Abstract: The present disclosure provides a protein-release system for sustained release of proteins. The system includes a hydrogel comprising a polymeric network, proteins having a portion corresponding to a portion of a fragment crystallization (Fc) constant region of an antibody, and peptidic ligands covalently coupled to the polymeric network, the peptidic ligands comprising an amino acid sequence having a binding affinity to the portion of the Fc constant region, each protein being reversibly bound by affinity to the peptidic ligands.

Abstract: A method of reducing or limiting tissue adhesion comprises contacting the tissue with an effective amount of a hydrogel composition comprising: 2% to 6% by weight hyaluronan, and 3% to 18% by weight methylcellulose, wherein the combined total amount of hyaluronan and methylcellulose in the hydrogel is between 8 and 24% by weight; and wherein the ratio of hyaluronan:methylcellulose is between 1:1 and 1:5 w/w. The hydrogel composition and may be used to reduce or limit tissue adhesion that is correlated with surgery, and may be used in surgeries wherein the surgery is performed through a small incision or opening.

Abstract: A bioresorbable, sustained release pharmaceutical composition comprising: 1.8 wt % to 3.0 wt % methylcellulose and 0.1 wt % to 3.0 wt % hyaluronan in the form of a gel polymer matrix, and at least one local anesthetic agent, suitably ropivacaine, which may be administered by injection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a delivery system for controlled protein release without encapsulation. Identical, burst-free, extended release profiles for three different protein therapeutics were obtained with and without encapsulation in PLGA nanoparticles embedded within a hydrogel. Using both positively and negatively charged proteins, it was shown that short-range electrostatic interactions between the proteins and the PLGA nanoparticles are the underlying mechanism for controlled release. Moreover, tunable release was demonstrated by modifying nanoparticle concentration, nanoparticle size, or environmental pH. Additionally, the utility of this system was demonstrated in vivo for BDNF delivery in a rat model of stroke. These new insights obviate the need for encapsulation and offer promising, translatable strategies for more effective delivery of therapeutic biomolecules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a delivery system for controlled protein release without encapsulation. Identical, burst-free, extended release profiles for three different protein therapeutics were obtained with and without encapsulation in PLGA nanoparticles embedded within a hydrogel. Using both positively and negatively charged proteins, it was shown that short-range electrostatic interactions between the proteins and the PLGA nanoparticles are the underlying mechanism for controlled release. Moreover, tunable release was demonstrated by modifying nanoparticle concentration, nanoparticle size, or environmental pH. Additionally, the utility of this system was demonstrated in vivo for BDNF delivery in a rat model of stroke. These new insights obviate the need for encapsulation and offer promising, translatable strategies for more effective delivery of therapeutic biomolecules.

Abstract: A chemically patterned modified hydrogel formed from a modified hydrogel is provided. The hydrogel is conjugated with a multiphoton photocleavable molecule. The molecule has a multiphoton-labile protective group and a protected group. The protective group is cleavable upon multiphoton excitation to deprotect the protected group, without substantial polymerization of the hydrogel. The chemically patterned modified hydrogel is formed by exposing the modified hydrogel to multiphoton excitation to deprotect a portion of the protected groups.

Abstract: A chemically patterned modified hydrogel formed from a modified hydrogel is provided. The hydrogel is conjugated with a multiphoton photocleavable molecule. The molecule has a multiphoton-labile protective group and a protected group. The protective group is cleavable upon multiphoton excitation to deprotect the protected group, without substantial polymerization of the hydrogel. The chemically patterned modified hydrogel is formed by exposing the modified hydrogel to multiphoton excitation to deprotect a portion of the protected groups.

Abstract: A physical blend of inverse thermal gelling and shear-thinning, thixotropic polymers that has a lower gelation temperature than the thermal gelling polymer alone is provided. The blend results in an injectable hydrogel that does not flow freely at room temperature, but is injectable due to its shear-thinning properties. The thermal-gelling properties of the polymer promote a more mechanically stable gel at body temperature than at room temperature. The polymer matrix gel has inherent therapeutic benefit and can also be used as a drug delivery vehicle for localized release of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Functional fluoropolymers of a fluorocarbon, interlinker and siloxane monomers have been synthesized by free radical polymerization in supercritical fluid carbon dioxide wherein the interlinker monomer is necessary for the copolymerization of the fluoromonomer and the siloxane monomer. Furthermore, the addition of a crosslinking agent to the functional fluoropolymer produces a highly thermally stable and elastic film wherein the film properties can be controlled for specific applications such as coatings, including in paints, and biomedical devices.

Abstract: A variety of hollow structures with unique morphologies were manufactured with a rotational spinning technique. Phase separation of soluble solutions or emulsions was induced within a filled mold as it was being rotated about one of its axis. The density difference between phases results in sediment at the inner lumen of the mold under centrifugal forces. After or during sedimentation, gelation of the phase-separated particles fixes the hollow structure morphology and the solvent remains in the center of the mold. The solvent is removed from the mold resulting in a coating or tube. By controlling the rotational speed and the formulation chemistry, the tube dimensions and wall morphology can be manipulated. This technique offers a new approach to the manufacture of polymeric tubes. It requires small quantities of starting material, permits multi-layering of tubes, is applicable to diverse polymers and can result in highly diffusive hollow structures while maintaining good mechanical strength.

Abstract: A variety of hollow structures with unique morphologies were manufactured with a rotational spinning technique. Phase separation of soluble solutions was induced within a filled mold as it was being rotated about one of its axis. As phase-separation occurs within this rotating mold, the increase in density of one phase results in sediment at the periphery under centrifugal forces. After or during sedimentation, gelation of the phase-separated particles fixes the tube morphology and the solvent remains in the center of the mold. The solvent is removed from the mold resulting in a tube. By controlling the rotational speed and the formulation chemistry, the tube dimensions and wall morphology can be manipulated. This technique offers a new approach to the manufacture of polymeric tubes. It requires small quantities of starting material, permits multi-layering of tubes, is applicable to diverse polymers and can result in highly diffusive hollow structures while maintaining good mechanical strength.

Abstract: A permselective graft polymer is disclosed that is formed by converting into intermediate reactive sites a portion of the cyano groups of a backbone polymer containing —CH2—CH(—C≡N)— units, and grafting polyalkylene oxide polymer chains to the backbone polymer through the reactive sites. Either the backbone polymer of a polymer resin or a permselective polymer membrane can be grafted. When a resin is used, it is formed into a permselective polymer membrane using known methods. The resulting permselective membrane can be formed into hollow fibers or flat sheets for the encapsulation of living cells. The encapsulated cells are then implanted into a patient in need of the biologically active factors produced by the cells. The permselective graft polymer membrane exhibits good molecular diffusion with minimal protein adsorption.

Abstract: A permselective graft polymer is disclosed that is formed by converting into intermediate reactive sites a portion of the cyano groups of a backbone polymer and grafting polyalkylene oxide polymer chains to the backbone polymer through the reactive sites. Either the backbone polymer of a polymer resin or a permselective polymer membrane can be grafted. When a resin is used, it is formed into a permselective polymer membrane using known methods. The resulting permselective membrane can be formed into hollow fibers or flat sheets for the encapsulation of living cells. The encapsulated cells are then implanted into a patient in need of the biologically-active factors produced by the cells. The permselective graft polymer membrane exhibits good molecular diffusion with minimal protein adsorption.