Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, a green technology for crosslinking protein molecules for various uses, where the protein molecules can be contained in protein fibers such as, but not limited to, human hair, animal fibers, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a crosslinking agent comprising an oxidized sugar having at least two aldehyde groups. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of crosslinking protein fibers. This method involves providing the aforementioned crosslinking agent and infiltrating a plurality of non-crosslinked protein fibers with the crosslinking agent under conditions effective to cause protein molecules contained in the non-crosslinked protein fibers to become crosslinked, thereby yielding a population of crosslinked protein fibers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to nanoparticle drug conjugates (NDC) that comprise ultrasmall nanoparticles, folate receptor (FR) targeting ligands, and linker-drug conjugates, and methods of making and using them to treat cancer.

Abstract: A bioartificial device, such as a bioartificial pancreas, for implantation in a patient's vascular system. The bioartificial pancreas includes a scaffold adapted to engage an interior wall of a blood vessel, a cellular complex support by the scaffold and extending longitudinally within the interior cavity of the scaffold so as to be exposed to the blood flow when the scaffold is engaged with the blood vessel, the cellular complex support comprising one or more pockets bordered by thin film; and cellular complex comprising pancreatic islets disposed in the one or more pockets, the thin film being adapted to permit oxygen and glucose to diffuse from flowing blood into the one or more pockets at a rate sufficient to support the viability of the islets. The invention also includes methods of making and using a bioartificial pancreas.

Abstract: Disclosed are XBP-1/IRE-1 inhibitors having formula disclosed herein. Methods of making and using these inhibitors for the treatment of cancer, in particular B cell cancers, are also disclosed. Also disclosed is a genetic XBP-1-knockout cancer mouse model.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of pre-functionalized nanoparticles (NPs). It relates more particularly to NPs pre-functionalized using a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and also to NPs functionalized using biomolecules such that the NPs are stable in solution. These NPs may be used in numerous applications, especially as a diagnostic tool, for depleting a molecule of interest in a solution, and therapeutic tool.

Abstract: Low-generation dendrimers containing a high density of surface hydroxyl groups, and methods of synthesis thereof are provided. In particular, oligo ethylene glycol (OEG)-like dendrimers with a high surface functional groups at relatively low generations (e.g. ˜120 hydroxyls in the third generation, with a size of just 1-2 nm) is described. Dendrimer formulations including one or more prophylactic, therapeutic, and/or diagnostic agents, and methods of use thereof are also described. The formulations are suitable for topical, enteral, and/or parenteral delivery for treating one or more diseases, conditions, and injuries in the eye, the brain and nervous system (CNS), particularly those associated with pathological activation of microglia and astrocytes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are self-degradable microneedle devices for the controlled-release of an immunotherapeutic agent. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disease (for example, cancer) using a self-degradable microneedle patch for the sustained delivery of an immunotherapeutic agent (for example, a PD1 antibody).

Abstract: Controlled-release preparations of oxcarbazepine and derivatives thereof for once-a-day administration are disclosed. The inventive compositions comprise solubility- and/or release enhancing agents to provide tailored drug release profiles, preferably sigmoidal release profiles. Methods of treatment comprising the inventive compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Silica nanocarriers hybridized with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (“SPIONs”) and curcumin through equilibrium or enforced adsorption technique. Methods for dual delivery of SPIONs and curcumin to a target for diagnosis or therapy, for example, for SPION-based magnetic resonance imaging or for targeted delivery of curcumin to a cell or tissue. The technique can be extend to co-precipitation of mixed metal oxide involving Ni, Mn, Co and Cu oxide. The calcination temperature can be varied from 500-900° C. The nanocombination is functionalized with chitosan, polyacrylic acid, PLGA or another agent to increase its biocompatibility in vivo.

Abstract: Resorbable multifilament yarns and monofilament fibers including poly-4-hydroxybutyrate and copolymers thereof with high tenacity or high tensile strength have been developed. The yarns and fibers are produced by cold drawing the multifilament yarns and monofilament fibers before hot drawing the yarns and fibers under tension at temperatures above the melt temperature of the polymer or copolymer. These yarns and fibers have prolonged strength retention in vivo making them suitable for soft tissue repairs where high strength and strength retention is required. The multifilament yarns have tenacities higher than 8.1 grams per denier, and in vivo, retain at least 65% of their initial strength at 2 weeks. The monofilament fibers retain at least 50% of their initial strength at 4 weeks in vivo. The monofilament fibers have tensile strengths higher than 500 MPa. These yarns and fibers may be used to make various medical devices for various applications.

