Abstract: A new approach to targeting imaging agents to macrophage-rich sites of interest is disclosed. Compositions of the invention are rHDL and HDL-like liposomal compositions, protein constituents of which, apolipoproteins A-I and/or A-II or fragments thereof are used not only as structural but also as targeting agents. This is achieved by certain controlled chemical or enzymatic modification of apolipoproteins A-I or A-II or fragments thereof. Such modification converts these apolipoproteins to substrates for macrophage scavenger receptors and results in the improvement of contrast agent-(HDL/modified apolipoprotein)-particle association with macrophages and/or absorption (uptake) by macrophages when compared to that of the contrast agent-(HDL/apolipoprotein)-particle constructed with non-modified naturally occurring apo A-I.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to barcoded polymer nanoparticles for in vivo screening and for in vivo therapeutic delivery, and methods therefor. More particularly, the invention relates to polymer nanoparticles, such as reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymer compositions, associated with polynucleotide barcodes, for therapeutic delivery, and for high throughput in vivo screening of drug delivery nanoparticles.

Abstract: Described herein are peptides, compositions, and methods for diagnosing, detecting, imaging, monitoring, preventing, treating, or ameliorating diseases or disorders including cancer, inflammatory disorder, and autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Components, for example, nanoparticles for detecting and/or treating one or more active carious lesions or microcavities in teeth of a subject are provided. The component or nanoparticle may comprise a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer (e.g., a starch) bearing at least one cationic region and/or having a net positive charge and thereby capable of associating with one or more active and/or early carious lesions on a tooth in an oral cavity of a subject. The components or nanoparticles are optionally water soluble or dispersible. The components or nanoparticle also comprises an imaging agent (e.g., a fluorophore or dye) bonded to the biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. The component or nanoparticle is thus capable of indicating the presence of one or more active carious lesions when the component or nanoparticle is associated therewith. Oral care compositions comprising such compounds/nanoparticles and methods of making and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zwitterionic nanoparticle, the zwitterionic nanoparticle comprising at least one nanoparticle and a zwitterionic case enclosing the nanoparticle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a composition, a method of binding a zwitterionic nanoparticle and the use of a zwitterionic nanoparticle.

Abstract: A nanocomposition for use in treating cardiac, oncologic, bariatric, or dermatologic indications, conditions and diseases condition using phthalocyanine dye, such as IR700. A nanocomposition having IR700, an 8PEG nanoparticle and a RGD, or iRGD targeting agent. Administering a product comprising IR700 to a patient, whereby the IR700 is delivered to the target tissue, and found in only target tissue; and administering light to activate the IR700, thereby producing an ROS.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a fluorescein component and benoxinate component and the corresponding uses of these compositions are described herein. These compositions have improved storage life and the fluorescein component and/or benoxinate component minimally degrade after 12 to 18 months of storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing PCL-comprising microparticles, to microparticles obtainable by said process, to gel hence obtained and to several uses of the gel such as for the preparation of a medicament for treating a skin abnormality or disfigurement, and/or for controlling bladder function and/or controlling gastric reflux and/or for treating erectile dysfunction and/or for treating vocal cords. The gel may also be used for cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a droplet encapsulate comprising: a drop of a hydrophobic medium; a peripheral layer of non-polymeric amphipathic molecules around the surface of the drop; and an aqueous droplet within the peripheral layer, the aqueous droplet comprising: (a) an aqueous medium and (b) an outer layer of non-polymeric amphipathic molecules around the surface of the aqueous medium. The invention also provides processes for preparing the droplet encapsulates. Various uses of the droplet encapsulates are also described, including their use as drug delivery vehicles, in synthetic biology, and in the study of membrane proteins.

Abstract: Injectable macroporous hydrogels, and methods of producing same, are described. The injectable macroporous hydrogels may be formed by mixing gelatin microgels with an enzyme. In at least some embodiments, the enzyme may be transglutaminase, and more specifically microbial transglutaminase (mTG).

Abstract: Described herein are human transgenic beta cells expressing fugetactic levels of CXCL12 to a subject in need thereof. Also described herein are beta cells comprising a transgene comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding CXCL12.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the nanoencapsulation of siRNA and other biologics in phospholipid nanosomes for the improved delivery of siRNA and other biologics to targeted diseased human or animal organs and human or animal cells and apparatus and methods for making the same. In embodiments of the present invention, novel siRNAs were designed to down regulate CCR5 and CD4, based on an analysis of all known alternative transcripts for each gene from both human and monkey (Macaca mulatta) genomes. Embodiments of the present invention feature supercritical, critical and near critical fluids. Embodiments of the present invention also pertain to down regulation of CXCR4 receptor and targeting of nanosomes containing specific siRNA sequences to cells expressing those receptors on the cell surface by coating them with specific ligands. These include ligands for the receptors CCR5, CD4 and CXCR4.

Abstract: A high molecular weight polyethylene polymer is formulated so that the polymer is capable of being injection molded. The polyethylene polymer has a Viscosity Number of greater than about 400 ml/g and has a melt flow rate of greater than about 0.9 g/10 min. The polyethylene polymer is of high purity and is particularly well suited for producing medical products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound of formula (I) and to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also relates to the use of said compound of formula (I) in the treatment of cancer, particularly by photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: The disclosure features novel lipids and compositions involving the same. Nanoparticle compositions include an ionizable lipid, a phospholipid, a first sterol or a tocopherol, and optionally a second sterol different from the first sterol. Nanoparticle compositions further including therapeutic and/or prophylactics such as RNA are useful in the delivery of therapeutic and/or prophylactics to mammalian cells or organs to, for example, regulate polypeptide, protein, or gene expression.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure can include a biocompatible tissue graft. The graft can include an extracellular matrix (ECM) patch or strip and at least one fiber stitched into the ECM patch or strip in a peripheral reinforcement pattern. The at least one fiber can have opposing terminal ends. The at least one fiber can mitigate tearing and/or improve fixation retention of the ECM patch or strip. The at least one fiber can comprise a plurality of interconnected stitches. The opposing terminal ends of the at least one fiber can be stitched together to form a continuous stitching construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface gradient cross-linked method of a ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and the application thereof. The surface gradient crosslinked method of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene includes a n ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene surface photoinitiator diffusion step and an ultraviolet light irradiation crosslinking step. In this method, the photoinitiator is diffused deeply into the surface of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, the body material shows a gradient cross-linking from the surface to the inside after ultraviolet irradiation so that the whole bulk has a high toughness and the surface there of has a high wear resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid biocompatible carrier (hybridosome) which comprises structural and bioactive elements originating from at least one biocompatible delivery module (BDM) and at least one engineered drug encapsulation module (EDEM) comprising at least one tunable fusogenic moiety. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising said hybridosomes, processes for their manufacture, as well as pharmaceutical uses and pharmaceutical methods based thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are photoactivable fluorophores comprising one or more thiocarbonyl groups as well as conjugates and compositions thereof. The present disclosure also provides methods of preparing photoactivatable fluorophores as well as methods of imaging using the photoactivatable fluorophores, conjugates, and compositions of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A molecular building block composition can include a metal ion component; and a ligand component including a core including at least one functional group associated with the metal ion component and the core.