Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for performing colorimetric analysis. A substrate is reacted to generate a chromogenic reaction product, and a reaction stop reagent that is a sulfonic acid is added to stop and stabilize the reaction product. The absorbance properties of the chromogenic reaction product can be maintained over significantly longer periods of time of that of conventional reagents and methods. The sulfonic acid can be used in assays such as ELISAs in order to provide a more accurate and safer detection of analytes in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates compositions for delivering therapeutic agents from a medical device including an expandable and collapsible structure and methods employing them. A lipid coating including one or more fatty acids increases the amount of therapeutic agent released from the device at the delivery site. The therapeutic agent can be in a matrix including a hydrophilic polymer or an amphiphilic polymer. Release and adhesion coatings can also facilitate delivery of therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include functionalized polysaccharides and compositions and structures including the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes an active agent delivery composition including a polysaccharide functionalized with a coupling group, wherein the polysaccharide lacks charged groups at a pH of between 6 and 8; and a complex comprising a nucleic acid and a transfection agent. In an embodiment, the invention includes an active agent delivery structure including a matrix comprising a polysaccharide covalently cross-linked through the residue of a coupling group on the polysaccharide, the polysaccharide lacking charged groups at a pH of between 6 and 8; and a nucleic acid delivery complex disposed within the active agent delivery structure. In an embodiment, the invention includes a material for medical applications including glycogen functionalized with coupling groups at a degree of substitution of between about 0.01 and 0.5. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Described herein is a degradable linking agent of formula Photo1-LG-Photo2, wherein Photo1 and Photo2 independently represent at least one photoreactive group and LG represents a linking group comprising one or more silicon atoms or one or more phosphorous atoms. The degradable linking agent includes a covalent linkage between at least one photoreactive group and the linking group, wherein the covalent linkage between at least one photoreactive group and the linking group is interrupted by at least one heteroatom. A method for coating a support surface with the degradable linking agent, coated support surfaces and medical devices are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a delivery composition for administering a hydrophobic active agent. In one embodiment, a delivery composition for local administration of a hydrophobic active agent to a tissue or organ of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the delivery composition includes a cationic delivery agent, a therapeutically effective amount of a hydrophobic active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous carrier. In one embodiment, the cationic delivery agent includes polyethyleneimine (PEI). In an embodiment, the invention includes a drug delivery device including a substrate; and coated therapeutic agent particles disposed on the substrate, the coated therapeutic agent particles comprising a particulate hydrophobic therapeutic agent; and a vinyl amine polymer. Methods of making the delivery composition, as well as kits and methods of use are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for the release of nucleic acid complexes. In an embodiment the invention includes a nucleic acid delivery particle. The delivery particle can include a polymeric matrix including a polyethyleneglycol containing copolymer and a nucleic acid complex disposed within the polymeric matrix. The nucleic acid complex can include a nucleic acid and a carrier agent. In an embodiment the invention includes a medical device including a first polymeric matrix comprising a first polymer and a plurality of nucleic acid delivery particles disposed within the first polymeric matrix. The medical device can be configured to release the nucleic acid complex when the medical device is implanted within a subject. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for coating drug eluting medical devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a coating application unit comprising a movement restriction structure; a fluid applicator; and an air nozzle. The apparatus can further include a rotation mechanism and an axial motion mechanism, the axial motion mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the coating application unit and the rotation mechanism with respect to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include glycerol esters and use of the same for active agent delivery systems and methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes an active agent eluting device including a glycerol ester, an active agent dispersed within the glycerol ester, the active agent eluting device configured to elute the active agent from the glycerol ester in response to degradation of the glycerol ester. In an embodiment, the invention includes a composition including a glycerol ester; an active agent dispersed within the glycerol ester; the active agent eluting device configured to elute the active agent from the glycerol ester in response to degradation of the glycerol ester. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for performing colorimetric analysis. A substrate is reacted to generate a chromogenic reaction product, and a reaction stop reagent that is a sulfonic acid is added to stop and stabilize the reaction product. The absorbance properties of the chromogenic reaction product can be maintained over significantly longer periods of time of that of conventional reagents and methods. The sulfonic acid can be used in assays such as ELISAs in order to provide a more accurate and safer detection of analytes in a biological sample.

