocompatible, bioresorbable, or biodegradable.

Some examples of colorimetric substances include, but are not limited to, colored agents that have an affinity for a cell or tissue, such as acid dyes (e.g., water-soluble anionic dyes), basic dyes (e.g., water-soluble cationic dyes), direct or substantive dyes (e.g., stains for nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, cell populations, tissues, or organelles), mordant dyes, vat dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, azo dyes, sulfur dyes, food dyes, solvent dyes, carbene dyes, or others. Some examples of chromophores that can be utilized include, but are not limited to, dyes that are based on or derivatives of acridine, anthraquinone, arymethane (e.g., diphenyl methane, triphenyl methane), —N═N azo structure, phthalocyanine, diazonium salts, —NO 2 nitro functional group, —N═O nitroso functional group, phthalocyanine, quinine, azin, eurhodin, safranin, indamin, indophenol, oxazin, oxazone, thiazin, thiazole, xanthene, fluorine, pyronin, fluorine, rhodamine, or others. In an embodiment, the colorimetric substance includes trypan blue.

In an embodiment, the detection material includes at least one light-emitting substance, including but not limited to luminescent substances (e.g. bioluminescent substances, chemiluminescent substances, luciferin, isoluminol, luminescent minerals, etc.). In an embodiment, the detection material includes one or more one or more fluorescent tags, including but not limited to fluorescein, phycobilin, phycoerythrin, phycourobilin, chlorophyll, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, green fluorescent protein, or others. In an embodiment, the at least one detection material includes but is not limited to, at least one of a diamagnetic particle, ferromagnetic particle, paramagnetic particle, super paramagnetic particle, particle with altered isotope, or other magnetic particle.

Some non-limiting examples of particular diamagnetic substances include wood, water, organic compounds (such as petroleum), metals (including copper, mercury, gold, bismuth), or benzoic acid.

Methods, Devices, Systems for Administering a Frozen Particle Composition or Frozen Piercing Implement

As described herein, a device or machine (including a computer) may be utilized in various aspects relating to compositions, methods, or systems relating to one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements (or the devices thereof). Non-limiting examples of such aspects may include predicting or calculating various properties or characteristics relating to the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, any substrate, any subject, any administration device, or any administration protocol. Any method disclosed herein is implicitly intended to also include “means for” carrying out the method. One or more methods disclosed include computer-implemented methods.

In an embodiment, a method or means for making one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements optionally includes at least one agent. In an embodiment, a method or means for administering or delivering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method or means for administering at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes administering at least one agent to a substrate. Non-limiting examples of means for making or administering at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement (e.g., devices, computer systems, etc.) are provided herein.

In an embodiment, the at least one agent may provide promoting wound healing; promoting healing of skin, cartilage, or bone; filling of skin wrinkles or flaws; filling of connective tissue; treating vesico-ureteral reflux; treating urinary incontinence; fixing prostheses or materials to at least one biological tissue; or producing at least one film, gel, or membrane for use in vitro or in vivo to assist in a biological function.

In an embodiment, a method or means for of providing at least one agent, such as a biological remodeling agent, to at least one substrate comprises administering one or more frozen particle compositions to at least one substrate, wherein the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include at least one biological remodeling agent as described herein. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements have one or more phases including at least one of amorphous solid water, low density amorphous ice, high density amorphous ice, very high density amorphous ice, clathrate ice, hyperquenched glassy water, ice Ic, ice II, ice III, ice IV, ice V, ice VI, ice VII, ice VIII, ice IX, ice X, ice XI, ice XII, ice XIII, ice XIV, or ice XV. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements including one or more frozen particles and at least one agent have one or more phases including at least one of amorphous solid water, low density amorphous ice, high density amorphous ice, very high density amorphous ice, clathrate ice, hyperquenched glassy water, ice Ic, ice II, ice III, ice IV, ice V, ice VI, ice VII, ice VIII, ice IX, ice X, ice XI, ice XII, ice XIII, ice XIV, or ice XV.

In an embodiment, a method or means for at least partially constructing or at least partially reconstructing at least one biological tissue or organ comprises administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements that include at least one agent (such as at least one of a biological remodeling agent, adhesive agent, therapeutic agent, reinforcement agent, abrasive, or explosive material) in such a manner that the at least one agent is deposited. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes at least one biological remodeling agent.

In an embodiment, the method or means includes abrading or ablating one or more surfaces of the at least one substrate prior to, during, or subsequent to the administering of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the method or means for administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements is provided in such a manner as to induce at least one cellular event. In an embodiment, the at least one cellular event includes one or more of: cell migration, cell attachment, cell retention, cell differentiation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, diffusion of materials, angiogenesis, nucleic acid expression, protein translation, protein modification, carbohydrate production, carbohydrate secretion, protein secretion, fat production or fat secretion. In an embodiment, the method further includes administering at least one component including an optical, photonic, or electronic article. In an embodiment, the at least one article is configured to communicate with at least one computer system. For example, in an embodiment, the at least one article communicates with at least one computer system by wireless transmitter or receiver (e.g., radio communication). In an embodiment, the at least one article is configured to monitor at least one characteristic of the at least one biological tissue (e.g., by way of a sensor).

As described herein, in an embodiment, computer-aided tissue engineering (CATE) is utilized in the design (including tissue scaffold design), image processing, predicting, modeling, simulation, manufacturing, administration or delivery of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, informatics (including computer-aided tissue classification and application for tissue identification and characterization at different tissue hierarchical levels), or other aspects of tissue reconstruction with one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements described. In an embodiment, computer-aided tissue engineering compares information regarding at least one of design, image processing, predicting, modeling, simulation, manufacturing, administration or delivery of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, or informatics for at least one biological tissue with at least one dataset or database. In an embodiment, a dataset or database is generated from information regarding at least one of design, image processing, predicting, modeling, simulation, manufacturing, administration or delivery of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement, informatics, or other aspect of tissue reconstruction with one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements described.

In an embodiment, ink jet printing is utilized for stereo-model fabrication, or for direct biological tissue construction, reconstruction, or remodeling through deposition or administration of one or more frozen particle compositions. (See, for example, Mironov, et al, Trends in Biotech. Vol. 21, No. 4; pp. 157-161 (2003), which is incorporated herein by reference.) In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include one or more agents that fuse upon administration or deposition. (See, for example, Jakab, et al, Tissue Eng. Part A, Vol. 14, No. 3 pp. 413-421 (2008), which is incorporated herein by reference.)

In an embodiment, at least one of rapid prototyping (including but not limited to stereolithography), fused deposition modeling, three-dimensional printing, selective deposition modeling, solid free-form fabrication (SFF), selective laser sintering, laminated object manufacturing, gas foaming, solvent casting and particulate leaching, emulsification, freeze-drying, phase separation, shape deposition manufacturing, or other method is utilized with administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements for tissue reconstruction. (See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20040075196; Barry, et al., Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A vol. 364, pp. 249-261 (2006); and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20080145639, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.) In an embodiment, a model is used for designing or developing the architecture of the at least one biological tissue prior to administering or depositing the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements for at least partially constructing, at least partially reconstructing, or at least partially remodeling at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are administered or deposited directly onto at least one substrate for at least partially constructing, at least partially reconstructing, or at least partially remodeling at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least partial reconstruction, at least partial construction, or at least partial remodeling of at least one biological tissue includes depositing at least one agent of at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least partial reconstruction, at least partial construction, or at least partial remodeling of at least one biological tissue includes at least partially abrading or ablating at least one surface of at least one substrate (e.g., biological tissue) with at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement.

In an embodiment, sample cells are grown ex vivo, introduced with scaffold in the appropriate environment for cell or tissue growth utilizing one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, and the cells implanted or transplanted into at least one subject. (See, for example, Sun et al., Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. vol. 39, pp. 29-47 (2004), which is incorporated herein by reference.)

Computer-aided tissue modeling utilized in conjunction with certain embodiments for administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes imaging data acquisition. For example, a medical imaging modality must be capable of one or more of producing three-dimensional views of anatomy, differentiating heterogenous tissue types and displaying the vascular structure, as well as generating computational tissue models.

In an embodiment, computer-aided tissue modeling utilized in conjunction with certain embodiments for administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes generating at least one of a two-dimensional plot or a three-dimensional model. In an embodiment, a two-dimensional plot or three-dimensional view of anatomical modeling includes one or more of geometry, morphology, volumetric representation, mechanical, deformation, kinematic modeling, contour-based modeling, surface extraction, or solid modeling. In an embodiment, anatomical modeling occurs by way of computer-assisted tomography (CAT) or computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, electrical-impedance monitoring, x-ray, microscopy, multiphoton calcium-imaging, or other imaging technique or device. (See, for example, Girod et al, J. Cranio-Max. Surgery vol. 29, pp. 156-158 (2001), which is incorporated herein by reference.) In an embodiment, multiple three-dimensional images are assembled or integrated for modeling of the tissue or organ.

Computer-aided tissue information utilized in conjunction with administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes one or more of cell or tissue classification, hard tissue classification, soft tissue classification, tumor diagnosis, morphometric or cytometric information, tumor cell detection, tissue properties, cell aggregation, cell or tissue growth, cell to cell interaction, or cell to tissue interaction.

In an embodiment, at least one computer system is configured to provide one or more instructions to one or more devices for deposition or administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, at least one device is configured to deposit or administer one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements on any x, y, or z axis. Various devices that can be utilized to deposit or administer one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements are described herein.

In an embodiment, the at least one computer system provides one or more instructions for predicting, controlling, or varying the administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements or deposition of at least one agent included in the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements on any x, y, or z location. In an embodiment, the at least one computer system provides one or more instructions for temporal, spatial, or regional locations for deposition or administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. Other components of the at least one computer system or device are included in the figures as described.

Computer-aided tissue scaffold design and manufacturing utilized in conjunction with certain embodiments for administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes one or more of tissue scaffold modeling, biomimetic design, tissue scaffold fabrication, hybrid scaffold and cells, cell pattern, printing and deposition, or blueprint and organ hierarchical modeling. For example, in an embodiment, at least one parameter for at least partially constructing, at least partially reconstructing, or at least partially remodeling at least one tissue that are considered in design and administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, includes one or more of porosity, pore size, interconnectivity, transport properties, cell-tissue formation, mechanical strength, facilitation of attachment or distribution, growth of regenerative tissue and facilitate the transport of nutrients or other factors.

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are administered to at least one substrate by way of biopolymer deposition layering. For example, technology related to a micronozzle-based layered manufacturing, a microsyringe-based deposition, three dimensional plotting (e.g., Bioplotter, Envision Tech., Marl, Germany), or micromolding (e.g., by vacuum-molding) are capable of being utilized with the one or more frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement deposition. (See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060195179, which is incorporated herein by reference.)

In an embodiment, the reconstructed tissue manufactured by use of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes at least one material that mimics natural structures or functions, or enhances natural tissue growth. For example, in an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are included in “smart” tissue scaffolds including one or more of a sensor, syringe, therapeutic agent, electronic article, nano-scale device, micro-scale device, or feedback mechanism. For example, at least one biosensor, circuit, or other electronic article can be included for monitoring tissue growth, dissolution, deterioration, biochemical function, structural integrity or function, immunological reaction, or other activities or conditions; or for providing a feedback mechanism. In an embodiment, the at least one optical, photonic, or electronic article included in the at least one tissue or organ is capable of communicating with at least one computer system.

In addition, one or more agents are included in an embodiment of the tissue reconstructed with one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. Such agents include at least one of a therapeutic agent, abrasive, explosive material, adhesive agent, reinforcement agent, biological remodeling agent, one or more cells, or other agent. In an embodiment, the reconstructed or remodeled tissue includes at least one gene-activated matrix that allows for incorporation of one or more specific genes when one or more cells are administered to the matrix, or are allowed to migrate to the matrix. In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are utilized in three-dimensional cell or organ printing.

As described herein, in an embodiment the at least one biological remodeling agent includes one or more of: scaffolding materials, cells, nutrients, growth factors, or other components for at least partially constructing at least one tissue or organ de novo. See Sun, et al, Ibid.

In an embodiment, a scaffold is constructed, at least in part by seeding living cells into the scaffold. As described herein, various materials are capable of being utilized as a scaffold by delivering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, or deposition of at least one agent included in one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In particular, materials including but not limited to, pastes, resins, gels, bone cements, cellulose, silicone, polyurethanes, hydrogels, chitosan, or ceramic powders can be used.

Also as described herein, one or more materials utilized for the scaffold can be used for cell seeding, delivery systems for one or more therapeutic agents, other agents, or for integrating one or more angiogenic factors, growth factors, cytokines, or other agents.

In an embodiment, a composition includes an ex vivo biological tissue or organ that is at least partially constructed or at least partially reconstructed by administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include at least one of a therapeutic agent, adhesive agent, biological remodeling agent, explosive material, abrasive, or reinforcement agent.

In an embodiment, the ex vivo biological tissue or organ is at least partially constructed or at least partially reconstructed de novo by administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are administered to at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes one or more of a cell, tissue, organ, structure, or device. In an embodiment, the composition further includes at least one article including an optical, photonic, or electronic article. In an embodiment, the at least one article is configured to communicate with at least one computer system (e.g., by wireless transmitter or receiver). In an embodiment, the at least one article is configured to monitor at least one characteristic of the at least one biological tissue or organ (e.g., by way of a sensor). In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic of the at least one biological tissue or organ includes one or more of: tissue formation, tissue growth, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, apoptosis, dissolution, deterioration, nuclear division, biochemical function of at least one cell, biochemical function of at least one tissue, biochemical function of at least one organ, structural integrity, structural function, immunological reaction, or durability of the at least one biological tissue or organ. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic of the at least one biological tissue or organ includes one or more of: tissue formation associated with at least one substrate, tissue growth associated with at least one substrate, cell proliferation associated with at least one substrate, cell differentiation associated with at least one substrate, apoptosis associated with at least one substrate, dissolution associated with at least one substrate, deterioration associated with at least one substrate, biochemical function of at least one cell or tissue associated with at least one substrate, structural integrity of at least one substrate, structural function of at least one substrate, immunological reaction to at least one substrate, or durability of at least one substrate.

In an embodiment, a composition comprises a support means for aiding in at least partially constructing or at least partially reconstructing at least one biological tissue or organ; and one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements as described herein. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include at least one biological remodeling agent, adhesive agent, explosive material, abrasive, reinforcement agent, or therapeutic agent. In an embodiment, the support means includes at least one substrate configured for biological tissue formation or tissue growth. In an embodiment, the support means includes one or more of a cell scaffold, a tissue scaffold, extracellular matrix, methylcellulose, agarose, cellulose, a cell, a polymer, or other substrate. In an embodiment, the support means includes at least one substrate configured for promoting one or more of: cell migration, cell attachment, cell retention, cell differentiation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, diffusion of materials, angiogenesis, nucleic acid expression, protein translation, protein modification, protein secretion, carbohydrate production, carbohydrate secretion, fat production, or fat secretion.

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are deposited on a pre-existing substrate scaffolding, such as a flat or honeycomb film. See, for example, Nishikawa et al., Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. Vol. 724 pp, N11.7.1-N 11.7.6 (2002), which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, at least one agent included in one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are deposited such that the scaffolding is formed entirely from such deposition.

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements include one or more cells. In an embodiment, the one or more cells are deposited during administration of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are administered to at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the one or more cells serve particular functions. In an embodiment, the one or more cells serve at least one function including: seeding the scaffold, populating the tissue, reducing an immune reaction, facilitating tissue function, promoting cellular or tissue formation, promoting cellular or tissue proliferation, promoting cellular or tissue differentiation, promoting cellular or tissue apoptosis, modulating diffusion of materials, or increasing tissue growth.

In an embodiment, at least one scaffold, or other substrate is at least partially generated in at least one of in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, in utero, or in planta. In an embodiment, one or more cells are utilized for seeding at least one scaffold in at least one of in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, in utero, or in planta. In an embodiment, the scaffold or other substrate is at least partially generated in at least one of in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, in utero, or in planta, and subsequently is transplanted or implanted into at least one subject. In an embodiment, the subject includes the same subject in which the scaffold or other substrate was at least partially generated. In an embodiment, wherein the scaffold or other substrate is transplanted or implanted, the scaffold or other substrate is modified in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, in utero, or in planta prior to transplantation or implantation into at least one subject. In an embodiment, the at least one scaffold or at least one remodeled or reconstructed tissue is transplanted or implanted one or more times. In at least on embodiment, at least one substrate, including at least one tissue scaffold, is at least partially generated in vivo, and subsequently relocated within the same subject. (See, for example, Ripamonti et al., J. Anat. Vol. 209, pp. 447-468 (2006), which is incorporated herein by reference.)

In an embodiment, construction, reconstruction, or remodeling of at least one biological tissue or organ includes at least one of designing a blueprint or model. In an embodiment, the blueprint or model includes a software representation containing bio-information, graphical representation, physical or material information, or anatomic or geometric information. In an embodiment, the blueprint or model includes a process model, including a software representation that contains the printing operation control commands, process planning, or toolpath generated for the blueprint or model and machine hardware and control system. In an embodiment, the blueprint or model includes a process machine, including at least one of a hardware representation that is capable of printing; and a tissue or organ culture system that is capable of maintaining or growing the printed living biological tissues. In an embodiment, the three dimensional organ or tissue printing with one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes at least one of pre-processing or developing plots or blueprints for the tissue or organ; processing or actual organ printing; or post-processing or organ conditioning and accelerated organ maturation.

In an embodiment, the blueprint or model includes a description or representation of details of organ anatomy, morphology, tissue heterogeneity, or vascular systems at different tissue or organ organizational scales. In an embodiment, deposition of at least one tissue remodeling agent includes a process planning program control system. In an embodiment, a toolpath program is included. In certain instances, the blueprint or model provides at least one description of the anatomy, geometry, internal architecture of an organ or tissue of interest (including tissue heterogeneity), individual tissue geometry and boundary distinction within the tissue or organ of interest; at least one definition of vascular networks and three dimensional topology in an organ of interest; or at least one database of information based on organ or tissue geometry, heterogeneity, and vascular network used for toolpath or other program generation of three-dimensional cell or organ printing.

In an embodiment, the blueprint or model is constructed from three dimensional organ anatomy, tomography, or geometry information provided by medical imaging data (for example, as provided for by CT, PET, MRI, ultrasound, x-ray, multiphoton calcium-imaging, or other imaging). Such images can be modified, simulated, transformed, processed (e.g., electronically processed), or modeled by a computer system, including by computer program, such as NURBS, polygonal modeling, or splines and patches modeling. (See, for example, Sun et al, Ibid.) For example, Boolean, scaling, Gaussian smoothing, homomorphic filtering, parametric estimation techniques, Monte Carlo simulations, wavelet based methods, smoothing, mirroring, gradient weighted partial differential equation smoothing (PDE), or other operations can be used to modify a CAD or other design. (See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060233454, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,153, U.S. Pat. No. 7,212,958; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.) In an embodiment, a computer system utilized in at least partial tissue construction, reconstruction, or remodeling includes at least one software program interface to convert the CAD design or device into a heterogeneous material or assembly for formation of the tissue or organ by deposition of at least one agent included in one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, or administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. (See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060105011, which is incorporated herein by reference.) In an embodiment, processing results include utilizing one or more of algorithmic execution, logical decision-making, or result prediction.

In an embodiment, one or more adjacent areas of constructed or reconstructed tissues or organs include similar biological remodeling agents. In an embodiment, one or more adjacent areas of constructed or reconstructed tissues or organs include different biological remodeling agents. In an embodiment, one or more substrate scaffolds are utilized to at least partially construct, at least partially reconstruct, or at least partially remodel at least one tissue or at least one organ. In an embodiment, the one or more substrate scaffolds include low microporosity, for strong structural or mechanical load, while one or more adjacent areas include high microporosity as well as embedded angiogenic factors, cytokines, cells, or other agents for seeding the structural component(s).

In an embodiment, three-dimensional CAD based models of the desired tissue are capable of being modified by Boolean operations, or separated into components or elements that each are independently exportable to freeform-fabrication technologies. In an embodiment, heterogeneous blocks are assembled brick-like into a tissue or organ. In an embodiment, solid structural models are manufactured out of substrate materials including for example, quartz or Teflon®. The models are then infiltrated with vasculature, living tissue, cells, or other agents. (See, for example, Sun et al, Ibid.)

In an embodiment, a method or means for performing the same includes accepting a first input associated with at least one characteristic of at least one biological tissue to be at least partially constructed or at least partially reconstructed; accepting a second input associated with at least one parameter of at least partially constructing or at least partially reconstructing the at least one biological tissue by administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements including at least one agent; and processing results of the first input and the second input. In an embodiment, the method or means for performing the method is implemented by a computer, including a computer system.

In an embodiment, the processing results of the first input and the second input includes electronically processing results of the first input and the second input. In an embodiment, the processing results of the first input and the second input includes electronically processing results of the first input and the second input by utilizing one or more of Gaussian smoothing, scaling, homomorphic filtering, parametric estimation techniques, Boolean operations, Monte Carlo simulations, wavelet based techniques, mirroring, smoothing, gradient weighted partial differential equation smoothing, NURBS, polygonal modeling, algorithmic execution, logical decision-making, result prediction, splines and patches modeling, or modification of a CAD design.

In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes one or more of a therapeutic agent, adhesive agent, abrasive, reinforcement agent, explosive material, or biological remodeling agent. In an embodiment, the administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes administering the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements to at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes one or more of a cell, tissue, organ, structure, or device.

In an embodiment, the first input includes one or more values related to the at least one characteristic of at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the first input includes one or more spatial addresses associated with the at least one characteristic of at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the first input includes one or more of x, y, or z coordinates associated with the at least one characteristic of at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic of at least one biological tissue to be constructed or reconstructed includes one or more of: morphological feature, anatomical feature, histological feature, tissue hierarchical level, scaffold feature, vascular structure feature, heterogenous tissue feature, mechanical feature, volumetric feature, geometric feature, volumetric representation, mechanical feature, deformation, kinematic feature, surface contour feature, cytometric feature, cell aggregation, cell growth, cell-cell interaction, cell-tissue interaction, biomimetic design, cell pattern, cell deposition, organ hierarchical level, tissue microstructure, cellular microstructure, cell junction feature, tissue junction feature, cell-tissue classification, hard tissue classification, soft tissue classification, tumor diagnosis, or other feature.

In an embodiment, the first input includes one or more temporal addresses associated with the at least one characteristic of at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the first input includes one or more values derived from at least one image of the at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one image includes one or more images acquired by one or more of laser, holography, x-ray crystallography, optical coherence tomography, computer-assisted tomography scan, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography scan, ultrasound, x-ray, electrical-impedance monitoring, microscopy, spectrometry, flow cytommetry, radioisotope imaging, thermal imaging, multiphoton calcium-imaging, photography, or in silico generation.

In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic of at least one biological tissue includes one or more of cellular type, cellular function, cellular size, cellular constitution, cellular architecture, cellular durability, cellular source, tissue type, tissue constitution, tissue size, tissue shape, tissue function, tissue architecture, tissue source, tissue durability, organ type, organ constitution, organ size, organ shape, organ function, organ architecture, organ source, or organ durability. In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue is located in at least one of in situ, in vitro, in vivo, in utero, in planta, in silico, or ex vivo. In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue is at least partially located in at least one subject.

In an embodiment, the method or means for performing the method further comprises accepting a third input associated with at least one feature of the at least one subject. In an embodiment, the at least one feature of the at least one subject includes one or more of age, gender, genotype, phenotype, proteomic profile, or health condition.

