Abstract: This disclosure describes bone tissues engineered from a casted bio-nanocomposite comprising chitosan crosslinked with citric acid to cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) where the amount of CNC used was as high as 29.4%. The nanocomposite showed proper characteristics of a bone mimicking structure. Different layers of the bio-nanocomposite showed an average pore size of greater than 26 micrometers in diameter; a porosity of about 90%, firm structure, maximum bioactivity as measured by deposition of calcium phosphate from simulated body fluid (SBF) solution (gaining weight more than 20% after 3 days), decreased rate of in vitro degradation in PBS (7-60 days), about 10% after 7 days, and acceptable bone cell viability (greater than 80%) in 2D and 3D cultures. The compression modulus of the bio-nanocomposites increased about 4 times and exhibited very small changes in size during the swelling process compared to control.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the formation of thermo-reversible hydrogels from triblock copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(?-benzyl carboxylate-?-caprolactone) (PBCL-PEG-PBCL) prepared by bulk and solution polymerization. PBCL-PEG-PBCLs prepared at fixed PBCL to PEG ratios but different polymerization times were characterized for their average molecular weights, molar-mass disparity and intrinsic viscosity using 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results indicated a copolymer of high molecular weight population with elevated intrinsic viscosity. The size and proportion of this population grew as a function of polymerization time. The formation of this high molecular weight PBCL-PEG-PBCL population can be attributed to non-linear architecture caused by partial cross-linking of the PBCL segment during the polymerization reaction.

Abstract: There is described herein imidopiperidine compounds as inhibitors of human polynucleotide kinase phosphatase.

Abstract: Micelle-forming amphiphilic block copolymers for use in targeting cardiac cells (e.g. fibrotic cells) of a subject suffering from heart failure, micelles containing the micelle-forming amphiphilic block copolymers together with a cardioactive agent, and related compositions and methods for treating or preventing heart failure, e.g. heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) also known as diastolic heart failure.

Abstract: There is described herein imidopiperidine compounds as inhibitors of human polynucleotide kinase phosphatase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micelle-forming poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ester) block copolymers having reactive groups on the polyester block therein. The biodegradability of these copolymers and their biocompatibilities with a large number of bioactive agents make them suitable as carriers for various bioactive agents. The bioactive agents, such as DNA, RNA, oligonucleotide, protein, peptide, drug and the like, can be coupled to the reactive groups on the polyester block of the copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micelle-forming poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ester) block copolymers having reactive groups on the polyester block therein. The biodegradability of these copolymers and their biocompatibilities with a large number of bioactive agents make them suitable as carriers for various bioactive agents. The bioactive agents, such as DNA, RNA, oligonucleotide, protein, peptide, drug and the like, can be coupled to the reactive groups on the polyester block of the copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micelle-forming poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ester) block copolymers having reactive groups on the polyester block therein. The biodegradability of these copolymers and their biocompatibilities with a large number of bioactive agents make them suitable as carriers for various bioactive agents. The bioactive agents, such as DNA, RNA, oligonucleotide, protein, peptide, drug and the like, can be coupled to the reactive groups on the polyester block of the copolymer.

Abstract: This application relates to micelle-forming poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ester) block copolymers having reactive groups on both the poly(ethylene oxide) block and the poly(ester) block therein. The biodegradability of these copolymers and their biocompatibilities with a large number of bioactive agents make them suitable as carriers for various bioactive agents. The bioactive agent, such as DNA, RNA, oligonucleotide, protein, peptide, drug and the like, can be coupled to the reactive groups on the polyester block of the copolymer. A variety of targeting moieties can be coupled to the reactive group on the poly(ethylene oxide) block for targeting the bioactive agent to a particular tissue. The application also relates to a composition and method of use thereof for delivering bioactive agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micelle-forming poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ester) block copolymers having reactive groups on the polyester block therein. The biodegradability of these copolymers and their biocompatibilities with a large number of bioactive agents make them suitable as carriers for various bioactive agents. The bioactive agents, such as DNA, RNA, oligonucleotide, protein, peptide, drug and the like, can be coupled to the reactive groups on the polyester block of the copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of polymer-based nano-carriers for the solubilization and delivery of hydrophobic drugs, and relates to methods of making said carriers, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said carriers. Novel PEO-b-PCL micelles and micelles containing cyclosporine A or analogs thereof are provided as well as a novel method for making said micelles that reduces aggregation and enhances delivery, the toxicity profile and biodistribution of hydrophobic drugs.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for reducing the toxicity of certain hydrophobic therapeutic agents, especially polyene antibiotics, in particular, Amphotericin B (AmB), and therapeutics such as paclitaxel, tamoxifen, an acylated prodrug or an acylated cis-platin, by incorporating these agents within micelles comprising an amphiphilic block-forming copolymer. Where the polyene is amphotericin B, desirably the spacer is an alkyl molecule of aabout 2 to about 8 carbon atoms, desirably 6 carbon atoms, and the core is an N-alkyl molecule of about 8 to about 28 carbon atoms, desirably 12 to 22 carbon atoms, advantageously, 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and as specifically embodied, 18 carbon atoms (stearate moiety). For the formulation of a larger polyene, the spacer and core are proportionately larger than those for amphotericin B. As specifically exemplified herein, the polymer backbone is a PEO of about 270 units with about 10-30 core-forming PLAA subunits, and advantageously about 14-24.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for reducing the toxicity of certain hydrophobic therapeutic agents, especially polyene antibiotics, in particular, Amphotericin B (AmB), and therapeutics such as paclitaxel, tamoxifen, an acylated prodrug or an acylated cis-platin, by incorporating these agents within micelles comprising an amphiphilic block-forming copolymer. Where the polyene is amphotericin B, desirably the spacer is an alkyl molecule of aabout 2 to about 8 carbon atoms, desirably 6 carbon atoms, and the core is an N-alkyl molecule of about 8 to about 28 carbon atoms, desirably 12 to 22 carbon atoms, advantageously, 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and as specifically embodied, 18 carbon atoms (stearate moiety). For the formulation of a larger polyene, the spacer and core are proportionately larger than those for amphotericin B. As specifically exemplified herein, the polymer backbone is a PEO of about 270 units with about 10-30 core-forming PLAA subunits, and advantageously about 14-24.