Abstract: The invention features adhesive devices for holding objects (e.g., bone fragments) fixed with respect to each other.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions, systems and methods for conferring responsive durable shaping of keratinous fibers employ at least one shape memory polymer that includes a three-armed branched polyethylene glycol (PEG) based polymer that is functionalized with one or more metal-coordination active groups. The shape memory polymer forms a crosslinked network coating on a substrate, for example a substrate selected from keratinous substrates, for example, hair. Hair coated with the shape memory polymer and treated with an oxidizing agent can be shaped, locked into shape, and reprogrammed by modulation of pH. The coated hair retains durable shaping properties through at least one shampoo treatment. The cosmetic compositions, systems and methods provide durable and reprogrammable durable shaping of the keratinous substrate, for example for styling hair.

Abstract: An antifouling coating composition including a copolymer including two or more moieties represented by Chemical Formula 1, and a linking group between the two or more moieties, a method of preparing the copolymer, and an antifouling film produced from the antifouling coating composition. In Chemical Formula 1, the definitions of Ar, A, B, C, D, and m are as described in the specification.

Abstract: Biomaterials that support cell attachment and growth are provided. In one aspect, biomaterials are provided comprising a first polymer matrix comprising reactive amino moieties and a second polymer matrix that interpenetrates with the first polymer matrix, where the second polymer matrix comprises a poly(alkylene oxide) comprising two or more alkylene oxide oligomers joined by gamma-thioether carbonyl linkages. In another aspect, biomaterials are provided comprising at least one biopolymer comprising amino groups, thiol groups, and bifunctional modifiers connecting at least some of the amino groups to at least some of the thiol groups; and at least one poly(alkylene oxide) cross-linked to at least two thiol groups of the biopolymer. The biomaterials may further comprise a pharmacologically active agent or cells. Methods of administering such biomaterials to a patient in need thereof are also provided.

Abstract: One-part binder compositions are described that may include a protein and a crosslinking combination. The crosslinking combination may include at least a first crosslinking compound and a second crosslinking compound. The first and second crosslinking compounds are individually crosslinkable with each other and with the protein. Examples of the protein include soy protein. Fiber products and methods of making the fiber products are also described. The fiber products may include organic fibers, inorganic fibers, or both, in a cured thermoset binder based on solutions of the one-part binder compositions.

Abstract: The invention describes families of compounds that utilize multihydroxyl phenyl groups to provide adhesive properties. Selection of the multihydroxy phenyl group along with linkers or linking groups and the linkages between the linkers or linking groups with polyalkylene oxides, provides materials that can be engineered to afford controllable curing time, biodegradation and/or swelling.

Abstract: A wood-containing composite are described that may include a lignocellulosic material, and a formaldehyde-free binder in contact with at least a portion of the lignocellulose material. The binder is formed from a binder composition that includes a soy flour, a polymer, and a crosslinking agent, at least a portion of each of which are covalently crosslinked to each other in the binder. Also described are methods of making wood-containing composites by providing a pre-mixed, one-part binder composition of at least 60 wt. % soy flour, a polymer, and a crosslinking agent. The binder composition is applied to lignocellulosic material, and the combination may be heated at a temperature of about 100° C. or more to cure the binder composition into a binder. The cured binder has the soy protein, polymer, and crosslinking agent covalently bonded to each other.

Abstract: This invention provides emulsions and adhesives comprising proteins that can be isolated from a variety of sources including renewable plant biomass, and methods of making and using such emulsions and adhesives.

Abstract: A polymeric dendrimer-like structure with four branches of monomethoxy-polyethylene glycol that can be represented as: The carboxylic group of the previous structure can be functionalized for the production of conjugates of pharmaceutical interest. The binding of this dendrimer-like polyethylene glycol to therapeutic proteins improves their in vitro and in vivo stability.