In an embodiment, the first input includes one or more values derived from at least one image of the at least one biological tissue at least partially located in at least one subject. In an embodiment, the processing results of the first input and the second input includes determining at least one parameter of at least partially constructing or at least partially reconstructing the at least one biological tissue with one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements from one or more values derived from at least one image of the at least one biological tissue.

In an embodiment, the second input includes one or more values related to the at least one parameter of at least partially constructing or at least partially reconstructing the at least one biological tissue by administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements to the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one parameter of at least partially constructing or at least partially reconstructing the at least one biological tissue includes one or more of porosity of the at least one substrate, pore size of the at least one substrate, interconnectivity of the pores of the at least one substrate, transport properties of the at least one substrate, cell-tissue formation of the at least one substrate, mechanical strength of the at least one substrate, ability for attachment or distribution of the at least one agent included in the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements to the at least one substrate, ability for attachment or distribution of one or more cells or tissues to the at least one substrate, facilitation of at least one nutrient, or tissue formation or tissue growth associated with the at least one substrate.

In an embodiment, the one or more values related to the at least one parameter of constructing or reconstructing the at least one biological tissue includes one or more predictive values. In an embodiment, the at least one parameter of at least partially constructing or at least partially reconstructing the at least one biological tissue by administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes one or more of design of plot or model for administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, constitution of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, formulation of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, size of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, shape of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, angle of administration of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, velocity of administration of the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, quantity of frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements administered, rate of administration of more than one frozen particle composition, spatial location for administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, temporal location for administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, method or means for administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, timing of administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, modulation of administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, deposition of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, or rate of deposition of at least one agent.

In an embodiment, the at least one parameter of at least partially constructing or at least partially reconstructing the at least one biological tissue by administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes at least one parameter relating to at least partially ablating or at least partially abrading one or more surfaces of the at least one biological tissue with the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the at least one parameter of at least partially constructing or at least partially reconstructing the at least one biological tissue by administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes at least one parameter relating to administering at least one of a therapeutic agent, adhesive agent, biological remodeling agent, reinforcement agent, abrasive, or explosive material with the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the spatial location for administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes one or more of x, y, or z coordinates.

In an embodiment, the processing results includes comparing at least one value related to the first input associated with the at least one characteristic of at least one biological tissue to be at least partially constructed or at least partially reconstructed with at least one value related to at least one image of a target biological tissue. In an embodiment, the image of a target biological tissue includes an image of a similar biological tissue, or an image of a dissimilar biological tissue. In an embodiment, administering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements includes depositing the at least one agent on the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, processing results includes comparing at least one value related to the second input associated with the at least one parameter of at least partially constructing or at least partially reconstructing the at least one biological tissue with at least one value related to another administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements.

In an embodiment, processing results includes determining one or more differences in at least one value related to the first input and at least one value related to at least one image of the at least one biological tissue or a similar biological tissue. In an embodiment, processing results includes determining one or more differences in at least one value related to the second input associated with the at least one parameter of at least partially constructing or at least partially reconstructing the at least one biological tissue and at least one value related to another administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements to the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, processing results includes generating one or more protocols for administering the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. Other related embodiments are described in detail herein.

As described herein, at least one frozen particle composition or therapeutic composition described herein is useful in one or more methods or means for performing the method(s), including one or more of a method for abrasion of at least one biological tissue surface of a subject by delivering at least one composition to at least one surface of at least one biological tissue of a subject in a manner sufficient to abrade the at least one surface of the at least one biological tissue; a method of delivering at least one therapeutic agent to at least one biological tissue; a method of vaccinating a subject; a method of treating a tissue related to transplantation; a method for cleaning one or more wounds; a method for oxygenating wounds; a method for debridement of tissue or cells; a method for removing material from one or more blood vessel, and others. These and other methods include utilizing one or more composition or therapeutic composition described herein.

In an embodiment, a method of providing at least one agent to at least one biological tissue of a subject comprises administering at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device to at least one biological tissue, wherein the at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device includes one or more frozen particles defining at least one cavity and at least one agent; and the at least one cavity containing at least one agent.

In an embodiment, a method of vaccinating a subject comprises administering to at least one biological tissue of a subject at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device, wherein the at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device includes one or more frozen particles defining at least one cavity; the at least one cavity containing at least one vaccine. In an embodiment, a method of vaccinating at least one substrate, such as a biological tissue, includes administering to the substrate at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device, wherein the at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device includes one or more frozen particles defining at least one cavity; the at least one cavity containing at least one vaccine.

In an embodiment, a method of providing at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement to at least one biological tissue of a subject comprises administering at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement to at least one biological tissue, wherein the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement includes one or more frozen particles including at least one cavity configured for holding at least one agent.

In an embodiment, a method for abrasion of at least one biological tissue surface of a subject includes delivering at least one composition (frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, etc.) to at least one surface of at least one biological tissue of a subject in a manner sufficient to abrade the at least one surface of the at least one biological tissue. As discussed herein, particular methods are disclosed for abrading or ablating at least one surface of at least one biological tissue.

In one particular example, skin abrasion for superficial resurfacing (e.g., microdermabrasion) can be used to treat acne, scars, hyperpigmentation, and other skin blemishes, as described herein. Microscissuining creates microchannels in the skin by eroding the outer layers of skin with sharp microscopic metal granules (Carlisle Scientific, Carlisle, Mass.), and Med Pharm Ltd (Charlbury, UK) has developed a novel dermal abrasion device (D3S) for the delivery of difficult to formulate therapeutics ranging from hydrophilic low molecular weight compounds to other biopharmaceuticals, and can be utilized in conjunction with administration of at least one composition described herein. See e.g., Roberts, et al., Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. Physiol. vol. 24, pp. 874-9 (1997); Murthy, et al., J. Controlled Rel. vol. 93, pp. 49-57 (2003); each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Abrading at least one surface of at least one biological tissue may entail debridement of at least one biological tissue. In certain instances, debridement may include removal or destruction of dead, damaged, or infected cells or tissues. In certain instances, debridement can be included as part of an additional course of treatment (e.g., surgery). In an embodiment, debridement may include penetrating one or more healthy cells or tissues in order to facilitate healing. In an embodiment, debridement may include penetrating one or more healthy cells or tissues near in proximity to one or more unhealthy cells or tissues of a subject.

In an embodiment, one or more of the debridement methods described herein include penetrating one or more cells or biological tissues of a subject with at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement (or therapeutic composition), wherein the one or more cells or tissues are chemically or physically partitioned or segregated from at least one other part of the tissue or another tissue. In an embodiment, a method for debridement of at least one biological tissue of a subject includes delivering at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, or therapeutic composition to at least one biological tissue of a subject wherein the at least one biological tissue is partitioned from another biological tissue or part of another biological tissue, and at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, or therapeutic composition penetrates the at last one biological tissue with or without removing any tissue.

As described herein, in certain instances, a therapeutic agent is included with the at least one frozen particle composition to form a therapeutic composition, as described herein. In certain instances, one or more reinforcement agents or one or more explosive materials can be included in the at least one frozen particle composition or therapeutic composition.

In an embodiment, a method for removing one or more materials from at least one biological tissue includes delivering or administering at least one frozen particle composition, frozen piercing implement, frozen piercing implement device, or therapeutic composition to the at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue includes one or more tissues described herein. In an embodiment, the one or more materials may include one or more materials described herein.

In an embodiment, a method for removing one or more materials from at least one blood vessel of at least one subject includes delivering at least one composition to at least one blood vessel of a subject in a manner sufficient to remove one or more materials.

In certain instances, a method for abrasion of at least one biological tissue or organ surface related to transplantation is included. In an embodiment, the at least one biological tissue or organ includes one or more of the biological tissues or organs described herein.

In an embodiment, delivering at least one composition to at least one surface of at least one biological tissue of a subject includes contacting the at least one surface of at least one biological tissue of a subject with the composition. In an embodiment, delivering at least one composition to at least one surface of at least one biological tissue of a subject includes contacting the at least one surface of at least one biological tissue of a subject with the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, delivering at least one composition to at least one surface of at least one biological tissue of a subject includes rupturing one or more cells of at least one surface of at least one biological tissue of a subject with the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements.

In an embodiment, a method described herein includes extracting or collecting material from the at least one abraded surface of at least one biological tissue. Such extraction or collection may include the use of at least one vacuum, aspirator, container, instrument, tool, device, chemical, laser, stylet, cannula, light source, scope (e.g., laprascope), needle, scalpel, shunt, stent, bag, film, filter, suction apparatus, tube, compressed gas, fluid (e.g., fluid stream or mist), magnifying apparatus, imaging device, vapor deposition, film deposition, computing device, or system.

In an embodiment, at least one of the needle, scalpel, or other tools or instruments utilized in extracting or collecting material from the at least one cell, tissue, or subject, includes one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements (e.g., frozen hydrogen oxide, or other agents as described herein). Thus, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are fashioned or molded for use as microneedles or other instruments (e.g., scalpels, blades, tools, etc.). In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are administered prior to, during, or subsequent to surgery. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are administered during surgery, and just prior to closing the surgical setting.

In an embodiment, the extracted or collected material includes at least one organic or inorganic material. In an embodiment, the material includes one or more cells from the at least one abraded surface of at least one biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one material includes at least part of a: cell, granuloma, eschar, callus, atheromatous plaque, abscess, pustule, infected tissue, scaling, microorganism, blood clot, embolus, blood vessel obstruction, duct obstruction, bowel obstruction, necrotic tissue, stratum corneum, hair follicle, nevus, wrinkle, keloid, biofilm, calculus, plaque, tartar, dandruff, keratin, collagen, dust, dirt, metal, glass, hair or fur, cellular secretion, microorganism, blood cell, blood gas, blood component, organelle, cell membrane, cell nucleus, particulate matter, or connective tissue.

In an embodiment, the at least one material includes at least one of: enzyme, acid, amino acid, peptide, polypeptide, protein, oligonucleotide, nucleic acid, ribonucleic acid, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide, glycopeptide, glycolipid, lipoprotein, sphingolipid, glycosphingolipid, glycoprotein, peptidoglycan, lipid, carbohydrate, metalloprotein, proteoglycan, chromosome, adhesion molecule, cytokine, chemokine, immunoglobulin, antibody, antigen, platelet, extracellular matrix, blood plasma, cell wall, hormone, organic compound, inorganic compound, salt, or cell ligand.

In an embodiment, the at least one material includes at least one of: glucose, lactate, urea, uric acid, glycogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ketone, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, alcohol, alkaloid, opioid, cannabinol, endorphin, epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, nicotine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, anabolic steroid, hydrocodone, hemoglobin, heparin, clotting factor, tumor antigen, pH, albumin, ATP, NADH, FADH 2 , pyruvate, sulfur, mercury, lead, creatinine, cholesterol, alpha-fetoprotein, chorionic gonadotropin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroxine, melatonin, calcitonin, antimullerian hormone, adiponectin, angiotensin, cholecystokinin, corticotrophin-releasing hormone, erythropoietin, bilirubin, creatine, follicle-stimulating hormone, gastrin, ghrelin, glucagon, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, inhibin, growth hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, insulin, human placental lactogen, oxytocin, orexin, luteinizing hormone, leptin, prolactin, somatostatin, thrombopoietin, cortisol, aldosterone, estradiol, estriol, estrone, leukotriene, brain natriuretic peptide, neuropeptide Y, histamine, vitamin, mineral, endothelin, renin, enkephalin, DHEA, DHT, alloisoleucine, toxic substance, illegal substance, therapeutic agent, or any metabolite thereof.

As indicated herein, in an embodiment, a method for providing at least one therapeutic agent to at least one biological tissue of a subject is included. In an embodiment, the at least one therapeutic agent is delivered to at least one biological tissue prior to, during, or subsequent to surgery. In certain instances, at least one therapeutic agent includes one or more therapeutic agents described herein. In an embodiment, a method of providing at least one therapeutic agent to at least one biological tissue of a subject includes delivering at least one composition to at least one biological tissue, including one or more frozen hydrogen oxide particles including at least one therapeutic agent; wherein the at least one composition has at least one crystalline or amorphous phase.

As disclosed herein for other embodiments, a method of vaccinating a subject includes administering at least one composition that includes at least one vaccine, as well as one or more abrasives, one or more reinforcement agents, or one or more explosive materials. In an embodiment, the vaccine described herein relates to a therapeutic or prophylactic vaccine, and in certain instances the vaccine relates to an anti-cancer vaccine. In an embodiment, the one or more abrasives are the same as the one or more reinforcement agents, or the one or more explosive materials. In an embodiment, the one or more abrasives are different than the one or more reinforcement agents. In an embodiment, the one or more abrasives are different than the one or more explosive materials.

In certain instances, for example with at least one vaccine composition or method relate to vaccinating wildlife animals (e.g. vaccinating raccoons for rabies, or bison for brucellosis). In certain instances, the vaccine compositions, and methods described herein relate to vaccinating domesticated animals (such as cattle, horses, sheep, or goats). In certain instances, vaccine compositions and methods described herein relate to vaccinating a group of subjects, such as a population, a herd, a pride, a gaggle, a pack, flock, band, cluster, school, brood, troop, colony, or other group. In certain instances, vaccinating a group of subjects is included as a route to regulate or control infection within a group of subjects.

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are delivered or administered to the at least one substrate, such as at least one biological tissue, in a directed manner such that the tissue is etched, tattooed, shaped, carved, or otherwise modified. In an embodiment, the directed manner is predetermined based on information, such as from the at least one biological tissue, the subject, the at least one frozen particle composition, the context of the debridement, the health of the biological tissue, the health of the subject, or other information.

Frozen Piercing Implements

In an embodiment, a frozen piercing implement includes one or more means for piercing at least one substrate, means for delivering at least one agent to at least one substrate, or means for sensing or extracting at least one material from at least one substrate.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement comprises a sterile frozen hydrogen oxide implement configured for piercing at least part of at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the sterile frozen hydrogen oxide is substantially in one or more phases including at least one of amorphous solid water, low density amorphous ice, high density amorphous ice, very high density amorphous ice, clathrate ice, hyperquenched glassy water, ice Ic, ice Ih, ice II, ice III, ice IV, ice V, ice VI, ice VII, ice VIII, ice IX, ice X, ice XI, ice XII, ice XIII, ice XIV, or ice XV.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one sterile frozen solution, the solution including at least one agent; wherein the frozen piercing implement is configured for piercing at least part of at least one substrate.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one non-hydrogen oxide frozen solvent; wherein the frozen piercing implement is configured for piercing at least one substrate; and wherein the frozen piercing implement is substantially solid at approximately 65° C., approximately 60° C., approximately 55° C., approximately 50° C., approximately 45° C., approximately 40° C., approximately 37° C., approximately 35° C., approximately 30° C., approximately 25° C., approximately 20° C., approximately 15° C., approximately 10° C., approximately 5° C., approximately 0° C., approximately −5° C., approximately −10° C., approximately −15° C., approximately −20° C., approximately −25° C., approximately −30° C., approximately −40° C., approximately −50° C., approximately −60° C., approximately −70° C., approximately −80° C., approximately −90° C., approximately −100° C., approximately −120° C., approximately −150° C., approximately −170° C., approximately −200° C., approximately −250° C., or any temperature therebetween. In an embodiment, the at least one non-hydrogen-oxide frozen solvent includes at least one of acetone, ethyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile, acetic acid, n-butanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, hexamethylphosphorotriamide, perfluorohydrocarbon, methanol, ethanol, tert-butyl alcohol, formic acid, hydrogen fluoride, ammonia, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, acetonitrile, hexane, dichloromethane, methylene chloride, carboxylic acid, saline, standard saline citrate, methane, toluene, chloroform, or diethyl ether. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement further comprises at least one of polyethylene glycol, Ringer's solution, lactated Ringer's solution, Hartmann's solution, acetated Ringer's solution, phosphate buffered solution, TRIS-buffered saline solution, Hank's balanced salt solution, Earle's balanced salt solution, HEPES-buffered saline, dextrose, or glucose.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement, comprises: at least one sterile frozen component and at least one agent; wherein the at least one component is substantially in a gaseous state at or above approximately 0.25 bar, approximately 0.5 bar, approximately 1.0 bar, approximately 5.0 bar, approximately 10.0 bar, approximately 25 bar, approximately 50 bar, approximately 100 bar, approximately 200 bar, or approximately 500 bar pressure; and at or above approximately 10° C., approximately 15° C., approximately 20° C., approximately 25° C., approximately 30° C., approximately 37° C., approximately 40° C., approximately 45° C., or approximately 50° C.; and wherein the at least one frozen piercing implement is configured for piercing at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one component includes one or more of nitrogen, helium, neon, xenon, oxygen, air, krypton, chlorine, bromine, or argon.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement has at least one major dimension of approximately one centimeter or less, approximately one millimeter or less, approximately one micrometer or less, approximately one nanometer, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is substantially in the form of one or more frozen particles. In an embodiment, the at least one major dimension includes at least one of a radius, diameter, length, width, height, or perimeter.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is configured for delivering at least one agent to the at least one substrate. As described herein, the at least one agent includes at least one of a therapeutic agent, explosive material, reinforcement agent, adhesive agent, biological remodeling agent, or abrasive. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes at least one of a nontoxic, biocompatible, bioresorbable, or biodegradable agent. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes at least one sterile or sterilizing agent. In an embodiment, the at least one sterilizing agent includes at least one antimicrobial compound. In an embodiment, the at least one sterilizing agent includes at least one antiseptic. In an embodiment, the at least one agent is included as an outer coating of the frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one agent is encapsulated within the frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one agent is included as part of a carrier that assists in synthesis or activation of the at least one agent (e.g., a virus encoding a peptide, where the virus becomes active upon infection of a cell of the substrate). In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes one or more components that are inactive. In an embodiment, the one or more components are configured to be activated by administration. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes one or more of a prodrug or precursor compound.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is substantially solid at approximately 0° C., approximately −10° C., approximately −20° C., approximately −30° C., approximately −40° C., approximately −50° C., approximately −60° C., approximately −70° C., approximately −75° C., approximately −80° C., approximately −85° C., approximately −90° C., approximately −95° C., approximately −100° C., approximately −120° C., approximately −150° C., approximately −180° C., approximately −200° C., approximately −220° C., approximately −250° C., or any temperature less than or therebetween.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one cavity. In an embodiment, at least one agent is located in the at least one cavity. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least two different agents configured to combine upon administration of the frozen piercing implement (e.g., fibrin glue). In an embodiment, the at least two different agents are configured to react upon administration of the frozen piercing implement (e.g., fibrin glue). In an embodiment, the at least two different agents are configured to act cooperatively or synergistically upon administration of the frozen piercing implement (e.g., fibrin glue).

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement further comprises at least one detection material. As described herein, in an embodiment, the detection material includes at least one of a contrast agent, sensor, or electronic identification device. In an embodiment, the at least one electronic identification device includes at least one radio frequency identification device. In an embodiment, the detection material includes at least one of a radioactive, luminescent, colorimetric or odorous substance. In an embodiment, the at least one radioactive, luminescent, colorimetric or odorous substance includes at least one temperature-sensitive substance. In an embodiment, the detection material includes at least one of a diamagnetic particle, ferromagnetic particle, paramagnetic particle, super paramagnetic contrast agent, particle with altered isotope, or other magnetic particle.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one conduit configured to deliver at least one electrical charge, electromagnetic energy, or other substances. For example, in an embodiment the frozen piercing implement includes a metal conduit through the implement for conveyance of an electrical charge, or other electromagnetic energy. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes one or more cavities or channels. The cavity can be in the form of a pit, pore, core, coating, or other area of concentration.

In an embodiment, the at least one channel extends across at least one major dimension of the at least one frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one channel includes at least one of an organic or inorganic small molecule, clathrate or caged compound, protocell, coacervate, microsphere, Janus particle, proteinoid, laminate, helical rod, liposome, macroscopic tube, niosome, sphingosome, toroid, vesicular tube, vesicle, small unilamellar vesicle, large unilamellar vesicle, large multilamellar vesicle, multivesicular vesicle, lipid layer, lipid bilayer, micelle, organelle, cell, membrane, nucleic acid, peptide, polypeptide, protein, glycopeptide, glycolipid, lipoprotein, sphingolipid, glycosphingolipid, glycoprotein, peptidoglycan, lipid, carbohydrate, metalloprotein, proteoglycan, chromosome, nucleus, acid, support structure, buffer, protic solvent, aprotic solvent, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide synthase, amino acid, micelle, polymer, copolymer, monomer, prepolymer, cell receptor, adhesion molecule, cytokine, chemokine, immunoglobulin, antibody, antigen, platelet, extracellular matrix, blood, plasma, cell ligand, zwitterionic material, cationic material, oligonucleotide, nanotube, piloxymer, transfersome, gas, element, contaminant, radioactive particle, hormone, microorganism, bacteria, virus, quantum dot, contrast agent, or any part thereof. In an embodiment, a method comprises sensing or extracting at least one material from the at least one substrate. Thus, the at least one frozen piercing implement or frozen particle composition can include methods for chemical testing of a subject (e.g., pharmaceutical drugs, illicit drugs, toxins or poisons, biochemical disorders, or dietary deficiencies, etc.).

