Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of some orphan diseases and oral mucosal ulcers, many with similarities in terms of their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities, but also multiple differences in their observed abilities that can be combined to challenge the current, underlying pathophysiology. The orphan diseases of interest are Dupuytren's Contracture, Peyronie's Disease, Scleroderma, Raynaud's (or Renaud's) Phenomenon, chemotherapy/radiation induced oral mucosal ulceration, and aphthous ulcers; and more frequent skin issues of skin damage from cuts, abrasions, and burns; aging skin changes, and toe nail fungus. These can be treated with the disclosed compositions with the proper combination and alteration of ingredients inclusive of alpha-pinene, an aloe vera preparation, and a shea butter preparation. A process for preparation of such ingredients in a water-in-oil emulsion is described herein.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species, which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of some orphan diseases and oral mucosal ulcers, many with similarities in terms of their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities, but also multiple differences in their observed abilities that can be combined to challenge the current, underlying pathophysiology. The orphan diseases of interest are Dupuytren's Contracture, Peyronie's Disease, Scleroderma, Raynaud's (or Renaud's) Phenomenon, chemotherapy/radiation induced oral mucosal ulceration, and aphthous ulcers; and more frequent skin issues of skin damage from cuts, abrasions, and burns; aging skin changes, and toe nail fungus. These can be treated with the disclosed compositions with the proper combination and alteration of ingredients inclusive of alpha-pinene, an aloe vera preparation, and a shea butter preparation. A process for preparation of such ingredients in a water-in-oil emulsion is described herein.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of some orphan diseases and oral mucosal ulcers, many with similarities in terms of their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities, but also multiple differences in their observed abilities that can be combined to challenge the current, underlying pathophysiology. The orphan diseases of interest are Dupuytren's Contracture, Peyronie's Disease, Scleroderma, Raynaud's (or Renaud's) Phenomenon, chemotherapy/radiation induced oral mucosal ulceration, and aphthous ulcers; and more frequent skin issues of skin damage from cuts, abrasions, and burns; aging skin changes, and toe nail fungus.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species, which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: Methods of applying biocompatible coating materials around biological materials using photopolymerization while maintaining the pre-encapsulation status of the biological materials are disclosed. The coatings can be placed directly onto the surface of the biological materials or onto the surface of other coating materials that hold the biological materials. The components of the polymerization reactions that produce the coatings can include natural and synthetic polymers, macromers, accelerants, cocatalysts, photoinitiators, and radiation. Methods of utilizing these encapsulated biological materials to treat different human and animal diseases or disorders by implanting them into several areas in the body including the subcutaneous site are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treating a disease, such as diabetes, by implanting encapsulated biological material into a patient in need of treatment. This invention provides for the placement of biocompatible coating materials around biological materials using photopolymerization while maintaining the pre-encapsulation status of the biological materials. Several methods are presented to accomplish coating several different types of biological materials. The coatings can be placed directly onto the surface of the biological materials or onto the surface of other coating materials that hold the biological materials. The components of the polymerization reactions that produce the coatings can include natural and synthetic polymers, macromers, accelerants, cocatalysts, photoinitiators, and radiation.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for expanding mammalian acinar cells, comprising culturing the cells in a cell culture system comprising a cell culture medium and a cell attachment surface, under conditions wherein the acinar cells undergo a 3-4 fold expansion together with transdifferentiation into a modified cell phenotype (IP cells) showing characteristics of acinar cells and liver cells. The invention also relates to a method for transforming these IP cells to insulin-producing cells in vitro, comprising culturing the cells in a novel, defined medium. Also disclosed are suitable culture media for performing these methods, isolated cells having the phenotype of IP cells and/or produced by these methods, and kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for expanding mammalian acinar cells, comprising culturing the cells in a cell culture system comprising a cell culture medium and a cell attachment surface, under conditions wherein the acinar cells undergo a 3-4 fold expansion together with transdifferentiation into a modified cell phenotype (IP cells) showing characteristics of acinar cells and liver cells. The invention also relates to a method for transforming these IP cells to insulin-producing cells in vitro, comprising culturing the cells in a novel, defined medium. Also disclosed are suitable culture media for performing these methods, isolated cells having the phenotype of IP cells and/or produced by these methods, and kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treating a disease, such as diabetes, by implanting encapsulated biological material with a growth factor and conjugate into a patient in need of treatment. Several methods are presented to accomplish transplanting several different types of biological materials. This invention also provides methods of utilizing these encapsulated biological materials to treat different human and animal diseases or disorders by implanting them into several areas in the body including the subcutaneous site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treating a disease, such as diabetes, by implanting encapsulated biological material into a patient in need of treatment. This invention provides for the placement of biocompatible coating materials around biological materials using photopolymerization while maintaining the pre-encapsulation status of the biological materials. Several methods are presented to accomplish coating several different types of biological materials. The coatings can be placed directly onto the surface of the biological materials or onto the surface of other coating materials that hold the biological materials. The components of the polymerization reactions that produce the coatings can include natural and synthetic polymers, macromers, accelerants, cocatalysts, photoinitiators, and radiation.