Abstract: The invention provides polymer compositions for cell and drug delivery.

Abstract: The invention relates to microparticles comprising a crosslinked gel and methods for making and using same.

Abstract: The invention provides a solution to the drawbacks associated with conventional alginate dressings. This invention features improved alginate dressings or bandages as well as a fabrication process that results in an alginate sheet that is preloaded with drug, can be stored in a freeze-dried state, and is compliant and ready to use at the time of administration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for enriching cells with a cell surface marker, comprising an aptamer suitable for specifically binding the cell surface marker, and beads coupled thereto, wherein the aptamer is coupled to the beads in a manner that allows for release of cells expressing the cell surface marker, in the absence of a chemical agent, and production of a cell population enriched for cells expressing the cell surface marker, substantially free of beads and aptamer. Kits comprising the device or components thereof, and methods of cell enrichment, are also provided. In exemplary embodiments, the device contains an aptamer that specifically binds CD31.

Abstract: Embodiments herein described provide devices for identifying and collecting rare cells or cells which occur at low frequency in the body of a subject, such as, antigen-specific cells or disease-specific cells. More specifically, the devices are useful for trapping immune cells and the devices contain a physiologically-compatible porous polymer scaffold, a plurality of antigens, and an immune cell-recruiting agent, wherein the plurality of antigens and the immune cell recruiting agent attract and trap the immune cell in the device. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and packages containing such devices. Additional embodiments relate to methods for making the devices, compositions, and kits/packages. Further embodiments relate to methods for using the devices, compositions, and/or kits in the diagnosis or therapy of diseases such as autoimmune diseases or cancers.

Abstract: The conjugate compositions and methods are useful to elicit/augment an immune response to a tumor or microbial infection or to reduce the severity of autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, allergy, asthma, periodontal disease, and transplant rejection.

Abstract: Therapy is provided to living tissue by contacting the living tissue with at least one reservoir loaded with cells or a therapeutic composition, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with at least one conduit that includes a refilling port. A constituent selected from (a) cells, (b) bioagents from the cells or (c) the therapeutic composition is released from the reservoir to the living tissue. The reservoir is then refilled with (i) cells, (ii) nutrients for cells, or (iii) additional therapeutic composition; and (a) cells, (b) bioagents from the cells or (c) the therapeutic composition continue to be released from the reservoir to the living tissue after the refilling.

Abstract: A composition comprising mesoporous silica rods comprising an immune cell recruitment compound and an immune cell activation compound, and optionally comprising an antigen such as a tumor lysate. The composition is used to elicit an immune response to a vaccine antigen.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated therein or thereon, or diffusing from the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition captures and eliminates undesirable cells from the body a mammalian subject. The devices mediate active recruitment, sequestration, and removal or elimination of undesirable cells from their host.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for reducing tumor-mediated immune evasion and inducing patient-specific immunization.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions, methods, and devices for creating an stimulating an antigen-specific dendritic cell immune response. Devices and methods provide prophylactic and therapeutic immunity to subjects against cancer and infectious agents.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated therein or thereon, or diffusing from the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition captures and eliminates undesirable cells from the body a mammalian subject. The devices mediate active recruitment, sequestration, and removal or elimination of undesirable cells from their host.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for improving wound healing, in particular, in diabetic subjects.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions and methods of producing such compositions. Other embodiments of the invention include methods of treating a pathogen infection, methods of vaccinating a subject against a pathogen infection, and methods for treating an antibiotic-resistance bacterial infection in a subject in need thereof. In further embodiments, the invention includes methods of decreasing the level of a pathogen in a subject having a pathogen infection, methods of increasing the surviving rate of a subject having a pathogen infection, methods of reducing the level of pain associated with a pathogen infection, and methods of reducing the level of distress associated with a pathogen infection in a subject in need thereof. Novel scaffold compositions and opsonin-bound or lectin-bound pathogen compositions, and uses thereof, are also provided herein.

Abstract: An improved device and method for extended repair and regeneration of muscle tissue. An exemplary device comprises (a) a scaffold comprising an ECM component; (b) a combination of growth factors such as VEGF and IGF; and (c) a population of myogenic cells. Implantation of the device leads to muscle regeneration and repair over an extended period of time.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for laser actuated drug delivery. Compositions comprise serum albumin based particles conjugated with therapeutic agents which cab become bioavailable upon actuation of the particles by light, e.g. low power laser.

Abstract: The invention provides cryogels whose porosity, pore size, pore connectivity, swelling agent concentration, and/or specific volume undergoes a change from a first value to a second value in response to an electrical stimulus. The cryogels have interconnected macropores which greatly enhance their ability to rapidly undergo volumetric collapse when subjected to moderate electric fields. The cryogels of the invention can be easily integrated into arrays capable of rapid configurational and chromatic optical modulations, and when loaded with drugs, are able to coordinate the delivery profile of multiple drugs. The cryogel can be prepared by polymerizing an aqueous solution of charged monomers and cross-linker monomers at a temperature below the freezing temperature of the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides injectable compositions comprising cells encapsulated in hydrogel capsules and methods of preparing these compositions. The present invention also provides methods for using these compositions to promote hematopoiesis and to treat or prevent cardiovascular and immunological disorders in a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides click-crosslinked hydrogels and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for local manipulation of regenerative processes via exogenous factor delivery.