In an embodiment, the at least one channel is configured to deliver at least one agent or at least one detection material to the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one channel is configured to deliver at least one agent, or detection material by at least one of: van der Waals forces, gravitational force, electrostatic energy, hydration attraction, hydration repulsion, hydrophobic attraction, hydrophobic repulsion, diffusion, osmosis, mechanical pump, electroosmosis, electrophoresis, convection, sublimation, hydroloysis, magnetic attraction or repulsion, capillary action, pressure gradient, concentration gradient, electricity, ultrasound, receptor binding, heat, chemical, chemical reaction, tunablemicrolens or nanolens, gate or valve, or external applied force. In an embodiment, the external applied force includes one or more of physical propulsion, thermal displacement, laminar flow, turbulent flow, x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, proton beams, or acoustic droplet ejection. In an embodiment, the at least one channel of the frozen piercing implement contains at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one channel of the frozen piercing implement contains at least one of an ion exchange material, ion selective material, permeable material, solid material, or semi-permeable material. In an embodiment, the wall thickness of the at least one channel is approximately 1 nm, approximately 10 nm, approximately 50 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 5 μm, approximately 10 μm, approximately 15 μm, approximately 20 μm, approximately 50 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 120 μm, approximately 150 μm, approximately 200 μm, approximately 250 μm, approximately 300 μm, approximately 350 μm, approximately 400 μm, approximately 450 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 600 μm, approximately 700 μm, approximately 800 μm, approximately 900 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 2 mm, approximately 3 mm, approximately 4 mm, approximately 5 mm, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, at least one surface of the at least one channel is substantially hydrophobic. In an embodiment, at least one surface of the at least one channel is substantially hydrophilic.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement includes one or more layers. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement includes at least one layer of a different constitution than at least one other layer. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement approximates the shape of at least one of a sphere, bullet, flechette, cone, frustrum, needle, arrow, spear, diamond, pyramid, cylinder, minie ball, shuttlecock, spiral, bell, pear, crystal, cube, spheroid, tetrahedron, crescent, possesses a high aspect ratio shape, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement possesses a high aspect ratio shape from largest to smallest dimension of greater than or approximately equal to 1.1, greater than or approximately equal to 1.5, greater than or approximately equal to 2.0, greater than or approximately equal to 3.0, greater than or approximately equal to 5.0, greater than or approximately equal to 10.0, greater than or approximately equal to 20.0, greater than or approximately equal to 50.0, greater than or approximately equal to 100.0, greater than or approximately equal to 1000.0, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the at least one implement is configured to melt or evaporate prior to, during, or subsequent to contacting the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one implement is configured to melt within the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one implement is configured to be substantially removed from the at least one substrate (e.g., metal, polymer, or other constituent). In an embodiment, the at least one implement is configured to penetrate at least an outer surface layer of the at least one substrate.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least a portion of a piercing instrument. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least approximately 5%, approximately 10%, approximately 20%, approximately 30%, approximately 40%, approximately 50%, approximately 60%, approximately 70%, approximately 80%, approximately 90%, approximately 100%, or any value less than or therebetween portion of a piercing instrument. In an embodiment, the piercing instrument includes at least one of metal, wood, plastic, fiberglass, or other material. In an embodiment, the piercing instrument includes at least one solid internal portion. In an embodiment, the at least one solid internal portion is sterile. In an embodiment, the implement includes at least one solid internal portion and at least one sterile frozen hydrogen oxide external coating. In an embodiment, the frozen external coating is configured to melt or evaporate prior to, during, or subsequent to piercing the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one solid internal portion is configured to be removed from the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one implement is configured to break off within the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one implement is configured to break off due to an applied load. In an embodiment, the at least one implement is configured to break off due to thermal input. In an embodiment, the thermal input includes at least one thermal input from at least one internal or external source. In an embodiment, the at least one external source includes the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one implement is configured to break off due to at least one weak portion of the implement.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement further includes at least one non-frozen implement holding device. In an embodiment, the at least one non-frozen implement holding device includes at least one handle, robotic arm, or surgical device. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is approximately solid. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is approximately semi-permeable. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes one or more pits or ports. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one substantially tapered end. In an embodiment, the at least one substantially tapered end includes an angle of approximately 30°, approximately 40°, approximately 50°, approximately 60°, approximately 70°, approximately 80°, approximately 90°, or any value therebetween or greater. In an embodiment, the angle includes a wall angle.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one substantially beveled end. In an embodiment, the at least one substantially beveled end includes an angle of approximately 30°, approximately 40°, approximately 50°, approximately 60°, approximately 70°, approximately 80°, approximately 90°, or any value therebetween or greater. In an embodiment, the angle includes a wall angle. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one substantially jagged or substantially serrated end. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement substantially approximates at least one projection. In an embodiment, the at least one projection substantially terminates in at least one tip. In an embodiment, the at least one tip is substantially hollow. In an embodiment, a substantially jagged or serrated end includes multiple protrusions or peaks. In an embodiment, the serrated or substantially jagged end allows for increased substrate penetration, increased substrate ablation or abrasion, increased end surface area, or increased carrying capacity for at least one agent. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,041, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the radius of the at least one tip is approximately 1 nm, approximately 10 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 5 μm, approximately 10 μm, approximately 15 μm, approximately 20 μm, approximately 50 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 120 μm, approximately 150 μm, approximately 200 μm, approximately 250 μm, approximately 300 μm, approximately 350 μm, approximately 400 μm, approximately 450 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 600 μm, approximately 700 μm, approximately 800 μm, approximately 900 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 2 mm, approximately 3 mm, approximately 4 mm, approximately 5 mm, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the radius of curvature of the tip is approximately 1 nm, approximately 10 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 5 μm, approximately 10 μm, approximately 50 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 5 mm, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one port. In an embodiment, the at least one port includes at least one side port. In an embodiment, the at least one port includes at least one end port. In an embodiment, the at least one port includes at least one inlet port. In an embodiment, the at least one inlet port is in fluid communication with at least one channel. In an embodiment, the at least one port includes at least one outlet port. In an embodiment, the at least one outlet port is in fluid communication with at least one channel. In an embodiment, the at least one port includes at least one inlet port in fluid communication with at least one outlet port.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is formulated to be administered to the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes one or more of a cell, tissue, organ, structure, device, or food product. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one food product.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is configured to pierce at least one substrate to a depth of approximately 1 μm, approximately 5 approximately 10 μm, approximately 15 μm, approximately 20 μm, approximately 50 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 120 μm, approximately 150 μm, approximately 200 μm, approximately 250 μm, approximately 300 μm, approximately 350 μm, approximately 400 μm, approximately 450 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 600 μm, approximately 700 μm, approximately 800 μm, approximately 900 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 2 mm, approximately 3 mm, approximately 4 mm, approximately 5 mm, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement is configured to abrade or ablate at least one substrate surface. In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements is positioned such that each frozen piercing implement of the array device contacts a single cell of at least one biological tissue.

In an embodiment, the piercing includes abrading or ablating at least a portion of the surface of the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the piercing includes abrading or ablating one or more cells or tissues.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement includes at least one sensor. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor includes at least one sensor configured for detecting at least one of a biochemical, electrical, optical, functional, physical, chemical, biological, or structural characteristic of the at least one material. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement is configured for extracting at least one material from the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one material includes one or more of a cell, organic or inorganic small molecule, vesicle, micelle, organelle, cell membrane, nucleic acid, peptide, polypeptide, protein, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide, glycopeptide, glycolipid, lipoprotein, sphingolipid, glycosphingolipid, glycoprotein, peptidoglycan, lipid, carbohydrate, metalloprotein, proteoglycan, chromosome, cell nucleus, amino acid, polymer, cell receptor, adhesion molecule, cytokine, chemokine, immunoglobulin, antibody, antigen, platelet, extracellular matrix, blood, plasma, cell ligand, zwitterionic material, cationic material, oligonucleotide, transfersome, gas, element, contaminant, radioactive particle, hormone, or any part thereof.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement is configured for extracting at least one material from the at least one substrate by at least one of: van der Waals forces, gravitational pull, electrostatic energy, hydration attraction, hydration repulsion, hydrophobic attraction, hydrophobic repulsion, magnetic attraction, magnetic repulsion, capillary action, or external applied force. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement further comprises at least one of an organic or inorganic small molecule, clathrate or caged compound, protocell, coacervate, microsphere, Janus particle, proteinoid, laminate, helical rod, liposome, macroscopic tube, niosome, sphingosome, toroid, vesicular tube, vesicle, small unilamellar vesicle, large unilamellar vesicle, large multilamellar vesicle, multivesicular vesicle, lipid layer, lipid bilayer, micelle, organelle, cell, membrane, nucleic acid, peptide, polypeptide, protein, glycopeptide, glycolipid, lipoprotein, sphingolipid, glycosphingolipid, glycoprotein, peptidoglycan, lipid, carbohydrate, metalloprotein, proteoglycan, chromosome, nucleus, acid, support structure, buffer, protic solvent, aprotic solvent, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide synthase, amino acid, micelle, polymer, copolymer, monomer, prepolymer, cell receptor, adhesion molecule, cytokine, chemokine, immunoglobulin, antibody, antigen, platelet, extracellular matrix, blood, plasma, cell ligand, zwitterionic material, cationic material, oligonucleotide, nanotube, piloxymer, transfersome, gas, element, contaminant, radioactive particle, hormone, microorganism, bacteria, virus, quantum dot, contrast agent, or any part thereof.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes one or more of nitrogen, oxygen, air, helium, neon, argon, xenon, chlorine, bromine, carbon dioxide, acetone, ethyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile, acetic acid, n-butanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, hexamethylphosphorotriamide, perfluorohydrocarbon, methanol, ethanol, tert-butyl alcohol, formic acid, hydrogen fluoride, ammonia, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, hexane, dichloromethane, methylene chloride, carboxylic acid, saline, standard saline citrate, methane, toluene, chloroform, polyethylene glycol, acetic acid, Ringer's solution, lactated Ringer's solution, Hartmann's solution, acetated Ringer's solution, phosphate buffered solution, TRIS-buffered saline solution, Hank's balanced salt solution, Earle's balanced salt solution, standard saline citrate, HEPES-buffered saline, dextrose, glucose, or diethyl ether.

In an embodiment, a plurality of frozen piercing implements is disclosed. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is included in at least one frozen piercing implement device. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement device includes at least one of a frozen piercing implement array device, frozen piercing implement fluidic device, or frozen piercing implement injection device. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement device includes at least one of a patch, bandage, shunt, wound dressing, splint, computer mouse, telephone, mobile phone, writing instrument, article of clothing, blanket, pen-type device, other article of manufacture, or medical instrument. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement device includes at least one cooling element. In an embodiment, the at least one cooling element includes one or more of a refrigeration mechanism, heat exchanger, thermoelectric, cold plate, low temperature thermal ballast, or phase change material.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes one or more of a suspension, mixture, solution, sol, clathrate, colloid, emulsion, microemulsion, aerosol, ointment, capsule, powder, tablet, suppository, cream, device, paste, resin, liniment, lotion, ampule, elixir, spray, syrup, tincture, detection material, polymer, biopolymer, buffer, adjuvant, diluent, lubricant, disintegration agent, suspending agent, solvent, light-emitting agent, colorimetric agent, glidant, anti-adherent, anti-static agent, surfactant, plasticizer, emulsifying agent, flavor, gum, sweetener, coating, binder, filler, compression aid, encapsulation aid, preservative, granulation agent, spheronization agent, stabilizer, adhesive, pigment, sorbent, nanoparticle, or gel. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement further comprises at least one pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier or excipient.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is substantially in the form of at least one blade. In an embodiment, the at least one blade is at least part of one or more of a knife, razor, scissors, hatchet, saw, rotary device, or scalpel. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement is configured as a tweezers, fork, scriber, graver, spade, screw, needle or pin. In an embodiment, the needle or pin include at least one macroneedle, macropin, microneedle, micropin, nanoneedle, or nanopin. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is formulated to be administered by one or more of topical administration, oral administration, enteral administration, mucosal administration, percutaneous administration, or parenteral administration. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is formulated to be administered by high velocity impact. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is formulated to be administered by one or more devices.

In certain instances, the frozen piecing implement is utilized in compositions or methods for delivery of at least one agent, including but not limited to a therapeutic agent, adhesive agent, reinforcement agent, biological remodeling agent, explosive material, or abrasive.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implementation is utilized in compositions or methods for transdermal therapeutic agent delivery, including but not limited to vaccine delivery.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implements or tools are utilized in compositions or methods for electrotherapy, nucleic acid sampling, protein sampling, cell sampling, tissue sampling, nucleic acid analysis, protein analysis, cell analysis, tissue analysis, iontophoresis, or other technique. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement includes at least one of a channel, pump, sensor, injector, actuator, heater, detector, controller, transducer, receiver, transmitter, circuit, lens, tunable lens, valve, gate, nanoparticle, microparticle, power source, or detection material. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one waveguide that provides a path to guide energy waves.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes a length of approximately 1 μm, approximately 5 μm, approximately 10 μm, approximately 15 μm, approximately 20 μm, approximately 50 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 120 μm, approximately 150 μm, approximately 200 μm, approximately 250 μm, approximately 300 μm, approximately 350 μm, approximately 400 μm, approximately 450 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 600 μm, approximately 700 μm, approximately 800 μm, approximately 900 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 2 mm, approximately 3 mm, approximately 4 mm, approximately 5 mm, approximately 10 mm, approximately 20 mm, approximately 30 mm, approximately 40 mm, approximately 50 mm, approximately 60 mm, approximately 70 mm, approximately 80 mm, approximately 90 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 200 mm, approximately 300 mm, approximately 400 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 600 mm, approximately 700 mm, approximately 800 mm, approximately 900 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 10 cm, approximately 20 cm, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement has a substantially solid form. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement has a substantially semi-permeable form. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one channel, providing the frozen piercing implement with at least one inner diameter and at least one outer diameter.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes an outer diameter of approximately 1 nm, approximately 10 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 5 μm, approximately 10 μm, approximately 15 μm, approximately 20 μm, approximately 50 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 120 μm, approximately 150 μm, approximately 200 μm, approximately 250 μm, approximately 300 μm, approximately 350 μm, approximately 400 μm, approximately 450 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 600 μm, approximately 700 μm, approximately 800 μm, approximately 900 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 2 mm, approximately 3 mm, approximately 4 mm, approximately 5 mm, approximately 10 mm, approximately 20 mm, approximately 30 mm, approximately 40 mm, approximately 50 mm, approximately 60 mm, approximately 70 mm, approximately 80 mm, approximately 90 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 200 mm, approximately 300 mm, approximately 400 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 600 mm, approximately 700 mm, approximately 800 mm, approximately 900 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 10 cm, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement has an inner diameter, and includes an inner diameter of approximately 1 nm, approximately 10 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 5 μm, approximately 10 μm, approximately 15 μm, approximately 20 μm, approximately 50 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 120 μm, approximately 150 μm, approximately 200 μm, approximately 250 μm, approximately 300 μm, approximately 350 μm, approximately 400 μm, approximately 450 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 600 μm, approximately 700 μm, approximately 800 μm, approximately 900 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 2 mm, approximately 3 mm, approximately 4 mm, approximately 5 mm, approximately 10 mm, approximately 20 mm, approximately 30 mm, approximately 40 mm, approximately 50 mm, approximately 60 mm, approximately 70 mm, approximately 80 mm, approximately 90 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 200 mm, approximately 300 mm, approximately 400 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 600 mm, approximately 700 mm, approximately 800 mm, approximately 900 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 10 cm, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, a single frozen piercing implement pierces a single cell. In an embodiment, a single frozen piercing implement pierces multiple cells. In an embodiment, a single frozen piercing implement pierces at least one biological tissue. Most cells in an animal, such as a human, are approximately 10-30 μm in diameter, while most plant and fungal cells are approximately 10-100 μm in diameter. Thus, in an embodiment, at least one of the inner or outer diameter is configured in size according to the targeted cell(s).

In an embodiment, the pressure exerted on a substrate is adjusted for use of one or more frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the pressure exerted on a substrate is increased or decreased in order to adjust the rate of melting, sublimation, evaporation, transformation, activation, etc. of the one or more frozen piercing implements or a component thereof.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is configured to pierce or penetrate at least one substrate. In at least an embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one substrate includes skin or surface of a tissue, organ, or subject's body. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is configured to pierce or penetrate at least a portion of the stratum corneum, epidermis, or dermis layer of the skin. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is administered prior to, during, or subsequent to surgery.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement is configured to substantially form at least one blade. In an embodiment, the at least one blade is at least part of one or more of a knife, razor, scissors, hatchet, saw, rotary device, or scalpel. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement is configured as a tweezers, fork, scriber, graver, spade, needle or pin. In an embodiment, the needle or pin include at least one macroneedle, macropin, microneedle, micropin, nanoneedle, or nanopin.

The epidermis layer of the skin is approximately 100-150 μm thick, and includes an outermost layer, the stratum corneum, which is approximately 10-15 μm in thickness. In certain areas, the blood vessels are generally present more superficially than nerves, which allows for delivery of at least one agent, or extraction of at least one material from the skin and underlying tissue, largely without activating the nerves and signaling pain. See, e.g., Kumar and Philip, Trop. J. Pharm Res. 6(1):633-644 (2007), which is incorporated herein by reference. In certain instances, it is desirable to penetrate the epidermis and/or dermis layer of the skin in order to deliver at least one agent (including but not limited to a therapeutic agent) to a subcutaneous, intravenous, or other location beneath the skin. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is configured to deliver at least one agent beneath the surface of the skin or outer covering of the tissue, organ, or subject's body. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is configured to pierce or penetrate the skin largely without activating nerves beneath the skin.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one functionalized surface. In an embodiment, the functionalized surface includes one or more functional groups including but not limited to at least one of a binding group (e.g., coupling agents, and the like), a linking group (e.g., spacer groups, organic spacer groups, and the like), or a matrix-forming group. Some examples of binding groups include but are not limited to at least one acrylate, alkoxysilane, alkyl thiol, arene, azido, carboxylate, chlorosilane, alkoxysilane, acetocysilane, silazane, disilazane, disulfide, epoxide, ester, hydrosilyl, isocyanate, phosphoamidite, isonitrile, methacrylate, nitrene, nitrile, quinone, silane, sulfhydryl, thiol, vinyl group, and the like. Some examples of linking groups include but are not limited to at least on dendrimer, polymer, hydrophilic polymer, hyperbranched polymer, poly(amino acid), polyacrylamide, polyacrylate, polyethylene glycol, polyethylenimine, polymethacrylate, polyphosphazene, carbohydrate, monosaccharide, disaccharide, polysaccharide, polysiloxane, polystyrene, polyurethane, propylene, amino acid, nucleic acid, polypeptide, protein, copolymer, block copolymer, and the like. Some examples of matrix-forming groups include but are not limited to at least one dendrimer polyamine polymer, bovine serum albumin, casein, glycolipid, lipid, heparin, glycosaminoglycan, mucin, surfactant, polyoxyethylene-based surface-active substance (e.g., polyoxyethlene-polyoxypropylene copolymer, polyoxyethylene 12 tridecyl ether, polyoxyethylene 18 tridecyl ether, polyoxyethylene 6 tridecyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitan tetraoleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate, and the like) polyethylene glycol, saccharide, polysaccharide, serum dilution, and the like.

In an embodiment, the one or more functional groups include charged functional groups capable of maintaining a positive or negative charge over a wide range of pH. Some examples of charged functional groups include but are not limited to at least one cation, anion, amine, acid, halocarbon, sulfonic acid, quaternary amine, metal, —NH 3 + , —COOH, —COO—, —SO 3 , CH 2 N + (CH 3 ) 3 , and the like.

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen piercing implements are tested for constitution, physical structure, physical integrity, or other property. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen piercing implements are designed with assistance from at least one computer program or computing device.

In an embodiment, a method of administering at least one frozen piercing implement to at least one substrate comprises contacting at least one frozen piercing implement with at least one substrate, wherein the at least one frozen piercing implement includes sterile frozen hydrogen oxide and at least one agent; and

wherein the frozen piercing implement has at least one major dimension of approximately one centimeter or less, approximately one millimeter or less, approximately one micrometer or less, approximately one nanometer or less, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, wherein administering the at least one frozen piercing implement to at least one substrate includes propelling, ejecting, or accelerating the at least one frozen piercing implement toward the at least one substrate at a predetermined angle, a predetermined velocity, a predetermined rate of administration, a predetermined depth, a predetermined location, a predetermined time sequence, or a predetermined spatial pattern. In an embodiment, the method further comprises varying the rate, velocity, or angle at which the at least one frozen piercing implement is administered to the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the method includes administering the at least one frozen piercing implement to at least one substrate by propelling, ejecting, or accelerating a plurality of frozen piercing implements toward the at least one substrate.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is configured to pierce or penetrate at least one substrate. Certain examples of substrates are provided herein. In an embodiment, the temperature of the substrate is adjusted prior to, during, or subsequent to administration of one or more frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the temperature of the substrate is increased or decreased in order to adjust the rate, for example, of melting, sublimation, evaporation, transformation, activation, etc. of the one or more frozen piercing implements or a component thereof. In an embodiment, the method further comprises adjusting the temperature of the at least one substrate prior to, during, or subsequent to administering the one or more frozen piercing implements to at least approximately 37° C., approximately 36° C., approximately 35° C., approximately 34° C., approximately 33° C., approximately 32° C., approximately 31° C., approximately 30° C., approximately 29° C., approximately 28° C., approximately 27° C., approximately 26° C., approximately 25° C., approximately 24° C., approximately 23° C., approximately 22° C., approximately 21° C., approximately 20° C., approximately 19° C., approximately 18° C., approximately 17° C., approximately 16° C., approximately 15° C., approximately 14° C., approximately 13° C., approximately 12° C., approximately 11° C., approximately 10° C., approximately 9° C., approximately 8° C., approximately 7° C., approximately 6° C., approximately 5° C., approximately 4° C., approximately 3° C., approximately 2° C., approximately 1° C., approximately 0° C., or any temperature therebetween.

In an embodiment, contacting at least one substrate includes at least one of cutting, stitching, cauterizing, freezing, perforating, penetrating, ablating, or abrading at least a part of the surface of the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, administering the at least one substrate occurs in conjunction with cryosurgery, cryotherapy, or mesotherapy.

In an embodiment, contacting at least one substrate affects one or more of electrical resistance of the at least one substrate, or permeability of the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement is administered to at least one substrate as party of a method for vaccination. In an embodiment, a method of vaccinating a subject comprises administering at least one frozen piercing implement or frozen particle composition described herein.

Frozen Piercing Implement Devices

In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement or frozen particle composition (including a therapeutic composition) is utilized to fabricate at least one device. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement device includes at least one array device, fluidic device, or injection device. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement device includes at least one of a patch, bandage, shunt, wound dressing, splint, computer mouse, telephone, mobile phone, writing instrument, article of clothing, blanket, pen-type device, other article of manufacture, or medical instrument.

In an embodiment, a fluidic device, comprises: a support structure at least partially defining at least one compartment; and at least one frozen piercing implement in fluid communication with the at least one compartment; wherein the at least one frozen piercing implement has at least one major dimension of approximately one centimeter or less, approximately one millimeter or less, approximately one micrometer or less, approximately one nanometer or less, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, an array device, comprises: a support structure having a surface; and a plurality of sterile frozen piercing implements extending substantially outward from the support structure. In an embodiment, the plurality of sterile frozen piercing implements having at least one major dimension of approximately one centimeter or less, approximately one millimeter or less, approximately one micrometer or less, approximately one nanometer or less, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, an array device comprises: a support structure having a surface; a plurality of piercing implements extending substantially outward from the surface of the support structure; wherein at least one piercing implement of the plurality of piercing implements includes a frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement has at least one major dimension of approximately one centimeter or less, approximately one millimeter or less, approximately one micrometer or less, approximately one nanometer or less, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, a composition, comprises: a plurality of piercing implement array devices joined together, the piercing implement array devices including at least one frozen piercing implement.

In an embodiment, a composition, comprises: a support means for an array device; wherein the array device includes one or more frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the support means includes a base platform (that may or may not be frozen). In an embodiment, the support means includes slots or sleeves for insertion of one or more frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the support means is disposable. In an embodiment, the support means is reusable or recyclable. In an embodiment, the support means includes anchors or tethers for securing at least one frozen piercing implement to the support means. In an embodiment, the support means and at least one frozen piercing implement are both frozen, either separately or together.

In an embodiment, the plurality of sterile frozen piercing implements have at least one major dimension of approximately one centimeter or less, approximately one millimeter or less, approximately one micrometer or less, approximately one nanometer, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the plurality of sterile frozen piercing implements extends substantially perpendicular to the support structure. In certain instances, the frozen piercing implements extend through the support structure, or from the surface of the support structure. In an embodiment, the support structure itself includes at least one frozen composition. In an embodiment, the support structure includes at least one frozen composition also included in at least one frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the support structure is at least partially frozen. In an embodiment, the support structure and at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements include at least one common constituent.

In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements are positioned substantially parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements are positioned substantially in a predetermined spatial pattern. In an embodiment, the predetermined spatial pattern is at least partially periodic. In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements includes an area density of implements greater than or approximately equal to 1 μm, greater than or approximately equal to 10 μm, greater than or approximately equal to 50 μm, greater than or approximately equal to 100 μm, greater than or approximately equal to 500 μm, greater than or approximately equal to 1 mm, greater than or approximately equal to 10 mm, greater than or approximately equal to 50 mm, greater than or approximately equal to 100 mm, greater than or approximately equal to 500 mm, greater than or approximately equal to 1 cm, or any value there between. In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements include approximately the same length.

In an embodiment, the length of a frozen piercing implement is associated with the position or location of the frozen piercing implement in the array device. In an embodiment, the length of a frozen piercing implement is actuatable. In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement is configured to be deactivated. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement configured to be deactivated is deactivated by at least one component of the array device or the frozen piercing implement (e.g., thermal activation, electrical activation, magnetic activation, chemical activation, etc.). In an embodiment, the at least one frozen piercing implement configured to be deactivated is deactivated by thermal transfer to the at least one frozen piercing implement.

