Abstract: Core-shell particles and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The core is formed of or contains one or more hydrophobic materials or more hydrophobic materials. The shell is formed of or contains hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG). The HPG coating can be modified to adjust the properties of the particles. Unmodified HPG coatings impart stealth properties to the particles which resist non-specific protein absorption and increase circulation in the blood. The hydroxyl groups on the HPG coating can be chemically modified to form functional groups that react with functional groups and adhere the particles to tissue, cells, or extracellular materials, such as proteins.

Abstract: Poly(amine-co-ester) polymers, methods of forming active agent-load polyplexes and particles therefrom, and methods of using them for delivery of nucleic acid agents with optimal uptake have been developed. Examples demonstrate critical molecular weights in combination with exposed carboxylic and/or hydroxyl groups, and methods of making Typically, the compositions are less toxic, more efficient at drug delivery, or a combination thereof compared to a control other transfection reagents. In some embodiments, the compositions are suitable for in vivo delivery, and can be administered systemically to a subject to treat a disease or condition.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of genome engineering in vitro and in vivo are provided. In some embodiments, the compositions are triplex forming molecules that bind or hybridize to a target region sequence in the human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Preferably the triplex forming molecules are peptide nucleic acids that include a Hoogsteen binding peptide nucleic acid (PNA) segment and a Watson-Crick binding PNA segment collectively totaling no more than 50 nucleobases in length, wherein the two segments can binid or hybridize to a target region in the CFTR gene having a polypurine sequences and induce strand invasion, displacement, and formation of a triple-stranded molecule among the two PNA segments and the target region's sequence. Methods of using the triplex forming molecules to treat cystic fibrosis are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for efficient delivery of therapeutic agents in vivo are provided. Typically, the compositions are in the form of polymeric particles formed from one or more therapeutic agent complexed with a polycationic polymer which is further encapsulated in one or more amphiphilic polymers, preferably diblock copolymer of a polyalkylene oxide and a polyester such as poly(D,L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG). In the preferred embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent reduces, or inhibits N-glycosylation of one or more receptor tyrosine kinases of cancer cells. Methods of using the particles to treat cancer are also provided.

Abstract: Poly(amine-co-ester-co-ortho ester) polymers, methods of forming active agent-load nanoparticles therefrom, and methods of using the nanoparticles for drug delivery are disclosed. The nanoparticles can be coated with an agent that reduces surface charge, an agent that increases cell-specific targeting, or a combination thereof. Typically, the loaded nanoparticles are less toxic, more efficient at drug delivery, or a combination thereof compared to a control or other transfection reagents.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for fetal or in utero delivery of active agents are provided. The compositions are most typically administered intravenously via the vitelline vein, umbilical vein, or directly into the amniotic cavity of a pregnant mother. Growth factors can be delivered to correct structural defects. Gene editing can be carried out utilizing a gene editing composition such as triplex-forming molecules, CRISPR, zinc finger nucleases, TALENS, or others. The methods can include administration of a gene modification potentiating agent such as stem cell factor (SCF), a CHK1 or ATR inhibitor, or a combination thereof. A particularly preferred gene editing composition is triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) substituted at the ? position for increased DNA binding affinity. Polymeric particle compositions for extracellular and intracellular delivery of the active agents are also provided.

Abstract: Biodegradable contraceptive implants and methods of making and using thereof, are preferably formed of poly(?-pentadecalactone-co-p-dioxanone) [poly(PDL-co-DO)], a family of polyester copolymers that degrade slowly in the presence of water. The material is suitable as the basis of a biodegradable contraceptive implant that provides sustained release of a progestin at a rate similar to a commercially available nondegradable implant. In a preferred embodiment, the progestin is levonorgestrel (LNG), a hormone that prevents pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary or by preventing fertilization of the egg by sperm. The implant may be inserted subcutaneously, allowing degradation over a period of up to about 18 or 24 months, eliminating the need for removal by a trained practitioner.

Abstract: Polymers including poly(amine-co-ester), poly(amine-co-amide), or a combination thereof, and nanoparticles, particularly solid core nanoparticles, formed therefrom are provided. Solid core nanoparticles fabricated from hydrophobic polymers often require the presence of cationic complexing agents to stabilize negatively charged active agents such as siRNA. However, complexing agents are optional in the disclosed formulations because the nanoparticles contain cationic amines to stabilize negatively charged nucleic acids and hydrophobic domains to condense the nucleic acid into the core of the formed nanoparticles, thus improving encapsulation efficiency. This increase in nucleic acid loading allows the disclosed solid core nanoparticles to deliver more nucleic acid per cell without increasing total polymer delivered, further reducing cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for efficient delivery of therapeutic agents in vivo are provided. Typically, the compositions are in the form of polymeric particles formed from one or more therapeutic agent complexed with a polycationic polymer which is further encapsulated in one or more amphiphilic polymers, preferably diblock copolymer of a polyalkylene oxide and a polyester such as poly(D,L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG). In the preferred embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent reduces, or inhibits N-glycosylation of one or more receptor tyrosine kinases of cancer cells. Methods of using the particles to treat cancer are also provided.

Abstract: Polyamine-co-ester-co-ortho ester) polymers, methods of forming active agent-load nanoparticles therefrom, and methods of using the nanoparticles for drug delivery are disclosed. The nanoparticles can be coated with an agent that reduces surface charge, an agent that increases cell-specific targeting, or a combination thereof. Typically, the loaded nanoparticles are less toxic, more efficient at drug delivery, or a combination thereof compared to a control or other transfection reagents.

