Abstract: This invention relates generally to water-insoluble but water-swellable and deformable crosslinked PEGylated microgel particles of proteins and protein-based macromolecules that are pseudoplastic (shear thinning) and flow in aqueous media under shear and which can be injected or made to flow, wherein said microgel particles can reform as a cluster of microgel particles when shearing forces are removed. The microgel particles function as a matrix to support cell growth, viability, and proliferation.

Abstract: The reduction in the sol-gel temperature of aqueous poloxamer surfactant compositions by the addition of hydrophobic vicinal diols is provided. Lowering of the sol-gel temperature and the gelling efficiency of water-soluble poloxamer block copolymers of polyethylene oxide-b-polypropylene oxide-b-polyethylene oxide has been markedly improved by the addition of small amounts of at least one hydrophobic vicinal diol, such as monoalkyl glycols, monoalkyl glycerols, or monoacyl glycerols. The decrease in the sol-gel temperature facilitates gel formation, and such gels exhibit greater residence time on a surface, particularly those with biological properties.

Abstract: A treatment for pruritus is described that is based upon amylase. The amylases (?-, ?-, ?-amylase) are noted for the cleavage of the ?-glycosidic bonds of polysaccharides, yielding lower molecular weight carbohydrate/sugar fragments. It has now been found that ?-amylase is effective in the reduction of pruritus (itching) of affected tissue.

Abstract: A debridement enzyme for necrotic tissue is described that is not dependent upon proteolytic enzymatic activity but instead utilizes the amylase family of enzymes. The amylases (?-, ?-, ?-amylase) are noted for the cleavage of the ?-glycosidic bonds of polysaccharides, yielding lower molecular weight carbohydrate/sugar fragments. It has now been found that ?-amylase is effective in the debridement of devitalized tissue.

Abstract: Antimicrobial polymer coating formulations are prepared that protect biological surfaces by treating, reducing, ameliorating, preventing or inhibiting pathogenic microorganism ingress to a human or animal host, reducing the potential for infection, particularly by necrotizing fasciitis originating microorganisms, through use of a polymer coating barrier containing antimicrobial agents that facilitates sustained release of biocidal agents active against such opportunistic microorganisms. Such formulations are effective for inhibiting microbial ingress pertaining to soft tissue and skin tears, abrasions, punctures and surgical wounds, and can be used as in water environments and as a skin protectant sunscreen and insect repellent.

Abstract: A debridement enzyme for necrotic tissue is described that is not dependent upon proteolytic enzymatic activity but instead utilizes the amylase family of enzymes. The amylases (?-, ?-, ?-amylase) are noted for the cleavage of the ?-glycosidic bonds of polysaccharides, yielding lower molecular weight carbohydrate/sugar fragments. It has now been found that ?-amylase is effective in the debridement of devitalized tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to water-insoluble but water-swellable and deformable crosslinked PEGylated microgel particles of proteins and protein-based macromolecules that are pseudoplastic (shear thinning) and flow in aqueous media under shear and which can be injected or made to flow, wherein said microgel particles can reform as a duster of microgel particles when shearing forces are removed. The microgel particles function as a matrix to support cell growth, viability, and proliferation.