Abstract: A polycation capable of forming a complex with a nucleic acid for carriage thereof. The polycation comprising at least one cyclic compound having a cavity. A polymer backbone is threaded into the cavity of the cyclic compound. A pair of bulky moieties cap the terminals of the polymer backbone to inhibit dethreading of the cyclic compound from the polymer backbone. In use, the net positive charge of said polycation enables a complex to form with nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticle compositions comprising a cationic biopolymer and at least one biologically active substance, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such nanoparticles and methods for the oral administration of biologically active molecules which are susceptible to degradation in the gastro-intestinal tract using nanoparticle. The present invention further provides compositions and methods for the oral administration of gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides poly(alkyleneimine)-graft-biodegradable polymers and methods for preparing such polymers. The poly(alkyleneimine)-graft-chitosan polymers may optionally contain a targeting element. The poly(alkyleneimine)-graft polymers may be used to deliver a bioactive agent into a cell.

Abstract: A multi-layered microcapsule has an inner extracellular matrix and an outer shell. The inner extracellular matrix includes a first inner layer of biopolymer and a second intermediate layer of polymer that provides partial immune-protection and holds the first layer in place. The outer shell can form an exoskeleton to provide mechanical stability. Each of the individual layers can be varied to optimize mechanical stability, cell function, and immuno-protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to photo-crosslinkable microcapsules with enhanced properties for encapsulation of bioactive substances. The present invention also relates to a microencapsulation composition and to a method of manufacturing microcapsules. The microcapsule comprise bioactive substances that are encapsulated by a selectively permeable polymeric membrane. The selectively permeable membrane is impermeable to immune system components associated with immune rejection in an animal. A monomer of the selectively permeable polymeric membrane includes a photosensitive cross-linking agent having a cinnamoyl moiety.

Abstract: A medical device and method for transportation and release of a therapeutic agent into a mammalian body are disclosed. The medical device is coated with alternating layers of a negatively charged therapeutic agent and a cationic polyelectrolyte, following a controlled adsorption technique. The method is simple, with minimal perturbation to the therapeutic agent and uses clinically acceptable biopolymers such as human serum albumin. The amount of the therapeutic agent that can be delivered by this technique is optimized by the number of the layers of the therapeutic agent adsorbed on the surface of medical device. There is a washing step between alternate layers of the therapeutic agent and cationic polyelectrolyte carrier, so that the amount of the therapeutic agent on the insertable medical device represents the portion that is stably entrapped and adsorbed on to the medical device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biodegradable system for the controlled release of bioactive substances. This system comprises novel biodegradable and biocompatible polyphosphoesters that carry positive charges. Process for making these polyphosphoesters, compositions containing these polyphosphoesters and biologically active substances, articles and methods for delivery of drugs and genes using this system are described. A controlled gene delivery system based on these polyphosphoesters is prepared by complex coacervation of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) with polymers. The release rates can be manipulated by adjusting the charge ratios of polyphosphoesters to nucleic acids. This gene delivery system yields a higher gene expression in muscle when injected intramuscularly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a series of new polycationic biodegradable polyphosphoramidates. Process for making the polymers, compositions containing these polymers and bioactive ligands to enhance the cellular uptake ad intracellular trafficking, articles and methods for delivery of drugs and genes using these polymers are described. A gene delivery system based on these polymers is prepared by complex coacervation of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) with polymers. Targeting ligands and molecules that could facilitate gene transfer can be conjugated to polymers to achieve selective and enhanced gene delivery. The current invention also provides a complex composition with buffering capacity.

