Abstract: The present disclosure concerns immunomodulatory compositions and methods of use for enhancing response to an antigen (e.g., in a vaccine), an immunotherapy (e.g., a cancer immunotherapy), or other immune stimulation. The disclosure describes immunomodulators having reduced toxicity and improved immune response compared with existing adjuvants. Further disclosed are methods for improving an immune response to a vaccine antigen, cancer immunotherapeutic, or other immune stimulating agent. The disclosure describes dimeric and polymeric immunomodulators comprising one or more pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonist moieties and one or more NF-?B inhibitor moieties.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods and compositions for generation of antigen-specific regulatory T cells. Certain aspects relate to methods and compositions for generating tolerogenic antigen presenting cells, including tolerogenic dendritic cells. The present disclosure includes compositions, including nanocarrier compositions, comprising TLR agonists, and immunosuppressive agents and optionally an antigen. Also disclosed are methods for use of such compositions in generation of tolerogenic antigen presenting cells and treatment of certain conditions, including autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for inducing trained immunity, preventing infections, improving immune responses, modulating the activity of at least one protein in the BCL family of proteins, increasing the efficacy of a vaccine, and reducing the risk of a secondary tumor in a subject diagnosed with a primary cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions related to identification, isolation, and targeting of first responder dendritic cells (FRs). Aspects of the disclosure are directed to FR-targeting agents and methods for use of such agents, including methods for directing a diagnostic, imaging, or therapeutic molecule (e.g., an antigen) to FRs. The present disclosure includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising an FR-targeting agent and an antigen or polynucleotide encoding an antigen. Also disclosed are methods for stimulating an immune response comprising targeting an antigen to FRs.

Abstract: Provided are mechanically adaptive materials that include a composite gel that is responsive to input energy. In some embodiments, input vibrational energy results in strengthening the composite gel. The strengthening may be reversible or irreversible according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, input vibrational energy generates chemical promotors for cross-linking reactions and/or linear polymerization via mechano-chemical transducers. In some embodiments, an applied shear stress is used to control charge generation and generate chemical promoters for cross-linking and/or linear polymerization. In some embodiments, the composite gels include a polymer network and/or polymer network precursors, reactive groups and/or linkers formed by reaction of the reactive groups, and a mechano-chemical transducer. Also provided are methods of mechanically promoted synthesis of polymers and polymer gels.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to nanoparticle formulations and methods for generating nanoparticles. Embodiments include nanoparticles comprising an amphiphile and a polymer co-assembly agent. In some cases, polymers for use in therapeutic delivery are described. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods and compositions involve TLR agonists and formulations thereof capable of activating an immune response. Certain aspects relate to nanoparticles comprising linked TLR agonists for use in immunotherapy.

Abstract: The current disclosure describes the use of NFkB inhibitors as immune potentiators in vaccine compositions comprising adjuvants. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for vaccinating a subject comprising administering a NFkB inhibitor and an adjuvant (or a composition of the disclosure comprising NFkB and an adjuvant) to the subject. Further aspects relate to a method for inhibiting an inflammatory reaction associated with an adjuvant in a subject, the method comprising co-administering a NFkB inhibitor and an adjuvant (or a composition of the disclosure comprising NFkB and an adjuvant) to the subject. Yet further aspects relate to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a NFkB inhibitor and an adjuvant.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses of recovering CO2 from a gas stream. The methods regenerate CO2 with high regeneration efficiencies, thereby lowering the overall energy cost for CO2 capture.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses of recovering CO2 from a gas stream. The methods regenerate CO2 with high regeneration efficiencies, thereby lowering the overall energy cost for CO2 capture.

Abstract: An autonomous battery shutdown system includes a battery including an anode and a cathode, and an electrolyte composition between the anode and the cathode. The electrolyte composition includes an ionically conductive liquid containing lithium ions, and temperature-sensitive particles including a polymer having a melting temperature between 60° C. and 120° C. When the temperature of the battery exceeds 120° C., the temperature-sensitive particles form an ion barrier that traverses the battery. The resulting shutdown battery may have a specific charge capacity that is more than 98% lower than the specific charge capacity of the original battery.

Abstract: A microvascular system includes a solid polymeric matrix and a woven structure in the matrix. The woven structure includes a plurality of fibers, and a plurality of microfluidic channels, where at least a portion of the microfluidic channels are interconnected. The microvascular system may be made by forming a composite that includes a solid polymeric matrix and a plurality of sacrificial fibers in the matrix, heating the composite to a temperature of from 100 to 250° C., maintaining the composite at a temperature of from 100 to 250° C. for a time sufficient to form degradants from the sacrificial fibers, and removing the degradants from the composite. The sacrificial fibers may include a polymeric fiber matrix including a poly(hydroxyalkanoate) and a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkali earth metal and a transition metal, in the fiber matrix, where the concentration of the metal in the fiber matrix is at least 0.1 wt %.