Abstract: A novel therapeutic agent for solid cancer capable of hardening the cellular tissue itself of a solid cancer to induce death or growth inhibition of cancer cells, causing solidification of the tissue, is disclosed. The therapeutic agent for solid cancer is composed of a liquid composition containing as an active component an ethoxy-containing compound capable of undergoing polycondensation in a cellular tissue. The therapeutic agent for solid cancer is capable of hardening the cellular tissue itself of a solid cancer such as lung cancer to induce death or growth inhibition of cancer cells, causing solidification of the tissue. In conventional therapeutic methods, the risk of metastasis due to spreading of cancer cells through the bloodstream cannot be eliminated. In contrast, this therapeutic agent for solid cancer instantly surrounds cancer cells, so that the risk of metastasis can be largely reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions containing water-soluble poly(oxazoline) and organic polymer particles chosen from the group of polyolefins, polyvinyl aromatics, polyvinyl esters, polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, polycarboxylic acids, polycarboxilic acid esters, polycarboxylic acid amides, polynitriles, polysulfonic acids, polyketones, polysulfones, polymeric polyols, polyurethanes, proteins, polymeric carbohydrates, nucleic acids or from a mixture of two or more of these polymers. The water-soluble poly(oxazolin) acts as a stabilizer for the polymer particles and can particularly advantageously be used as a stabilizer in the freeze-drying of aqueous polymer dispersions.

Abstract: Silica nanocarriers hybridized with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (“SPIONs”) and curcumin through equilibrium or enforced adsorption technique. Methods for dual delivery of SPIONs and curcumin to a target for diagnosis or therapy, for example, for SPION-based magnetic resonance imaging or for targeted delivery of curcumin to a cell or tissue. The technique can be extend to co-precipitation of mixed metal oxide involving Ni, Mn, Co and Cu oxide. The calcination temperature can be varied from 500-900° C. The nanocombination is functionalized with chitosan, polyacrylic acid, PLGA or another agent to increase its biocompatibility in vivo.

Abstract: A liposomal composition (“ADx-003”) is provided, ADx-003 comprising a first phospholipid; a sterically bulky excipient that is capable of stabilizing the liposomal composition; a second phospholipid that is derivatized with a first polymer; a macrocyclic gadolinium-based imaging agent; and a third phospholipid that is derivatized with a second polymer, the second polymer being conjugated to a targeting ligand, the targeting ligand being represented by Formula I: wherein X is —CH2—, —CH2—CH2—, —CHO—, or —O—CO—; Y is —CH—CH?CH— or A and B are independently selected from C and N; R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from —H, halogen, —OH, and —CH3; and R5, R6, and R7 are independently selected from —H, halogen, —OH, —OCH3, —NO2, —N(CH3)2, C1-C6 alkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted C4-C6 aryl group, except that when A and/or B is N the adjacent R5 and/or R7 is —H, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to nanoparticle drug conjugates (NDC) that comprise ultrasmall nanoparticles, folate receptor (FR) targeting ligands, and linker-drug conjugates, and methods of making and using them to treat cancer.

Abstract: Silica nanocarriers hybridized with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (“SPIONs”) and curcumin through equilibrium or enforced adsorption technique. Methods for dual delivery of SPIONs and curcumin to a target for diagnosis or therapy, for example, for SPION-based magnetic resonance imaging or for targeted delivery of curcumin to a cell or tissue. The technique can be extend to co-precipitation of mixed metal oxide involving Ni, Mn, Co and Cu oxide. The calcination temperature can be varied from 500-900° C. The nanocombination is functionalized with chitosan, polyacrylic acid, PLGA or another agent to increase its biocompatibility in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are copolymer micelles for simultaneous delivery of Cas9 mRNA and guide RNA for Cas9 CRISPR gene editing. Also disclosed are copolymer micelles for simultaneous delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic nucleic acid and a cross-linking or alkylating anticancer agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, systems, and kits comprising nano-satellite complexes and/or serum albumin carrier complexes, which are used for modulating antigen-specific immune response (e.g., enhancing anti-tumor immunity). In certain embodiments, the nano-satellite complexes comprise: a) a core nanoparticle complex comprising a biocompatible coating surrounding a nanoparticle core; b) at least one satellite particle attached to, or absorbed to, the biocompatible coating; and c) an antigenic component conjugated to, or absorbed to, the at least one satellite particle component. In certain embodiments, the complexes further comprise: d) an type I interferon agonist agent. In some embodiments, the serum albumin complexes comprise: a) at least part of a serum albumin protein, b) an antigenic component conjugated to the carrier protein, and c) a type I interferon agonist agent.

Abstract: Silica nanocarriers hybridized with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (“SPIONs”) and curcumin through equilibrium or enforced adsorption technique. Methods for dual delivery of SPIONs and curcumin to a target for diagnosis or therapy, for example, for SPION-based magnetic resonance imaging or for targeted delivery of curcumin to a cell or tissue. The technique can be extend to co-precipitation of mixed metal oxide involving Ni, Mn, Co and Cu oxide. The calcination temperature can be varied from 500-900° C. The nanocombination is functionalized with chitosan, polyacrylic acid, PLGA or another agent to increase its biocompatibility in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are branched PEG molecules, including branched PEG-lipids and branched-PEG proteins, as well as related compositions and methods for making branched PEG molecules. Also disclosed are related compositions, systems, and methods for in vivo delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents.