Abstract: The invention relates to genetically encoded fusion proteins comprised of a capture component that binds a target with high affinity and a peptide polymer, such as elastin-like polypeptides, that display phase behavior and can be used for purification. The invention further relates to methods for optimizing capture fusion proteins for individual biologic targets such that phase separation occurs under desirable conditions, such as at room temperature, lower concentrations of salt, and/or at suitable pH ranges and optimized capture domains and polypeptides with phase behavior that have been identified by the optimization methods.

Abstract: Described herein are thermally responsive polymer-therapeutic molecule conjugates comprising a therapeutic molecule conjugated to a thermally responsive polymer with an acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, and/or methacrylamide backbone and a plurality of oligoethylene glycol side chains.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are lipid nanoparticles including a POEGMA-lipid conjugate that can effectively encapsulate and deliver therapeutics without the immune consequences suffered by PEG-based counterparts. An example lipid nanoparticle includes an ionizable lipid, a phospholipid, a sterol, a POEGMA-lipid conjugate, and a therapeutic. Also disclosed herein are pharmaceutical compositions that include the POEGMA-based lipid nanoparticles, methods of treating a disease or disorder, and methods of delivering a therapeutic to a cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetically encoded fusion proteins comprised of a capture component that binds a target with high affinity and a peptide polymer, such as elastin-like polypeptides, that display phase behavior and can be used for purification. The invention further relates to methods for optimizing capture fusion proteins for individual biologic targets such that phase separation occurs under desirable conditions, such as at room temperature, lower concentrations of salt, and/or at suitable pH ranges and optimized capture domains and polypeptides with phase behavior that have been identified by the optimization methods.

Abstract: Described herein are unstructured polypeptides lacking any discernible repeat motif. Also described herein are fusion proteins including at least one of the unstructured polypeptides and at least one binding polypeptide. Further described are methods for treating a disease in a subject in need thereof. The methods may include administering to the subject an effective amount of the fusion protein.

Abstract: Disclosed are POEGMA-aptamer conjugates with a reduced or eliminated host-immune response. An example conjugate includes an aptamer conjugated to a POEGMA having a plurality of side chains, where each side chain includes 1 to 6 monomers of ethylene glycol repeated in tandem. Also disclosed are methods of making the conjugate and methods of using the conjugate. An example method of use includes a method of controlling coagulation in a subject.

Abstract: A microarray chip imaging detector comprises a housing configured to receive a microarray chip. The detector includes a laser assembly supported by the housing and oriented at an angle relative to the microarray chip, the laser assembly configured to transmit an excitation beam along a first axis to samples on the microarray chip. The detector also includes a camera supported by the housing and positioned along a second axis, the camera configured to receive fluorescent light emitted from fluorophores in the samples on the microarray chip, the second axis oriented at an angle less than 30 degrees relative to the first axis. The housing includes a plurality of baffles positioned between the microarray chip and the camera, and a plurality of laser beamstops to receive the excitation beam reflected off the microarray chip.

Abstract: Disclosed are POEGMA copolymer conjugates that have phase transition behavior and a reduced or eliminated host-immune response. An example conjugate includes a biologically active agent and a copolymer of POEGMA conjugated to the biologically active agent where the conjugate has a transition temperature. The POEGMA copolymer conjugates can form drug releasing depots. which can be useful in methods of treating diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are POEGMA-aptamer conjugates with a reduced or eliminated host-immune response. An example conjugate includes an aptamer conjugated to a POEGMA having a plurality of side chains, where each side chain includes 1 to 6 monomers of ethylene glycol repeated in tandem. Also disclosed are methods of making the conjugate and methods of using the conjugate. An example method of use includes a method of controlling coagulation in a subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods disclosed herein can help provide improved delivery of non-natural therapeutic nucleotides for the treatment of diseases such as cancer. An example composition includes an assembly of amphiphilic polynucleotides, where each amphiphilic polynucleotide includes an aptamer portion, a first nucleotide portion, and a second nucleotide portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are partially ordered polypeptides, which include a plurality of disordered domains and a plurality of structured domains. The partially ordered polypeptides may have phase transition behavior and form aggregates at, above, or below certain temperatures. Further provided are cellular scaffolds comprised of the partially ordered polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetically encoded fusion proteins comprised of a capture component that binds a target with high affinity and a peptide polymer, such as elastin-like polypeptides, that display phase behavior and can be used for purification. The invention further relates to methods for optimizing capture fusion proteins for individual biologic targets such that phase separation occurs under desirable conditions, such as at room temperature, lower concentrations of salt, and/or at suitable pH ranges and optimized capture domains and polypeptides with phase behavior that have been identified by the optimization methods.

Abstract: Described herein is an assay device, comprising a substrate comprising microfluidic geometry, and a reagent layer disposed adjacent to the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are lateral flow devices that can sensitively detect an analyte in a sample by using two different populations of nanoparticles. An example device comprises a porous substrate, the porous substrate comprising a sample zone, the sample zone including a detection nanoparticle and a control nanoparticle, wherein the detection nanoparticle and the control nanoparticle each include a different detection label; and a detection zone, the detection zone including a test line and a control line downstream from the test line. Also disclosed are methods and kits including the devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for reducing the antigenicity of molecules. The antigenicity of a molecule may be reduced or eliminated by conjugating at least one branched polymer to the molecule to form a molecule-polymer conjugate. The branched polymer may include a backbone and a plurality of side chains, each side chain covalently attached to the backbone.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetically encoded fusion proteins comprised of a capture component that binds a target with high affinity and a peptide polymer, such as elastin-like polypeptides, that display phase behavior and can be used for purification. The invention further relates to methods for optimizing capture fusion proteins for individual biologic targets such that phase separation occurs under desirable conditions, such as at room temperature, lower concentrations of salt, and/or at suitable pH ranges and optimized capture domains and polypeptides with phase behavior that have been identified by the optimization methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are partially ordered polypeptides, which include a plurality of disordered domains and a plurality of structured domains. The partially ordered polypeptides may have phase transition behavior and form aggregates at, above, or below certain temperatures. Further provided are cellular scaffolds comprised of the partially ordered polypeptides.

Abstract: Compositions and methods disclosed herein can help provide improved delivery of non-natural therapeutic nucleotides for the treatment of diseases such as cancer. An example composition includes an assembly of amphiphilic polynucleotides, where each amphiphilic polynucleotide includes an aptamer portion, a first nucleotide portion, and a second nucleotide portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fusion proteins including an elastin-like peptide domain, a GLP-1 receptor agonist domain attached to a N-terminal end of the ELP domain, and a FGF21 receptor agonist domain attached to the C-terminal end of the ELP domain. Also disclosed are methods of making the fusion proteins, compositions including a plurality of fusion proteins, and uses of the fusion proteins and compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are conjugates including a fatty acid, a self-assembly domain, and a polypeptide, where the conjugates have phase transition behavior. Further disclosed are methods of using the conjugates to treat disease, methods of delivering an agent, and methods of preparing the conjugates.