Abstract: One-part binder compositions are described that may include a protein and a crosslinking combination. The crosslinking combination may include at least a first crosslinking compound and a second crosslinking compound. The first and second crosslinking compounds are individually crosslinkable with each other and with the protein. Examples of the protein include soy protein. Fiber products and methods of making the fiber products are also described. The fiber products may include organic fibers, inorganic fibers, or both, in a cured thermoset binder based on solutions of the one-part binder compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bio-based and environmentally friendly elastomer product from renewable agricultural substrates. Specifically, glutamine and arginine residues of gliadin are used as synthons to produce novel elastomeric product from the reaction of the oxirane groups of epoxidized vegetable oils under neat reaction conditions with the primary amide functionalities of glutamine and arginine to give the corresponding amidohyroxy gliadinyl triglycerides.

Abstract: A modified polyurethane including a lipid substituent pendant from at least one urethane nitrogen and/or at least one carbon atom of the modified polyurethane, methods of preparing modified polyurethanes and the use thereof as an implantable biomaterial.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amphiphilic-BMP polymer complex which is physically and chemically stable and soluble in water, characterized in that: the amphiphilic polymers comprise a hydrophilic polysaccharide skeleton functionalized with hydrophobic substituents and hydrophilic groups the BMP is selected from the group of therapeutically active BMPs (Bone morphogenetic Proteins), the polymer/BMP mass ratio is lower than or equal to 700. The invention also relates to the process for preparing the amphiphilic-BMP polymer complex in an aqueous medium and in the absence of organic solvents likely to denature the protein. The invention also relates to therapeutic compositions of an amphiphilic-BMP polymer complex according to the invention.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a poly(ether carbonates) of the formula HO—[(CH2CH2—O)n—CO2]m—(CH2CH2—O)n—H are provided. The method comprises polymerizing an activated oligomer of the formula of H—O—(CH2CH2—O)n—CO2—Z, where Z is reactive leaving group.

Abstract: A modified polyurethane including a lipid substituent from at least one urethane nitrogen and/or at least carbon atom of the modified polyurethane.

Abstract: The invention describes families of compounds that utilize multihydroxyl phenyl groups to provide adhesive properties. Selection of the multihydroxy phenyl group along with linkers or linking groups and the linkages between the linkers or linking groups with polyalkylene oxides, provides materials that can be engineered to afford controllable curing time, biodegradation and/or swelling.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a biologically active agent into the body of a mammal are provided, the method comprising administering a carbamate-containing conjugate to the mammal.

Abstract: A particle (and a composition that includes a plurality of the particles) that includes at least one polypeptide molecule and at least one polymer covalently bound to the polypeptide molecule so as to form a polymer shell substantially encompassing the polypeptide molecule, wherein the particle does not define a dimension greater than about 1 ?m. One example for making the particle includes modifying the polypeptide molecule to provide ?, ?-ethylenically unsaturated terminal functional groups, mixing the modified polypeptide molecule with a silicon-containing polymerizable compound, and subjecting the resulting mixture to conditions sufficient for polymerizing the polymerizable compound to form the particle.

Abstract: One-part binder compositions are described that may include a protein and a crosslinking combination. The crosslinking combination may include at least a first crosslinking compound and a second crosslinking compound. The first and second crosslinking compounds are individually crosslinkable with each other and with the protein. Examples of the protein include soy protein. Fiber products and methods of making the fiber products are also described. The fiber products may include organic fibers, inorganic fibers, or both, in a cured thermoset binder based on solutions of the one-part binder compositions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the generation of polypeptides having varied material properties are disclosed herein. Methods include means for initiating the polymerization of aminoacid-N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) monomer by combining the monomer with an amido-containing metallacycle, for making self assembling amphiphilic block copolypeptides and related protocols for adding oligo(ethyleneglycol) functionalized aminoacid-N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) to polyaminoacid chains. Additional methods include means of adding an end group to the carboxy terminus of a polyaminoacid chain by reacting an alloc-protected amino acid amide with a transition metal-donor ligand complex to forming an amido-amidate metallacycle for use in further polymerization reactions. Novel compositions for use in peptide synthesis and design including five and six membered amido-containing metallacycles and block copolypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is provided that includes a modified starch and a silane coupling agent, and optionally, a crosslinking agent. The starch from which the modified starch is derived is natural in origin, biorenewable, and is derived from plant sources. The modified starch has been chemically modified from its natural form and may have a degree of polymerization from about 20 to about 4000. Additionally, the modified starches have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. Advantageously, the modified starches are water dispersible and have excellent resistance to water after curing. In addition, the binder has a light color after being cured. The crosslinking agent may be any compound suitable for crosslinking the starch based compound. In exemplary embodiments, the silane coupling agent is an aminosilane. The environmentally friendly, biorenewable binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: A polyphosphazene polymer which includes hydrophilic side groups and interacting side groups which are capable of bonding with a biological agent of interest. The bonding may be by non-covalent bonding.

