Abstract: Using a novel water-soluble, active ester amide-containing functionalized controlled radical polymerization initiator, stimuli responsive polymers have been grown from the surface of a protein, exemplified by chymotrypsin or any protein having surface amino acids that will covalently bind to the active ester amide-containing functionalized initiator. It is shown that changes in temperature or pH can change the conformation of the polymer surrounding the enzyme, which in turn enabled the rational tailoring of enzyme activity and stability. This method has afforded an increase in the activity and stability of the enzyme by an order of magnitude at pH's where the enzyme is usually inactive or unstable. Multimodal temperature responsive protein-block copolymer conjugates are described.

Abstract: A polymer formed by controlled radical polymerization includes groups that can be modified after controlled radical polymerization to form a radical. The polymer can be the reaction product of a controlled radical polymerization of radically polymerizable monomers, wherein at least one of the radically polymerizable monomers includes at least one group that can be modified after the controlled radical polymerization to form a radical.

Abstract: A polymer formed by controlled radical polymerization includes groups that can be modified after controlled radical polymerization to form a radical. The polymer can be the reaction product of a controlled radical polymerization of radically polymerizable monomers, wherein at least one of the radically polymerizable monomers includes at least one group that can be modified after the controlled radical polymerization to form a radical.

Abstract: A polymer formed by controlled radical polymerization includes groups that can be modified after controlled radical polymerization to form a radical. The polymer can be the reaction product of a controlled radical polymerization of radically polymerizable monomers, wherein at least one of the radically polymerizable monomers includes at least one group that can be modified after the controlled radical polymerization to form a radical.

Abstract: A system includes at least one oxidase. at least one haloperoxidase; at least a first polymer including groups exhibiting nucleophilic activity for organophosphorus compounds, and a source of halide ions to serve as a substrate for haloperoxidase-catalyzed generation of halogens. The source of halide ions may, for example, include salt crystals or a salt in an extended release system. In a number of embodiments, the first polymer includes halide ions.

Abstract: A polymer formed by controlled radical polymerization includes groups that can be modified after controlled radical polymerization to form a radical. The polymer can be the reaction product of a controlled radical polymerization of radically polymerizable monomers, wherein at least one of the radically polymerizable monomers includes at least one group that can be modified after the controlled radical polymerization to form a radical. A compound includes a first group that is stimulated upon application of energy to the molecule to tether the molecule to a surface or to another polymer chain and a second group comprising a controlled radical polymerization initiator functionality. A block copolymer includes at least a first segment to impart a predetermined functionality to a target surface and at least a second segment including functional groups to interact with the targeted surface to attach the block copolymer to the surface.

Abstract: A method of improving the blood compatibility of a blood-contacting surface includes immobilizing carbonic anhydrase on the surface, wherein the surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the surface based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase.

Abstract: A method of improving the blood compatibility of a blood-contacting surface includes immobilizing carbonic anhydrase on the surface, wherein the surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the surface based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase.

Abstract: A method for joining nanotubes end-to-end, includes contacting the nanotubes with a joining fluid. The joining fluid has at least one property that is different from at least one property associated with ends of the nanotubes. In one embodiment, the method further includes contacting the nanotubes with a first, treating fluid and removing the bulk first fluid before the nanotubes are contacted with the joining fluid. The joining fluid is immiscible in the treating fluid to effect end-to-end joining of the nanotubes.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a protein-polymer conjugate includes the steps: covalently attaching at least one controlled radical polymerization initiator to a protein to form a protein-initiator composition; and mixing the protein-initiator composition with at least one monomer which undergoes controlled radical polymerization in the presence of the protein-initiator composition under conditions suitable to initiate the controlled radical polymerization.

Abstract: A device for removal of at least a portion of carbon dioxide from an aqueous fluid includes at least one membrane through which carbon dioxide can pass to be removed from the fluid and immobilized carbonic anhydrase on or in the vicinity of a first surface of the membrane to be contacted with the fluid such that the immobilized carbonic anhydrase comes into contact with the fluid. The first surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the first surface of the membrane based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase in the case that the carbonic anhydrase is immobilize on the first surface.