In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements is positioned as at least a portion of a fluidic or injection device. In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements is positioned in fluid communication with at least one compartment configured to be mechanically regulated (for example, by a valve). In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements includes one or more of hydrogen oxide, nitrogen, oxygen, air, helium, neon, argon, xenon, chlorine, bromine, carbon dioxide, acetone, ethyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile, acetic acid, n-butanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, hexamethylphosphorotriamide, perfluorohydrocarbon, methanol, ethanol, tert-butyl alcohol, formic acid, hydrogen fluoride, ammonia, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, hexane, dichloromethane, methylene chloride, carboxylic acid, saline, standard saline citrate, methane, toluene, chloroform, polyethylene glycol, acetic acid, Ringer's solution, lactated Ringer's solution, Hartmann's solution, acetated Ringer's solution, phosphate buffered solution, TRIS-buffered saline solution, Hank's balanced salt solution, Earle's balanced salt solution, standard saline citrate, HEPES-buffered saline, dextrose, glucose, or diethyl ether.

In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements is configured to deliver at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one major dimension includes at least one of the radius, diameter, length, width, height, or perimeter. In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality further comprises at least one agent. In an embodiment, each frozen piercing implement of the plurality includes at least one agent different than the agent of every other frozen piercing implement of the plurality. In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality includes at least two different agents. In an embodiment, the device includes at least two different agents. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes at least one antigen. In an embodiment, each frozen piercing implement of the plurality includes at least one antigen. In an embodiment, the at least one antigen includes at least one allergen. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is configured for delivering the at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes at least one of a nontoxic, biocompatible, bioresorbable, or biodegradable agent.

In an embodiment, at least two frozen piercing implements of the plurality of frozen piercing implements have at least one agent in common. In an embodiment, each frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements has at least one agent in common. In an embodiment, each frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implement is different from every other piercing implement by varying one or more of: size of implement, shape of implement, or constitution of implement. In an embodiment, at least two frozen piercing implements of the plurality of frozen piercing implement differ in one or more of size of implement, shape of implement, or constitution of implement.

As described herein, in an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of frozen piercing implements is substantially solid at approximately 0° C., approximately −10° C., approximately −20° C., approximately −30° C., approximately −40° C., approximately −50° C., approximately −60° C., approximately −70° C., approximately −75° C., approximately −80° C., approximately −85° C., approximately −90° C., approximately −95° C., approximately −100° C., approximately −120° C., approximately −150° C., approximately −180° C., approximately −200° C., approximately −220° C., approximately −250° C., or any value less than or therebetween. Ranges for consideration of substantially solid state are provided herein.

In an embodiment, the array device has at least one major dimension of approximately one centimeter or less, approximately one millimeter or less, approximately one micrometer or less, approximately one nanometer, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements includes a two dimensional array. In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements includes a three dimensional array. In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements are arranged in at least one configuration including a regular or irregular shape. In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements are arranged in at least one configuration including at least one of a rectangle, square, circle, triangle, or polygon.

In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements includes at least one functionalized surface. In an embodiment, the at least one functionalized surface includes one or more functionalities including one or more of charge functionality, hydrophobic functionality, hydrophilic functionality, chemically reactive functionality, organo functionality, or wetability. In an embodiment, the at least one functionalized surface includes one or more functional groups including at least one of an agent, alcohol, hydroxyl, amine, aldehyde, dye, ketone, carbonyl, thiol, alkoxysilane, phosphate, carboxyl, carboxylic acid, carboxylate, nucleic acid, amino acid, polypeptide, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, metal, —NH 3 + , —COOH, —COO—, —SO 3 , CH 2 N + (CH 3 ) 3 , —(CH 2 ) x CH 3 , —C((CH 2 ) x CF 3 ) 3 , —CH 2 N(C 2 H 5 ) 2 , —NH 2 , —(CH 2 ) x COOH, —(OCH 2 CH 2 ) x CH 3 , —SiOH, or —OH. In an embodiment, the at least one functionalized surface includes at least part of an outer surface. In an embodiment, the at least one functionalized surface includes at least part of an inner surface.

In an embodiment, the array device further comprises at least one channel. In an embodiment, the at least one channel includes at least one cross-coupling flow channel. In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements includes at least one inlet port. In an embodiment, the at least one inlet port is in fluid communication with at least one channel of at least one frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one inlet port is in fluid communication with at least one channel of the array device. In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements includes a plurality of inlet ports. In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements includes at least one outlet port. In an embodiment, the at least one outlet port is in fluid communication with at least one channel of at least one frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one outlet port is in fluid communication with at least one channel of the array device. In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements includes a plurality of outlet ports. In an embodiment, the array device further comprises at least one of a nanoparticle, microparticle, sensor, valve, gate, channel, transducer, actuator, detector, heater, circuit, or detection material.

In an embodiment, at least one implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements includes at least one sensor. In an embodiment, at least one implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements is configured for extracting at least one material from at least one substrate. Various non-limiting examples of materials capable of being sensed, extracted, or collected from a substrate are provided herein.

In an embodiment, at least one implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements further includes at least one of an organic or inorganic small molecule, clathrate or caged compound, protocell, coacervate, microsphere, Janus particle, proteinoid, laminate, helical rod, liposome, macroscopic tube, niosome, sphingosome, toroid, vesicular tube, vesicle, small unilamellar vesicle, large unilamellar vesicle, large multilamellar vesicle, multivesicular vesicle, lipid layer, lipid bilayer, micelle, organelle, cell, membrane, nucleic acid, peptide, polypeptide, protein, glycopeptide, glycolipid, lipoprotein, sphingolipid, glycosphingolipid, glycoprotein, peptidoglycan, lipid, carbohydrate, metalloprotein, proteoglycan, chromosome, nucleus, acid, support structure, buffer, protic solvent, aprotic solvent, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide synthase, amino acid, micelle, polymer, copolymer, monomer, prepolymer, cell receptor, adhesion molecule, cytokine, chemokine, immunoglobulin, antibody, antigen, platelet, extracellular matrix, blood, plasma, cell ligand, zwitterionic material, cationic material, oligonucleotide, nanotube, piloxymer, transfersome, gas, element, contaminant, radioactive particle, hormone, microorganism, bacteria, virus, quantum dot, contrast agent, or any part thereof.

In an embodiment, the plurality of frozen piercing implements includes at least approximately 2 implements, approximately 5 implements, approximately 10 implements, approximately 20 implements, approximately 50 implements, approximately 100 implements, approximately 200 implements, approximately 300 implements, approximately 400 implements, approximately 500 implements, approximately 600 implements, approximately 700 implements, approximately 800 implements, approximately 900 implements, approximately 1000 implements, approximately 5000 implements, approximately 10000 implements, or any value therebetween or greater. In an embodiment, the spacing between two or more frozen piercing implements includes at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 5 nm, approximately 10 nm, approximately 20 nm, approximately 50 nm, approximately 80 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 200 nm, approximately 300 nm, approximately 400 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 600 nm, approximately 700 nm, approximately 800 nm, approximately 900 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 5 μm, approximately 10 μm, approximately 15 μm, approximately 20 μm, approximately 50 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 120 μm, approximately 150 μm, approximately 200 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 5 mm, approximately 10 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 5 cm, approximately 10 cm, or any value therebetween or greater. In an embodiment, the array device further comprises at least one attachment component configured to secure the array device to at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one attachment component includes at least one adhesive material. In an embodiment, the device is configured to substantially form a patch.

In an embodiment, the array device further comprises at least one compartment. In an embodiment, at least one compartment includes at least one syringe or at least one valve. In an embodiment, at least one compartment is configured to hold at least one material extracted from at least one substrate. Several non-limiting examples of such materials are described herein. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment is at least partially enclosed. In an embodiment, the compartment is entirely enclosed. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment has walls that surround the extracted material. In an embodiment, at least one agent includes at least one of an adhesive agent, therapeutic agent, reinforcement agent, abrasive, biological remodeling agent, or explosive material.

In an embodiment, the array device further comprises at least one compartment in fluid communication with at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment is configured for holding at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment is configured for holding at least one cryogenic substance. In an embodiment, the array device further comprises a plurality of compartments in fluid communication with at least one frozen piercing implement of the plurality of frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the plurality of compartments includes at least one first compartment configured to hold at least one different substance from at least one second compartment. For example, as described herein, at least one compartment or cavity includes at least one matrix or other physical or chemical barrier that acts to separate the contents of the compartment or cavity from the remainder of the implement.

In an embodiment, the plurality of compartments includes at least one first compartment configured to hold at least one first agent, wherein the at least one first agent is different from at least one other agent located in at least one second compartment. In an embodiment, the plurality of compartments includes at least one first compartment configured to hold at least one first agent, and at least one second compartment configured to hold a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. In an embodiment, two or more compartments are configured to interact with at least one means for intermixing the contents of the two or more compartments prior to or during administration of the array device to at least one substrate. In an embodiment, wherein the at least one means for intermixing includes mechanical disruption of at least one compartment, altering porosity of at least one compartment, electrochemical degradation of at least one compartment, valve opening of at least one compartment, chemical degradation of at least one compartment, or altering magnetic field of at least one compartment. In an embodiment, the array device is in electronic communication with at least one computing device.

In an embodiment, a composition comprises a plurality of frozen piercing implement array devices joined together.

In an embodiment, the at least one support structure for an array device, fluidic device, or injection device includes at least one of a nanoparticle, sensor, circuit, lens, heater, detector, controller, or actuator. In an embodiment, the support structure includes at least one wave guide.

In an embodiment, the heater includes a microheater or nanoheater. In an embodiment, the detector includes a microdetector or nanodetector. In an embodiment, the actuator includes a microactuator or a nanoactuator. In an embodiment, the actuator includes a rotational actuator including carbon nanotubes. See, for example, Fennimore et al., Nature (Abstract) vol. 424, pp. 408-410 (2003), which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the actuator includes a biological molecular motor or switch (e.g., kinesin, myosin, ATP synthase, etc.). See, for example, Dessinges et al., PNAS vol. 101, no. 17, pp. 6439-6444 (2004) which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the lens includes a liquid micro-lens array activated by selective electrowetting on polar electric crystals, including but not limited to lithium niobate. See, for example, Grilli et al., Optics Express, vol. 16, no. 11, (2008), which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device, is configured to pierce at least one substrate in a substantially painless manner. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device, is configured to pierce one or more biological cells or tissues of a subject in a substantially painless manner.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement, or frozen piercing implement device, is utilized in conjunction with at least one other substrate-piercing tool, including but not limited to transdermal agent delivery iontophoresis, ultrasound, vacuum, viruses, pH, heat, light, chemical enhancers, electric fields, photomechanical waves, mesotherapy, electroporation, electrofusion, electroosmosis, velocity based enhancement techniques (such as needle-free injections), tape stripping, powderjecting, transfersomes, agent-embedded tattoos or other etchings, abrasion or ablation, controlled heat aided delivery, laser radiation, magnetophoresis, or others. See, for example, Kumar and Philip, Trop. J. Pharm. Res. 6(1):633-644 (2007), which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement or frozen particle composition includes at least one general anesthetic. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement or frozen particle composition including a general anesthetic is configured to be used as at least part of a defense weapon. For example, in an embodiment, at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement containing at least one general anesthetic is utilized in a “gun” or other device for personal safety (e.g., against humans or other animals) when coming under attack.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one projection. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement is configured to pierce at least one substrate to a depth of approximately 1 μm, approximately 5 μm, approximately 10 μm, approximately 15 μm, approximately 20 μm, approximately 50 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 120 μm, approximately 150 μm, approximately 200 μm, approximately 250 μm, approximately 300 μm, approximately 350 μm, approximately 400 μm, approximately 450 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 600 μm, approximately 700 μm, approximately 800 μm, approximately 900 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 2 mm, approximately 3 mm, approximately 4 mm, approximately 5 mm, approximately 10 mm, approximately 20 mm, approximately 30 mm, approximately 40 mm, approximately 50 mm, approximately 60 mm, approximately 70 mm, approximately 80 mm, approximately 90 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 200 mm, approximately 300 mm, approximately 400 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 600 mm, approximately 700 mm, approximately 800 mm, approximately 900 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 10 cm, approximately 20 cm, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the frozen particle implement administration depth is controlled by mechanical means. For example, the implement administration depth may be limited by a sheath or casing. In an embodiment, the frozen particle implement depth is controlled by a positioner on the array that can control the depth of administration. In an embodiment, the positioner is configured to mechanically control the depth of administration of at least one frozen piercing implement (or other implement if located in an array device). Other factors that can influence administration depth include the geometry of the implement, constitution of the implement, administration time, manner of administration, or at least one parameter of the substrate (including, but not limited to temperature, constitution, density, location, etc.)

In an embodiment, one or more frozen piercing implement array device includes at least two frozen piercing implements positioned on or through the surface of at least one base or support structure. In an embodiment, a flange or other member is configured on the array device to provide physical support to the device, to provide stabilization when the device is placed on the substrate, or to control penetration of the substrate by the at least one piercing implement.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement array device is an in-plane array device. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement array device is an out-of-plane array device.

In an embodiment, the device includes a particular arrangement of the piercing implements on the base or support structure (e.g., square, hexagonal, triangular, diamond, rectangular, or other patterning), varying the distribution of the piercing implements within a specific patterned or designed array device, varying at least one dimension of the piercing implement (e.g., number of piercing implements, piercing implement radius, etc.), number of solid versus channeled piercing implements, among other features, can affect the functionality of the array device. See, for example, Al-Qallaf and Bhusan Das, J. Drug Target., vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 108-122 (2009), which is incorporated herein by reference.

Furthermore, optimization of the surface area of the array device, optimization of the piercing implement radius and length, optimization of the number of piercing implements per row, optimization of the aspect ratio of the distance between piercing implements, while considering the substrate thickness or permeability, can be conducted according to well-established principles. Id. For example, the following equation has been used in published studies to calculate skin permeability when using microneedles: K=f(D/Lh), where K is the approximate skin permeability of the agent (or other agent) intended to be administered, f is the approximate fractional skin area after insertion by the microneedles, D is the approximate effective diffusion coefficient of the therapeutic agent in the skin, and L h is the approximate length of the hole resulting from the piercing of the skin. Id. In an embodiment, the therapeutic agent molecules may traverse through various disruptions in the skin thickness (i.e., epidermis) from the frozen piercing implement of the array device to the blood supply. In an embodiment, the agent may be absorbed as the frozen piercing implement melts or sublimates. In an embodiment, particularly with channeled, or hollowed, microneedles, the therapeutic agent may move through the bore of the implement. In an embodiment, the path of the therapeutic agent represents the approximate length of the microneedle. In an embodiment, the path of the therapeutic agent may be less than or greater than the approximate length of the microneedle due to expansion or contraction of the microneedle upon contact or penetration of the substrate.

In an embodiment, the array device is administered to at least one external surface of a subject. In an embodiment, the array device is administered to at least one internal surface of a subject (for example, by utilizing a catheter, laparascope, or other tool). In an embodiment, the array device is surgically implanted into a subject.

In an embodiment, the one or more frozen piercing implements are combined with at least one syringe. In an embodiment, the syringe includes a micro- or nano-syringe. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen piercing implements are combined with at least one pen-type delivery device. For example, the pen-type delivery device includes a housing assembly, a hub assembly, a plunger for driving the piercing implement out of the housing assembly and into the substrate, an optional compartment containing a desired substance to be administered, and an optional mechanism for piercing the compartment and releasing the substance. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20030050602, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen piercing implements are combined with a fluidic system. In an embodiment, the fluidic system includes a microfluidic system. In an embodiment, the fluidic system includes a nanofluidic system. In an embodiment, the fluidic system includes at least one of a channel, pump, sensor, injector, actuator, heater, detector, controller, transducer, receiver, transmitter, circuit, lens, tunable lens, valve, gate, nanoparticle, microparticle, power source, or detection material.

In an embodiment, the valve includes a valve actuated by a motor. In an embodiment, the valve includes a slide-valve, optionally actuated by a motor. As described herein, in an embodiment, the motor includes a biological based motor (e.g. kinesin, myosin, ATP synthase), or a micro- or nano-stepping motor. See, for example, Morishima et al, 7 th Int. Conf. Miniaturized Chem. and Biochem. Anal. Sys. pp. 1033-1036 (Oct. 5-9, 2003), which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the fluidic device includes a closed loop system capable of delivering at least one agent, sensing, or extracting at least one material from at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the fluidic system includes at least one compartment. In an embodiment, the fluidic system senses or analyzes at least one material from at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the analysis includes sensing an enzyme or enzymatic reaction including, but not limited to glucose oxidase or glucose dehydrogenase. In an embodiment, the fluidic device includes at least one transducer, such as an electrochemical or optical transducer.

In an embodiment, the fluidic system includes detecting or sensing at least one material from the at least one substrate, extracting the at least one material in order to analyze and determine a medical treatment (including preventative, diagnostic, or responsive), and administering at least one agent. In an embodiment, the closed loop system is configured in the form of a patch, bandage, or other attachment vehicle.

In an embodiment, a sensor, such as an enzyme electrode for glucose, for example, includes a screen-printed electrode on the surface of which is immobilized glucose oxidase, and an electron mediator, such as ferrocene or its derivatives. Electrons generated by the oxidation of glucose are transferred from glucose oxidase to the electrode by way of the mediator, and the concentration of glucose is proportional to the current generated. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,344,499, which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, near-infrared spectroscopy is utilized for detecting at least one material in at least one substrate. For example, the concentration of extracted glucose in a gel is detected by the absorption of the near-infrared light that passes through the chamber. Id.

In an embodiment, at least one frozen piercing implement is adapted to include at least one sensor or sensing component. For example, an enzyme (such as glucose oxidase) can be coated on the surface of one or more frozen piercing implements, distributed within the frozen piercing implement, or at least partially filling an otherwise hollow frozen piercing implement.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement device includes at least one sensor in communication with at least one electronic component. In an embodiment, the at least one electronic component includes at least one of a power source (for example, a battery), transducer, storage device, display, receiver, or other electronic component. The at least one electronic component can be included with at least one piercing implement, support structure, compartment, or other aspect of the frozen piercing implement device.

In an embodiment, the at least one sensor can be calibrated by utilizing the concentration of at least one same or different analyte, measured by another means. For example, the analyte can be normalized (by a linear or non-linear relationship), reducing the variability between analysis events.

In an embodiment, the fluidic device includes at least one attachment component configured to secure the array device to at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the at least one attachment component includes at least one adhesive material.

In an embodiment, the fluidic device includes at least one vacuum to induce flow in at least one direction through at least one piercing implement.

In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement includes at least one surfactant. In an embodiment, the surfactant includes at least one ionic surfactant. In an embodiment, the at least one ionic surfactant includes one or more of an alkyl ammonium salt, bile acid or salt, fatty acid, carnitine, oligopeptide, polypeptide, acyl lactylate, mono-diacetylated tartaric acid ester of a mono-diglyceride, succinylated monoglyceride, citric acid ester of mono-diglyceride, alginate salt, propylene glycol alginate, lecithin, hydrogenated lecithin, lysolecithin, hydrogenated lysolecithin, lysophospholipid, phospholipid, alkylsulfate salt, fatty acid salt, sodium docusate, or mixtures or derivatives of any thereof.

Additional Methods, Devices, and Systems for Making and Administering Frozen Particle Compositions, Frozen Piercing Implements, and Frozen Piercing Implement Devices

As described herein, a device or machine (including a computer) may be utilized in various aspects relating to compositions, methods, or systems relating to one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. Non-limiting examples of such aspects may include predicting or calculating various properties or characteristics relating to the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, any substrate, any subject, any administration device, or any administration protocol. Any method disclosed herein is implicitly intended to also include “means for” carrying out the method. One or more methods disclosed include computer-implemented methods.

In an embodiment, a method or means for making one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements optionally includes at least one agent. In an embodiment, a method or means for administering or delivering one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method or means for administering at least one frozen particle composition, or frozen piercing implement includes administering at least one agent to a substrate.

In an embodiment, at least one computer system is configured to provide one or more instructions to one or more devices for deposition or administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, at least one device is configured to deposit or administer one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements on any x, y, or z axis. In an embodiment, the at least one computer system provides one or more instructions for predicting, controlling, or varying the administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements or deposition of at least one agent included in the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements on any x, y, or z location. In an embodiment, the at least one computer system provides one or more instructions for temporal, spatial, or regional locations for deposition or administration of one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. Other components of the at least one computer system or device are included in the figures as described.

In an embodiment, one or more methods, devices, or systems described herein include making or administering one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements as described herein are made by one or more processes. In an embodiment, at least one process described herein is adaptable for a micro- or nano-scale fabrication of the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20020193754, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, a method for making at least one frozen piercing implement includes etching a frozen composition with a chemical. In an embodiment, the chemical includes at least one alcohol. In an embodiment, the alcohol includes at least one of methanol, or ethanol. In an embodiment, the chemical agent includes at least one salt or salt solution. In an embodiment, a method for making at least one frozen piercing implement includes etching a frozen composition with an acid or a base. In an embodiment, a method for making at least one frozen piercing implement includes etching a frozen composition with oxyfuel gas cutting (sometimes referred to as “flame cutting”). In an embodiment, the base includes sodium hydroxide, chromium trioxide, ammonium fluoride, ammonium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or potassium hydroxide. In an embodiment, the acid includes phenol, acetic acid, nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or hydrochloric acid. In an embodiment, a method for making at least one piercing implement includes etching a frozen composition with fluid hydrogen oxide (e.g., gas or liquid). In an embodiment, a method for making at least one piercing implement includes etching a frozen composition with a fluid form of at least one constituent of the frozen composition (including but not limited to a frozen block or film).

In an embodiment, the etching includes a fluid jet stream. For example, in an embodiment, a water jet cutter is utilized in etching at least one frozen composition. In an embodiment, the fluid jet stream includes a gas or liquid jet stream. In an embodiment, the fluid jet stream includes at least one chemical. In an embodiment, the at least one chemical includes at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one chemical includes at least one polymer (e.g., a linear macromolecular partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, such as found in SUPER WATER™, available from Berkeley Chemical Research, Inc.)

In an embodiment, the fluid jet stream includes air. In an embodiment, the pressure of the fluid jet stream includes at least approximately 0.5 psi, approximately 1 psi, approximately 5 psi, approximately 10 psi, approximately 20 psi, approximately 30 psi, approximately 40 psi, approximately 50 psi, approximately 60 psi, approximately 70 psi, approximately 80 psi, approximately 90 psi, approximately 100 psi, approximately 150 psi, approximately 200 psi, approximately 500 psi, approximately 1,000 psi, approximately 5,000 psi, approximately 10,000 psi, approximately 20,000 psi, approximately 30,000 psi, approximately 40,000 psi, approximately 50,000 psi, approximately 60,000 psi, approximately 70,000 psi, approximately 80,000 psi, approximately 90,000 psi, or any value therebetween or greater. The pressure of the fluid jet stream can also be adjusted according to other factors, including but not limited to the width or diameter of the stream, the abrasive flow rate, or the jet stream traverse rate. See, for example, Srinivasu and Babu, Appl. Soft Comp. vol. 8, pp. 809-819 (2008), which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, a narrow jet stream will generally have greater cutting power than a wider jet stream due to increased pressure at the nozzle.

In an embodiment, the etching includes thermal etching. For example, crystalline substances can be etched in a saturated air atmosphere, with an etching time of a few seconds, to several weeks. See, for example, Krausz and Gold, J of Colloid and Interface Sci., vol. 25, pp. 255-262 (1967), which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, the etching includes laser etching. For example, frozen piercing implements can be cut from a film, sheet, strip, block, or other form of frozen composition with an infrared laser. In an embodiment, the laser is guided by a CAD/CAM design.

