Abstract: The invention includes chitosan nanofibers having enhanced structural integrity, compositions comprising such chitosan nanofibers, and related methods of use. In a particular aspect, electrospun chitosan nanofibers can be reversibly acylated to enhance structural integrity and promote healing and the formation of tissues in a subject. In another aspect, electrospun chitosan nanofibers comprising at least a portion of the amino groups protected, such as through N-tert-butoxycarbonyl groups, demonstrate enhanced structural integrity and promote healing and the formation of tissues in a subject. The invention also includes compositions and methods for producing a modified chitosan material having anti-inflammatory and pro-healing characteristics and methods of using the modified chitosan materials in a film, a gel, a membrane, microfibers, nanofibers, nano- or micro-particles/spheres and/or sponges. In some aspects, microspheres and methods of producing microspheres comprising modified chitosan are included.

Abstract: The present disclosure featured compositions and methods related to the detection and molecular profiling of extracellular vesicles using optical probes, dual imaging approaches, and computationally programing-based image analysis methods. These compositions and methods leverage the unique optoelectrical properties of quantum dots, fluorescently labeled nanoparticles, and gold nanoparticles, which allow reliable, real-time detection of extracellular vesicles and vesicle surface bound or lumenal molecules at single vesicle level.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions featuring chitosan and methods for using such compositions for the local delivery of biologically active agents to an open fracture, complex wound or other site of infection. Advantageously, the degradation and drug elution profiles of the chitosan compositions can be tailored to the needs of particular patients at the point of care (e.g., in a surgical suite, clinic, physician's office, or other clinical setting).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions featuring chitosan and methods for using such compositions for the local delivery of biologically active agents to an open fracture, complex wound or other site of infection. Advantageously, the degradation and drug elution profiles of the chitosan compositions can be tailored to the needs of particular patients at the point of care (e.g., in a surgical suite, clinic, physician's office, or other clinical setting).

Abstract: Methods of producing hybrid fibrous scaffolds are provided. The methods include dissolving a polymer, such as polydioxanone, in a solution, such as 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFP), to form a polymer-containing solution. The method comprises electrically charging the polymer-containing solution. The method comprises writing the polymer-containing solution on a counter electrode or a ground in a grid pattern to form semi-stable fibers comprised of the polymer, the semi-stable fibers vary between bent and straight and forming the hybrid fibrous scaffold. The writing may be performed by a 3D printer. The resulting scaffolds and methods of using the same are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for using cyclopropanated structural analogs of fatty acid biofilm dispersal agents are characterized by superior biofilm dispersion. When used in combination with antimicrobials, these analogs decrease the minimum inhibitory concentration of antimicrobial agents required for eradication of the biofilm and/or treatment of infection. Methods for using these analogs include direct application to a surface, blending with lipid based carriers, or covalent anchoring the molecule to a surface. Typically, the cyclopropanated structural analog has the structure according to formula (I): wherein R1 is a C1-C24 linear or branched alkyl group; or an acid halide or acid anhydride thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the controlled delivery of a drug as a function of bioavailable drug concentration, a sensor device for detecting bioavailable drug concentration, and a delivery device that controls delivery of the drug based on the real-time detection of bioavailable drug concentration.

Abstract: The invention includes chitosan nanofibers having enhanced structural integrity, compositions comprising such chitosan nanofibers, and related methods of use. In a particular aspect, electrospun chitosan nanofibers can be reversibly acylated to enhance structural integrity and promote healing and the formation of tissues in a subject. In another aspect, electrospun chitosan nanofibers comprising at least a portion of the amino groups protected, such as through N-tert-butoxycarbonyl groups, demonstrate enhanced structural integrity and promote healing and the formation of tissues in a subject. The invention also includes compositions and methods for producing a modified chitosan material having anti-inflammatory and pro-healing characteristics and methods of using the modified chitosan materials in a film, a gel, a membrane, microfibers, nanofibers, nano- or micro-particles/spheres and/or sponges. In some aspects, microspheres and methods of producing microspheres comprising modified chitosan are included.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for using cyclopropanated structural analogs of fatty acid biofilm dispersal agents are characterized by superior biofilm dispersion. When used in combination with antimicrobials, these analogs decrease the minimum inhibitory concentration of antimicrobial agents required for eradication of the biofilm and/or treatment of infection. Methods for using these analogs include direct application to a surface, blending with lipid based carriers, or covalent anchoring the molecule to a surface. Typically, the cyclopropanated structural analog has the structure according to formula (I): wherein R1 is a C1-C24 linear or branched alkyl group; or an acid halide or acid anhydride thereof.

