Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for producing emulsions, and, in particular, for maintaining laminar flow during production of emulsions containing microsuspensions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for producing emulsions, and, in particular, for maintaining laminar flow during production of emulsions containing microsuspensions. Disclosed herein are columns for receiving a packing material that permits fluid flow through the column. The columns have a periphery that defines an interior cavity in fluid communication with inlets and outlets of the column. Disclosed herein is a method of preparing an emulsion that includes (1) forming a first phase typically containing an organic solvent, a polymer, and one or more biologically active agents and/or chemicals; (2) forming a second phase typically containing water as the second solvent, an emulsion stabilizer and optionally a solvent; and (3) passing the first and the second phases through the column to form a “water in oil” type emulsion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include wound packing devices and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a wound packing device including a plurality of spacing elements capable of absorbing exudate, wherein the surface of the spacing elements resist colonization by microorganisms. The wound packing device can also include a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include wound packing devices and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a wound packing device including a plurality of spacing elements capable of absorbing exudate, wherein the surface of the spacing elements resist colonization by microorganisms. The wound packing device can also include a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include wound packing devices and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a wound packing device including a plurality of spacing elements capable of absorbing exudate, wherein the surface of the spacing elements resist colonization by microorganisms. The wound packing device can also include a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides biocompatible, biodegradable matrices formed from poly-?(1?4)glucopyranose and reactive hydrazide groups. The matrices can be used for various applications in the body, including drug delivery and cell therapy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include wound packing devices and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a wound packing device including a plurality of spacing elements capable of absorbing exudate, wherein the surface of the spacing elements resist colonization by microorganisms. The wound packing device can also include a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for producing emulsions, and, in particular, for maintaining laminar flow during production of emulsions containing microsuspensions.

Abstract: The present invention provides biocompatible, biodegradable matrices formed from poly-?(1?4)glucopyranose and reactive hydrazide groups. The matrices can be used for various applications in the body, including drug delivery and cell therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for the cryogenic storage of biological materials and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a cryopreservative composition including a chaotropic agent and a kosmotropic agent. In an embodiment, the invention includes a cryopreservative composition including urea and trimethylamine-N-oxide. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of cryopreserving cells including contacting cells with a cryopreservative composition, the cryopreservative composition comprising a chaotropic agent and a kosmotropic agent. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of transplanting cells into a subject, the method including administering a composition to the subject, the composition comprising an effective amount of a chaotropic agent, an effective amount of a kosmotropic agent, and cells. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A photoactivatable nucleic acid derivative composition in which one or more photoreactive group(s) are bound to a natural or synthetic nucleic acid. The photoreactive groups can be bound to the nucleic acid before, during or after its formation, and can thereafter be activated in order to attach the nucleic acid to another molecule, e.g., to the surface of a solid support. Also described is a method of preparing such a composition, and a method of using such a composition to attach the nucleic acid to a another molecule, such as that provided by the surface of a substrate used to prepare a nucleic acid chip by photolithographic techniques.

Abstract: A photoactivatable nucleic acid derivative composition in which one or more photoreactive group(s) are bound to a natural or synthetic nucleic acid. The photoreactive groups can be bound to the nucleic acid before, during or after its formation, and can thereafter be activated in order to attach the nucleic acid to another molecule, e.g., to the surface of a solid support. Also described is a method of preparing such a composition, and a method of using such a composition to attach the nucleic acid to a another molecule, such as that provided by the surface of a substrate used to prepare a nucleic acid chip by photolithographic techniques.

Abstract: A photoactivatable reagent useful as a chain transfer reagent for providing a semitelechelic polymer having one or more terminal photoactivatable groups. The reagent provides one or more photoactivatable groups and one or more sulfhydryl (or other chain transfer) groups, the photoactivatable and chain transfer groups optionally being joined together by a spacer group. The reagent can be used to prepare a polymer by serving to initiate the polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The reagent itself becomes an integral part of the resultant polymer, thereby providing the polymer with a terminal photoactivatable nature. The method provides a number of benefits, including the ability to provide homogeneous photoactivatable polymer compositions, e.g., in terms of the uniform location of the photogroup(s) on the terminal portion of each polymer molecule and the ability to build a desired nonpolar quality, and in turn improved surfactancy, into otherwise polar polymers.