In an embodiment, bores are etched (for example, with a physical or chemical etchant) in the material (such as a frozen composition) and the remainder of the piercing implement is etched away around the bores. In an embodiment, the piercing implements and their bores (if included) are etched simultaneously, or bores are etched into existing piercing implements.

In an embodiment, bores from the backside of the material (such as a frozen composition) are generated using a front-to-backside infrared alignment, and etching from the backside of the material.

In an embodiment, the etching time includes at least approximately 10 seconds, at least approximately 20 seconds, at least approximately 30 seconds, at least approximately 1 minute, at least approximately 5 minutes, at least approximately 10 minutes, at least approximately 20 minutes, at least approximately 30 minutes, at least approximately 2 hours, at least approximately 5 hours, at least approximately 10 hours, at least approximately 24 hours, at least approximately 2 days, at least approximately 5 days, at least approximately 1 week, at least approximately 2 weeks, at least approximately 3 weeks, at least approximately 1 month, at least approximately 3 months, or any value therebetween. Various factors can influence the etching time required, including but not limited to at least one of: etching temperature, etching chemical, constitution of material being etched, thickness of material being etched, or desired characteristic of the frozen piercing implement(s).

The etched radius for a particular composition can be controlled by varying the etchant (e.g., chemical, thermal, or other), the amount of time exposed to the etchant, the temperature of the etchant or etching environment, the constituency of the composition being etched, desired size, or shape of the etching, thickness of the composition being etched, or other factors.

In an embodiment, the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, are designed with the aid of a computer device, computer system, computer program product, or computer-implemented method. In an embodiment, the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, are generated with the aid of a computer device, computer system, computer program product, or computer-implemented method. In an embodiment, the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, are administered with the aid of a computer device, computer system, computer program product, or computer-implemented method.

In an embodiment, a simulation for a mask is generated, optionally with assistance from a computer device, computer system, computer program product, or computer-implemented method. See, for example, Wilke et al., Euro. Micro & Nano Systems 20-21(2004), which is incorporated herein by reference. As discussed by Wilke et al., a mask can be designed on the basis of a Simode simulation, and optical microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy can be utilized to examine single microneedles resulting from the etching process. Id. Thus, by varying the etching times, temperatures, and other factors, microneedles can be consistently reproduced with high accuracy. Id. In an embodiment, an array device including a plurality of microneedles can be generated that can be peeled off for use. Id.

In an embodiment, a thermal etchant is utilized for fabricating one or more frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, a fluid jet (e.g., gas or liquid) is utilized for etching one or more frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, a laser beam is utilized for etching one or more frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, an electron beam is utilized for etching one or more frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, an ion beam is utilized for etching one or more frozen piercing implements.

In an embodiment, at least one frozen fluid (including but not limited to at least one solid condensed gas) is deposited onto a cryogenically cooled support surface (e.g., metal, or silicon surface) in the chamber of a combined scanning electron microscope and focused ion beam apparatus (FEI Co., Hillsboro, Oreg.). See, for example, King et al, Nano Lett. vol. 5, pp. 1157-1160 (2005), which is herein incorporated by reference. Next, the ice surface is exposed to focused energetic electron or gallium ion beams, which stimulates local removal of ice. Id. In an embodiment, the beams are programmed to produce at least one pattern in the ice. Id. Additional ice can be removed by in situ sublimation (e.g., by eliminating liquid surface tension effects) by fluid jet, or by other means. Id.

In an embodiment, the ice is deposited at a rate of approximately 1 pm/second, approximately 1 nm/second, approximately 1 mm/second, approximately 1 cm/second, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the ice is deposited using a leak valve controlled vapor flow that is directed onto the cooled support surface or sample. In an embodiment, the cooled sample or cooled support surface is maintained at approximately 128 K (approximately −145° C.). Id. In an embodiment, the fluid includes hydrogen oxide. In an embodiment, the hydrogen oxide is deposited on the cooled support surface by way of a magnesium sulfate-water vapor source, and water vapor pressure is controlled by at least one leak valve. Id.

In an embodiment, the etching system includes at least one cold finger located near the sample surface to ensure a sufficient thermal gradient to keep unwanted species from condensing on the support surface or sample surface. Id. In an embodiment, the cold finger is placed approximately 1 mm from the surface, approximately 2 mm from the surface, approximately 3 mm from the surface, approximately 4 mm from the surface, approximately 5 mm from the surface, approximately 6 mm from the surface, approximately 7 mm from the surface, approximately 8 mm from the surface, approximately 9 mm from the surface, approximately 10 mm from the surface, approximately 1 cm from the surface, approximately 1 dm from the surface, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the temperature of the sample surface can be controlled within approximately +/−1 K (approximately +/−1 degree C.). Id. In an embodiment, scanning electron microscopy can be utilized to observe etching of the frozen fluid composition. Id.

In an embodiment, the laser beam includes at least one of a carbon dioxide laser, or a Erbium:YAG laser. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20080290065, which is herein incorporated by reference. Erbium:YAG lasers are commonly used in the medical sector, since the laser beam pinpoints the maximum absorption spike of water. Id. In an embodiment, the laser beam (e.g., carbon dioxide, erbium:YAG, eximer, argon, KTP, krypton fluoride, xenon chloride, xenon fluoride, helium neon, neodynmium:YAG, erbium glass, erbium: YAG, holmium:YAG, Ruby (chromium sapphire), gallium arsenide, or other) etches a frozen fluid by way of explosive vaporization. Id.

In an embodiment, the laser type is selected based on the absorption wavelength of laser energy by the frozen composition. Such an absorption profile can be generated, if not already known, using standard techniques.

In an embodiment, the laser beam is part of an etching system for forming one or more frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the laser system includes at least one first mirror that is optionally connected to at least one first driver under command of at least one controller. In an embodiment, the laser system includes at least one second mirror that is optionally connected to at least one second driver under command of at least one controller. In an embodiment, the at least one first driver and the at least one second driver are the same driver. In an embodiment, the at least one first driver and the at least one second driver are different drivers. In an embodiment, at least one of the at least one first driver or the at least one second driver includes at least one of a servo-galvanometer driver device, or a stepper motor driver device. Id.

In an embodiment, the at least one first mirror controls x-axis positioning of the laser. In an embodiment, the at least one second mirror controls y-axis positioning of the laser. In an embodiment, the etching system includes at least one third mirror. In an embodiment, the at least one third mirror is configured to operate as a shutter for directing the laser beam away from the material to be etched. In an embodiment, the laser system includes one or more instructions for etching the frozen material into one or more frozen piercing implements.

As illustrated in FIG. 219 , several embodiments include flow paths for at least one channel including at least one of a hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, omniphobic, or hydrophilic surface. In an embodiment, an Archimedean spiral ( FIG. 219A ) is expressed as r=a+bθ, Euler or double-ended Euler spiral ( FIG. 219B ), Fermat's spiral ( FIG. 219I ) is expressed as r=θ 1/2 , an hyperbolic spiral ( FIG. 219D ) is expressed as r=a/θ, a lituus ( FIG. 219J ) is expressed as r=θ −1/2 , a logarithmic spiral ( FIG. 219C ) is expressed as r=ab θ , and the spiral of Theodorus ( FIG. 219H ) is expressed as contiguous right triangles of an approximation of the Archimedean spiral, with each leg having a unit length of 1. For the spiral of Theodorus, the growth of the radius of the spiral at a certain triangle n is Δr=√n−1−√n. In an embodiment, an approximately linear channel ( FIG. 219F ) is included.

In another example, 3-dimensional spirals include a third variable, h (height) that is a continuous, monotonic function of θ. Further, a helix ( FIG. 219E ) can be expressed as (cos t, sin t, t) from t=0 to 4π, with the arrows showing direction of increasing t. FIG. 219G illustrates an example of a combination of a helix, cone, and spiral. FIG. 219K illustrates a conic spiral along a circle. As described herein, in an embodiment, the channel includes at least one hydrophobic surface. In an embodiment, the channel includes at least one hydrophilic surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 220 , in an embodiment, a device 22000 includes a body portion 22001 including at least one nonlinear channel (e.g., spiral or circular channel) 22005 includes a hydrophobic surface, and is configured to hold at least one fluid composition, the body portion 22001 including at least one port 22045 , wherein the at least one port 22045 provides fluid communication between the at least one nonlinear channel 22005 and an environment external 22025 to the body portion 22001 includes at least one fluid injector (at the inlet means 22010 , or at various other points along the nonlinear channel 22015 ), with the flow of the channel 22005 in a clockwise ( FIG. 220A ) or counter-clockwise ( FIG. 220B ) direction. In an embodiment, the channel includes a linear channel, rather than a nonlinear channel. In an embodiment, the surface includes a hydrophilic surface.

In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophobic surface includes at least one super hydrophobic surface. In an embodiment, the at least one nonlinear channel 22005 is non-planar (e.g., FIG. 219E , FIG. 219G , FIG. 219K , etc.). In an embodiment, the nonlinear channel 22005 defines a uniform (e.g., FIG. 219D ), or non-uniform path (e.g., FIG. 219D ). In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 219 , the nonlinear channel 22005 defines a path including at least one of approximately circular, approximately elliptical, approximately conical, approximately pyramidal, approximately spherical, approximately cuboidal, approximately spiral, or approximately helical. In an embodiment, the nonlinear channel includes approximately 1 rotation, approximately 2 rotations, approximately 3 rotations, approximately 4 rotations, approximately 5 rotations, approximately 6 rotations, approximately 7 rotations, approximately 8 rotations, approximately 9 rotations, approximately 10 rotations, or any value therebetween or greater.

In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophobic surface includes one or more of glass, plastic, metal, polymer, or frozen material. In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophobic surface includes at least one fluorinated surface. In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophobic surface includes at least one of silicon, copper, silver, gold, platinum, rubidium, fluorocarbon, or polytetrafluoroethylene. In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophobic surface includes at least one microstructure or nanostructure. In an embodiment, the at least one microstructure or nanostructure includes at least one fiber, projection, hole, plateau, channel, sphere, or mesa. In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophobic surface includes at least one of a silica, silane, alkylketene dimer, or n-tetradecanoic acid. In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophobic surface is at least partially reversible to at least one hydrophilic surface. In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophobic surface includes at least one vanadium oxide nanostructured film. In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophobic surface includes one or more hydrophobic projections.

In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophobic surface is configured to have a contact angle with the at least one fluid of greater than or equal to approximately 90°, approximately 95°, approximately 100°, approximately 110°, approximately 115°, approximately 120°, approximately 125°, approximately 130°, approximately 135°, approximately 140°, approximately 145°, approximately 150°, approximately 155°, approximately 160°, approximately 165°, approximately 170°, approximately 175°, approximately 180°, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the device 22000 includes a plurality of fluid injectors (arrows) 22015 located along the at least one nonlinear channel 22005 . In an embodiment, the plurality of fluid injectors 22015 are located periodically along the at least one nonlinear channel 22005 . In an embodiment, the at least one port further comprises at least one fluid injector 22015 in fluid communication with the at least one nonlinear channel 22005 . In an embodiment, the nonlinear channel 22005 follows a substantially circular or spiral path, and includes at least one fluid inlet at each rotation or half rotation along the path, as shown in FIGS. 220A and 220B . In an embodiment, the at least one nonlinear channel 22005 is at least partially enclosed.

In an embodiment, the device includes inlet means 22010 for facilitating introduction of at least one fluid composition to the at least one nonlinear channel 22005 . In an embodiment, the device includes pressure means 22048 for translocating the at least one frozen particle composition through the at least one port 22045 to the external environment 22025 . In an embodiment, the at least one pressure means 22048 includes at least one of gravitational force, magnetic force, hydrophobic force, electrostatic force, electromagnetic force, air pressure, fluid pressure, centripetal force, electromotive force, or centrifugal force. The force can be over the entire device, or localized to one particular region (e.g., accelerate as the frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement leaves the device in a path 22050 (the path includes but is not limited to, a linear path, circular path, elliptical path, or scattered at random). In an embodiment, the pressure means 22048 includes at least one piezoelectric actuator.

In an embodiment, the at least one nonlinear channel 22005 is configured to maintain conditions for a time sufficient to at least partially freeze at least one fluid composition received in the at least one nonlinear channel 22005 , thereby forming at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 . In an embodiment, the time and conditions sufficient to form at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 includes at least a partial vacuum. In an embodiment, the time and conditions sufficient to form at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 include a temperature of about −20° C., about −30° C., about −40° C., about −50° C., about −60° C., about −70° C., about −75° C., about −80° C., about −85° C., about −90° C., about −95° C., about −100° C., about −120° C., about −150° C., about −180° C., about −200° C., about −220° C., about −250° C., or any value less than or therebetween. In an embodiment, the time and conditions sufficient to form at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 include a time of at least one microsecond, at least one millisecond, at least one second, at least two seconds, at least ten seconds, at least twenty seconds, at least thirty seconds, at least forty seconds, at least fifty seconds, at least sixty seconds, at least ninety seconds, at least two minutes, at least five minutes, at least ten minutes, at least fifteen minutes, at least twenty minutes, at least thirty minutes, at least forty minutes, at least fifty minutes, at least sixty minutes, at least ninety minutes, at least two hours, at least ten hours, at least twenty four hours, at least forty eight hours, or any value greater than or therebetween.

As described herein, in an embodiment, the at least one fluid composition includes at least one supercooled fluid, such as a supercooled liquid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one carrier fluid, such as at least one refrigerant or cryogenic fluid.

In an embodiment, the heat of friction from the at least one force is less than the latent heat of freezing of the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 . In an embodiment, the heat associated with propulsion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 is less than the heat required to liquefy the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 . Thus, the frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 , is at least substantially frozen when it reaches the at least one substrate 22020 .

In an embodiment, the device 22000 further comprises administration means including at least one component 22040 for administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 to at least one substrate 22020 . In an embodiment, the component 22040 includes at least one hose, sprayer, spigot, or nozzle (e.g., de Laval nozzle). In an embodiment, the component 22040 includes at least one deflector 22049 . In an embodiment, the device 22000 includes at least a portion which is handheld or portable.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 is propelled at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 100 approximately 500 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 100 cm, approximately 500 cm, approximately 1 m, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the device is configured to propel the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 100 cm, approximately 500 cm, approximately 1 m, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the device 22000 , further comprises at least one mechanical, electrical, or magnetic means 22060 for controlling at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 . Parameters for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 are described herein.

In an embodiment, the device 22000 , further comprises at least one regulator means 22056 for adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the at least one compartment 22030 .

In an embodiment, the device 22000 , further comprises at least one measuring means 22035 for sizing, detecting, or analyzing the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 . In an embodiment, the at least one measuring means 22035 includes at least one mechanical, electrical, or photonic device.

In an embodiment, the device 22000 , further comprising at least one reducing means 22038 for reducing particle size of the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 . In an embodiment, the at least one reducing means 22038 for reducing particle size includes at least one of piezoelectric means or sonication means 22039 . In an embodiment, the at least one reducing means 22038 for reducing particle size includes at least one of a mechanical cutter, electrical cutter, or fluid jet 22039 . In an embodiment, the at least one reducing means 22038 for reducing particle size is located in at least one of the at least one port 22045 , or the at least one nonlinear channel 22005 .

In an embodiment, the device 22000 further comprises sorting means 22047 for sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22046 or frozen piercing implements 22046 . In an embodiment, the sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22046 or frozen piercing implements 22046 is based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 . In an embodiment, the sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22046 or frozen piercing implements 22046 is based at least in part on at least one parameter of the making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 .

In an embodiment, the device 22000 includes at least one active feature 22015 at various points along the channel. For example, the at least one active feature 22015 includes, but is not limited to a magnet, electrode means, lens, sensor 22053 , transducer, actuator, detector, transmitter, receiver, circuit, valve, gate, or pump for regulating the flow of the frozen particle compositions 22046 or frozen piercing implements 22046 along the nonlinear channel 22005 . In an embodiment, the device 22000 further comprises electrical means 22085 for applying oscillatory potential difference between the electrode means.

In an embodiment, the device includes at least one power supply 22018 . In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement exits the channel 22050 and, in an embodiment, is administered directly to at least one substrate 22020 . In an embodiment, the frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement exiting the channel 22050 is provided to at least one compartment 22030 which is configured to at least temporarily hold the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 exiting the channel 22005 , is administered by least one component 22040 for directing delivery to at least one substrate 22020 . Various examples of such components have been described herein, and include, but are not limited to hoses, spigots, sprayers, nozzles (e.g., de Laval nozzle), etc. In an embodiment, the device 22000 is in electronic communication with at least one computing system 22080 , for example by wired or wireless connection (dotted line).

In an embodiment, the sensor (dark circle) 22053 includes at least one piezoelectric sensor. In an embodiment, a controller 22090 is configured to regulate the at least one sensor 22053 . In an embodiment, the controller 22090 is in electronic communication with the at least one sensor 22053 . In an embodiment, the controller 22090 provides at least one response if the conditions are unsatisfactory for administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 .

In an embodiment, the controller 22090 includes, for example, a microprocessor, power supply, hard-wired logic, sensor interface, and circuits. In an embodiment, the device 22000 is connected to the controller in such a way that the controller 22090 can accept, store, manipulate, display, or transmit data. In an embodiment, the controller 22090 transmits signals back to the device 22000 for operation of the device 22000 . In an embodiment, the controller 22090 displays data on a video, audio, or other display mechanism (not shown). In an embodiment, the controller 22090 acts to supply power to the device 22000 , or a component thereof (e.g., sensor). In an embodiment, the controller 22090 includes sensing circuits for measuring voltage, current, power, etc. In an embodiment, at least one data point from at least one component of the device 22000 is received, displayed, or transmitted by the controller 22090 .

In an embodiment, the at least one sensor 22053 includes one or more of a pressure sensitive sensor, velocity sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, feedback sensor, displacement sensor, acceleration sensor, or particle sensor. In an embodiment, the at least one particle sensor includes one or more power sources. In an embodiment, the one or more power sources include at least one light-emitting diode. In an embodiment, the at least one particle sensor includes at least one particle counter. In an embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor monitors the temperature of at least one of at least one of a port 22045 or nonlinear channel 22005 . In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor detects at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22046 or frozen piercing implement 22046 to at least one substrate 22020 . In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor includes at least one imaging means including but not limited to one or more of: optical coherence tomography, computer-assisted tomography scan, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography scan, ultrasound, x-ray, electrical-impedance monitoring, microscopy, spectrometry, flow cytommetry, radioisotope imaging, thermal imaging, photography, or in silico generation.

Various non-limiting examples of utilizing the described devices are disclosed herein throughout the present application. For example, in an embodiment, a method for making at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement, comprises contacting at least one fluid composition with at least one nonlinear channel of a body portion of a device, the at least one nonlinear channel including at least one hydrophobic surface and including at least one port, wherein the at least one port provides fluid communication between the at least one compartment and an environment external to the body portion; and providing conditions for a time sufficient in the at least one nonlinear channel to solidify the at least one fluid composition into at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement; and translocating the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement through the at least one port to the external environment. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid composition includes at least agent. As described herein, the at least one agent includes at least one of a therapeutic agent, adhesive agent, biological remodeling agent, reinforcement agent, abrasive, or explosive material. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid composition includes at least one supercooled fluid (e.g., supercooled liquid).

In an embodiment, the method further comprises at least one carrier fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one carrier fluid includes at least one refrigerant or cryogenic fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid composition includes at least one polar fluid or at least one polar agent. In an embodiment, translocating the at least one fluid composition through the at least one port includes utilizing at least one of gravitational force, magnetic force, hydrophobic force, electrostatic force, electromagnetic force, air pressure, fluid pressure, centripetal force, electromotive force, or centrifugal force. In an embodiment, the heat of friction from the at least one force is less than the latent heat of freezing of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. Thus, in an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is at least partially frozen during administration or upon contact with the at least one substrate.

In an embodiment, the conditions for a time sufficient to form at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement includes at least a partial vacuum. In an embodiment, the time and conditions sufficient to form at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement include a temperature of about −20° C., about −30° C., about −40° C., about −50° C., about −60° C., about −70° C., about −75° C., about −80° C., about −85° C., about −90° C., about −95° C., about −100° C., about −120° C., about −150° C., about −180° C., about −200° C., about −220° C., about −250° C., or any value less than or therebetween. In an embodiment, the time and conditions sufficient to form at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement include a time of at least one microsecond, at least one millisecond, at least one second, at least two seconds, at least ten seconds, at least twenty seconds, at least thirty seconds, at least forty seconds, at least fifty seconds, at least sixty seconds, at least ninety seconds, at least two minutes, at least five minutes, at least ten minutes, at least fifteen minutes, at least twenty minutes, at least thirty minutes, at least forty minutes, at least fifty minutes, at least sixty minutes, at least ninety minutes, at least two hours, at least ten hours, at least twenty four hours, at least forty eight hours, or any value greater than or therebetween.

In an embodiment, the at least one fluid composition is at least one of sterile, deionized, or degassed. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid composition is placed into the at least one nonlinear channel in the form of at least one drop. In an embodiment, the at least one drop has at least one major dimension of approximately 1 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 1 cm, or any value therebetween or greater. In an embodiment, the method further comprises administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement with at least one force from the at least one port toward at least one substrate in the external environment. In an embodiment, the at least one force includes at least one of van der Waals forces, gravitational force, electrostatic energy, hydration attraction, hydration repulsion, hydrophobic attraction, hydrophobic repulsion, diffusion, osmosis, mechanical pump, electroosmosis, electrophoresis, convection, sublimation, hydroloysis, magnetic force, capillary action, pressure gradient, concentration gradient, surface tension, centripetal force, centrifugal force, acoustic force, electrical force, ultrasonic force, receptor binding, heat, chemical, chemical reaction, tunable microlens or nanolens, gate, valve, or external applied force.

Various non-limiting examples are provided herein throughout the present application. In an embodiment, the substrate includes at least one of a cell, tissue, organ, structure, device, or food product (e.g., meat).

In an embodiment, the at least one agent is delivered to a single biological cell or single biological tissue. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate is ingestable, implantable, or transplantable. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least a portion of at least one subject. Various non-limiting examples of subjects are provided herein throughout the present application. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one indoor or outdoor arena, field, or storage facility. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one frozen arena floor.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the device contacts the at least one substrate prior to, during, or subsequent to administration of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the device does not contact the at least one substrate during administration of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the method further comprises propelling, ejecting, pushing, pulling, or accelerating the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement toward the at least one substrate at a predetermined angle, predetermined velocity, predetermined force, predetermined rate of administration, predetermined depth, predetermined location, predetermined time sequence, or predetermined spatial pattern. In an embodiment, the method further comprises varying the rate, velocity, or angle at which the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is administered to the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the method further comprises adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the at least one substrate prior to administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is propelled at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 100 cm, approximately 500 cm, approximately 1 m, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. As described herein, various non-limiting examples of parameters for making or administering the at least one frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements are provided herein.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is made by at least one of spin casting, extruding, embossing, cutting, splintering, etching, molding, electro-spinning, electro-spraying, gel casting, drawing up at least one viscous fluid, or controlled serial freeze-thaw of a frozen fluid composition. In an embodiment, etching includes utilizing one or more etchants including at least one of a chemical, thermal energy, electrical energy, electromagnetic energy, fluid jet, or mechanical energy. In an embodiment, the method further comprises adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the at least one substrate prior to administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the method further comprises measuring, detecting, sizing, or analyzing the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the method further comprises reducing the particle size of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the method further comprises sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is propelled at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 100 cm, approximately 500 cm, approximately 1 m, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises positioning the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement on at least one support structure. In an embodiment, the at least one support structure includes at least part of a frozen piercing implement device. Various non-limiting examples of frozen piercing implement devices are described herein throughout the present application.