Abstract: Broadly the invention provides for a deinkable toner composition, an image made with the deinkable toner, and a method for making the toner including a coloring agent; a thermoplastic polymer; and a protein. In another embodiment the toner includes a coloring agent and a thermoplastic polymer where the protein has been incorporated into the polymer itself. In typical embodiments the protein is derived from soybeans but may be from other plant or animal sources. Typically the toner has a positive triboelectric charge of between about 10 to about 40 microCoulomb/g, or a negative triboelectric charge of between about 10 to about 40 microCoulomb/g.

Abstract: A dental material primer and a dentin-regenerating pulp-capping agent which exhibit an excellent dentin-regenerating action, are disclosed. The dental material primer includes a hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in which collagen is immobilized and the dentin-regenerating pulp-capping agent includes a hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, in which collagen is immobilized, and a binder.

Abstract: A thiol-ene polymeric material is disclosed. The material is produced by the photopolymerization of reactants having thiol and olefin moieties. The material can incorporate encapsulated components, including cells. Additionally, the material can be derivatized by reacting the polymeric material with components such as proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to sheet materials comprising crosslinked polymer based layers and production methods thereof. More particularly the invention relates to gelatin based layers that are hardened by an amine-amine crosslinking compound such as triazine type crosslinking compounds. Gelatins solutions used for such materials are buffered to control the hardening speed of the gelatin solutions. This invention also relates to applications of such hardened gelatin layers such as image recording materials but also applications such as test-substrates applicable for pharmaceutical or cosmetic industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strain of Enterococcus mundtii having probiotic qualities. The strain of E. mundtii (ST4SA) produces an antimicrobial peptide which exhibits antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria. The invention also provides an isolated nucleotide sequence which codes for the antimicrobial peptide (peptide ST4SA). Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for the production of a peptide of the invention which comprises cultivating Enterococcus mundtii strain ST4SA in a nutrient medium under micro-aerophilic conditions at a temperature of between 100C and 45° C., until a recoverable quantity of said peptide is produced, and recovering said peptide. The isolated peptide of the invention may be used as an antimicrobial agent in a liquid formulation or a gel formulation as a topical treatment and may also be used as an antimicrobial agent following encapsulation in a polymer.

Abstract: Described are peptides and peptide mimetics that bind to and activate the thrombopoietin receptor. Such peptides and peptide mimetics are useful in methods for treating hematological disorders and particularly, thrombocytopenia resulting from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or bone marrow transfusions as well as in diagnostic methods employing labeled peptides and peptide mimetics.

Abstract: A coated metal surface on a solid support, wherein the coating consists of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of oligo(ethylene glycol)-terminated amide group-containing alkyl thiols firmly attached to the metal surface via the thiol-end and low molecular weight antigens bound via an amide-group to the SAM-forming OEG molecule, wherein the alkyl portion has 1-20 methylene groups, wherein the oligo(ethylene glycol) portion has 1-15 ethylene oxy units, and wherein the antigens, such as explosives and narcotics, are optionally reversibly bound to antibodies specific for the antigens, is disclosed. The coated metal surface on a solid support may be used in a method of detecting analyte antigens as part of an analysis device, such as a Piezoelectric Crystal Microbalance device or a Surface Plasmon Resonance biosensor, for detection in an aqueous solution of an analyte antigen with higher affinity to an antibody than the antigen of the coating by monitoring the displacement of the antibody from the coating.

