Abstract: Methods for inhibiting tissue ossification or calcification in a subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of BMP I inhibitor-loaded microparticles to a subject in need thereof, wherein the administration provides local and sustained release of the BMP I inhibitor thereby inhibiting tissue ossification or calcification.

Abstract: The present invention provides microparticles that induce the migration of multipotent stem cells to the anatomical site of the microparticles. Various release profiles are demonstrated that depend upon the relative concentration of alginate in the chemokine-loaded microparticle. Local administration and/or intraarticular injection of the microparticles are useful in conditions such as osteoarthritis. Targeted systemic delivery of the alginate chemokine microparticles to distant anatomical sites subjected to autoimmune disease symptomology can be performed by encapsulation within liposomes having targeting ligands. Consequently, upon the creation of the appropriate chemokine gradient, multipotent stem cells will migrate to the distant anatomical site where the liposomes are attached.

Abstract: The present invention provides microparticles that induce the migration of multipotent stem cells to the anatomical site of the microparticles. Various release profiles are demonstrated that depend upon the relative concentration of alginate in the chemokine-loaded microparticle. Local administration and/or intraarticular injection of the microparticles are useful in conditions such as osteoarthritis. Targeted systemic delivery of the alginate chemokine microparticles to distant anatomical sites subjected to autoimmune disease symptomology can be performed by encapsulation within liposomes having targeting ligands. Consequently, upon the creation of the appropriate chemokine gradient, multipotent stem cells will migrate to the distant anatomical site where the liposomes are attached.