Abstract: Embodiments of the instant disclosure relate to novel compositions, combination compositions, methods, and systems for generating and using hydrogels. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides for compositions including a polymer backbone having at least one hyaluronic acid backbone functionalized with an aliphatic aldehyde and at least one hyaluronic acid backbone functionalized with a hydrazide and a second polymer backbone including at least one 8-arm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods of treating a condition in a subject including administering hydrogels to the subject in the absence or presence of one or more therapeutic agent or cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are photodegradable hydrogels and associated kits for selectively capturing and releasing cells. The hydrogels result from cross linking in the presence of a photoinitiator (1) a macromer having a polymeric backbone structure, a photo labile moiety, and a first linking moiety, and (2) a cell-binding moiety having a second linking moiety. These two components are cross-linked by a polymerization reaction of the linking moieties to form a photodegradable hydrogel incorporating the cell-binding moiety within the hydrogel. Also disclosed are methods of making the hydrogels, and methods of using the hydrogels for selectively capturing and releasing cells and for detecting cells in a fluid. Such methods can be used to detect the presence and quantity of certain rare cell types in a biological fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are photodegradable hydrogels and associated kits for selectively capturing and releasing cells. The hydrogels result from cross linking in the presence of a photoinitiator (1) a macromer having a polymeric backbone structure, a photo labile moiety, and a first linking moiety, and (2) a cell-binding moiety having a second linking moiety. These two components are cross-linked by a polymerization reaction of the linking moieties to form a photodegradable hydrogel incorporating the cell-binding moiety within the hydrogel. Also disclosed are methods of making the hydrogels, and methods of using the hydrogels for selectively capturing and releasing cells and for detecting cells in a fluid. Such methods can be used to detect the presence and quantity of certain rare cell types in a biological fluid.

Abstract: Here, we present a photodegradable microparticle system that can be employed to entrap and deliver bioactive proteins to cells during culture. By using a photosensitive delivery system, experimenters can achieve a wide variety of spatiotemporally regulated release profiles with a single microparticle formulation, thereby enabling one to probe many questions as to how protein presentation can be manipulated to regulate cell function. Photodegradable microparticles were synthesized via inverse suspension polymerization with a mean diameter of 22 ?m, and degradation was demonstrated upon exposure to several irradiation conditions. The protein-loaded depots were incorporated into cell cultures and release of bioactive protein was quantified during the photodegradation process. This phototriggered release allowed for the delivery of TGF-?1 to stimulate PE25 cells and for the delivery of fluorescently labeled Annexin V to assay apoptotic 3T3 fibroblasts during culture.

Abstract: Here, we present a photodegradable microparticle system that can be employed to entrap and deliver bioactive proteins to cells during culture. By using a photosensitive delivery system, experimenters can achieve a wide variety of spatiotemporally regulated release profiles with a single microparticle formulation, thereby enabling one to probe many questions as to how protein presentation can be manipulated to regulate cell function. Photodegradable microparticles were synthesized via inverse suspension polymerization with a mean diameter of 22 ?m, and degradation was demonstrated upon exposure to several irradiation conditions. The protein-loaded depots were incorporated into cell cultures and release of bioactive protein was quantified during the photodegradation process. This phototriggered release allowed for the delivery of TGF-?1 to stimulate PE25 cells and for the delivery of fluorescently labeled Annexin V to assay apoptotic 3T3 fibroblasts during culture.

Abstract: Provided is a method that provides both spatial and temporal control of a polymer degradation process using mono- and multifunctional macromolecular monomers (“macromers”) that degrade via single- and multi-photon photolysis mechanisms over a broad range of wavelengths. The macromers can form or be incorporated into networks via covalent, non-covalent and/or ionic interactions. The spatial and temporal degradation of these networks can be controlled. More specifically, provided is a photodegradable macromer, comprising: (a) a photodegradable group; (b) a backbone structure comprising one or more repeating units that may be the same or different, which backbone structure is attached to the photodegradable group directly or through a linker; (c) one or more reactive end groups at one or more ends of the macromer; and optionally, (d) one or more therapeutic agents; and optionally (e) one or more caged groups.

Abstract: A fundamental deficiency with current biological cell encapsulation technology is that passive material barriers cannot protect biological cells from exposure to cytokines and other small, diffusible cytotoxic molecules produced by activated immune cells, subsequently leading to biological cell destruction. The present invention provides an immunoisolative encapsulation system that actively and locally suppresses immune response using Fas receptor binding agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymers and microfluidic devices comprising a covalently attached substrate binding element, and methods for producing and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymerizable antimicrobial composition and a method for using the same. The polymerizable antimicrobial composition of the invention comprises an antimicrobial compound, a linker, and a polymerizable function group.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer networks are provided which are useful in a variety of dental and orthopedic applications. The biodegradable polymer networks can be formed in one embodiment by polymerizing anhydride prepolymers including crosslinkable groups, such as unsaturated moieties. The anhydride prepolymers can be crosslinked, for example in a photopolymerization reaction by irradiation of the prepolymer with light in the presence of a free radical initiator. Suitable anhydride prepolymers include dianhydrides of a dicarboxylic acid and a carboxylic acid molecule comprising a crosslinkable group. For example, methacrylic acid dianhydrides of monomers or oligomers of a diacid such as sebacic acid or 1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)-hexane can be used. The anhydride prepolymers can be applied in vivo to a site where an orthopedic implant is needed, and then may be crosslinked, for example, by irradiation with U.V. light, to form a biodegradable implant such as a rods, pin or plate.

Abstract: A composition for use in dental treatments of damaged or diseased teeth is provided. The composition comprises a combined filler material, photoinitiator and comonomer resin mixture polymerizable upon incidence of light. The comonomer resin mixture comprises a comonomer resin blend comprising at least two monomers from the same monomer series with at least a first monomer having a first molecular weight and a second monomer having a second molecular weight with the second molecular weight being greater than the first molecular weight of the first monomer. The comonomer resin mixture further comprises a third monomer combined with the comonomer resin blend.