Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo.

Abstract: The described invention provides a topical bioadhesive film-forming pharmaceutical composition formulated for application directly to skin or to a substrate. The composition includes a therapeutic amount of an active agent; and one or more excipients selected from the group consisting of a non-cellulosic polymer or copolymer, a film forming agent, a plasticizer, a permeation enhancer, an antioxidant, a preservative, a solubilizer, a phase transfer catalyst, a viscosity modifier, a vitamin, a mineral nutrient, a solvent, a colorant and a fragrance. It further provides a delivery system comprising the composition and a means for administering the composition. It also describes uses of the delivery system in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a skin condition, disease or disorder, and a method for treating a skin condition, disease or disorder with the composition. The composition is characterized by: controlled release.

Abstract: Nanoparticles include a core and one or more targeting moieties, as well as one or more contrast agents or one or more therapeutic agents. The contrast agents or therapeutic agents may be contained or embedded within the core. If the nanoparticle includes therapeutic agents, the agents are preferably released from the core at a desired rate. The core may be biodegradable and may release the agents as the core is degraded or eroded. The targeting moieties preferably extend outwardly from the core so that they are available for interaction with cellular components, which interactions will target the nanoparticles to the appropriate cells, such as apoptotic cells; organelles, such as mitochondria; or the like. The targeting moieties may be tethered to the core or components that interact with the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures of alkyl sulfosuccinate monoesters of general formulas (I) and/or (II), in which R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 6 to 22 C atoms, and X and Y independently represent a hydrogen atom or a cation that can form a water-soluble salt and is selected from among the group composed of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonia, and organic ammonia. The invention is characterized in that the mixture contains 30 to 70 percent by weight of C16 alkyl sulfosuccinate monoester and 30 to 70 percent by weight of C18 alkyl sulfosuccinate monoester, the percentages by weight being in relation to the total amount of alkyl sulfosuccinate monoesters of formulas (I) and (II). The invention also relates to the use of said mixtures in cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: TREK-1 agonist comprising composition that reduces perceived oral discomfort sensation and a method for measuring TREK-1 potassium channel activation.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the generation of nanostructures suitable for use in magnetic resonance imaging where the nanostructures have at least one dimension of about 2 nm or less. In particular, the methods comprise the selective use of incubation temperatures that result in the controlled removal of ligands from metallic cores to which they are attached, allowing the metallic cores or the precursor moieties to unite to form nanostructures of defined and predictable shapes, but having at least one dimension significantly less that at least one other dimension. Accordingly, the nanostructures of the disclosure may be ultrathin sheets, rods, whiskers and the like, or even structures that are thin and porous resembling rice grains. The temperatures useful in the methods of the disclosure are less than 300° C. and allow for progressive elevation of the incubation temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to organosilicon polymers containing benzoic acid esters in form of particles, process for their preparation, cosmetic or dermatological composition comprising them, as well as their use for protecting a human or animal living body from UV radiation.

Abstract: A composition containing biocompatible hydrogel encapsulating mammalian cells and anti-inflammatory drugs is disclosed. The encapsulated cells have reduced fibrotic overgrowth after implantation in a subject. The compositions contain a biocompatible hydrogel having encapsulated therein mammalian cells and anti-inflammatory drugs or polymeric particles loaded with anti-inflammatory drugs. The anti-inflammatory drugs are released from the composition after transplantation in an amount effective to inhibit fibrosis of the composition for at least ten days. Methods for identifying and selecting suitable anti-inflammatory drug-loaded particles to prevent fibrosis of encapsulated cells are also described. Methods of treating a disease in a subject are also disclosed that involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of the disclosed encapsulated cells to the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include drug delivery coatings and devices including the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a drug delivery coating including a polymeric layer. The polymeric layer can include a hydrophilic outer surface. The coating can also include a matrix contacting the hydrophilic outer surface. The matrix can include a particulate hydrophobic therapeutic agent and a cationic agent. The polymeric layer can further include a hydrophilic polymer having pendent photoreactive groups and a photo-crosslinker including two aryl ketone functionalities. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for deterring and/or visually identifying oral contact with objects that are hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise a colorant and a carrier and may further comprise an aversive agent, a salivating agent, and/or an emetic. The compositions may be particularly useful for application to batteries, including button cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer comprising administration of a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising a taxane (such as paclitaxel) and a carrier protein in combination with gemcitabine.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for transport, monitoring the transport, and controlled release of active agents. The compositions comprise surface functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles. The iron oxide nanoparticles are surface functionalized with cucurbitril[7] macrocycles. The cavity formed by the CB[7] macrocycles can be used for storage and transport of active agents. The active agents may be imaging agents or may be therapeutic agents which can be released by applying an alternating magnetic field at desired locations.

