Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing novel biodegradable nanoparticles based on complexation of poly-gamma-glutamic acid (?-PGA) or its cross-linked derivatives with bivalent lead ions. The final products are stable in aqueous media at low pH, neutral and mild alkaline conditions. The size of the complexes depends on the pH, concentrations and the ratios of ?-PGA and lead ions The ?-PGA nanoparticles made from biodegradable biopolymers with high flocculating and heavy metal binding activity of the present invention may be used for various water treatment applications in aqueous media.

Abstract: Macromolecular contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging are described. Biomolecules and their modified derivatives form stable complexes with paramagnetic ions thus increasing the molecular relaxivity of carriers. The synthesis of biomolecular based nanodevices for targeted delivery of MRI contrast agents are described. Nanoparticles (NP) have been constructed by self-assembling of chitosan (CHIT) as polycation and poly-gamma glutamic acids (PGA) as polyanion. NP's are capable of Gd-ion uptake forming a particle with suitable molecular relaxivity. Folic acid (FA) is linked to the NP's to produce NP-FA bioconjugates that can be used for targeted in vitro delivery to a human cancer cell line.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing novel biodegradable cross-linked nanoparticles based on covalently cross-linking modifications of hyaluronic acid. The final products of the present invention are stable in aqueous media, and may be used as detergents and as additives for pharmaceutical compositions for drug delivery, DNA carrier system and other applications. The nanoparticles made from the biopolymers of the present invention may also be used in controlled release applications, super-absorbent materials as well as biomaterials like enzyme immobilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to core/shell vinyl polymers wherein an at least partially crosslinked core is formed from a monovinyl monomer and/or a di/tri/ or higher multivinyl monomer wherein the degree of crosslinking in the core ranges from slight to high depending on the ratio of monovinyl and/or di/tri/ or higher multivinyl monomers, and wherein the outer shell is formed from a monovinyl and/or a di/tri/ or higher multi-vinyl monomer that optionally may be crosslinked, and wherein the outer shell has on its surface linear or branched C.sub.3-C.sub.30 alkyl chains formed from substituted vinyl monomers.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing crosslinked core and core-shell nanoparticle polymers from chitosan. The final products of the present invention may be used as detergents and as additives for pharmaceutical composition and for drug delivery, and DNA carrier system. The nanoparticles made from biopolymers of the present invention may also be used in controlled release, superabsorbent materials and biomaterials like enzyme immobilization.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which modified and generic dental resins are combined as mixtures with reactive polymeric nanoparticles (RPNPs). Nanoparticles as additives clearly demonstrate that the RPNPs significantly influence the mechanical and shrinkage properties of the matrix and composites.

Abstract: Macromolecular contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging are described. Biomolecules and their modified derivatives form stable complexes with paramagnetic ions thus increasing the molecular relaxivity of carriers. The synthesis of biomolecular based nanodevices for targeted delivery of MRI contrast agents are described. Nanoparticles (NP) have been constructed by self-assembling of chitosan (CHIT) as polycation and poly-gamma glutamic acids (PGA) as polyanion. NP's are capable of Gd-ion uptake forming a particle with suitable molecular relaxivity. Folic acid (FA) is linked to the NP's to produce NP-FA bioconjugates that can be used for targeted in vitro delivery to a human cancer cell line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of hydrophilic nanoparticles and in particular hydrophilic nanoparticles that are biocompatible. Free radical monovinyl-divinyl monomer copolymerization/cross-linking reactions of water-soluble, monovinyl N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) with a bi-unsaturated divinyl, comonomer (poly{ethylene glycol}dimethacrylate) (PEGDMA), has been found to yield hydrophilic nanoparticles (NPs). These nanoparticles are built from three-dimensional nanopolymer networks. In the polymers' synthesis the composition of the monomers, and the total monomer concentration were varied. The characteristics of copolymers were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and elemental analysis. Particle size and morphology of nanoparticles were confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biocompatible and biodegradable, stimuli sensitive, polymeric nanoparticles, which are formed by ion-ion interaction in aqueous media. Synthetic and biological macromolecules with ionizable functional groups are capable of forming nanoparticles whose size and surface properties are sensitive to environmental factors such as pH, temperature and salt concentration. Nanodevices made from these nanoparticles are designed for therapeutic applications included but not limited to use as drug carriers and/or used as contrast agents in MRI diagnosis and the like. The adjustable size of the nanodevices and their stimuli sensitivity allows specific delivery applications. Thus, these nanosystems are potential carrier tools for delivery of active ingredients such as drugs, as well as DNA, RNA, siRNA for cosmetics, pharmaceutical applications, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides additives for cosmetic compositions. The additives chitosan based compositions, hyaluronic acid based compositions and/or poly Y glutomic acid based compounds. The cosmetic composition can be used in a variety of cosmetic properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to core/shell vinyl polymers wherein an at least partially crosslinked core is formed from a monovinyl monomer and/or a di/tri/ or higher multivinyl monomer wherein the degree of crosslinking in the core ranges from slight to high depending on the ratio of monovinyl and/or di/tri/ or higher multivinyl monomers, and wherein the outer shell is formed from a monovinyl and/or a di/tri/ or higher multi-vinyl monomer that optionally may be crosslinked, and wherein the outer shell has on its surface linear or branched C.sub.3-C.sub.30 alkyl chains formed from substituted vinyl monomers.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing novel biodegradable cross-linked nanoparticles based on covalently cross-linking modifications of hyaluronic acid. The final products of the present invention are stable in aqueous media, and may be used as detergents and as additives for pharmaceutical compositions for drug delivery, DNA carrier system and other applications. The nanoparticles made from the biopolymers of the present invention may also be used in controlled release applications, super-absorbent materials as well as biomaterials like enzyme immobilization.

