Abstract: The present invention provides a thin mucoadhesive sublingual film composition which provides improved allergen delivery and efficacy at a smaller dose while prolonging the contact time between the allergen and oral antigen presenting cells (APCs), and therefore minimizing the risk of systemic side effects. The thin film compositions of the present invention are also easier to standardize, and removes any need for measuring allergen doses at the physician's office, and which allows for a simplified dosing schedule. Methods of making the thin film compositions and methods for their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the repair and/or growth of biological tissue, e.g., tubular biological tissue such as nerves. Specifically, the instant invention provides tissue connection devices and tissue repair devices and methods for using these devices.

Abstract: Ophthalmic suture materials made from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers with high tensile strength for use in drug delivery, methods of making them, and method of using them for ocular surgery and repair have been developed. The suture materials are made from a combination of a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer and a hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. In a preferred embodiment the suture materials are made from a poly(hydroxyl acid) such as poly(l-lactic acid) and a polyalkylene oxide such as poly(ethylene glycol) or a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer. The sutures entrap (e.g., encapsulate) one or more therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents and provide prolonged release over a period of at least a week, preferably a month.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a polymeric micellar nanoparticle composition comprising a block or graft copolymer comprising at least one polycationic polymer and at least one polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer having an average molecular weight less than 1 kDa, and at least one nucleic acid, wherein the graft or block copolymer and at least one nucleic acid are complexed and condensed into a shaped micellar nanoparticle that is stable in biological media are disclosed. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides a method for preparing the presently disclosed polymeric micellar nanoparticle compositions, a method for targeting at least one metastatic cancer cell in a subject, and a method for treating a disease or condition using the presently disclosed polymeric micellar nanoparticle compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin mucoadhesive sublingual film composition which provides improved allergen delivery and efficacy at a smaller dose while prolonging the contact time between the allergen and oral antigen presenting cells (APCs), and therefore minimizing the risk of systemic side effects. The thin film compositions of the present invention are also easier to standardize, and removes any need for measuring allergen doses at the physician's office, and which allows for a simplified dosing schedule. Methods of making the thin film compositions and methods for their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An in vitro model system that guides the development of microvasculature, recapitulating the detailed organization of both its cellular and a-cellular components is established. Use of electrostretched fibrin microfibers enables both endothelial layer organization and co-culture of supporting perivascular (mural) cells such as vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes. The fiber curvature affects the circumferential deposition of endothelial-produced ECM independently of cellular organization and induces deposition of higher quantities of vascular ECM proteins. Further, a luminal multicellular microvascular structure is disclosed.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a scalable and electrostretching approach for generating microfibers exhibiting uniaxial alignment from polymer solutions. Such microfibers can be generated from a variety of natural polymers or synthetic polymers. The hydrogel microfibers can be used for controlled release of bioactive agents. The internal uniaxial alignment exhibited by the presently disclosed fibers provides improved mechanical properties to microfibers, contact guidance cues and induces alignment for cells seeded on or within the microfibers.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the repair and/or growth of biological tissue, e.g., tubular biological tissue such as nerves. Specifically, the instant invention provides tissue connection devices and tissue repair devices and methods for using these devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the compositions and methods of preparing hydrogel-grafted nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration. Particularly, the present invention describes the nerve guides and methods for preparation of hydrogel-grafted nerve guides with encapsulated neurotrophic factors and a nanofiber mesh lining the inner surface of the guide. The present invention also provides methods for peripheral nerve repair using these hydrogel-grafted nerve guides.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods and systems for expanding CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for increasing the blood flow to an ischemic tissue in a subject in need thereof, such as to ischemic myocardium. The invention further provides methods and systems for directing differentiation of expanded CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for treating a subject with differentiated cells in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Ophthalmic suture materials made from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers with high tensile strength for use in drug delivery, methods of making them, and method of using them for ocular surgery and repair have been developed. The suture materials are made from a combination of a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer and a hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. In a preferred embodiment the suture materials are made from a poly(hydroxyl acid) such as poly(l-lactic acid) and a polyalkylene oxide such as poly(ethylene glycol) or a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer. The sutures entrap (e.g., encapsulate) one or more therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents and provide prolonged release over a period of at least a week, preferably a month.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and compositions for the expansion and differentiation of stem cells.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the repair and/or growth of biological tissue, e.g., tubular biological tissue such as nerves. Specifically, the instant invention provides tissue connection devices and tissue repair devices and methods for using these devices.

Abstract: This invention describes a quick-dissolving thin film strips comprising bioactive components encapsulated within pH-sensitive polymeric microparticles. The microparticles are embedded within the thin film and provide protection to components encapsulated within. The invention further describes methods to incorporate bioactive components encapsulated within pH-sensitive polymeric microparticles into a quick-dissolving thin film strip while maintaining the bioactivity of the contained therapeutic agents during thin film formation and microencapsulation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the compositions and methods of preparing hydrogel-grafted nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration. Particularly, the present invention describes the nerve guides and methods for preparation of hydrogel-grafted nerve guides with encapsulated neurotrophic factors and a nanofiber mesh lining the inner surface of the guide. The present invention also provides methods for peripheral nerve repair using these hydrogel-grafted nerve guides.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods and systems for expanding CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for increasing the blood flow to an ischemic tissue in a subject in need thereof, such as to ischemic myocardium. The invention further provides methods and systems for directing differentiation of expanded CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for treating a subject with differentiated cells in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a series of new polycationic biodegradable polyphosphoramidates. Process for making the polymers, compositions containing these polymers and bioactive ligands to enhance the cellular uptake ad intracellular trafficking, articles and methods for delivery of drugs and genes using these polymers are described. A gene delivery system based on these polymers is prepared by complex coacervation of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) with polymers. Targeting ligands and molecules that could facilitate gene transfer can be conjugated to polymers to achieve selective and enhanced gene delivery. The current invention also provides a complex composition with buffering capacity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a series of new polycationic biodegradable polyphosphoramidates. Process for making the polymers, compositions containing these polymers and bioactive ligands to enhance the cellular uptake ad intracellular trafficking, articles and methods for delivery of drugs and genes using these polymers are described. A gene delivery system based on these polymers is prepared by complex coacervation of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) with polymers. Targeting ligands and molecules that could facilitate gene transfer can be conjugated to polymers to achieve selective and enhanced gene delivery. The current invention also provides a complex composition with buffering capacity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a series of new polycationic biodegradable polyphosphoramidates. Process for making the polymers, compositions containing these polymers and bioactive ligands to enhance the cellular uptake ad intracellular trafficking, articles and methods for delivery of drugs and genes using these polymers are described. A gene delivery system based on these polymers is prepared by complex coacervation of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) with polymers. Targeting ligands and molecules that could facilitate gene transfer can be conjugated to polymers to achieve selective and enhanced gene delivery. The current invention also provides a complex composition with buffering capacity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biodegradable system for the controlled release of bioactive substances. This system comprises novel biodegradable and biocompatible polyphosphoesters that carry positive charges. Process for making these polyphosphoesters, compositions containing these polyphosphoesters and biologically active substances, articles and methods for delivery of drugs and genes using this system are described. A controlled gene delivery system based on these polyphosphoesters is prepared by complex coacervation of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) with polymers. The release rates can be manipulated by adjusting the charge ratios of polyphosphoesters to nucleic acids. This gene delivery system yields a higher gene expression in muscle when injected intramuscularly.