Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatuses that are adapted for the preparation of gene therapeutic compositions, as well as the compositions formed thereby. The invention also relates to methods adapted for making mixtures and condensate compositions. In the various embodiments, the present invention provides controlled and uniform mixing of gene therapy vectors and gene therapy vector vehicles for improved reproducibility, scaleability, stability, and pharmaceutical efficacy. Such compositions are suitable for use in mediation of disease.

Abstract: Preparations of nucleic acid condensates and compositions containing such condensates are provided. The nucleic acid condensates are in the form of small particles that are stable when subjected to destabilizing conditions such as lyophilizing, freeze-thawing, and prolonged liquid storage. These compositions may be used to deliver nucleic acid to cells.

Abstract: Fast moving monomers of alpha-2 interferon ("IFN-alpha-2") are purified from slow moving monomers and oligomers of interferon and from noninterferon proteins using a combination of immunoaffinity chromatography, reverse phase HPLC, cation exchange chromatography, and gel filtration. Two fast monomer forms, FMM.sub.1 and FMM.sub.2, are further distinguished on the basis of charge and hydrophobicity and FMM.sub.2 is obtained in essentially homogeneous form with respect to size, hydrophobicity and charge.

Abstract: A two package system useful in forming a rapid plastic film, i.e., a burn dressing or burn bandage, on the burn of the skin. One package contains particulate hydrophilic polymer such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate polymer and the other package contains a liquid mixture of an inert, high boiling, organic liquid and water desirably in a weight ratio of 70:30 to 30:70. The particulate polymer and liquid mixture are desirably applied to the burn simultaneously, or by first applying the liquid mixture followed by application of the polymer. A plastic film, burn dressing, can result in a few minutes.

Abstract: Hydrophilic polymeric chambers for encapsulating biologically active tissue and methods for their preparation. The tissue refers to those essential cellular components of a particular organ that is capable of receiving, modifying or secreting hormones. A device comprising such chamber and such tissue is fabricated and implanted in a living body so that said tissue is permitted normal function without being rejected by the host's immunological system. The viability of the tissue in the device is maintained by a correlation of factors including pore size and membrane thickness of the hydrophilic chamber. To maintain the viability of the tissue, the implanted device allows the inflow of essential nutrients and gases, and outflow of metabolites and products while simultaneously excluding the ingress of cellular components of the host's immunological system.

Abstract: There is provided a composition and a process of treating a wound, especially burned tissue surface comprising applying to the wound a settable, non-toxic paste comprising a particulate, hydrophilic, water-swellable polymer and an inert, water-miscible organic liquid having a boiling point above about 120.degree. C. capable of forming a paste therewith, said paste having a setting time of up to an hour and a working time sufficient to apply to the paste to the burned tissue surface, the polymer of said paste in set condition being water-insoluble.