Abstract: Products, such as devices, prostheses, and materials, whose surfaces have been modified in order to impart beneficial properties to these products are disclosed. The surface-modified products have improved biocompatibility compared to a corresponding product that lacks the modification. Following implantation in a subject, the surface-modified products induce a lower foreign-body response, compared to a corresponding unmodified product.

Abstract: Biomedical devices for implantation with decreased pericapsular fibrotic overgrowth are disclosed. The device includes biocompatible materials and has specific characteristics that allow the device to elicit less of a fibrotic reaction after implantation than the same device lacking one or more of these characteristic that are present on the device. Biocompatible hydrogel capsules encapsulating mammalian cells having a diameter of greater than 1 mm, and optionally a cell free core, are disclosed which have reduced fibrotic overgrowth after implantation in a subject. Methods of treating a disease in a subject are also disclosed that involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of the disclosed encapsulated cells to the subject.

Abstract: Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for coating of any material where reduced fibrosis is desired, such as encapsulated cells for transplantation and medical devices implanted or used in the body.

Abstract: Biomedical devices for implantation with decreased pericapsular fibrotic overgrowth are disclosed. The device includes biocompatible materials and has specific characteristics that allow the device to elicit less of a fibrotic reaction after implantation than the same device lacking one or more of these characteristic that are present on the device. Biocompatible hydrogel capsules encapsulating mammalian cells having a diameter of greater than 1 mm, and optionally a cell free core, are disclosed which have reduced fibrotic overgrowth after implantation in a subject. Methods of treating a disease in a subject are also disclosed that involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of the disclosed encapsulated cells to the subject.

Abstract: Products, such as devices, prostheses, and materials, whose surfaces have been modified in order to impart beneficial properties to these products are disclosed. The surface-modified products have improved biocompatibility compared to a corresponding product that lacks the modification. Following implantation in a subject, the surface-modified products induce a lower foreign-body response, compared to a corresponding unmodified product.

Abstract: Zwitterionic polymers or biocompatible polymers with improved properties for cell encapsulation, coating of devices, or a combination thereof are described. The biocompatible polymer contains a zwitterionic monomer, a monomer with a reactive side chain, and optionally another hydrophobic monomer or a neutral hydrophilic monomer. The zwitterionic polymers are cross-linked with a cross-linker via covalent bond to form a zwitterionic hydrogel in the presence of cells. Also provided, are methods of making and using the zwitterionic polymers.

Abstract: Nanoparticle having a crosslinked chitosan-polyethylene oxide oligomer copolymer coating to which O6-benzylguanine is covalently coupled, compositions that include the nanoparticle, and methods for using the nanoparticle to treat brain cancers.

Abstract: Products, such as devices, prostheses, and materials, whose surfaces have been modified in order to impart beneficial properties to these products are disclosed. The surface-modified products have improved biocompatibility compared to a corresponding product that lacks the modification. Following implantation in a subject, the surface-modified products induce a lower foreign-body response, compared to a corresponding unmodified product.

Abstract: Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for coating of any material where reduced fibrosis is desired, such as encapsulated cells for transplantation and medical devices implanted or used in the body.

Abstract: Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for coating of any material where reduced fibrosis is desired, such as encapsulated cells for transplantation and medical devices implanted or used in the body.

Abstract: Biocompatible hydrogel capsules encapsulating mammalian cells having a diameter of greater than 1 mm, and optionally a cell free core, are disclosed which have reduced fibrotic overgrowth after implantation in a subject. Methods of treating a disease in a subject are also disclosed that involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of the disclosed encapsulated cells to the subject.

Abstract: Biocompatible hydrogel capsules encapsulating mammalian cells having a diameter of greater than 1 mm, and optionally a cell free core, are disclosed which have reduced fibrotic overgrowth after implantation in a subject. Methods of treating a disease in a subject are also disclosed that involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of the disclosed encapsulated cells to the subject.

Abstract: Described herein are polymers, polymeric gels, or a composition thereof, for drug delivery. The polymers, which include boronic-acid containing moieties (e.g., and polyol-containing moieties (e.g., are prepared by free-radical polymerization and can self-assemble into polymeric gels such as hydrogels. Also provided are methods or preparing the polymers, kits involving the polymers and/or polymeric gels or a composition thereof, for use as materials or delivery applications of an agent to a subject.

Abstract: Polyarginine-coated nanoparticle, and methods for making and using the nanoparticle. The nanoparticle can have a core that includes a material that imparts magnetic resonance imaging activity to the particle and, optionally, include one or more of an associated therapeutic agent, targeting agent, and diagnostic agent.

Abstract: Biomedical devices for implantation with decreased pericapsular fibrotic overgrowth are disclosed. The device includes biocompatible materials and has specific characteristics that allow the device to elicit less of a fibrotic reaction after implantation than the same device lacking one or more of these characteristic that are present on the device. Biocompatible hydrogel capsules encapsulating mammalian cells having a diameter of greater than 1 mm, and optionally a cell free core, are disclosed which have reduced fibrotic overgrowth after implantation in a subject. Methods of treating a disease in a subject are also disclosed that involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of the disclosed encapsulated cells to the subject.

Abstract: Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for coating of any material where reduced fibrosis is desired, such as encapsulated cells for transplantation and medical devices implanted or used in the body.

Abstract: Nanoparticle having a chitosan-polyethylene oxide oligomer copolymer coating, and methods for making and using the nanoparticle are provided. The nanoparticle can have a core that includes a material that imparts magnetic resonance imaging activity to the particle and, optionally, one or more of an associated targeting agent, fluorescent agent, or therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Nanoparticle having a crosslinked chitosan-polyethylene oxide oligomer copolymer coating to which O6-benzylguanine is covalently coupled, compositions that include the nanoparticle, and methods for using the nanoparticle to treat brain cancers.

Abstract: Biocompatible hydrogel capsules encapsulating mammalian cells having a diameter of greater than 1 mm, and optionally a cell free core, are disclosed which have reduced fibrotic overgrowth after implantation in a subject. Methods of treating a disease in a subject are also disclosed that involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of the disclosed encapsulated cells to the subject.

Abstract: A chlorotoxin conjugate detectable by fluorescence imaging that allows for intra-operative visualization of cancerous tissues, compositions that include the chlorotoxin conjugate, and methods for using the chlorotoxin conjugate.