Abstract: Biocompatible, mechanically-dynamic thermoresponsive devices, methods for forming the devices, and exemplary applications for the devices are described. The devices include a series of wells therein and provide for temperature-controlled mechanostimulation of single cells or groups of cells that can be retained in the wells of a device. Mechanostimulation can be single instance of any duration, continuous, or regular or irregular cyclic mechanostimulation of single cells, cell clusters, cell spheroids, or organoids and may be utilized in any of a variety of biomedical applications including, without limitation, cellular engineering, cellular phenotyping, and drug discovery/screening.

Abstract: Methods for culturing cells, compositions comprising the cell culture product, and applications for the compositions are described. Methods include culturing cells with a media that includes a catalyst compound, which can include a stilbene or a nicotinamide compound, so as to control the secretome of the cells. Compositions that include the cell culture product include the cell secretome or components thereof in conjunction with at least one catalyst compound. Products can be utilized as a cell culture media or can be utilized in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and materials for embolization of one or more blood vessels (e.g., one or more arteries). For example, biomaterial compositions (e.g., BEM compositions containing PRF and one or more nanoclay materials) for embolization of one or more blood vessels (e.g., one or more arteries) within a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

Abstract: A DOPA-Gelatin is disclosed in which the monophenolic group of tyrosine, a prominent amino acid in porcine gelatin, is converted into a catechol group using an enzyme-based DOPA modification technique. The resulting DOPA-Gelatin has been discovered to exhibit good mechanical strength and adhesion. Moreover, in vitro studies show that DOPA-Gelatin has no cytotoxicity with HDF and HaCaT cells, two cells typically involved in the skin wound healing process. Further RT-PCR and angiogenesis investigation showed that DOPA-Gelatin can promote the expression of wound-related genes and facilitate neovascularization. In a full-thickness dorsal defect model in mice, DOPA-Gelatin treated groups decreased the wound closure time and enhanced hair follicle growth. These results demonstrate that the DOPA-Gelatin hydrogel compositions disclosed herein are an effective functional biomaterial that can potentiate the wound healing process.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and materials for embolization of one or more blood vessels (e.g., one or more arteries). For example, hydrogel compositions for embolization of one or more blood vessels (e.g., one or more arteries) within a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

Abstract: Medical swabs incorporating a pH indicator in an absorbent crosslinked hydrogel matrix. The medical swabs can provide for visual monitoring of biological pH. The medical swabs can be used to monitor wounds, such as chronic wounds, burn wounds, surgical wounds, etc., as well as other biological fluids. The swabs can be used for early detection of chronic wounds and/or early detection of bacterial infections.

Abstract: Medical swabs incorporating a pH indicator in an absorbent crosslinked hydrogel matrix. The medical swabs can provide for visual monitoring of biological pH. The medical swabs can be used to monitor wounds, such as chronic wounds, burn wounds, surgical wounds, etc., as well as other biological fluids. The swabs can be used for early detection of chronic wounds and/or early detection of bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device for treating solid tumors utilizing shear thinning biomaterials compositions containing beta- or alpha emitting radiation sources, polymer matrix, and/or radiopaque agent. The novel radioactive composition which is disclosed here, can be injected percutaneously or via transcatheter vascular route into the target environment for the locoregional treatment. This invention is comprised of a shear thinning biomaterial which, when combined with a radioactive isotope source, can provide a therapeutic dose of radiation locally to the tumor site minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissue. The device may be used either as the primary tumor treatment or for treatment of residual cancer cells after excision of the primary tumor. The present invention provides a method for making the shear thinning radioactive biomaterial composition, as well as a method for utilizing the composition as a part of the treatment method.

Abstract: We have developed novel shear-thinning biomaterials using silica nanoparticles, gelatin-based polymers and polypeptides such as anti-PD-1 antibodies. Shear-thinning biomaterial technology offers enables polymers and drugs loaded inside such polymers to be easily delivered directly through catheters into target area for use, for example, in cancer therapy and immunotherapy. When a force above a certain threshold is applied to inject such materials, they “thin” and behaves as a semi-solid, allowing the material to readily flow through a catheter. When the force is removed, the material instantly becomes a soft solid with significant cohesive properties that prevent it from dislodging or breaking up.

Abstract: Wound dressings, methods for forming the wound dressings, and methods for using the wound dressings are described. Wound dressings include a crosslinked hydrogel matrix and a plurality of porous absorbent microspheres encapsulated in the crosslinked matrix. The hydrogel matrix and the microspheres can include the same or different hydrogel polymers, e.g., alginates or the like. The wound dressings can be used in treating chronic wounds and burn wounds and can promote autolytic debridement.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for use in encouraging angiogenesis and skin healing as may be utilized in wound treatment as well as in encouragement of angiogenesis in disease. Compositions include an effective amount of at least one of a flavonoid and a chlorogenic acid that are natural extracts of Parrotia persica, or their derivatives, analogues, or homologs. Compounds based upon these natural extracts have been found to be highly effective in vascular formation and skin closure while exhibiting low toxicity.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for use in encouraging angiogenesis and skin healing as may be utilized in wound treatment as well as in encouragement of angiogenesis in disease. Compositions include an effective amount of a natural pimarane diterpenoid extract of Hymenocrater elegans, or a derivative, analogue, or homolog thereof. Compounds based upon this natural extract have been found to be highly effective in vascular formation and skin closure while exhibiting low toxicity.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using and imaging shear-thinning biomaterial compositions are provided. More particularly, systems and methods of providing reversible birth control and/or for delivering therapeutics to reproductive organs are provided. A method includes administering a biomaterial into fallopian tubes, uterus, or vas deferens of the subject, where the biomaterial is a shear-thinning nanocomposite.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for use in encouraging angiogenesis and skin healing as may be utilized in wound treatment, as well as in encouragement of angiogenesis in disease. Compositions include an effective amount of a natural pimarane diterpenoid extract of Hymenocrater elegans, or a derivative, analogue, or homolog thereof. Compounds based upon this natural extract have been found to be highly effective in vascular formation and skin closure while exhibiting low toxicity.

Abstract: Biocompatible, mechanically-dynamic thermoresponsive devices, methods for forming the devices, and exemplary applications for the devices are described. The devices include a series of wells therein and provide for temperature-controlled mechanostimulation of single cells or groups of cells that can be retained in the wells of a device. Mechanostimulation can be single instance of any duration, continuous, or regular or irregular cyclic mechanostimulation of single cells, cell clusters, cell spheroids, or organoids and may be utilized in any of a variety of biomedical applications including, without limitation, cellular engineering, cellular phenotyping, and drug discovery/screening.

Abstract: Methods for culturing cells, compositions comprising the cell culture product, and applications for the compositions are described. Methods include culturing cells with a media that includes a catalyst compound, which can include a stilbene or a nicotinamide compound, so as to control the secretome of the cells. Compositions that include the cell culture product include the cell secretome or components thereof in conjunction with at least one catalyst compound. Products can be utilized as a cell culture media or can be utilized in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A deacetylnemorone abietane diterpenoid is utilized in the prevention of growth and development of pathogenic cells, e.g., cancer cells. The deacetylnemorone can have the following structure: or a tautomer there of in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from —H, C1-10 alkyl, C1-10 alkoxy, C1-10 alkenyl, C1-10 alkenoxy, —OH, —OAc, —CHO, -Ph, —OC6H5, —OC6H4OH, —COC6H5, —OCONH2, —OCONHCH3, —OCOC6H4NH2, —NH2, or ?O. The deacetylnemorone shows efficacy in treatment and prevention of a wide range of cancer types, as well as other neoplastic diseases as a chemo-preventative, a primary or secondary cytotoxic agent, a sensitizer for other therapies, or one component of a combinatorial treatment.

Abstract: A deacetylnemorone abietane diterpenoid is utilized in the prevention of growth and development of pathogenic cells, e.g., cancer cells. The deacetylnemorone can have the following structure: or a tautomer there of in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from —H, C1-10 alkyl, C1-10 alkoxy, C1-10 alkenyl, C1-10 alkenoxy, —OH, —OAc, —CHO, -Ph, —OC6H5, —OC6H4OH, —COC6H5, —OCONH2, —OCONHCH3, —OCOC6H4NH2, —NH2, or ?O. The deacetylnemorone shows efficacy in treatment and prevention of a wide range of cancer types as well as other neoplastic diseases as a chemo-preventative, a primary or secondary cytotoxic agent, a sensitizer for other therapies, or one component of a combinatorial treatment.

Abstract: A pimarane diterpenoid, having the following structure: or a tautomer thereof in which R1 and R2 are independently selected from —H, C1-10 alkyl, C1-10 alkoxy, C1-10 alkenyl, C1-10 alkenoxy, —OH, —OAc, —CHO, -Ph, —OC6H5, —OC6H4OH, —COC6H5, —OCONH2, —OCONHCH3, —OCOC6H4NH2, —NH2, or ?O based on an isolate from the plant Hymenocrater elegans is utilized in the prevention of growth and development of pathogenic cells, e.g., cancer cells. The compound shows efficacy in treatment and prevention of a wide range of cancer types as well as other neoplastic diseases as a chemo-preventative, a primary or secondary cytotoxic agent, a sensitizer for other therapies, or one component of a combinatorial treatment.

Abstract: Wound dressings, methods for forming the wound dressings, and methods for using the wound dressings are described. Wound dressings include a polymeric composition that includes a biocompatible polymer and a pH indicating agent. The polymeric composition can be at a wound contacting surface of a wound dressing in the form of, e.g., a fiber, a hydrogel, or a microsphere. The color of the polymeric composition as determined by the pH indicating agent can indicate the presence of infection or a chronic wound state. The wound dressings can be used for early detection of healing abnormalities in acute, chronic, or burn wounds.