As illustrated in FIG. 221 , in an embodiment, a device 22100 for making or administering at least one frozen particle composition 22175 , or frozen piercing implement 22175 includes a body portion 22112 including at least one compartment 22160 configured to hold at least one fluid, the body portion 22112 including at least one port 22180 , wherein the at least one port 22180 provides fluid communication between the at least one compartment 22160 and an environment external 22195 to the body portion 22112 ; inlet means 22115 for facilitating introduction of at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 into the body portion 22112 ; and expansion means 22150 for inducing a volume expansion of the at least one fluid in the at least one compartment 22160 to propel the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or at least one frozen piercing implement 22175 through the at least one port 22180 to the external environment 22195 . In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22160 includes at least one of a heat sink, cryostat, refrigeration mechanism, or freezing mechanism 22150 (which may function as an expansion means). In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22160 is configured to maintain at least a partial vacuum.

As described herein, the volume expansion of the at least one fluid includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a rapid phase-change in the at least one fluid from a liquid to a gas state; a decrease in density of the at least one fluid; a rapid volumetric expansion of the at least one fluid; flash boiling the at least one fluid; boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion of the at least one fluid; or rapid expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, inducing a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion includes at least one of altering the pressure of the fluid, or altering the temperature of the fluid. In an embodiment, the volume of the compartment is constant.

In an embodiment, the device 22100 further comprises pressure-increasing means (e.g., fluid intake from fluid inlet means 22178 ) for increasing the pressure within the compartment 22160 . In an embodiment, the device 22100 further comprises volume-reducing means (e.g., piston, valve, or gate) for reducing the volume of the compartment 22160 . In an embodiment, the device 22100 further includes at least one crankshaft operably connected to at least one piston. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22160 is expandable. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22160 is substantially rigid. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 includes at least one explosive material. Examples of explosive materials include, but are not limited to carbonate, carbon dioxide, nitroglycerine, acid, base, epoxy, acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrylamide polymer or copolymer, urethane, hypoxyapatite, or reactive metal. In an embodiment, the at least one explosive material includes at least one of carbon dioxide gas, and inducing expansion includes inducing a volume expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 by contacting with infrared radiation. In an embodiment, the volume expansion includes rapid expansion of the at least one explosive material of the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 . For example, in an embodiment, the at least one explosive material is located in at least one cavity or channel of the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 .

In an embodiment, the temperature of the volume-expanded fluid is less than or approximately equal to the freezing temperature of the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 . In an embodiment, the at least one fluid has a triple point lower than or approximately equal to the triple point of the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 . In an embodiment, the expansion means 22150 for inducing a volume expansion includes at least one article configured to transfer energy, such as a piezoelectric, thermal, electrical, electromagnetic, or manual pressure article that is activated by at least one trigger 22190 . In an embodiment, inducing the volume expansion includes exposing the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 to at least one of electric energy, magnetic energy, electromagnetic energy, thermal energy, ultrasound, altered pressure, or altered temperature. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy includes at least one of visible light, microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, or x-rays. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy is provided by at least one source 22188 (e.g., wired to connect to the at least one first compartment 22150 ) including at least one of a laser or x-ray device.

In an embodiment, the heat associated with propulsion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 is less than the heat required to liquefy the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 .

In an embodiment, the device 22100 further comprises at least one other feature 22120 , including but not limited to at least one lens, sensor, transducer, actuator, detector, injector, pump, receiver, transmitter, or circuit to monitor flow or at least one parameter for making the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the device 22100 , further comprises at least one detection material. In an embodiment, the device 22100 further comprises at least one piezoelectric actuator. In an embodiment, the device 22100 further comprises at least one power supply 22185 . In an embodiment, the energy source 22188 and the power supply 22185 are the same. In an embodiment, the energy source 22188 and the power supply 22185 are different.

In an embodiment, the device 22100 includes at least one controller (either internal to the device 22100 or external to the device 22100 ) 22192 configured to regulate, for example, the at least one sensor 22125 or other feature 22120 . In an embodiment, the sensor 22125 includes at least one piezoelectric sensor. In an embodiment, the controller 22192 is in electronic communication (e.g., via wired or wireless connection, dotted line) with the at least one sensor 22125 or other feature 22120 . In an embodiment, the controller 22192 provides at least one response if the conditions are unsatisfactory for administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 .

In an embodiment, the controller 22192 includes, for example, a microprocessor, power supply, hard-wired logic, sensor interface, and circuits. In an embodiment, the device 22100 is connected to the controller in such a way that the controller 22192 can accept, store, manipulate, display, or transmit data. In an embodiment, the controller 22192 transmits signals back to the device 22100 for operation of the device 22100 . In an embodiment, the controller 22192 displays data on a video, audio, or other display mechanism (not shown). In an embodiment, the controller 22192 acts to supply power to the device 22100 , or a component thereof (e.g., sensor). In an embodiment, the controller 22192 includes sensing circuits for measuring voltage, current, power, etc. In an embodiment, at least one data point from at least one component of the device 22100 is received, displayed, or transmitted by the controller 22192 .

In an embodiment, the sensor includes at least one particle sensor, which may have a separate or consolidated power source with another component of the device 22100 . In an embodiment, the at least one particle sensor includes one or more power sources such as at least one light-emitting diode. In an embodiment, the at least one particle sensor includes at least one particle counter. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor 22125 includes one or more of a pressure sensitive sensor, velocity sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, feedback sensor, displacement sensor, acceleration sensor, or particle sensor. In an embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature of at least one of the at least one port, or the at least one compartment. In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor is configured to detect at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 .

In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor includes at least one imaging means 22118 . In an embodiment, the at least one imaging means 22118 includes one or more of: optical coherence tomography, computer-assisted tomography scan, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography scan, ultrasound, x-ray, electrical-impedance monitoring, microscopy, spectrometry, flow cytommetry, radioisotope imaging, thermal imaging, photography, or in silico generation.

In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one supercooled fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one supercritical fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one refrigerant or cryogenic fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes one or more of liquid nitrogen, liquid carbon dioxide, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid helium, liquid methane, methane/ammonia, a halogenated hydrocarbon, liquid neon, liquid argon, liquid mercury, air, cold sodium hydroxide, cold potassium hydroxide, cold potassium chloride solution, cold sodium chloride solution or hydrogen sulfide. Other non-limiting examples of fluids are described herein.

In an embodiment, the device 22100 further comprises at least one administration means 22170 including at least one component for providing the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 to at least one substrate 22197 in the external environment 22195 . In an embodiment, the at least one administration means 22170 includes a de Laval nozzle that forms a constriction for effecting acceleration of the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 . In an embodiment, the at least one administration means 22170 includes at least one of a hose, sprayer, nozzle, or spigot. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the device 22100 is handheld or portable.

In an embodiment, the device 22100 is configured to propel the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 100 cm, approximately 500 cm, approximately 1 m, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the device 22100 includes at least one electronic, magnetic, or mechanical means (e.g., valve or gate) 22113 for controlling at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 . In certain instances, the electronic, magnetic, or mechanical means 22113 includes the controller 22192 configured to regulate at least one sensor 22125 , or at least one other feature 22120 . The parameters for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 are described elsewhere herein.

In an embodiment, the device 22100 further comprises at least one regulator means 22110 for adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the at least one compartment 22160 . In an embodiment, the at least one regulator means 22110 includes at least one thermostat.

In an embodiment, the device 22100 further comprises at least one measuring means 22193 for sizing, detecting, or analyzing the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 . In an embodiment, the at least one measuring means 22193 includes at least one mechanical, electrical, or photonic device. In an embodiment, the device 22100 further comprises at least one reducing means 22135 for reducing particle size of the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 . In an embodiment, the reducing means 22135 for reducing particle size includes at least one of piezoelectric means or sonication means. In an embodiment, the at least one reducing means 22135 for reducing particle size includes at least one of a mechanical cutter, electrical cutter, or fluid jet. In an embodiment, the at least one reducing means 22135 for reducing particle size is located in at least one of the at least one port 22180 , or the at least one compartment 22160 .

In an embodiment, the device 25100 further comprises sorting means 22136 for sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22175 or frozen piercing implements 22175 . In an embodiment, sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22175 or frozen piercing implements 22175 is based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 . In an embodiment, sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22175 or frozen piercing implements 22175 is based at least in part on at least one parameter of the making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22175 or frozen piercing implement 22175 .

In an embodiment, the device 22100 further comprises at least one first channel 22130 configured to hold at least one fluid, the at least one first channel having a distal end 22131 terminating at the at least one compartment 22160 .

In an embodiment, the device 22100 further comprises at least one second channel 22140 configured to hold at least one agent, the at least one second channel having a distal end 22141 terminating at the at least one compartment 22160 .

In an embodiment, the device 22100 further includes communication means configured for electronic communication with at least one computing system 22122 .

Methods of using the disclosed devices are disclosed herein throughout the present application.

As illustrated in FIG. 222 , in an embodiment, a device 22200 for making or administering at least one frozen particle composition 22235 , or frozen piercing implement 22235 includes a body portion 22202 including at least one compartment 22250 configured to hold at least one fluid, the body portion 22202 including at least one port 22260 , wherein the at least one port 22260 provides fluid communication between the at least one compartment 22250 and an environment external 22295 to the body portion 22202 ; inlet means 22225 for facilitating introduction of at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 into the body portion 22202 ; and expansion means 22270 for inducing a volume expansion of the at least one fluid in the at least one compartment 22250 to propel the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or at least one frozen piercing implement 22235 through the at least one port 22260 to the external environment 22295 . In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22250 includes at least one of a heat sink, cryostat, refrigeration mechanism, or freezing mechanism 22255 . In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22250 is configured to maintain at least a partial vacuum. In an embodiment, the device 22200 includes an O-ring seal 22251 to provide a tight seal with the nozzle or other end portion 22265 .

As described herein, the volume expansion of the at least one fluid includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a rapid phase-change in the at least one fluid from a liquid to a gas state; a decrease in density of the at least one fluid; a rapid volumetric expansion of the at least one fluid; flash boiling the at least one fluid; boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion of the at least one fluid; or rapid expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 . In an embodiment, inducing a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion includes at least one of altering the pressure of the fluid, or altering the temperature of the fluid. In an embodiment, the volume of the compartment is constant.

In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises pressure-increasing means (e.g., fluid intake from fluid inlet means 22225 ; or more specifically 22230 , for a self-contained version) for increasing the pressure within the compartment 22250 . In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises volume-reducing means (e.g., piston, valve, or gate, e.g., 22239 or 22240 ) for reducing the volume of the compartment 22250 . In an embodiment, the device 22200 further includes at least one crankshaft operably connected to the at least one piston. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22250 is expandable. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22250 is substantially rigid. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 includes at least one explosive material. Examples of explosive materials include, but are not limited to carbonate, carbon dioxide, nitroglycerine, acid, base, epoxy, acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrylamide polymer or copolymer, urethane, hypoxyapatite, or reactive metal. In an embodiment, the at least one explosive material includes at least one of carbon dioxide gas, and inducing expansion includes inducing a volume expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 by contacting with infrared radiation. In an embodiment, the volume expansion includes rapid expansion of the at least one explosive material of the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 . For example, in an embodiment, the at least one explosive material is located in at least one cavity or channel of the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 .

In an embodiment, the temperature of the volume-expanded fluid is less than or approximately equal to the freezing temperature of the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 . In an embodiment, the at least one fluid has a triple point lower than or approximately equal to the triple point of the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 . In an embodiment, the expansion means 22270 for inducing a volume expansion includes at least one article configured to transfer energy, such as a piezoelectric, thermal, electrical, electromagnetic, or manual pressure article that is activated by at least one trigger 22220 . In an embodiment, inducing the volume expansion includes exposing the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 to at least one of electric energy, magnetic energy, electromagnetic energy, thermal energy, ultrasound, altered pressure, or altered temperature. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy includes at least one of visible light, microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, or x-rays. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy is provided by at least one source 22238 (e.g., wired to connect to the at least one first compartment 22250 ) including at least one of a laser or x-ray device.

In an embodiment, the heat associated with propulsion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 is less than the heat required to liquefy the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 .

In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises at least one other feature 22255 , including but not limited to at least one lens, sensor, transducer, actuator, detector, injector, pump, receiver, transmitter, or circuit to monitor flow or at least one parameter for making the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the device 22200 , further comprises at least one detection material. In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises at least one piezoelectric actuator. In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises at least one power supply 22284 . In an embodiment, the energy source 22238 and the power supply 22284 are the same. In an embodiment, the energy source 22238 and the power supply 22284 are different.

In an embodiment, the device 22200 includes at least one controller 22292 configured to regulate, for example, the at least one sensor 22275 or other feature 22255 . In an embodiment, the sensor 22275 includes at least one piezoelectric sensor. In an embodiment, the controller 22292 is in electronic communication (e.g., via wired or wireless connection, dotted line) with the at least one sensor 22275 or other feature 22255 . In an embodiment, the controller 22292 provides at least one response if the conditions are unsatisfactory for administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 .

In an embodiment, the controller 22292 includes, for example, a microprocessor, power supply, hard-wired logic, sensor interface, and circuits. In an embodiment, the device 22200 is connected to the controller in such a way that the controller 22292 can accept, store, manipulate, display, or transmit data. In an embodiment, the controller 22292 transmits signals back to the device 22200 for operation of the device 22200 . In an embodiment, the controller 22292 displays data on a video, audio, or other display mechanism (not shown). In an embodiment, the controller 22292 acts to supply power to the device 22200 , or a component thereof (e.g., sensor). In an embodiment, the controller 22292 includes sensing circuits for measuring voltage, current, power, etc. In an embodiment, at least one data point from at least one component of the device 22200 is received, displayed, or transmitted by the controller 22292 .

In an embodiment, the sensor includes at least one particle sensor, which may have a separate or consolidated power source with another component of the device 22200 . In an embodiment, the at least one particle sensor includes one or more power sources such as at least one light-emitting diode. In an embodiment, the at least one particle sensor includes at least one particle counter. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor 22275 includes one or more of a pressure sensitive sensor, velocity sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, feedback sensor, displacement sensor, acceleration sensor, or particle sensor. In an embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature of at least one of the at least one port, or the at least one compartment. In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor is configured to detect at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement.

In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor includes at least one imaging means 22221 . In an embodiment, the at least one imaging means 22221 includes one or more of: optical coherence tomography, computer-assisted tomography scan, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography scan, ultrasound, x-ray, electrical-impedance monitoring, microscopy, spectrometry, flow cytommetry, radioisotope imaging, thermal imaging, photography, or in silico generation.

In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one supercooled fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one supercritical fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one refrigerant or cryogenic fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes one or more of liquid nitrogen, liquid carbon dioxide, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid helium, liquid methane, methane/ammonia, a halogenated hydrocarbon, liquid neon, liquid argon, liquid mercury, air, cold sodium hydroxide, cold potassium hydroxide, cold potassium chloride solution, cold sodium chloride solution or hydrogen sulfide. Other non-limiting examples of fluids are described herein.

In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises at least one administration means 22265 including at least one component for providing the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 to at least one substrate 22297 in the external environment 22295 . In an embodiment, the at least one administration means 22265 includes a de Laval nozzle that forms a constriction for effecting acceleration of the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 . In an embodiment, the at least one administration means 22265 includes at least one of a hose, sprayer, nozzle, or spigot. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the device 22200 is handheld or portable (e.g., self-contained holding area 22215 for at least one fluid, at least one agent, or at least one fluid composition).

In an embodiment, the device 22200 is configured to propel the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 100 cm, approximately 500 cm, approximately 1 m, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the device 22200 includes at least one electronic, magnetic, or mechanical means for controlling at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 . In certain instances, the electronic, magnetic, or mechanical means, includes the controller 22292 configured to regulate at least one sensor 22275 , or other feature 22270 .

The parameters for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 are described elsewhere herein.

In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises at least one regulator means 22282 for adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the at least one compartment 22350 . In an embodiment, the at least one regulator means 22282 includes at least one thermostat.

In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises at least one measuring means 22294 for sizing, detecting, or analyzing the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 . In an embodiment, the at least one measuring means 22294 includes at least one mechanical, electrical, or photonic device. In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises at least one reducing means 22290 for reducing particle size of the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 . In an embodiment, the reducing means 22290 for reducing particle size includes at least one of piezoelectric means or sonication means. In an embodiment, the at least one reducing means 22290 for reducing particle size includes at least one of a mechanical cutter, electrical cutter, or fluid jet. In an embodiment, the at least one reducing means 22290 for reducing particle size is located in at least one of the at least one port 22260 , or the at least one compartment 22250 .

In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises sorting means 22293 for sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22235 or frozen piercing implements 22235 . In an embodiment, sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22235 or frozen piercing implements 22235 is based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 . In an embodiment, sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22235 or frozen piercing implements 22235 is based at least in part on at least one parameter of the making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22235 or frozen piercing implement 22235 .

In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises at least one first channel 22205 configured to hold at least one fluid, the at least one first channel having a distal end 22280 terminating at the at least one compartment 22160 . In an embodiment, the at least one first channel (or the at least one second channel) further comprises at least one O-ring, or other orifice (e.g., 22285 ) configured to generate droplets or separate particles.

In an embodiment, the device 22200 further comprises at least one second channel 22210 configured to hold at least one agent, the at least one second channel having a distal end 22283 terminating at the at least one compartment 22250 . In an embodiment, a plenum 22241 (dotted line) is included in instances when a higher pressure fluid is desired.

In an embodiment, the device 22200 further includes communication means configured for electronic communication with at least one computing system 22222 .

As described herein, various methods can be employed for utilizing the described devices. For example, in an embodiment, a method for propelling at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement comprises contacting at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement with at least one fluid located in at least one compartment of a body portion of a device, the body portion including at least one port, wherein the at least one port provides fluid communication between the at least one compartment and an environment external to the body portion; and inducing volume expansion of the at least one fluid in the at least one compartment to propel the at least one frozen particle composition or at least one frozen piercing implement through the at least one port to the external environment. Various implementations and other embodiments are described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 223 , in an embodiment, a device 22300 for making or administering at least one frozen particle composition 22311 , or frozen piercing implement 22311 includes a body portion 22380 including at least one compartment 22350 configured to hold at least one fluid, the body portion 22380 including at least one port 22360 , wherein the at least one port 22360 provides fluid communication between the at least one compartment 22350 and an environment external 22395 to the body portion 22380 ; inlet means 22325 for facilitating introduction of at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 into the body portion 22380 ; and expansion means 22370 for inducing a volume expansion of the at least one fluid in the at least one compartment 22350 to propel the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or at least one frozen piercing implement 22311 through the at least one port 22360 to the external environment 22395 . In an embodiment, an O-ring seal 22326 is included to provide a tighter seal between the inlet means and the container, tank, or other holding area from which the inlet means draws fluid (e.g., in certain instances the device is handheld, in certain instances the device is tethered by a hose or other component to another device or tank, for example). In an embodiment, a tube 22327 from a holding tank 22315 is in fluid communication with the inlet means 22325 . In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22350 includes at least one of a heat sink, cryostat, refrigeration mechanism, or freezing mechanism 22370 . In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22350 is configured to maintain at least a partial vacuum.

As described herein, the volume expansion of the at least one fluid includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a rapid phase-change in the at least one fluid from a liquid to a gas state; a decrease in density of the at least one fluid; a rapid volumetric expansion of the at least one fluid; flash boiling the at least one fluid; boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion of the at least one fluid; or rapid expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, inducing a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion includes at least one of altering the pressure of the fluid, or altering the temperature of the fluid. In an embodiment, the volume of the compartment is constant.

In an embodiment, the device 22300 further comprises pressure-increasing means (e.g., fluid intake from fluid inlet means 22325 ; or more specifically 22330 , for a self-contained version) for increasing the pressure within the compartment 22350 . In an embodiment, the device 22300 further comprises volume-reducing means (e.g., piston, valve, or gate, e.g., 22340 ) for reducing the volume of the compartment 22350 . In an embodiment, the device 22300 further includes at least one crankshaft operably connected to the at least one piston. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22350 is expandable. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22350 is substantially rigid. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 includes at least one explosive material. Examples of explosive materials include, but are not limited to carbonate, carbon dioxide, nitroglycerine, acid, base, epoxy, acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrylamide polymer or copolymer, urethane, hypoxyapatite, or reactive metal. In an embodiment, the at least one explosive material includes at least one of carbon dioxide gas, and inducing expansion includes inducing a volume expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 by contacting with infrared radiation. In an embodiment, the volume expansion includes rapid expansion of the at least one explosive material of the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 . For example, in an embodiment, the at least one explosive material is located in at least one cavity or channel of the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 .

In an embodiment, the temperature of the volume-expanded fluid is less than or approximately equal to the freezing temperature of the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 . In an embodiment, the at least one fluid has a triple point lower than or approximately equal to the triple point of the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 . In an embodiment, the expansion means 22370 for inducing a volume expansion includes at least one article configured to transfer energy, such as a piezoelectric, thermal, electrical, electromagnetic, or manual pressure article that is activated by at least one trigger 22320 . In an embodiment, inducing the volume expansion includes exposing the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 to at least one of electric energy, magnetic energy, electromagnetic energy, thermal energy, ultrasound, altered pressure, or altered temperature. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy includes at least one of visible light, microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, or x-rays. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy is provided by at least one source 22338 (e.g., wired to connect to the at least one first compartment 22350 ) including at least one of a laser or x-ray device.

In an embodiment, the heat associated with propulsion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 is less than the heat required to liquefy the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 .

In an embodiment, the device 22300 further comprises at least one other feature 22355 , including but not limited to at least one lens, sensor, transducer, actuator, detector, injector, pump, receiver, transmitter, or circuit to monitor flow or at least one parameter for making the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the device 22300 , further comprises at least one detection material. In an embodiment, the device 22300 further comprises at least one piezoelectric actuator. In an embodiment, the device 22300 further comprises at least one power supply 22384 . In an embodiment, the energy source 22338 and the power supply 22384 are the same. In an embodiment, the energy source 22338 and the power supply 22384 are different.

In an embodiment, the device 22300 includes at least one controller 22392 configured to regulate, for example, the at least one sensor 22375 or other feature 22355 . In an embodiment, the sensor 22375 includes at least one piezoelectric sensor. In an embodiment, the controller 22392 is in electronic communication (e.g., via wired or wireless connection, dotted line) with the at least one sensor 22375 or other feature 22355 . In an embodiment, the controller 22392 provides at least one response if the conditions are unsatisfactory for administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 .

In an embodiment, the controller 22392 includes, for example, a microprocessor, power supply, hard-wired logic, sensor interface, and circuits. In an embodiment, the device 22300 is connected to the controller in such a way that the controller 22392 can accept, store, manipulate, display, or transmit data. In an embodiment, the controller 22392 transmits signals back to the device 22300 for operation of the device 22300 . In an embodiment, the controller 22392 displays data on a video, audio, or other display mechanism (not shown). In an embodiment, the controller 22392 acts to supply power to the device 22300 , or a component thereof (e.g., sensor). In an embodiment, the controller 22392 includes sensing circuits for measuring voltage, current, power, etc. In an embodiment, at least one data point from at least one component of the device 23000 is received, displayed, or transmitted by the controller 22392 .

In an embodiment, the sensor includes at least one particle sensor or other sensor 22375 , which may have a separate or consolidated power source with another component of the device 22300 . In an embodiment, the at least one particle sensor or other sensor 22375 includes one or more power sources such as at least one light-emitting diode. In an embodiment, the at least one particle sensor or other sensor 22375 includes at least one particle counter. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor 22375 includes one or more of a pressure sensitive sensor, velocity sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, feedback sensor, displacement sensor, acceleration sensor, or particle sensor. In an embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature of at least one of the at least one port 22360 , or the at least one compartment 22350 . In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor 22375 is configured to detect at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 .