Abstract: The invention includes chitosan nanofibers having enhanced structural integrity, compositions comprising such chitosan nanofibers, and related methods of use. In a particular aspect, electrospun chitosan nanofibers can be reversibly acylated to enhance structural integrity and promote healing and the formation of tissues in a subject. In another aspect, electrospun chitosan nanofibers comprising at least a portion of the amino groups protected, such as through N-tert-butoxycarbonyl groups, demonstrate enhanced structural integrity and promote healing and the formation of tissues in a subject. The invention also includes compositions and methods for producing a modified chitosan material having anti-inflammatory and pro-healing characteristics and methods of using the modified chitosan materials in a film, a gel, a membrane, microfibers, nanofibers, nano- or micro-particles/spheres and/or sponges. In some aspects, microspheres and methods of producing microspheres comprising modified chitosan are included.

Abstract: As described below, the present invention features compositions and methods for inhibiting inflammation in connection with an acellular template (e.g., an electrospun template). In one embodiment, the template is impregnated with an agent (e.g., N-?-benzoyl-N5-(2-chloro-1-iminoethyl)-L-ornithine amide (Cl-amidine)) that inhibits a peptidylarginine deaminase (e.g., PAD4).

Abstract: The invention provides microbeads comprising chitosan, a magnetic nanoparticle, and an agent, and methods for using such microbeads for the local delivery of biologically active agents to an open fracture, complex wound or other site of infection or disease.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods related to the detection and molecular profiling of membrane bound vesicles using the Raman Extracellular Vesicle Assay (REVA). The method makes use of highly sensitive and specific surface enhanced Raman scattering technology to label and detect membrane bound vesicles that are captured on a miniaturized device based on the protein expression on the surface of the membrane bound vesicle.

Abstract: Compositions of chitosan and one or more polyalcohols, such as mannitol and polyethylene glycol, and methods of use thereof, are provided. The disclosed compositions can deliver high concentrations of localized antimicrobials and metabolites to make infections more susceptible to antimicrobials. The disclosed compositions may be used to deliver biologically active agents to an infection at a site of trauma or surrounding an indwelling medical device, to treat an infection caused by persister bacterial cells, and to treat and/or prevent the formation of biofilm bacteria on an indwelling medical device or surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions featuring chitosan and methods for using such compositions for the local delivery of biologically active agents to an open fracture, complex wound or other site of infection. Advantageously, the degradation and drug elution profiles of the chitosan compositions can be tailored to the needs of particular patients at the point of care (e.g., in a surgical suite, clinic, physician's office, or other clinical setting).

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for the inducible regulation of one or more target genes using a CRISPR-based synthetic gene regulatory network that responds to spatiotemporally-controlled agents present, for example, on a substrate (e.g., an electrospun template).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions featuring chitosan and methods for using such compositions for the local delivery of biologically active agents to an open fracture, complex wound or other site of infection. Advantageously, the degradation and drug elution profiles of the chitosan compositions can be tailored to the needs of particular patients at the point of care (e.g., in a surgical suite, clinic, physician's office, or other clinical setting).

Abstract: The present disclosure features compositions and methods related to the detection and molecular profiling of extracellular vesicles using fluorescent probes. These compositions and methods leverage the unique optoelectrical properties of quantum dots and fluorescently labeled nanoparticles, which allows reliable, real-time detection of extracellular vesicles and vesicle surface bound or lumenal molecules.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for using cyclopropanated structural analogs of fatty acid biofilm dispersal agents are characterized by superior biofilm dispersion. When used in combination with antimicrobials, these analogs decrease the minimum inhibitory concentration of antimicrobial agents required for eradication of the biofilm and/or treatment of infection. Methods for using these analogs include direct application to a surface, blending with lipid based carriers, or covalent anchoring the molecule to a surface.

Abstract: As described below, the present invention features compositions and methods for inhibiting inflammation in connection with an acellular template (e.g., an electrospun template). In one embodiment, the template is impregnated with an agent (e.g., N-?-benzoyl-N5-(2-chloro-1-iminoethyl)-L-ornithine amide (Cl-amidine)) that inhibits a peptidylarginine deaminase (e.g., PAD4).