Abstract: A method of synthesizing a biocompatible hydrogel by covalently cross-linking an effective amount of a first macromonomer including a cyclic thioester group with an effective amount of a second macromonomer including a terminal cysteine group is disclosed. In addition, the synthesis and use of the following specific cyclic thioester macromonomer that can be used in the method, as well as specific hydrogels made using this macromonomer are disclosed. The disclosed method produces a biocompatible hydrogel, while producing substantially no toxic free thiol by-product. Accordingly, the method can be used in making biomedical products, such as sutures and tissue replacement biomaterials, and for encapsulating therapeutic cells and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Biocompatible macromonomers, hydrogels, methods of synthesis and methods of use thereof are provided. The biocompatible hydrogels of the present invention are prepared using native chemical ligation (NCL), in which a thioester readily reacts with a N-terminal thiol (cysteine) through transesterification and rearrangement to form an amide bond through a five-member ring intermediate.

Abstract: The inventors disclose here a novel, facile approach to the synthesis of acetonide-protected catechol-containing compounds having at least one amine group. In specific embodiments, the invention provides novel methods of synthesizing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (6)), Fmoc-protected H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (Fmoc-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (7)), Fmoc-protected dopamine (Fmoc-dopamine(acetonide) (10)), TFA-protected dopamine (TFA-dopamine(acetonide) (13)) and acetonide-protected 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol (acetonide-protected dopamine (14)).

Abstract: The inventors disclose here a novel, facile approach to the synthesis of acetonide-protected catechol-containing compounds having at least one amine group. In specific embodiments, the invention provides novel methods of synthesizing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (6)), Fmoc-protected H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (Fmoc-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (7)), Fmoc-protected dopamine (Fmoc-dopamine(acetonide) (10)), TFA-protected dopamine (TFA-dopamine(acetonide) (13)) and acetonide-protected 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol (acetonide-protected dopamine (14)).

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a biocompatible hydrogel by covalently cross-linking an effective amount of a first macromonomer including a cyclic thioester group with an effective amount of a second macromonomer including a terminal cysteine group is disclosed. In addition, the synthesis and use of the following specific cyclic thioester macromonomer that can be used in the method, as well as specific hydrogels made using this macromonomer are disclosed. The disclosed method produces a biocompatible hydrogel, while producing substantially no toxic free thiol by-product. Accordingly, the method can be used in making biomedical products, such as sutures and tissue replacement biomaterials, and for encapsulating therapeutic cells and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel method for synthesizing an ensemble of peptides that allows for the generation of an unlimited number of antibiotic compounds. More specifically, the method comprises utilizes synthetic heterocyclic amino acids containing thaizole and/or oxazole as building blocks in a solid phase combinatorial synthesis to yield natural and unnatural antibiotic compounds.

Abstract: The inventors disclose here a novel, facile approach to the synthesis of acetonide-protected catechol-containing compounds having at least one amine group. In specific embodiments, the invention provides novel methods of synthesizing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (6)), Fmoc-protected H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (Fmoc-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (7)), Fmoc-protected dopamine (Fmoc-dopamine(acetonide) (10)), TFA-protected dopamine (TFA-dopamine(acetonide) (13)) and acetonide-protected 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol (acetonide-protected dopamine (14)).

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biocompatible macromonomers, hydrogels, methods of synthesis and methods of use thereof. The biocompatible hydrogels of the present invention are prepared using native chemical ligation (NCL), in which a thioester readily reacts with a N-terminal thiol (cysteine) through transesterification and rearrangement to form an amide bond through a five-member ring intermediate.

Abstract: The invention is related to biomimetic gels that are prepared enzymatically, using a transglutaminase to cross-link polymer-peptide conjugates of rational design.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel method for synthesizing an ensemble of peptides that allows for the generation of an unlimited number of antibiotic compounds. More specifically, the method comprises utilizes synthetic heterocyclic amino acids containing thaizole and/or oxazole as building blocks in a solid phase combinatorial synthesis to yield natural and unnatural antibiotic compounds.

Abstract: Biomimetic gels via enzymatic preparation, using a transglutaminase to cross-link polymer-peptide conjugates of rational design.

Abstract: 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (DOPA) is an unusual amino acid found in mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) that form tenacious bonds to various substrates under water. DOPA is believed to be responsible for the adhesive characteristics of MAPs. This invention relates to a route for the conjugation of DOPA moieties to various polymeric systems, including but not limited to poly(ethylene glycol) or poly(alkylene oxide) systems such as poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) block copolymers.