Abstract: A method for forming a composition that includes mixing an antimicrobially active botanical oil (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.) and a modified starch polymer within a melt blending device (e.g., extruder) is provided. Unlike the problems associated with proteins, the use of starch polymers allows for a greater degree of flexibility in the processing conditions and is still able to achieve good properties in the resulting composition. The present inventors have also discovered that a plasticizer may be employed to facilitate melt processing of the starch, as well as to enhance the ability of the botanical oil to flow into the internal structure of the starch where it can be retained in a stable manner. The composition is also typically generally free of solvents. In this manner, the starch will not generally disperse before use and prematurely release the botanical oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of nanoparticular formulations comprising a PEG-alkyl block copolymer and a near infrared fluorescent dye, the preparation of these nanoparticular formulations, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the nanoparticular formulations of the present invention, as well as their use as contrast medium.

Abstract: A sealant for sealing a puncture through tissue includes a first section, e.g., formed from freeze-dried hydrogel, and a second section extending from the distal end. The second section may be formed from PEG-precursors including PEG-ester and PEG-amine, e.g., in an equivalent ratio of active group sites of PEG-ester/PEG-amine greater than one-to-one, e.g., such that excess esters may provide faster activation upon contact with physiological fluids and enhance adhesion of the sealant within a puncture. At least some of the precursors remain in an unreactive state until exposed to an aqueous physiological environment, e.g., within a puncture, whereupon the precursors undergo in-situ cross-linking to provide adhesion to tissue adjacent the puncture. For example, the PEG-amine precursors may include the free amine form and the salt form. The free amine form at least partially cross-links with the PEG-ester and the salt form remains in the unreactive state in the sealant before introduction into the puncture.

Abstract: An antiseptic solution including, a cationic antiseptic agent, a film forming polymer, an anionic tinting agent, and a solvent, wherein the cationic antiseptic agent, the film forming polymer and the anionic tinting agent each remain solubilized within the solution for greater than about 1 hour at 25° C. and 60% relative humidity. The antiseptic agent is preferably octenidine dihydrochloride or chlorhexadine gluconate. The film forming polymer is preferably an acrylate polymer. The solvent is preferably ethanol, isopropanol, and n-propanol. When a drape is adhered to a dried surgical film via the antiseptic solution, the force required to peel the drape from the surgical film is at least about 105 g/25 mm.

Abstract: Provided are methods of lightening skin by applying certain aromatic compounds or botanical extracts containing such compounds to the skin.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing red blood cell and/or hemoglobin levels in vertebrates, including rodents and primates, and particularly in humans.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an antithrombotic nanoparticle and use thereof.

Abstract: Active-powder biocidal composition comprising at least one copper salt and at least one zinc salt such that the molar ratio between the copper salt and the zinc salt is within the range of 10 to 1 and each copper and zinc salt, separately, has a solubility constant (Kps) within the range from a value greater than or equal to 1*10-20 to a value less than or equal to 9*10-6. Also included is the biocidal composition that comprises the active-powder composition and a polymer, and the method for the production of said biocidal composition, which comprises: thoroughly mixing the salts in such a manner as to obtain a homogeneous distribution of an active-powder biocidal composition; controlling the mixing temperature such that it remains at approximately less than 50° C.; and mixing the resulting mixture of active powders with a polymer.