Abstract: A copolymer defines interconnected pores and comprises polymerized monomers. The monomers comprise a first monomer more hydrophilic than 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and a second monomer as hydrophilic as, or less hydrophilic than, HEMA. In a method of forming a polymer, a bicontinuous microemulsion comprising water, a surfactant, and a combination of monomers copolymerizable for forming a porous copolymer is provided. The combination of monomers comprises the first and second monomers. The monomers in the bicontinuous microemulsion are polymerized to form the porous copolymer. The first monomer may comprise N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) or methacrylic acid (MAA). The second monomer may comprise HEMA or methyl methacrylate (MMA).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to transdermal delivery and, in particular, to transdermal delivery using nanoemulsions and other emulsions. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to emulsions comprising a first, continuous phase and a second, discontinuous phase. The first phase may be an aqueous liquid and the second phase may comprise a lipid, such as isopropyl myristate. In some cases, a surfactant, such as Pluronic® L61, is used to stabilize the emulsion. Surprisingly, it has been found that such emulsions are effective at delivering pharmaceutically active agents, such as ciprofloxacin, when the formulation has a very low water content, for example, less than 30 wt % or less than 10 wt %. This is surprising because high water contents—not low water contents—are typically correlated with greater transdermal drug delivery, and thus, a low water content would have been considered to be unfavorable for facilitating transdermal drug delivery.

Abstract: A bicontinuous microemulsion of water, a monomer, and a surfactant copolymerizable with the monomer is polymerized to form a polymeric material, the polymeric material comprising a polymer matrix defining interconnected pores. The polymeric material may additional comprise at least one photochromic agent. The photochromic agent may be dispersed in one or both of the polymer matrix or the interconnected pores. The polymeric material may be used to form photochromic articles including ophthalmic articles such as contact lenses.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to delivery of BMP-7 or functional variants or functional fragments thereof and/or a BMP-7 agonist and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, methods and devices are provided for delivery of BMP-7 or functional variants or functional fragments thereof and/or a BMP-7 agonist to a patient. In some cases, the BMP-7 or functional variants or functional fragments thereof and/or a BMP-7 agonist may be released in controlled fashion from a device in fluid communication with a patient. In some embodiments, the BMP-7 or functional variants or functional fragments thereof and/or a BMP-7 agonist may be expressed by cells within a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided for improving the function of devices containing renal proximal tubule cells.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved bioartificial kidneys (BAKs), and in certain embodiments to improved bioartificial kidneys that are portable and/or wearable by a user. In some embodiments, the BAKs may comprise an ultrafiltration unit and a reabsorption unit. The reabsorption unit may contain a reabsorption membrane having a layer of renal proximal tubule cells disposed thereon, where the renal proximal tubule cells selectively allow solutes to pass through the reabsorption membrane. In some embodiments, at least the reabsorption unit may be configured as a substantially flat-plate filtration device, which can impart advantageous properties such as improved maintenance of the renal proximal tubule cell layer, more facile monitoring of the renal proximal tubule cell layer as well as enhanced profile for wearability.

Abstract: A copolymer defines interconnected pores and comprises polymerized monomers. The monomers comprise a first monomer more hydrophilic than 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and a second monomer as hydrophilic as, or less hydrophilic than, HEMA. In a method of forming a polymer, a bicontinuous microemulsion comprising water, a surfactant, and a combination of monomers copolymerizable for forming a porous copolymer is provided. The combination of monomers comprises the first and second monomers. The monomers in the bicontinuous microemulsion are polymerized to form the porous copolymer. The first monomer may comprise N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) or methacrylic acid (MAA). The second monomer may comprise HEMA or methyl methacrylate (MMA).

Abstract: Porous polymeric articles, and more specifically, porous polymeric articles for tissue engineering and organ replacement, are described. In some embodiments, methods described herein include use of a polymer-solvent system (e.g., phase inversion) to generate porosity in a structure. The process may include formation of a structure precursor material including a first crosslinkable component and a second component that can be precipitated in a precipitation medium. The structure precursor material may be shaped into a three-dimensional shape by a suitable technique such as three-dimensional printing. Upon shaping of the structure precursor material, at least a portion of the first component may be crosslinked. The structure may then be contacted with a precipitation medium to remove the precursor solvent from the structure, which can cause the second polymer component to precipitate and form a porous structure containing a network of uniform pores.

Abstract: A porous material is provided which comprises a transparent polymer matrix defining interconnected pores and a wetting agent. At least a portion of the wetting agent is cross-linked with the polymer matrix. A process for forming a porous polymeric material is also provided. A bicontinuous microemulsion comprising water, a wetting agent, a monomer, and a surfactant copolymerizable with the monomer is polymerized, to form a polymer defining interconnected pores. The wetting agent comprises a cross-linkable wetting agent such that after polymerization, at least a portion of the cross-linkable wetting agent is cross-linked with the polymer. The wetting agent may comprise acrylated hyaluronic acid (AHA) such as methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA). The wetting agent may also comprise a hyaluronic acid (HA). The wetting agent may include an unbonded portion that this releasable from the material. A contact lens may be made from the porous material.