Abstract: This invention is predicated on the present applicants' discovery that nanostructures comprising discrete regions of different composition can be used to deliver to a biological cell a desired combination of molecules in close proximity. Different molecules can be selectively bonded to discrete regions of different composition in sufficiently close physical relationship to enhance delivery or effectiveness within the cell. The preferred nanostructures are multicomponent nanorods. Important applications include delivery of missing DNA sequences for gene therapy and delivery of antigens or DNA encoding antigens for vaccination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to surface functionalization of polymeric fibers. Surface biofunctionalization is achieved by covalent conjugation of biofunctional igands and/or cell growth factors that are crucial for cell attachment, proliferation and functions. Biofunctional fibers could be fabricated into three-dimensional scaffolds. Polymer fibers described here comprise of biocompatible polymers that are either biodegradable ornon-biodegradable. This patent also describes a series of new biodegradable polyphosphoramidates for the processing of biodegradable fibers. Scaffolds made of non-biodegradable functional fibers could be used for in vitro cell culture (for example, ex vivo cell expansion), while biodegradable functional fibers could be fabricated into tissue engineering scaffolds.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to immobilize high density of cell-specific ligands on polymeric surface for cell engineering applications. This method combines a surface-grafting polymerization procedure to yield high density of functional groups, and a chemical conjugation step to link cell-specific ligands to the surface functional groups. This surface functionalization scheme can be applied to polymeric materials in various forms, such as polymer membrane, film, fiber, hollow fiber, foam, etc. Tissue-engineering scaffolds can be functionalized with cell specific ligand in the same manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable polymers, polymer compositions, particles composed thereof and methods of using same for the controlled release of a biologically active substance to a specified tissue or cells. Preferred polymers include biodegradable, amphiphilic polyphosphates which are capable of complexing one or more biologically active substances. Preferred methods include the controlled release of biologically active substances and gene therapy using polymers and nanoparticles composed thereof.

Abstract: A non-disruptive three-dimensional culture system allows cell growth and proliferation in three dimensions, permitting cell splitting without subjecting cells to disruptive conditions that affect cell structure and functions. An extracellular matrix provides a good environment for culturing or co-culturing anchorage-dependent cells. The cells cultured this manner can be readily used in such applications as cell transplantation, tissue engineering seeding of cells on scaffolds, and other applications that require immediate availability of functioning cells.

Abstract: An effective prophylactic mucosal gene expression vaccine (GXV), made up of a cocktail of at least 4 different plasmid DNAs encoding corresponding RSV antigens, coacervated with chitosan to formulate nanospheres. In a murine model of RSV infection, intranasal administration with GXV results in significant induction of RSV-specific antibodies, nasal IgA antibodies, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and IFN-&ggr; production in the lung and splenocytes. A single dose of GXV induces a drastic reduction of viral titers.

Abstract: Featured are highly useful pharmaceutical compositions that include a microparticle having a polymeric support material preferably adapted to disperse therapeutic agent. In a particular invention embodiment, the support material comprises at least 50% w/w of a homopolymer as described herein. Also featured are methods of making the compositions as well as using same to treat diseases such as bladder cancer.

Abstract: Featured are biodegradable polymers comprising repeat units derived from cyclic phosphate monomers and optionally further comprising repeat units derived from lactide or caprolactone monomers. Also featured are methods for preparing the biodegradable polymers of the invention and biodegradable polymer compositions comprising a biologically active substance and a biodegradable polymer. Additionally featured are articles and microspheres prepared from biodegradable polymers and polymer compositions of the invention. Further, methods for the controlled release of a biologically active substance using the biodegradable polymers of the invention are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable polymers, polymer compositions, particles composed thereof and methods of using same for the controlled release of a biologically active substance to a specified tissue or cells. Preferred polymers include biodegradable, amphiphilic polyphosphates which are capable of complexing one or more biologically active substances. Preferred methods include the controlled release of biologically active substances and gene therapy using polymers and nanoparticles composed thereof.

Abstract: A cyclodextrin polymer-based injectable composition comprising cyclodextrin, a polymer which is capable of forming a hydrogel with the cyclodextrin, and a pharmacologically effective amount of at least one drug. The polymer is selected from poly(ethylene glycol), derivatives thereon or a copolymer with a poly(ethylene glycol) segment. The copolymer with a poly(ethylene glycol) segment may include a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyethers, polysaccharides, poly(amino acid)s, polypeptides, and proteins. The composition may be injected subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intradermally, or intracranially.

Abstract: A composition of matter suitable for implantation in the body to effect zero order drug release comprising a drug and a polymer of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R' can be the same or different and are hydrophobic organic linkages and n and m are integers of 1 or greater.

Abstract: A single-use, self-annulling syringe is disclosed that is rendered inoperative after a single use without requiring any deliberate action on the part of a user. The injection device uses a hydrophilic expansion plug positioned in the outlet flow channel of the syringe, which expands a short time after being exposed to a drug containing water, thereby rendering the syringe inoperative.