Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for sorbing (e.g., adsorption and chemisorption) and destroying organophosphate chemical agents. In certain embodiments, the invention contemplates the use of finely divided, modified nanoscale metal oxide particles. In one embodiment, a suspension of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles modified with 2-pralidoxime or its polymeric analog, poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-phenacyloxime-co-acrylic acid), catalyzes the hydrolysis of organophosphate compounds at a neutral pH. The oxime-modified magnetite particles serve as a nano-sized particulate carrier with a powerful ?-nucleophile, an oximate group, immobilized on its surface. The oxime-modified magnetite nanoparticles are colloidally stable at neutral pH and they are readily recovered from the aqueous milieu by high-gradient magnetic separation methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for sorbing (e.g., adsorption and chemisorption) and destroying organophosphate chemical agents. In certain embodiments, the invention contemplates the use of finely divided, modified nanoscale metal oxide particles. In one embodiment, a suspension of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles modified with 2-pralidoxime or its polymeric analog, poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-phenacyloxime-co-acrylic acid), catalyzes the hydrolysis of organophosphate compounds at a neutral pH. The oxime-modified magnetite particles serve as a nano-sized particulate carrier with a powerful ?-nucleophile, an oximate group, immobilized on its surface. The oxime-modified magnetite nanoparticles are colloidally stable at neutral pH and they are readily recovered from the aqueous milieu by high-gradient magnetic separation methods.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to magnetic nanoparticles colloidally stabilized in aqueous milieu by association with an organic phase. The organic phase may be either a fluorinated polymer or an organic hydrocarbon bilayer, wherein the two layers are chemically bonded to each other. The stabilized particles are further non-toxic and provide useful enhancements in bioprocesses. Another aspect of the present invention relates to compositions comprising an oxygen-dissolving fluid vehicle and surface modified, nanometer-sized magnetic particles. The inventive compositions have utility in a wide range of applications, but are particularly suitable for use as recyclable oxygen carriers, separation and purification vehicles, and bioprocessing media, including fermentation processes.

Abstract: A responsive microgel is provided which responds volumetrically and reversibly to a change in one or more aqueous conditions selected from the group consisting of (temperature, pH, and ionic conditions) comprised of an ionizable network of covalently cross-linked homopolymeric ionizable monomers wherein the ionizable network is covalently attached to an amphiphilic copolymer to form a plurality of ‘dangling chains’ and wherein the ‘dangling chains’ of amphiphilic copolymer form immobile micelle-like aggregates in aqueous solution. A responsive microgel is further provided that comprises at least one therapeutic entity and delivers a substantially linear and sustained release of the therapeutic entity under physiological conditions.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided which comprise a lactone form of camptothecin, or a lactone form analog thereof that is effective for controlling abnormal cell proliferation; and at least one amphiphilic block copolymer that, upon oral administration to a patient, increases oral bioavailability of the lactone form significantly more than that of a directly related carboxylate form of the camptothecin or analog thereof. Compositions are also provided that further comprise at least one bioadhesive polymer that protects a closed alpha-hydroxy lactone structure of the lactone form of camptothecin or analog thereof, and provides a controlled release of the lactone form of camptothecin or lactone form analog thereof, in GI, upon oral administration to a patient. Methods are described for the prevention and/or treatment of a condition related to abnormal cell proliferation comprising orally administering to a patient in need of thereof an effective amount of a composition of the present invention.

Abstract: A responsive microgel is provided which responds volumetrically and reversibly to a change in one or more aqueous conditions selected from the group consisting of (temperature, pH, and ionic conditions) comprised of an ionizable network of covalently cross-linked homopolymeric ionizable monomers wherein the ionizable network is covalently attached to an amphiphilic copolymer to form a plurality of ‘dangling chains’ and wherein the ‘dangling chains’ of amphiphilic copolymer form immobile micelle-like aggregates in aqueous solution. A responsive microgel is further provided that comprises at least one therapeutic entity and delivers a substantially linear and sustained release of the therapeutic entity under physiological conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a completely bioerodable film that adheres to mucosal surfaces and provides sustained pharmaceutical delivery for several weeks.