Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating an aneurysm in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a SELP. Disclosed are methods of preventing rupture of an aneurysm comprising administering to a subject having an aneurysm a composition comprising a SELP, wherein the SELP is present in the aneurysm and prevents rupture. Also disclosed are methods of embolizing an aneurysm in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising SEEP. Disclosed are methods of treating AVM in a subject comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising a SELP. In some aspects, the SELP embolizes an abnormal blood vessel in the AVM. Disclosed are methods of embolizing an AVM in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a SELP, wherein the SELP embolizes an abnormal blood vessel in the AVM.

Abstract: Described herein are in situ gelling compositions. The compositions include an anti-inflammatory polysaccharide and a gelling polymer, wherein the composition is a liquid prior to administration to a subject but converts to a gel upon administration to the subject. The compositions described herein have numerous applications with respect to the local treatment (reduction or prevention) of inflammation and/or tissue damage.

Abstract: Hollow nanoparticles for time-release delivery of a payload. A composition include a mesoporous hollow nanoparticle and a degradation agent, wherein the degradation agent includes one or more of a reducing agent, an acid, or an acidifier. The mesoporous hollow nanoparticle degrades in a presence of the degradation agent for time-release of a payload.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to biodegradable hollow nanoparticles, and systems, methods, devices, and processes for producing the same. The disclosure includes a method of preparing a hollow mesoporous nanoparticle by providing a plurality of silica core particles. Each of the plurality of silica core particles comprises a diameter within a range of about 600 nanometers to about 30 nanometers. The method further includes synthesizing a mesoporous silica shell around the plurality of silica core particles forming a plurality of mesoporous coated silica core particles. Further, the method provides for etching the plurality of mesoporous coated silica core particles with an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate and water to remove the silica core particle from the plurality of mesoporous coated silica core particles forming a plurality of hollow mesoporous particles. The method also includes diffusing a payload into the plurality of hollow mesoporous particles in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to biodegradable hollow nanoparticles, and systems, methods, devices, and processes for producing the same. The disclosure includes a method of preparing a hollow mesoporous nanoparticle by providing a plurality of silica core particles. Each of the plurality of silica core particles comprises a diameter within a range of about 600 nanometers to about 30 nanometers. The method further includes synthesizing a mesoporous silica shell around the plurality of silica core particles forming a plurality of mesoporous coated silica core particles. Further, the method provides for etching the plurality of mesoporous coated silica core particles with an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate and water to remove the silica core particle from the plurality of mesoporous coated silica core particles forming a plurality of hollow mesoporous particles. The method also includes diffusing a payload into the plurality of hollow mesoporous particles in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Described herein are in situ gelling compositions. The compositions include an anti-inflammatory polysaccharide and a gelling polymer, wherein the composition is a liquid prior to administration to a subject but converts to a gel upon administration to the subject. The compositions described herein have numerous applications with respect to the local treatment (reduction or prevention) of inflammation and/or tissue damage.

Abstract: A delivery system that includes a recombinantly synthesized protein polymer with protease cleavage sites such as matrix metalloproteinase responsive sequences engineered within the protein polymer. The system may be used to treat cancer, wounds, or pathological conditions in other tissues that express excess protease relative to healthy tissue.

Abstract: A chemoembolic agent is disclosed that includes an injectable, recombinantly synthesized silk-elastin like protein copolymer and one or more chemotherapeutic agents. Upon injection, the chemoembolic agent blocks the tumor vasculature, including the capillary bed, and may optionally release chemotherapeutic agents. The chemoembolic agent may be used to treat cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-soluble compositions of gemcitabine and docetaxel formed by conjugating the gemcitabine or docetaxel to a water-soluble polymer such as N-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide (HPMA). Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions of the invention for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A chemoembolic agent is disclosed that includes an injectable, recombinantly synthesized silk-elastin like protein copolymer and one or more chemotherapeutic agents. Upon injection, the chemoembolic agent blocks the tumor vasculature, including the capillary bed, and may optionally release chemotherapeutic agents. The chemoembolic agent may be used to treat cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract: A delivery system that includes a recombinantly synthesized protein polymer with protease cleavage sites such as matrix metalloproteinase responsive sequences engineered within the protein polymer. The system may be used to treat cancer, wounds, or pathological conditions in other tissues that express excess protease relative to healthy tissue.

