Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions and methods for using a non-spherical biomimetic artificial cell comprising a three-dimensional microparticle or nanoparticle having an asymmetrical shape and a supported lipid bilayer (SLB). The non-spherical biomimetic artificial cells can be used in cell biomimicry and for active targeting mediated drug delivery.

Abstract: A new class of molecules, C1—OH tributanoylated hexosamines, including, for example, GalNAc, GlcNAc and ManNAc, are demonstrated to increase cartilage-like tissue accumulation by IL-1?-stimulated chondrocytes. Furthermore, all three molecules reduced NFKB1 and I?B? driven gene expression, consistent with NF?B inhibitory properties of these analogs. GalNAc-a exposure produced the greatest ECM accumulation by IL-1?-stimulated chondrocytes. However, GalNAc-a exposure produced an opposite effect on MSC exposure, where a decrease in ECM accumulation was observed. These findings are in support of the function of NF?B signaling during limb development and growth plate chondrogenesis. The present invention shows the capability of this new class of hexosamine analogs as disease-modifying agents for treating cartilage damage.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions and methods for using a non-spherical biomimetic artificial cell comprising a three-dimensional microparticle or nanoparticle having an asymmetrical shape and a supported lipid bilayer (SLB). The non-spherical biomimetic artificial cells can be used in cell biomimicry and for active targeting mediated drug delivery.

Abstract: A new class of molecules, C1—OH tributanoylated hexosamines, including, for example, GalNAc, GlcNAc and ManNAc, are demonstrated to increase cartilage-like tissue accumulation by IL-1?-stimulated chondrocytes. Furthermore, all three molecules reduced NFKB1 and I?B? driven gene expression, consistent with NF?B inhibitory properties of these analogs. GalNAc-a exposure produced the greatest ECM accumulation by IL-I?-stimulated chondrocytes. However, GalNAc-a exposure produced an opposite effect on MSC exposure, where a decrease in ECM accumulation was observed. These findings are in support of the function of NF?B signaling during limb development and growth plate chondrogenesis. The present invention shows the capability of this new class of hexosamine analogs as disease-modifying agents for treating cartilage damage.

Abstract: Methods for making the functionalized glycoconjugates include (a) contacting a cell with a first monosaccharide, and (b) incubating the cell under conditions whereby the cell (i) internalizes the first monosaccharide, (ii) biochemically processes the first monosaccharide into a second saccharide, (iii) conjugates the saccharide to a carrier to form a glycoconjugate, and (iv) extracellularly expresses the glycoconjugate to form an extracellular glycoconjugate comprising a selectively reactive functional group. Methods for forming products at a cell further comprise contacting the functional group of the extracellularly expressed glycoconjugate with an agent which selectively reacts with the functional group to form a product. Subject compositions include cyto-compatible monosaccharides comprising a nitrogen or ether linked functional group selectively reactive at a cell surface and compositions and cells comprising such saccharides.