Abstract: A device for removal of at least a portion of carbon dioxide from an aqueous fluid includes at least one membrane through which carbon dioxide can pass to be removed from the fluid and immobilized carbonic anhydrase on or in the vicinity of a first surface of the membrane to be contacted with the fluid such that the immobilized carbonic anhydrase comes into contact with the fluid. The first surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the first surface of the membrane based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase in the case that the carbonic anhydrase is immobilize on the first surface.

Abstract: A method for joining nanotubes end-to-end, includes contacting the nanotubes with a joining fluid. The joining fluid has at least one property that is different from at least one property associated with ends of the nanotubes. In one embodiment, the method further includes contacting the nanotubes with a first, treating fluid and removing the bulk first fluid before the nanotubes are contacted with the joining fluid. The joining fluid is immiscible in the treating fluid to effect end-to-end joining of the nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides amphiphilic diacetylene compounds, and compositions and self-assembled nanotubes containing the same. Also provided are methods of producing the compounds, compositions, and nanotubes of the invention, and methods of destroying or inhibiting the growth or proliferation of microorganisms using the nanotubes of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are tubular structures of a biocompatible, triggerably-dissolvable material such as cellulose or a copolymer having an LCST below physiological temperatures. The structures may be embedded within a cell growth scaffold. The tubular structures are useful in growing 3-dimensional tissue structures because nutrients, cytokines or other cell growth and/or differentiation compounds, as well as drugs, such as antibiotics and steroids, can be administered over time, and the tubular structures can be dissolved non-invasively.

Abstract: A method of irreversibly immobilizing an enzyme in a polyurethane and an enzyme-containing polyurethane having a degree of immobilization of the enzyme of approximately 100%. The synthesis of waterborne polyurethanes in the presence of enzyme has enabled the irreversible attachment of the enzyme to the polymeric matrix. The distribution of immobilized enzyme as well as activity retention are homogeneous within the polyurethane. Decreasing ECC hydrophobicity, via the use of a less hydrophobic polyisocyanate prepolymer during polymerization, significantly enhanced the intrinsic activity of the ECC.

Abstract: A method of applying a biocidal polymer to a surface including applying a solution of the biocidal polymer to the surface, wherein the biocidal polymer includes biocidal groups and the biocidal polymer is insoluble in water. The biocidal groups can be selected from the group consisting of quaternary salt groups or haloamino groups.

Abstract: The invention concerns the synthesis of nanotubes and nanocarpets by the spontaneous self-assembly of single chain achiral diacetylenes The monomer units may be cross-linked by UV irradiation to form stable supramolecular assemblies. The nanotubes of the invention, which are remarkably homogeneous in length and diameter, exhibit chromogenic and antibacterial properties.

Abstract: A polymer formed by controlled radical polymerization includes groups that can be modified after controlled radical polymerization to form a radical. The polymer can be the reaction product of a controlled radical polymerization of radically polymerizable monomers, wherein at least one of the radically polymerizable monomers includes at least one group that can be modified after the controlled radical polymerization to form a radical. A compound includes a first group that is stimulated upon application of energy to the molecule to tether the molecule to a surface or to another polymer chain and a second group comprising a controlled radical polymerization initiator functionality. A block copolymer includes at least a first segment to impart a predetermined functionality to a target surface and at least a second segment including functional groups to interact with the targeted surface to attach the block copolymer to the surface.

Abstract: A method of irreversibly immobilizing an enzyme in a polyurethane and an enzyme-containing polyurethane having a degree of immobilization of the enzyme of approximately 100%. The synthesis of waterborne polyurethanes in the presence of enzyme has enabled the irreversible attachment of the enzyme to the polymeric matrix. The distribution of immobilized enzyme as well as activity retention are homogeneous within the polyurethane. Decreasing ECC hydrophobicity, via the use of a less hydrophobic polyisocyanate prepolymer during polymerization, significantly enhanced the intrinsic activity of the ECC.