In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor includes at least one imaging means 22321 . In an embodiment, the at least one imaging means 22321 includes one or more of: optical coherence tomography, computer-assisted tomography scan, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography scan, ultrasound, x-ray, electrical-impedance monitoring, microscopy, spectrometry, flow cytommetry, radioisotope imaging, thermal imaging, photography, or in silico generation.

In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one supercooled fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one supercritical fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one refrigerant or cryogenic fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes one or more of liquid nitrogen, liquid carbon dioxide, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid helium, liquid methane, methane/ammonia, a halogenated hydrocarbon, liquid neon, liquid argon, liquid mercury, air, cold sodium hydroxide, cold potassium hydroxide, cold potassium chloride solution, cold sodium chloride solution or hydrogen sulfide. Other non-limiting examples of fluids are described herein.

In an embodiment, the device 22300 further comprises at least one administration means 22365 including at least one component for providing the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 to at least one substrate 22397 in the external environment 22395 . In an embodiment, the at least one administration means 22365 includes a de Laval nozzle that forms a constriction for effecting acceleration of the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 . In an embodiment, the at least one administration means 22365 includes at least one of a hose, sprayer, nozzle, or spigot. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the device 22300 is handheld or portable.

In an embodiment, the device 22300 is configured to propel the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 100 cm, approximately 500 cm, approximately 1 m, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the device 22300 includes at least one electronic, magnetic, or mechanical means for controlling at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 . In certain instances, the electronic, magnetic, or mechanical means, includes the controller 22392 configured to regulate at least one sensor 22375 , or other feature 22355 .

The parameters for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 are described elsewhere herein.

In an embodiment, the device 22300 further comprises at least one regulator means 22382 for adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the at least one compartment 22350 . In an embodiment, the at least one regulator means 22382 includes at least one thermostat.

In an embodiment, the device 22300 further comprises at least one measuring means 22390 for sizing, detecting, or analyzing the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 . In an embodiment, the at least one measuring means 22390 includes at least one mechanical, electrical, or photonic device. In an embodiment, the device 22300 further comprises at least one reducing means 22388 for reducing particle size of the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 . In an embodiment, the reducing means 22388 for reducing particle size includes at least one of piezoelectric means or sonication means. In an embodiment, the at least one reducing means 22388 for reducing particle size includes at least one of a mechanical cutter, electrical cutter, or fluid jet. In an embodiment, the at least one reducing means 22388 for reducing particle size is located in at least one of the at least one port 22360 , or the at least one compartment 22350 .

In an embodiment, the device 22300 further comprises sorting means 22387 for sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22311 or frozen piercing implements 22311 . In an embodiment, sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22311 or frozen piercing implements 22311 is based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 . In an embodiment, sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22311 or frozen piercing implements 22311 is based at least in part on at least one parameter of the making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22311 or frozen piercing implement 22311 .

In an embodiment, the device 22300 further comprises at least one first channel 22310 configured to hold at least one fluid, the at least one first channel having a distal end 22383 terminating at the at least one compartment 22350 . In an embodiment, the at least one first channel further comprises at least one O-ring, or other orifice (e.g., 22385 ) configured to generate droplets or separate particles. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the device 22300 is handheld or portable (e.g., self-contained holding area or high pressure tank 22315 for at least one fluid, at least one agent, or at least one fluid composition).

In an embodiment, the device 22300 further includes communication means configured for electronic communication with at least one computing system 22322 .

As described herein, various methods can be employed for utilizing the described devices. For example, in an embodiment, a method for propelling at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement comprises contacting at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement with at least one fluid located in at least one compartment of a body portion of a device, the body portion including at least one port, wherein the at least one port provides fluid communication between the at least one compartment and an environment external to the body portion; and inducing volume expansion of the at least one fluid in the at least one compartment to propel the at least one frozen particle composition or at least one frozen piercing implement through the at least one port to the external environment. Various implementations and other embodiments are described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 224 , in an embodiment, a device 22400 comprises a body portion 22405 including at least one first compartment 22410 and at least one second compartment 22420 , the at least one first compartment 22410 configured to hold at least one fluid composition, the body portion 22405 including at least one first port 22455 , wherein the at least one first port 22455 provides fluid communication between the at least one first compartment 22410 and the at least one second compartment 22420 , the at least one fluid composition including at least one first fluid and at least one agent; wherein the at least one first compartment 22410 includes cooling means 22433 (dotted line surrounding first compartment 22410 ) for providing conditions for a time sufficient to solidify the at least one fluid composition into at least one frozen fluid composition 22430 ; inlet means 22432 for facilitating introduction of at least one fluid composition into the body portion 22405 ; one or more apertures 22431 configured to extrude at least one frozen fluid composition 22430 to at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 , wherein the one or more apertures 22431 are in fluid communication with the at least one first compartment 22410 and the at least one second compartment 22420 ; wherein the at least one second compartment 22420 is configured to hold at least one frozen fluid composition 22430 , the body portion 22405 including at least one second port 22450 , wherein the at least one second port 22450 provides fluid communication between the at least one second compartment 22420 and an environment external 22475 to the body portion 22405 ; pressure means 22440 for facilitating contact between the at least one frozen fluid composition 22430 and the one or more apertures 22431 , and movement of the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 extruded from the one or more apertures 22431 into the at least one second compartment 22420 ; the at least one second compartment 22420 having at least one second port 22450 , the at least one second compartment 22420 configured for holding at least one second fluid, and configured for receiving the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 extruded from the one or more apertures 22431 ; and expansion means 22415 for inducing a volume expansion of the at least one second fluid in the at least one second compartment 22420 to propel the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 through the at least one second port 22450 to the external environment 22475 . In an embodiment, at least one compartment (e.g., 22410 or 22420 ) is expandable. In an embodiment, at least one compartment (e.g., 22410 or 22420 ) is substantially rigid. In an embodiment, at least one compartment (e.g., 22410 or 22420 ) is configured to maintain at least a partial vacuum.

In an embodiment, the device 22400 further comprises at least one pressure-increasing means 22440 for increasing the pressure within the at least one first compartment 22410 or the at least one second compartment 22420 . In an embodiment, the device further comprises volume-reducing means 22440 for reducing the volume of the at least one first compartment 22410 or the at least one second compartment 22420 . In an embodiment, the volume reducing means 22440 for reducing the volume of the at least one first compartment 22410 or the at least one second compartment 22420 includes at least one piston, valve, or gate 22412 . In an embodiment, the device further comprises at least one crankshaft 22413 operably connected to the at least one piston (e.g., 22412 ).

In an embodiment, the at least one second fluid has a triple point lower than or approximately equal to the triple point of the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 . In an embodiment, the temperature of the volume-expanded second fluid is less than or approximately equal to the freezing temperature of the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 . In an embodiment, the at least one fluid composition is frozen.

In an embodiment, the device 22400 further comprises at least one cutting mechanism 22421 operable to cut the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 . In an embodiment, the at least one cutting mechanism 22421 includes at least one mechanical cutter, or electrical cutter. In an embodiment, the at least one cutting mechanism 22421 includes one or more cutting blades. In an embodiment, the at least one cutting mechanism 22421 includes at least one grinder. In an embodiment, the at least one cutting mechanism 22421 includes at least one fluid jet. In an embodiment, the cutting mechanism 22421 includes at least one power source. In an embodiment, the at least one cutting mechanism 22421 includes at least one laser. In an embodiment, the at least one cutting mechanism 22421 includes at least one thermal laser. In an embodiment, at least one of the at least one first compartment or the at least one second compartment includes at least one of a heat sink, cryostat, refrigeration mechanism, or freezing mechanism 22465 .

In an embodiment, the volume expansion includes at least one of a rapid phase-change in the at least one second fluid from a liquid to a gas state; a decrease in density of the at least one second fluid; a rapid volumetric expansion of the at least one second fluid; flash boiling the at least one second fluid; boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion of the at least one second fluid; or rapid expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 . In an embodiment, inducing a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion includes at least one of altering the pressure of the at least one second fluid, or altering the temperature of the at least one second fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 is configured to include at least one explosive material. In one embodiment, the at least one explosive material includes at least one of carbonate, carbon dioxide, nitroglycerine, acid, base, epoxy, acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrylamide polymer or copolymer, urethane, hypoxyapatite, or reactive metal. In an embodiment, the at least one explosive material includes at least one of carbon dioxide gas, and inducing expansion includes inducing a volume expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 by contacting with infrared radiation.

In an embodiment, the volume expansion includes rapid expansion of the at least one explosive material of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one explosive material is located in at least one cavity or channel of the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 . In an embodiment, the expansion means for inducing volume expansion includes at least one article 22422 configured to transfer energy. In an embodiment, the at least one article 22422 includes one or more of a piezoelectric, thermal, electrical, electromagnetic, or manual pressure article.

In an embodiment, inducing the volume expansion includes exposing the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 to at least one of electric energy, magnetic energy, electromagnetic energy, thermal energy, ultrasound, altered pressure, or altered temperature. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy includes at least one of visible light, microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, or x-rays. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy is provided by at least one source including at least one of a laser or x-ray device.

In an embodiment, the heat associated with propulsion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 is less than the heat required to liquefy the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 . In an embodiment, the device further comprises at least one feature 22423 , such as a lens, transducer, actuator, detector, injector, pump, receiver, transmitter, circuit, or sensor for monitoring flow of the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or at least one frozen piercing implement 22460 , or at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 .

In an embodiment, the device further comprises at least one detection material. Various non-limiting examples of detection materials are provided herein throughout the present application. In an embodiment, the device further comprises at least one power source 22418 . In an embodiment, the at least one feature 22423 includes at least one sensor 22408 . In an embodiment, the at least one sensor includes at least one piezoelectric sensor. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor 22408 includes one or more of a pressure sensitive sensor, velocity sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, feedback sensor, displacement sensor, acceleration sensor, or particle sensor. In an embodiment, the particle sensor includes at least one power source (e.g., light emitting diode). In an embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor monitors the temperature of at least one of at least one port 22450 , 22455 , or at least one compartment 22410 , 22420 . In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor is configured to detect at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 . In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor includes at least one imaging means 22441 . In an embodiment, the at least one imaging means 22441 includes one or more of: optical coherence tomography, computer-assisted tomography scan, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography scan, ultrasound, x-ray, electrical-impedance monitoring, microscopy, spectrometry, flow cytommetry, radioisotope imaging, thermal imaging, photography, or in silico generation.

In an embodiment, the device 22400 further comprises at least one controller 22419 configured to regulate at least one sensor or other feature 22423 . In an embodiment, the controller 22419 is in electronic communication with the at least one sensor or other feature 22423 . In an embodiment, the controller 22419 provides at least one response if the conditions are unsatisfactory for administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 .

In an embodiment, the controller 22419 includes, for example, a microprocessor, power supply, hard-wired logic, sensor interface, and circuits. In an embodiment, the device 22400 is connected to the controller in such a way that the controller 22419 can accept, store, manipulate, display, or transmit data. In an embodiment, the controller 22419 transmits signals back to the device 22400 for operation of the device 22400 . In an embodiment, the controller 22419 displays data on a video, audio, or other display mechanism (not shown). In an embodiment, the controller 22419 acts to supply power to the device 22400 , or a component thereof (e.g., sensor). In an embodiment, the controller 22419 includes sensing circuits for measuring voltage, current, power, etc. In an embodiment, at least one data point from at least one component of the device 22400 is received, displayed, or transmitted by the controller 22419 .

Various non-limiting examples of fluids are described herein, including but not limited to at least one of a supercooled fluid, supercritical fluid, refrigerant or cryogenic fluid.

In an embodiment, the device 22400 further comprises at least one administration means 22451 including at least one component for providing the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 to at least one substrate 22470 (e.g., (a) human tissue, (b) food product, (c) electronic device) in the external environment 22475 . In an embodiment, the at least one administration means 22451 includes a de Laval nozzle 22451 that forms a constriction for effecting acceleration of the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 . In an embodiment, the at least one administration means 22451 includes at least one of a hose, sprayer, nozzle, or spigot 22451 . In an embodiment, the at least one administration means 22451 includes at least one piezoelectric actuator. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the device 24000 is handheld or portable.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 is propelled at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 100 cm, approximately 500 cm, approximately 1 m, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the device 2400 further comprises at least one electronic, magnetic, or mechanical means for controlling at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. Various non-limiting examples of parameters for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 are disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the device 24000 further comprises at least one regulator means 22486 for adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the at least one compartment 22410 or 22420 . In an embodiment, the at least one regulator means 22486 includes at least one thermostat.

In an embodiment, the device further comprises at least one measuring means 22466 for sizing, detecting, or analyzing the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 . In an embodiment, the at least one measuring means 22466 includes at least one mechanical, electrical, or photonic device. In an embodiment, the device 22400 further comprises at least one reducing means 22467 for reducing particle size of the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 . In an embodiment, the reducing means 22467 for reducing particle size includes at least one of piezoelectric means or sonication means. In an embodiment, the reducing means 22467 for reducing particle size includes at least one of of a mechanical cutter, electrical cutter, or fluid jet. In an embodiment, the reducing means 22467 for reducing particle size is located in at least one of at least one port, or at least one compartment (e.g., 22410 or 22420 ).

In an embodiment, the device 24000 further comprises sorting means 22468 for sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22460 or frozen piercing implements 22460 . In an embodiment, the sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22460 or frozen piercing implements 22460 is based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 .

In an embodiment, the sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22460 or frozen piercing implements 22460 is based at least in part on at least one parameter of making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22460 or frozen piercing implement 22460 .

In an embodiment, the body portion 22405 further comprises at least one first channel 22401 configured to hold at least one fluid, the at least one first channel having a distal end 22404 terminating at the at least one first compartment 22410 . In an embodiment, the body portion 22405 further comprises at least one second channel 22402 configured to hold at least one agent, the at least one second channel 22402 having a distal end 22403 terminating at the at least one first compartment 22410 .

In an embodiment, the device 24000 is in electronic communication with at least one computing system 22499 (e.g., by wired or wireless connection (dotted line)).

Various method of utilizing the disclosed devices are described herein throughout the present application. For example, in an embodiment, a method for making or propelling at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement, comprises receiving at least one fluid composition in at least one first compartment of a body portion of a device, the body portion including at least one first port, wherein the at least one first port provides fluid communication between the at least one first compartment and the at least one second compartment, and the at least one fluid composition including at least one fluid and at least one agent; providing conditions for a time sufficient to solidify the at least one fluid composition into at least one frozen fluid composition; extruding the at least one frozen fluid composition through one or more apertures to form at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement, the one or more aperture of the device providing fluid communication between the at least one first compartment and the at least one second compartment, and wherein the body portion includes at least one second port in fluid communication with an environment external to the body portion; inducing volume expansion of the at least one second fluid in the at least one second compartment to propel the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement through the at least one second port.

In an embodiment, the at least one second fluid has a triple point lower than the triple point of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the temperature of the volume-expanded fluid is less than or approximately equal to the freezing temperature of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes at least one of a therapeutic agent, adhesive agent, biological remodeling agent, reinforcement agent, abrasive, or explosive material.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises cutting, grinding, polishing, or coating the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the volume expansion includes at least one of a rapid phase-change in the at least one fluid from a liquid to a gas state; a decrease in density of the fluid; a rapid volumetric expansion of the at least one fluid; flash boiling the at least one fluid; boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion of the at least one fluid; or rapid expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the method further comprises varying the rate, velocity, or angle of administration of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement to the at least one substrate. In an embodiment, the method further comprises adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the at least one substrate prior to administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the method further comprises cutting, grinding, polishing, or coating the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the method further comprises administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement with at least one force through the at least one port and toward at least one substrate.

In an embodiment, the conditions for a time sufficient to form at least one frozen fluid composition from the at least one fluid composition include at least a partial vacuum. In an embodiment, the conditions for a time sufficient to form at least one frozen fluid composition from the at least one fluid composition include a temperature of about −20° C., about −30° C., about −40° C., about −50° C., about −60° C., about −70° C., about −75° C., about −80° C., about −85° C., about −90° C., about −95° C., about −100° C., about −120° C., about −150° C., about −180° C., about −200° C., about −220° C., about −250° C., or any value less than or therebetween. In an embodiment, the conditions for a time sufficient to form at least one frozen fluid composition from the at least one fluid composition include a time of at least one microsecond, at least one millisecond, at least one second, at least two seconds, at least ten seconds, at least twenty seconds, at least thirty seconds, at least forty seconds, at least fifty seconds, at least sixty seconds, at least ninety seconds, at least two minutes, at least five minutes, at least ten minutes, at least fifteen minutes, at least twenty minutes, at least thirty minutes, at least forty minutes, at least fifty minutes, at least sixty minutes, at least ninety minutes, at least two hours, at least ten hours, at least twenty four hours, at least forty eight hours, or any value greater than or therebetween. In an embodiment, the volume expansion includes at least one of a rapid phase-change in the at least one second fluid from a liquid to a gas state; a decrease in density of the at least one second fluid, a rapid volumetric expansion of the at least one second fluid; flash boiling the at least one second fluid; boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion of th at least one second fluid; or rapid expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, inducing a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion includes at least one of altering the pressure of the at least one second fluid, or altering the temperature of the at least one second fluid.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is configured to include at least one explosive material. Various non-limiting examples of explosive materials have been described herein throughout the present application, and include wherein the at least one explosive material include at least one of carbonate, carbon dioxide, nitroglycerine, acid, base, epoxy, acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrylamide polymer or copolymer, urethane, hypoxyapatite, or reactive metal.

In an embodiment, the at least one explosive material includes at least one of carbon dioxide gas, and inducing expansion includes inducing a volume expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement by contacting with infrared radiation. In an embodiment, the volume expansion includes rapid expansion of the at least one explosive material of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one explosive material is located in at least one cavity or channel of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, inducing volume expansion occurs by way of at least one article configured to transfer energy to the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one article includes one or more of a piezoelectric, thermal, electrical, electromagnetic, or manual pressure article.

In an embodiment, inducing the volume expansion includes exposing the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement to at least one of electric energy, magnetic energy, electromagnetic energy, thermal energy, ultrasound, altered pressure, or altered temperature. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy includes at least one of visible light, microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, or x-rays. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy is provided by at least one source including at least one of a laser or x-ray device.

In an embodiment, the heat associated with propulsion of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is less than the heat required to liquefy the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one second fluid includes at least one supercooled fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one second fluid includes at least one supercritical fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one second fluid includes at least one refrigerant or cryogenic fluid. Various non-limiting examples of fluids are disclosed herein throughout the present application. For example, the at least one second fluid includes but is not limited to, one or more of liquid nitrogen, liquid carbon dioxide, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid helium, liquid methane, methane/ammonia, a halogenated hydrocarbon, liquid neon, liquid argon, liquid mercury, air, cold sodium hydroxide, cold potassium hydroxide, cold potassium chloride solution, cold sodium chloride solution, or hydrogen sulfide.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement with at least one force from the at least one port toward at least one substrate in the external environment. In an embodiment, the at least one force includes at least one of van der Waals forces, gravitational force, electrostatic energy, hydration attraction, hydration repulsion, hydrophobic attraction, hydrophobic repulsion, diffusion, osmosis, mechanical pump, electroosmosis, electrophoresis, convection, sublimation, hydrolysis, magnetic force, capillary action, pressure gradient, concentration gradient, surface tension, centripetal force, centrifugal force, acoustic force, electrical force, ultrasonic force, receptor binding, heat, chemical, chemical reaction, tunable microlens or nanolens, gate, valve, or external applied force. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one of a cell, tissue, organ, structure device, or food product (e.g., meat). Various non-limiting examples of substrates are described herein. In an embodiment, the substrate is ingestable, transplantable, or implantable. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least a part of one or more subjects. Various non-limiting examples of subjects are described herein. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one indoor or outdoor arena, field (e.g., frozen arena floor), or storage facility.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the device contacts the at least one substrate prior to, during, or subsequent to administration of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the device does not contact the at least one substrate during administration of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises propelling, ejecting, pushing, pulling, or accelerating the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement toward the at least one substrate at a predetermined angle, predetermined velocity, predetermined force, predetermined rate of administration, predetermined depth, predetermined location, predetermined time sequence, or predetermined spatial pattern. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is propelled at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 100 cm, approximately 500 cm, approximately 1 m, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. Various non-limiting examples of parameters for making or administering at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement are described herein throughout the present application.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises propelling, ejecting, pushing, pulling, or accelerating the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement toward the at least one substrate at a predetermined angle, predetermined velocity, predetermined force, predetermined a predetermined rate of administration, a predetermined depth, a predetermined location, a predetermined time sequence, or a predetermined spatial pattern. In an embodiment, the method further comprises varying the rate, velocity, or angle at which the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is administered to the at least one substrate.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the at least one substrate prior to administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the method further comprises sizing, measuring, detecting, or analyzing the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the method further comprises reducing particle size of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, reducing particle size includes utilizing at least one of piezoelectric means or sonication means. In an embodiment, the method further comprises sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the method further comprises positioning the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement on at least one support structure. In an embodiment, the at least one support structure includes at least part of a frozen piercing implement device.

As illustrated in FIG. 225 , in an embodiment, a device 22500 for making or administering at least one frozen particle composition 22560 , or frozen piercing implement 22560 includes a body portion 22520 including at least one compartment 22515 configured to hold at least one fluid, the body portion including at least one port 22564 , wherein the at least one port 22564 provides fluid communication between the at least one compartment and an environment external to the body portion; inlet means 22510 for facilitating introduction of at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 into the body portion 22520 ; and expansion means 22570 for inducing a volume expansion of the at least one fluid in the at least one compartment 22515 to propel the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or at least one frozen piercing implement 22560 through the at least one port 22550 to the external environment 22575 . In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22515 includes at least one of a heat sink, cryostat, refrigeration mechanism, or freezing mechanism 22565 . In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22515 is configured to maintain at least a partial vacuum.

As described herein, the volume expansion of the at least one fluid includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a rapid phase-change in the at least one fluid from a liquid to a gas state; a decrease in density of the at least one fluid; a rapid volumetric expansion of the at least one fluid; flash boiling the at least one fluid; boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion of the at least one fluid; or rapid expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, inducing a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion includes at least one of altering the pressure of the fluid, or altering the temperature of the fluid. In an embodiment, the volume of the compartment is constant.

In an embodiment, the device 22500 further comprises pressure-increasing means (not shown) for increasing the pressure within the compartment 22515 . In an embodiment, the device 22500 further comprises volume-reducing means (e.g., piston, valve, or gate) for reducing the volume of the compartment 22515 . In an embodiment, the device further includes at least one crankshaft operably connected to the at least one piston. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22515 is expandable. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment 22515 is substantially rigid. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 includes at least one explosive material. Examples of explosive materials include, but are not limited to carbonate, carbon dioxide, nitroglycerine, acid, base, epoxy, acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrylamide polymer or copolymer, urethane, hypoxyapatite, or reactive metal. In an embodiment, the at least one explosive material includes at least one of carbon dioxide gas, and inducing expansion includes inducing a volume expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 by contacting with infrared radiation. In an embodiment, the volume expansion includes rapid expansion of the at least one explosive material of the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 . For example, in an embodiment, the at least one explosive material is located in at least one cavity or channel of the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 .

In an embodiment, the temperature of the volume-expanded fluid is less than or approximately equal to the freezing temperature of the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 . In an embodiment, the at least one fluid has a triple point lower than or approximately equal to the triple point of the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 . In an embodiment, the expansion means 22570 for inducing a volume expansion includes at least one article configured to transfer energy, such as a piezoelectric, thermal, electrical, electromagnetic, or manual pressure article. In an embodiment, inducing the volume expansion includes exposing the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 to at least one of electric energy, magnetic energy, electromagnetic energy, thermal energy, ultrasound, altered pressure, or altered temperature. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy includes at least one of visible light, microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, or x-rays. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy is provided by at least one source 22525 including at least one of a laser or x-ray device.