Abstract: A polymeric dendrimer-like structure with four branches of monomethoxy-polyethylene glycol that can be represented as: The carboxylic group of the previous structure can be functionalized for the production of conjugates of pharmaceutical interest. The binding of this dendrimer-like polyethylene glycol to therapeutic proteins improves their in vitro and in vivo stability.

Abstract: The invention is a proteinaceous construct comprising a Factor VIII molecule which is conjugated to a water-soluble polymer via carbohydrate moieties of Factor VIII, and methods of preparing same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amphiphilic-BMP polymer complex which is physically and chemically stable and soluble in water, characterised in that: the amphiphilic polymers comprise a hydrophilic polysaccharide skeleton functionalised with hydrophobic substituents and hydrophilic groups the BMP is selected from the group of therapeutically active BMPs (Bone morphogenetic Proteins), the polymer/BMP mass ratio is lower than or equal to 700. The invention also relates to the process for preparing the amphiphilic-BMP polymer complex in an aqueous medium and in the absence of organic solvents likely to denature the protein. The invention also relates to therapeutic compositions of an amphiphilic-BMP polymer complex according to the invention.

Abstract: A dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, particularly to provide a synthetic macromolecular network for a wide variety of tissue types. In particular, artificial or synthetic cartilage, vocal cord material, vitreous material, soft tissue material and mitral valve material are described. In an embodiment, the network is composed of tyramine-substituted and cross-linked hyaluronan molecules, wherein cross-linking is achieved via peroxidase-mediated dityramine-linkages that can be performed in vivo. The dityramine bonds provide a stable, coherent hyaluronan-based hydrogel with desired physical properties.

Abstract: Vesicles for delivery of active macromolecules, such as oligoaminoacids, oligonucleotides, microRNA, siRNA, dsRNA, single stranded oligonucleotides, DNA, peptide nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, and some synthetic organic drugs which are made from amphiphilic segmented copolymers where one segment contains the active macromolecule. In one preferred embodiment, the active macromolecule is contained in the hydrophilic C segment of an amphiphilic ABC segmented copolymer.

Abstract: Macro hydrophobic clusters and complexes of soybean globular proteins were observed using TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope). Upon unfolding, hydrophobic groups of the proteins became exposed toward the surface of the protein and actively interacted with other hydrophobic groups of other protein molecules, thereby forming hydrophobic bonding. The hydrophobic bonding resulted in hydrophobic protein clusters, the formation of which was affected by the degree of protein unfolding, protein structure, and hydrophobic components. Such hydrophobic clusters followed the global minimum free energy theory and formed spherical like structures with diameters ranging from 100 nm to 3000 nm. Such an understanding lends applicability to many uses in adhesives, molding composites, surfactants for oil-water systems, bio-based interior construction paints and paper coatings, fiber production, and metal powder molding applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a polypeptide which is modified with an organic group, wherein a bioactive polypeptide is covalently bound to an organic group that comprises a backbone structure having aromatic side chains, thereby forming a modified polypeptide which is constituted of the bioactive polypeptide and the group having aromatic side chains. At least one of the aromatic side chains of the group is subjected to chemical or enzymatic hydroxylation.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (IIa): are provided where: X is a group capable of being cleaved from the ?-carbon atom to form an ion of formula (I?) C is a carbon atom bearing a single positive charge or a single negative charge; The invention further provides compounds of formula (IIb): where: X is a counter-ion to C. The compounds of formula (IIa) and (IIb) may form ions of formula (I?) by either cleaving the C—X bond between X and the ?-carbon atoms in the case of the compounds of formula (IIa) or dissociating X in the case of compounds of formula (IIb).