Abstract: Silane-functionalized hydrophobic ?(1?4)glucopyranose polymers and polymeric matrices are described. Biodegradable matrices can be formed from hydrophobic ?(1?4)glucopyranose polymers with reactive pendent silyl ether groups. Reaction of the silyl ether groups provides improved matrix formation through bonding to a device surface of a device, polymer-polymer crosslinking, or both. Biodegradable matrices can be used for the preparation of implantable and injectable medical devices, including those that release a bioactive agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides biocompatible, biodegradable matrices formed from poly-?(1?4)glucopyranose and reactive hydrazide groups. The matrices can be used for various applications in the body, including drug delivery and cell therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are activatable conductive compositions and methods of making and using activatable conductive compositions. In particular, activatable conductive monomers polymers are described and electrically conductive coatings that include activatable conductive polymers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to latent reactive and polymerizable derivatives of fluorescent stilbene-based compounds. The compounds can be used to provide articles with a fluorescence property, such as medical devices (e.g., catheters). The fluorescent compounds can be used in association with polymers, or can be incorporated into polymers, and the polymers used in a coating composition on the article surface. The compounds allow for visual or machine inspection of coating properties such as uniformity of coverage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include coating apparatuses and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus. The coating apparatus can include a motor, a rotating contact member, a fluid applicator, a fluid pump, and a base member. The fluid applicator can include an orifice. The rotating contact member can be configured to rotate around a device to be coated that does not rotate. The rotating contact member can be configured to move along the lengthwise axis of a device to be coated. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of coating a medical device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a delivery composition for administering a hydrophobic active agent. In one embodiment, a delivery composition for local administration of a hydrophobic active agent to a tissue or organ of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the delivery composition includes a cationic delivery agent, a therapeutically effective amount of a hydrophobic active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous carrier. In one embodiment, the cationic delivery agent includes polyethyleneimine (PEI). In a more specific embodiment, the cationic delivery agent includes branched PEI. Methods of making the delivery composition, as well as kits and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides polymers comprising pendent photochrome or near IR dye groups, as well as polymeric matrices made from these polymers, which can be used as or in association with a medical article. The polymers can be synthesized using methods that facilitate the preparation of medical articles having good biocompatibility. Exemplary polymeric matrices are in the form of lubricious coatings on medical devices, such as catheters. Visualization by irradiation of the photochrome or near IR dye can improve detection of the polymeric matrix on a device or in the body. This, in turn can improve aspects of a medical procedure, such as device insertion or matrix formation, as well as being useful for assessing the quality of the matrix.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for coating medical devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a coating application unit including a fluid applicator; a first rotation mechanism and a second rotation mechanism; and a controller, wherein the controller causes the first rotation mechanism and the second rotation mechanism to rotate a medical device at substantially the same speed, wherein the speed is greater than 500 rotations per minute. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of coating a medical device including rotating a medical device with a rotation mechanism at a speed of greater than 500 rotations per minute; contacting the medical device with a fluid applicator; and applying a coating solution to the device. In an embodiment, the invention includes a medical device. In some embodiments a surface of a shaft of the device comprises high points and low points.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptide microparticles and methods for the preparation thereof using a nucleating agent.

Abstract: The invention provides emulsion compositions that include a hydrophobic compound and an arylboronic acid. An exemplary emulsion comprises a hydrophobic polymer and a halogenated arylboronic acid. Use of an arylboronic acid provides the emulsion with exceptional stability. The stability provides advantages for the formation of articles formed from the emulsion, including microparticles, as well as other implantable or injectable medical articles having polymeric matrices.

Abstract: The invention provides an injectable formulation that includes an active agent; a biocompatible solvent system, crosslinkable polymers such as polysaccharides; and crosslinking agents; wherein the formulation is substantially free of water. The invention also provides a drug delivery depot formed from the injectable formulation wherein the polymers crosslink in the presence of water in the body of a patient, or in the air, prior to implantation in the patient. Also provided are methods of treatment using such formulations and drug delivery systems.