In an embodiment, the heat associated with propulsion of the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 is less than the heat required to liquefy the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 .

In an embodiment, the device 22500 further comprises at least one other feature 22555 , including but not limited to at least one lens, sensor, transducer, actuator, detector, channel, injector, pump, receiver, transmitter, or circuit to monitor flow or at least one parameter for making the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the device 22500 , further comprises at least one detection material. In an embodiment, the device 22500 further comprises at least one piezoelectric actuator. In an embodiment, the device 22500 further comprises at least one power supply 22518 . In an embodiment, the energy source 22525 and the power supply 22518 are the same. In an embodiment, the energy source 22525 and the power supply 22518 are different.

In an embodiment, the device 22500 includes at least one controller 22519 configured to regulate the at least one sensor 22408 , or other feature 22555 . In an embodiment, the sensor 22408 includes at least one piezoelectric sensor. In an embodiment, the controller 22519 is in electronic communication (e.g., via wired or wireless connection, dotted line) with the at least one sensor 22408 . In an embodiment, the controller 22519 provides at least one response if the conditions are unsatisfactory for administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 .

In an embodiment, the controller 22519 includes, for example, a microprocessor, power supply, hard-wired logic, sensor interface, and circuits. In an embodiment, the device 22500 is connected to the controller in such a way that the controller 22519 can accept, store, manipulate, display, or transmit data. In an embodiment, the controller 22519 transmits signals back to the device 22500 for operation of the device 22500 . In an embodiment, the controller 22519 displays data on a video, audio, or other display mechanism (not shown). In an embodiment, the controller 22519 acts to supply power to the device 22500 , or a component thereof (e.g., sensor). In an embodiment, the controller 22519 includes sensing circuits for measuring voltage, current, power, etc. In an embodiment, at least one data point from at least one component of the device 22500 is received, displayed, or transmitted by the controller 22519 .

In an embodiment, the sensor 22408 includes at least one particle sensor, which may have a separate or consolidated power source with another component of the device. In an embodiment, the at least one particle sensor includes one or more power sources such as at least one light-emitting diode. In an embodiment, the at least one particle sensor includes at least one particle counter. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor 22408 includes one or more of a pressure sensitive sensor, velocity sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, feedback sensor, displacement sensor, acceleration sensor, or particle sensor. In an embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature of at least one of the at least one port 22564 , or the at least one compartment. In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor is configured to detect at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 .

In an embodiment, the at least one feedback sensor includes at least one imaging means 22505 . In an embodiment, the at least one imaging means 22505 includes one or more of optical coherence tomography, computer-assisted tomography scan, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography scan, ultrasound, x-ray, electrical-impedance monitoring, microscopy, spectrometry, flow cytommetry, radioisotope imaging, thermal imaging, photography, or in silico generation.

In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one supercooled fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one supercritical fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one refrigerant or cryogenic fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one agent. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes one or more of liquid nitrogen, liquid carbon dioxide, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid helium, liquid methane, methane/ammonia, a halogenated hydrocarbon, liquid neon, liquid argon, liquid mercury, air, cold sodium hydroxide, cold potassium hydroxide, cold potassium chloride solution, cold sodium chloride solution or hydrogen sulfide.

In an embodiment, the device 22500 further comprises at least one administration means 22550 including at least one component for providing the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 to at least one substrate 22585 (e.g., (a) human tissue, (b) food product, (c) electronic device) in the external environment 22575 . In an embodiment, the at least one administration means 22580 includes a de Laval nozzle that forms a constriction for effecting acceleration of the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 . In an embodiment, the at least one administration means 22550 includes at least one of a hose, sprayer, nozzle, or spigot. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the device 22500 is handheld or portable.

In an embodiment, the device 22500 is configured to propel the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 100 cm, approximately 500 cm, approximately 1 m, or any value therebetween.

In an embodiment, the device 22500 includes at least one electronic, magnetic, or mechanical means for controlling at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 . In certain instances, the electronic, magnetic, or mechanical means, includes the controller 22519 configured to regulate at least one sensor 22555 .

The parameters for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement are described elsewhere herein.

In an embodiment, the device 22500 further comprises at least one regulator means 22586 for adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the at least one compartment 22515 . In an embodiment, the at least one regulator means 22586 includes at least one thermostat.

In an embodiment, the device 22500 further comprises at least one measuring means 22587 for sizing, detecting, or analyzing the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 . In an embodiment, the at least one measuring means 22587 includes at least one mechanical, electrical, or photonic device. In an embodiment, the device 22500 further comprises at least one reducing means 22588 for reducing particle size of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the reducing means 22588 for reducing particle size includes at least one of piezoelectric means or sonication means. In an embodiment, the at least one reducing means 22588 for reducing particle size includes at least one of a mechanical cutter, electrical cutter, or fluid jet. In an embodiment, the at least one reducing means 22588 for reducing particle size is located in at least one of the at least one port, or the at least one compartment 22515 .

In an embodiment, the device 25000 further comprises sorting means 22589 for sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22560 or frozen piercing implements 22560 . In an embodiment, sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22560 or frozen piercing implements 22560 is based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 . In an embodiment, sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions 22560 or frozen piercing implements 22560 is based at least in part on at least one parameter of the making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition 22560 or frozen piercing implement 22560 .

In an embodiment, the device 22500 further comprises at least one first channel 22501 configured to hold at least one fluid, the at least one first channel having a distal end 22504 terminating at the at least one compartment 22515 (or the inlet means thereof 22510 ).

In an embodiment, the device 22500 further comprises at least one second channel 22502 configured to hold at least one agent, the at least one second channel having a distal end 22503 terminating at the at least one compartment 22515 (or the inlet means thereof 22510 ).

In an embodiment, the device 22500 further includes communication means configured for electronic communication with at least one computing system 22599 .

In an embodiment, the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, are fabricated by pouring a liquid suspension, solution, or mixture, of the desired constituents into a vessel, mold or frame, and optionally completing the filling under vacuum. See, for example, Park et al., Pharm Res. vol. 23, no. 5 (2006), which is incorporated herein by reference. Following filling the mold, the constituents of the mold are optionally concentrated by way of evaporation or other process. Id. Next, the mold is frozen under conditions and time sufficient to at least partially solidify the constituents of the mold. Finally, the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, are released from the vessel, mold or frame. Id.

As discussed herein, the conditions and time sufficient to at least partially solidify at least one fluid includes the particular points of state function or phase transition for the fluid. For example, first-order phase transitions involve a latent heat. During a first-order phase transition, the system either absorbs or releases a fixed amount of energy, and the temperature of the system stays constant as heat is added. In another example, second-order phase transitions have no associated latent heat, such as the glass transition of polymeric materials at the glass transition temperature of the polymer. The glass transition temperature can be measured by the change in the slope of the heating energy versus temperature curve that results from the measurement on a differential scanning calorimetry device. Accordingly, a fluid composition's phase or state varies with certain parameters of the conditions sufficient to at least partially solidify the fluid composition. For example, the state variables of pressure and temperature assist to define specific conditions sufficient to at least partially solidify a particular fluid.

As discussed herein, the mold or frame can be made from any material that allows fabrication of the frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the mold or frame itself is frozen. In an embodiment, the mold or frame includes at least one metal, glass, or plastic. In an embodiment, the mold or frame is disposable. In an embodiment, the mold or frame is reusable.

In an embodiment, the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are spray or dip coated with at least one agent. Id. In an embodiment, the at least one agent includes at least one adhesive agent, therapeutic agent, reinforcement agent, biological remodeling agent, abrasive, or explosive material.

In an embodiment, the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, are fabricated by layer deposition on a support structure (which may or may not be frozen).

In an embodiment, the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, are fabricated by drawing lithography. See, for example, PCT Publication No. WO2008010682, which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements, are fabricated as solid or hollow compositions by laying down a frozen composition on the surface of a support structure, and removing the implement.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements are made by spraying at least one fluid composition into at least one compartment. In an embodiment, the at least one compartment includes at least one fluid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one gas or liquid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one supercooled liquid. In an embodiment, the at least one liquid includes liquid nitrogen, liquid carbon dioxide, liquid argon, liquid helium, or other inert or reactive liquid. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one of liquid nitrogen, liquid carbon dioxide, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid helium, liquid methane, methane/ammonia, a halogenated hydrocarbon, liquid neon, liquid argon, liquid mercury, air, cold saline, cold sodium hydroxide, cold potassium hydroxide, cold potassium chloride, cold sodium chloride solution, or hydrogen sulfide. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid includes at least one of tetrachloromethane; trichlorofluoromethane; dichlorodifluoromethane; bromochlorodifluoromethane; dibromodifluoromethane; chlorotrifluoromethane; bromotrifluoromethane; carbon tetrafluoride; trichloromethane; dichlorofluoromethane; chlorodifluoromethane; bromodifluoromethane; drifluoromethane; dichloromethane; chloromethane; fluoromethane; methane; hexachloroethane; pentachlorofluoroethane; 1,1,2,2,-tetrachloro-1,2-difluoroethane; 1,1,1,2-tetrachloro-2,2-difluoroethane; 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane; 1,1,1-trichlorotrifluoroethane; 1,2-dichlorotetrafluoroethane; 1,1-dichlorotetrafluoroethane; dibromoetetrafluoroethane; chloropentafluoroethane; hexafluoroethane; pentachloroethane; 1,1,2,2-tetrachloro-1-fluoroethane; 1,1,2-trichloro-2,2-difluoroethane; 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2-difluoroethane; 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-difluoroethane; 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane; 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane, 1,1-dichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane; 2-chloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane; pentafluoroethane; (difluoromethoxy)(trifluoro)methane; 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane; 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane; 1,1,2-trichloro-2-fluoroethane; 1,1,2-trichloro-1-fluoroethane; 1,1,1-trichloro-2-fluoroethane; dichlorodifluoroethane; 1,1,-dichloro-2,2-difluoroethane; 1,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethane; 1,1-dichloro-1,2-difluoroethane; 1,2-dibromo-1,1-difluoroethane; 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane; 1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane; 1-chloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane; 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane; 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane; bis(difluoromethyl)ether; 1,1,2-trichloroethane; 1,1,1-trichloroethane; 1,2-dichloro-1-fluoroethane; 1,2-dibromo-1-fluoroethane; 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane; chlorodifluoroethane; 1-chloro-1,2-difluoroethane; 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane; 1,1,2-trifluoroethane; 1,1,1-trifluoroethane; methyl trifluoromethyl ether; 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methyl ether; 1,2-dichloroethane; 1,1-dichloroethane; chlorofluoroethane; 1-chloro-1-fluoroethane; 1,2-difluoroethane; 1,1-difluoroethane; chloroethane; fluoroethane; ethane; 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptachloro-3-fluoropropane; hexachlorodifluoropropane; 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloro-2,2,3-trifluoropropane; 1,2,2,3-tetrachloro-1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane; 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane; 1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane; 2-chloro-1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane; octafluoropropane; 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexachloro-3-fluoropropane; pentachlorodifluoropropane; 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloro-2,2-difluoropropane; tetrachlorotrifluoropropane; 1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-1,2,2-trifluoropropane; 1,1,1,3-tetrachloro-2,2,3-trifluoropropane; trichlorotetrafluoropropane; 1,3,3-trichloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoropropane; 1,1,3-trichloro-1,2,2,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropane; dichloropentafluoropropane; 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane; 2,3-dichloro-1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane; 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane; 3,3-dichloro-1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane; 1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane; 1,1-dichloro-1,2,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane; 1,2-dichloro-1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane; 1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane; 1,1-dichloro-1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane; chlorohexafluoropropane; 2-chloro-1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane; 3-chloro-1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,1,2,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane; 2-chloro-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane; 1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane; trifluoromethyl 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether; 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane; trifluoromethyl 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether; pentachlorofluoropropane; tetrachlorodifluoropropane; 1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-2,2-difluoropropane; 1,1,1,3-tetrachloro-2,2-difluoropropane; trichlorotrifluoropropane; 1,1,3-trichloro-2,2,3-trifluoropropane; 1,1,3-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoropropane; 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,3-trifluoropropane; dichlorotetrafluoropropane; 2,2-dichloro-1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropane; 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1,2-dichloro-1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropane; 2,3-dichloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane; 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1,3-dichloro-1,2,2,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1,1-dichloro-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoropropane; 1,1-dichloro-1,2,2,3-tetrafluoropropane; 2,3-dichloro-1,1,1,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1,3-dichloro-1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1,1-dichloro-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropane; chloropentafluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,2,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane; 3-chloro-1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane; 2-chloro-1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane; 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane; 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane; 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane; 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether; hexafluoropropane; tetrachlorofluoropropane; trichlorodifluoropropane; dichlorotrifluoropropane; 1,3-dichloro-1,2,2-trifluoropropane; 1,1-dichloro-2,2,3-trifluoropropane; 1,1-dichloro-1,2,2-trifluoropropane; 2,3-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoropropane; 1,3-dichloro-1,2,3-trifluoropropane; 1,3-dichloro-1,1,2-trifluoropropane; chlorotetrafluoropropane; 2-chloro-1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropane; 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane; 3-chloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,2,2,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoropropane; 2-chloro-1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropane; 2-chloro-1,1,1,3-tetrafluoropropane; 3-chloro-1,1,2,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,1,2,3-tetrafluoropropane; 3-chloro-1,1,1,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropane; 1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane; pentafluoropropane; 1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane; 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane; 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane; methyl pentafluoroethyl ether; difluoromethyl 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ether; difluoromethyl 1,1,2-trifluoroethyl ether; trichlorofluoropropane; dichlorodifluoropropane; 1,3-dichloro-2,2-difluoropropane; 1,1-dichloro-2,2-difluoropropane; 1,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoropropane; 1,1-dichloro-1,2-difluoropropane; chlorotrifluoropropane 2-chloro-1,2,3-trifluoropropane; 2-chloro-1,1,2-trifluoropropane; 1-chloro-2,2,3-trifluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluoropropane; 3-chloro-1,1,2-trifluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,2,3-trifluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,1,2-trifluoropropane; 3-chloro-1,3,3-trifluoropropane; 3-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,1,3-trifluoropropane; 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoropropane; methyl 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether; dichlorofluoropropane; 1,2-dichloro-2-fluoropropane; chlorodifluoropropane; 1-chloro-2,2-difluoropropane; 3-chloro-1,1-difluoropropane; 1-chloro-1,3-difluoropropane; trifluoropropane; chlorofluoropropane; 2-chloro-2-fluoropropane; 2-chloro-1-fluoropropane; 1-chloro-1-fluoropropane; difluoropropane; fluoropropane; propane; dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane; chloroheptafluorocyclobutane; octafluorocyclobutane; decafluorobutane; perfluoropropyl methyl ether; perfluoroisopropyl methyl ether; 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane; tetradecafluorohexane; butane; isobutane; pentane; isopentane; diethyl ether; methyl formate; methylamine; ethylamine; nitrous oxide; sulfur dioxide; krypton; 1,1-dichloro-2,2-difluoroethylene; chlorotrifluoroethylene; tetrafluoroethylene; trichloroethylene; cis-1,2-dichloroethylene; 1,1-difluoroethylene; chloroethylene; fluoroethylene; ethylene; hexafluoropropylene; hexafluoropropene trimer; propylene; hydrofluorocarbon; chlorofluorocarbon; hydrochlorofluorocarbon; or the like.

Various methods of utilizing the devices described herein are disclosed. For example, in an embodiment (e.g., for devices described in FIGS. 221-225 ), a method for propelling at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement, comprises contacting at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement with at least one fluid located in at least one compartment of a body portion of a device, the body portion including at least one port, wherein the at least one port provides fluid communication between the at least one compartment and an environment external to the body portion; and inducing volume expansion of the at least one fluid in the at least one compartment to propel the at least one frozen particle composition or at least one frozen piercing implement through the at least one port to the external environment.

In an embodiment, the at least one fluid has a triple point lower than the triple point of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the temperature of the volume-expanded fluid is less than or approximately equal to the freezing temperature of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement includes at least one agent. As described herein, the at least one agent includes at least one of a therapeutic agent, adhesive agent, biological remodeling agent, reinforcement agent, abrasive, or explosive material.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement includes ice Ih or ice Ic. In an embodiment, the method further comprises cutting, grinding, polishing, or coating the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the volume expansion includes at least one of a rapid phase-change in the at least one fluid from a liquid to a gas state; a decrease in density of the fluid; a rapid volumetric expansion of the at least one fluid; flash boiling the at least one fluid; boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion of the at least one fluid; or rapid expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, inducing a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion includes at least one of altering the pressure of the fluid, or altering the temperature of the fluid.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is configured to include at least one explosive material. Various examples of explosive materials are described herein throughout this application and include, but are not limited to at least one of carbonate, carbon dioxide, nitroglycerine; acid, base, epoxy, acrylic polymer or copolymer, acrylamide polymer or copolymer, urethane, hypoxyapatite, or reactive metal. In an embodiment, the at least one explosive material includes at least one of carbon dioxide gas, and inducing expansion includes inducing a volume expansion of at least one portion of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement by contacting with infrared radiation. In an embodiment, the volume expansion includes rapid expansion of the at least one explosive material of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one explosive material is located in at least one cavity or channel of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement.

In an embodiment, inducing volume expansion occurs by way of at least one article configured to transfer energy to the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one article includes one or more of a piezoelectric, thermal, electrical, electromagnetic, or manual pressure article. In an embodiment, inducing the volume expansion includes exposing the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement to at least one of electric energy, magnetic energy, electromagnetic energy, thermal energy, ultrasound, altered pressure, or altered temperature. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy includes at least one of visible light, microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, or x-rays. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic energy is provided by at least one source including at least one of a laser or x-ray device.

In an embodiment, the heat associated with propulsion of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is less than the heat required to liquefy the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. Thus, in an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is at least partially frozen during administration, or upon contact with the at least one substrate. Various non-limiting examples of fluids, agents, and fluid compositions are described herein.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement with at least one force from the at least one port toward at least one substrate in the external environment. In an embodiment, the at least one force includes at least one of van der Waals forces, gravitational force, electrostatic energy, hydration attraction, hydration repulsion, hydrophobic attraction, hydrophobic repulsion, diffusion, osmosis, mechanical pump, electroosmosis, electrophoresis, convection, sublimation, hydroloysis, magnetic force, capillary action, pressure gradient, concentration gradient, surface tension, centripetal force, centrifugal force, acoustic force, electrical force, ultrasonic force, receptor binding, heat, chemical, chemical reaction, tunable microlens or nanolens, gate, valve, or external applied force. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one of a cell, tissue, organ, structure, device, or food product. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate is ingestable. In an embodiment, the at least one food product includes one or more animal, plant, fungal or other biological food product (e.g., meat). In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one indoor or outdoor arena, field, or storage facility. In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least one frozen arena floor. Various non-limiting examples of substrates are provided herein throughout the present application.

In an embodiment, the at least one substrate includes at least a portion of at least one subject. Various non-limiting examples of subjects are disclosed herein throughout the present application.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the device contacts the at least one substrate prior to, during, or subsequent to administration of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the device does not contact the at least one substrate during administration of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the method of further comprises propelling, ejecting, pushing, pulling, or accelerating the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement toward the at least one substrate at a predetermined angle, predetermined velocity, predetermined force, predetermined rate of administration, predetermined depth, predetermined location, predetermined time sequence, or predetermined spatial pattern. In an embodiment, the method further comprises varying the rate, velocity, or angle of administration of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement to at least one substrate in the external environment. In an embodiment, the method further comprises adjusting the temperature of at least a portion of the at least one substrate prior to administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is propelled at least approximately 1 nm, approximately 100 nm, approximately 500 nm, approximately 1 μm, approximately 100 μm, approximately 500 μm, approximately 1 mm, approximately 100 mm, approximately 500 mm, approximately 1 cm, approximately 100 cm, approximately 500 cm, approximately 1 m, or any value therebetween. In an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling at least one parameter for making or administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. Various parameters for making the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement are provided herein throughout the present application. Various parameters for administering the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement are also provided herein throughout the present application.

In an embodiment, the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement is made by at least one of spin casting, extruding, embossing, cutting, splintering, etching, molding, electro-spinning, electro-spraying, gel casting, drawing up at least one viscous fluid, or controlled serial freeze-thaw of a frozen fluid composition. In an embodiment, etching includes utilizing one or more etchants including at least one of a chemical, thermal energy, electrical energy, electromagnetic energy, fluid jet, or mechanical energy.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises sizing, measuring, detecting, or analyzing the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the method further comprises reducing particle size of the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, reducing particle size includes utilizing at least one of piezoelectric means or sonication means.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises sorting a plurality of frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the method further comprises positioning the at least one frozen particle composition or frozen piercing implement on at least one support structure. In an embodiment, the at least one support structure includes at least part of a frozen piercing implement device. In an embodiment, the frozen piercing implement device is at least partially frozen. Various non-limiting examples of frozen piercing implement devices are provided herein throughout the present application.

In an embodiment, the at least one fluid composition is sprayed beneath the surface of the fluid bath. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid composition is sprayed just above the surface of the fluid bath. In an embodiment, at least one mechanism is utilized to form or break up frozen compositions into frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the at least one mechanism includes at least one of vibration, physical mixing, bubble mixing, or sonication. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,873, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements are made by spraying at least one fluid composition into at least one freezing chamber by way of at least one inlet port, whereby as the at least one fluid composition travels through the chamber, the at least one fluid droplets freeze into solid particles. In an embodiment, the at least one freezing chamber includes at least one carrier gas. In an embodiment, the at least one freezing chamber is held under a vacuum. In an embodiment, the at least one fluid composition particles travel through the freezing chamber by at least one force including gravity, magnetism, electrostatic energy, electromagnetic energy, centrifugal force, centripetal force, capillary action, hydrophobic or hydrophilic attraction or repulsion, van der Waals forces, or other force. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements are collected by at least one outlet port. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,746, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements are made by utilizing a system for continuously or serially making and administering the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the system includes at least one device for making one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements and at least one device for administering one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the system includes at least one hose connecting the at least one device for making and the at least one device for administering the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements. In an embodiment, the system includes at least one carrier gas. In an embodiment, the at least one device for administering the one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements includes at least one handheld or portable device. In an embodiment, the at least one handheld device includes at least one propulsion gun.

In an embodiment, the device includes at least one component for directing administration of the at least one frozen particle composition or at least one frozen piercing implement. In an embodiment, the at least one component includes at least one nozzle. In an embodiment, the at least one nozzle includes at least one de Laval nozzle. In an embodiment, the one or more frozen particle compositions, or frozen piercing implements move at least partially through the delivery device by way of Venturi effect.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements are made by utilizing an extrusion process in a chamber maintained under pressure, and including at least one carrier gas for administration of the frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,821, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements are made by utilizing at least one cutting mechanism with at least one frozen fluid or frozen composition substantially in the form of a block, ribbon, sheet, or other form. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,913,711; and 5,520,572, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements are made by grinding or pulverizing at least one frozen composition. In an embodiment, at least one frozen composition is ground with an auger and delivered under pressure with at least one carrier gas. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,174,225, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment, one or more frozen particle compositions or frozen piercing implements are made by utilizing an ink jet style printer. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,316, which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the ink jet style printer utilizes at least one supercooled fluid. In an embodiment, the supercoole