Abstract: The present invention provides von Willebrand Factor-polymer conjugates and Factor VIII-polymer conjugates, each having a releasable linkage. Methods of making conjugates, methods for administering conjugates, are also provided.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising (a) one or more pendant group segments and (b) one or more polyol segments, each of said segments being linked to one or more further segments which may be the same or different, wherein said one or more pendant group segments are the same or different and are selected from: (i) siloxane segments; (ii) segments containing phosphoryl choline or a derivative or analogue thereof; (iii) segments containing a di- or trifluoromethyl group; (iv) heparin-like segments containing a group of formula (XII) D-N?N—Ar—SO3? ??(XII) wherein D is an aliphatic or aromatic group and Ar—SO3? comprises one or more linked aryl and/or heteroaryl groups, at least one of the aryl and/or heteroaryl groups having an SO3? substituent; and (v) segments containing a group of formula (I) [P]n?-[Lys]n-Lys-[Spacer]-Lys-[Al]x ??(I) wherein: [Al] is an inert amino acid; x is 0, 1, 2 or 3; [Spacer] is a fatty acid, amino acid, peptide or PEG; [P]n?-[Lys]n is a dendritic structure formed from n lysine group

Abstract: The use of monomers of active a-amino acids for the preparation of hydrophobic polypeptides in the form of precipitates, whereby the polypeptides result from the polymerization of the aforementioned monomers of active a-amino acids in an aqueous solvent and can be resolubilized in the solvent.

Abstract: A modified polyurethane including a lipid substituent pendant from at least one urethane nitrogen and/or at least one carbon atom of the modified polyurethane, methods of preparing modified polyurethanes and the use thereof as an implantable biomaterial.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein polymer material and a method for preparing the protein polymer material involving applying an energy such as electrical energy or gravitational energy to a protein to cause the protein to assemble in a controlled arrangement. The protein used in this method may be any suitable fibrillar protein capable of self-assembling.

Abstract: Water-resistant, protein-based adhesive dispersion compositions and methods for preparing them are provided. The adhesive dispersions are prepared by copolymerizing a denatured vegetable protein, such as soy flour, that has been functionalized with methylol groups with one or more reactive comonomers, and preparing an acidic dispersion of the adhesive. The adhesive dispersions exhibit superior water resistance, and can be used to bond wood substrates, such as panels or laminate, or in the preparation of composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to homogeneous phase enzyme-catalyzed processes for producing modified chitosan polymers or oligomers. An enzyme is reacted with a phenolic substrate in the presence of a chitosan polymer or oligomer to produce a modified chitosan polymer or oligomer. The invention also includes modified chitosan polymers or oligomers produced by the novel processes, in particular modified chitosan polymers or oligomers having useful functional properties, such as base solubility and/or high viscosity.

Abstract: Method for making lignocellulosic composites by adhering lignocellulosic substrates together. A first variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) first ingredient selected from a soy protein or lignin and (ii) at least one substantially formaldehyde-free curing agent that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide, or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the soy protein. A second variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) a protein or lignin, (ii) a first compound that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the protein and (iii) a curing agent.

Abstract: A bio-liquid crystal polymer is made from a tissue-derived compound or the derivatives. The bio-liquid crystal polymer has a characteristic of liquid crystal under predetermined conditions and is biocompatible.

Abstract: A first fiber treatment comprising a functional protein prepared by treating proteins such as collagen with a cross-linking agent and a solvent-base resin; a second one comprising the above functional protein and a water-base resin; a third one comprising a water-soluble organic substance having an average molecular weight of 100 to 20000 and a reactive modifier; a fourth one comprising the above functional protein and a reactive modifier; and products such as fibers and textile goods treated with one of the treatments.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species, which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel biopolymer consisting of a three-dimensional cross-linked mixture of (a) a cross-linking agent, activated with an activating agent, dissolved in a aqueous solution, and (b) a recombinant protein, namely polyubiquitin. The novel biopolymer is based on the cross-linking of ubiquitin (monomeric and/or polymeric) with a cross-linking agent, preferably bifunctionalized polyethylene oxides or a polyethylene glycol of various molecular masses (MW 2000 to 35 000 kDa), dissolved in aqueous solution in adequate proportions. The novel biopolymer offers a wide range of formulations since the number of ubiquitin units and cross-linking agent can vary both in length and ratio. The novel hydrogel is also biodegradable by a specific protease and is resistant to a wide range of other proteases.

Abstract: Materials comprising proteinaceous prepolymers comprising at least one first reactive group reacted with one or more reactive groups on synthetic prepolymers, and methods of making and using same.