Abstract: Nanocomposite biocompatible hydrogels (NCHGs) may be synthesised as model systems for in situ cured local drug delivery devices for treatment of inter alia periodontal infections. The composite includes the following components: nanoparticles (NPs), a matrix gel, and chlorhexidine (CHX) or other antibacterial drug. The NPs were obtained by free radical initiated copolymerization of the monomers, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and polyethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), in aqueous solution. The same monomers were used to prepare crosslinked matrices by photopolymerization. NCHGs were obtained by mixing NPs, monomers, and drug in an aqueous solution then crosslinked by photopolymerization.

Abstract: Reactive polymeric nanoparticles formed from the reaction product of a mono vinyl monomer and a di/tri/multivinyl monomer are disclosed

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing core-shell polymers of poly-?-glutamic acid. The final products of the present invention are useful as drug delivery systems, for gene therapy, magnetic resonance imaging as well as in encapsulation technology. A method of forming a poly-?-glutamic acid (PGA) useful in the formation of core shell polymers is disclosed. According to the method a PGA is prepared by fermentation with a suitable microorganism, capable of producing PGA in a suitable fermentation medium, under conditions and time appropriate for the microorganism used. The resulting culture medium is treated with centrifugation, to separate the cells from the PGA. Acetone is used to treat the resulting cell-free liquid to obtain the PGA from the fermentation medium. The obtained PGA is purified by dialysis and freeze drying the PGA. A method of forming a core shell polymer of a poly-?-glutamic acid (PGA) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing linear or/and partial precross-linked poly-g-glutamic acid nanoparticle products, their reaction with compounds which contain vinyl groups, and the polymerization by chemical initiation or photopolymerization of these by light of predetermined wavelength. The final products of the present invention are useful as local drug delivery systems, dental surgery, and for inhibition of post-surgical adhesion. The hydrogels made from the biopolymers of the present invention may also be used in controlled release devices, superabsorbent materials and biomaterials like enzyme immobilization.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing crosslinked core and core-shell nanoparticle polymers from chitosan. The final products of the present invention may be used as detergents and as additives for pharmaceutical composition and for drug delivery, and DNA carrier system. The nanoparticles made from biopolymers of the present invention may also be used in controlled release, superabsorbent materials and biomaterials like enzyme immobilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to core/shell vinyl polymers wherein an at least partially crosslinked core is formed from a monovinyl monomer and/or a di/tri/ or higher multivinyl monomer wherein the degree of crosslinking in the core ranges from slight to high depending on the ratio of monovinyl and/or di/tri/ or higher multivinyl monomers, and wherein the outer shell is formed from a monovinyl and/or a di/tri/ or higher multi-vinyl monomer that optionally may be crosslinked, and wherein the outer shell has on its surface linear or branched C3-C30 alkyl chains formed from substituted vinyl monomers.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing partial and complete esters of poly-&ggr;-glutamic acid, and of the cross-linking of such esters by light of predetermined wavelength. The final products of the present invention are useful in local drug delivery in depot form, for guided tissue regeneration, and for inhibition of post-surgical adhesion.