Abstract: A chemoembolic agent is disclosed that includes an injectable, recombinantly synthesized silk-elastin like protein copolymer and one or more chemotherapeutic agents. Upon injection, the chemoembolic agent blocks the tumor vasculature, including the capillary bed, and may optionally release chemotherapeutic agents. The chemoembolic agent may be used to treat cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract: Described herein are anti-cancer compounds composed of a macromolecule comprising (1) at least one anti-cancer agent directly or indirectly bonded to the macromolecule and (2) at least one high Z element directly or indirectly bonded to the macromolecule that is capable of producing Auger electrons upon exposure to X-ray energy. When the compounds are exposed to low energy X-ray (e.g., kilo electron volts KeV) Auger electrons are produced by the high Z elements present in the compound. Because lower energy is required when compared to typical radiotherapy, which uses therapeutic X-ray energy in the million electron volt range (MeV), the subject experiences lower collateral damage when compared to radiation therapy. Additionally, the presence of the anti-cancer agent provides a second mechanism for killing cancer cells. Methods for making and using the anti cancer compounds are also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-soluble compositions of gemcitabine and docetaxel formed by conjugating the gemcitabine or docetaxel to a water-soluble polymer such as N-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide (HPMA). Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions of the invention for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Nanohybrid polymer conjugates that provide a “platform” delivery system is disclosed. The delivery platform provides a multi-focused therapeutic regimen that may be tailored to combat a host of cancers, including advanced-stage, therapy-resistant tumors. The nanohybrids of the instant invention incorporate a configurable polymeric backbone, are multivalent (e.g., may incorporate several targeting ligands), and have the capacity to carry multiple classes of “payloads” (e.g., alpha-, beta-, gamma- and positron-emitting isotopes). The polymer conjugates comprise a single molecular species that can be useful not only in diagnostic assessment, but also in tailoring therapies to suit a variety of cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically engineered non-viral vectors for delivering a nucleic acid such as a therapeutic gene to a target cell. The vectors are suitable for systemic administration to an animal. In the simplest embodiment the non-viral vector is a nucleic acid-binding protein-based polymer (NABP) having at least one tandem repeat of a genetically engineered cationic amino acid-containing monomer (CAACM) containing lysine, arginine or a combination thereof, which confers on the NABP the ability to bind a nucleic acid that is intended for delivery to a target cell. Because the NABP is genetically engineered and transcribed from a single gene, its structure and function can be precisely controlled. The vectors optionally have additional functionalities including endosome disrupting moieties, targeting ligands and subcellular localization sequences.

Abstract: The inventions provide compositions and methods for nucleic acid delivery comprising IIPMA conjugated to a polyamine. These compositions have the benefit of the steric hindrance of HPMA and the nucleic acid binding capability of a polyamine. Useful polyamines for this purpose include spermine, spermidine and their analogues, and DFMO. These polyamines have the ability not only to bind nucleic acids, but also have anti-cancer effects themselves. The compounds provided can also include ligand binding domains, such as vascular endothelial growth factors, somatostatin and somatostatin analogs, transferring, melanotropin, ApoE and ApoE peptides, von Willebrand's factor and von Willebrand's factor peptides, adenoviral fiber protein and adenoviral fiber protein peptides, PD 1 and PD 1 peptides, EGF and EGF peptides, RGD peptides, CCK peptides, antibody and antibody fragments, folate, pyridoxyl and sialyl-LewisX and chemical analogs.

Abstract: Microparticles comprising a core, at least one linking carrier on the core, and at least one radioactive therapeutic agent covalently bonded to the linking carrier. The radioactive therapeutic agent may be a radionuclide or a radiopharmaceutical. A method of radiation therapy of a patient by administering to the patient the microparticles. The treatment may be radiation therapy to treat cancer or a tumor. A kit for preparing a microparticle treatment and a method for using the kit to prepare a microparticle treatment dose. The microparticle treatment dose may be made at a location of administration or at a site proximate to the location of administration, such as a local radiopharmacy, laboratory, hospital or physician's office.