Abstract: Poly(amine-co-ester-co-ortho ester) polymers, methods of forming active agent-load nanoparticles therefrom, and methods of using the nanoparticles for drug delivery are disclosed. The nanoparticles can be coated with an agent that reduces surface charge, an agent that increases cell-specific targeting, or a combination thereof. Typically, the loaded nanoparticles are less toxic, more efficient at drug delivery, or a combination thereof compared to a control or other transfection reagents.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a microfabricated, silicon-based, Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED) device. The device comprises a silicon shank portion, at least one individual parylene channel disposed along at least a part of an entire length of the shank, wherein the channel has one or more dimensioned fluid exit ports disposed at one or more respective locations of the channel and a fluid (drug) input opening. The fluid input opening may be configured or adapted to be connected to a fluid reservoir and/or a pump and/or a meter and/or a valve or other suitable control device(s) or apparatus that supplies and/or delivers fluid (e.g., a drug) to the microfabricated device. The device may have multiple channels disposed side by side or in different surfaces of the device. The device may be rigid, or flexible, in which case a flexible device can be attached to a bio-degradable support scaffold that provides sufficient structural rigidity for insertion of the device into the target tissue.

Abstract: Polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating inhibitory ribonucleic acids (RNAs) and methods of their manufacture and use are provided. Advantageous properties of the nanoparticles include: 1) high encapsulation efficiency of inhibitory RNAs into the nano articles, 2) small size of the nanoparticles that increases cell internalization, and 3) sustained release of encapsulated inhibitory RNAs by the nanoparticles that allows for administration of an effective amount of inhibitory RNAs to cells or tissues over extended periods of time. Encapsulation efficiency of inhibitory RNAs into the nanoparticles is greatly increased by complexing the inhibitory RNAs to polycations prior to encapsulation. Methods of using the polymeric nanoparticles for treating or inhibiting diseases or disorders are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing targeted gene editing and methods of use thereof are disclosed. In the most preferred embodiments, gene editing is carried out utilizing a gene editing composition such as triplex-forming oligonucleotides, CRISPR, zinc finger nucleases, TALENS, or others, in combination with a gene modification potentiating agent such as stem cell factor (SCF), a CHK1 or ATR inhibitor, or a combination thereof. A particular preferred gene editing composition is triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) substituted at the ? position for increased DNA binding affinity. Nanoparticle compositions for intracellular delivery of the gene editing composition are also provided and particular advantageous for use with in vivo applications.

Abstract: Poly(amine-co-ester) polymers, methods of forming active agent-load nanoparticles therefrom, and methods of using the nanoparticles for drug delivery are disclosed. The nanoparticles can be coated with an agent that reduces surface charge, an agent that increases cell-specific targeting, or a combination thereof. Typically, the loaded nanoparticles are less toxic, more efficient at drug delivery, or a combination thereof compared to a control other transfection reagents. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are suitable for in vivo delivery, and can be administered systemically to a subject to treat a disease or condition.

Abstract: Poly(amine-co-ester) polymers, methods of forming active agent-load nanoparticles therefrom, and methods of using the nanoparticles for drug delivery are disclosed. The nanoparticles can be coated with an agent that reduces surface charge, an agent that increases cell-specific targeting, or a combination thereof. Typically, the loaded nanoparticles are less toxic, more efficient at drug delivery, or a combination thereof compared to a control other transfection reagents. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are suitable for in vivo delivery, and can be administered systemically to a subject to treat a disease or condition.

Abstract: Poly(amine-co-ester) polymers, methods of forming active agent-load nanoparticles therefrom, and methods of using the nanoparticles for drug delivery are disclosed. The nanoparticles can be coated with an agent that reduces surface charge, an agent that increases cell-specific targeting, or a combination thereof. Typically, the loaded nanoparticles are less toxic, more efficient at drug delivery, or a combination thereof compared to a control other transfection reagents. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are suitable for in vivo delivery, and can be administered systemically to a subject to treat a disease or condition.

Abstract: Polymers including poly(amine-co-ester), poly(amine-co-amide), or a combination thereof, and nanoparticles, particularly solid core nanoparticles, formed therefrom are provided. Solid core nanoparticles fabricated from hydrophobic polymers often require the presence of cationic complexing agents to stabilize negatively charged active agents such as siRNA. However, complexing agents are optional in the disclosed formulations because the nanoparticles contain cationic amines to stabilize negatively charged nucleic acids and hydrophobic domains to condense the nucleic acid into the core of the formed nanoparticles, thus improving encapsulation efficiency. This increase in nucleic acid loading allows the disclosed solid core nanoparticles to deliver more nucleic acid per cell without increasing total polymer delivered, further reducing cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating inhibitory ribonucleic acids (RNAs) and methods of their manufacture and use are provided. Advantageous properties of the nanoparticles include: 1) high encapsulation efficiency of inhibitory RNAs into the nano articles, 2) small size of the nanoparticles that increases cell internalization, and 3) sustained release of encapsulated inhibitory RNAs by the nanoparticles that allows for administration of an effective amount of inhibitory RNAs to cells or tissues over extended periods of time. Encapsulation efficiency of inhibitory RNAs into the nanoparticles is greatly increased by complexing the inhibitory RNAs to polycations prior to encapsulation. Methods of using the polymeric nanoparticles for treating or inhibiting diseases or disorders are provided.

Abstract: Poly(amine-co-ester) polymers, methods of forming active agent-load nanoparticles therefrom, and methods of using the nanoparticles for drug delivery are disclosed. The nanoparticles can be coated with an agent that reduces surface charge, an agent that increases cell-specific targeting, or a combination thereof. Typically, the loaded nanoparticles are less toxic, more efficient at drug delivery, or a combination thereof compared to a control other transfection reagents. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are suitable for in vivo delivery, and can be administered systemically to a subject to treat a disease or condition.