Abstract: Among other things, the present disclosure provides compositions and methods for an elastomeric cross-linked polyester material. Such an elastomeric cross-linked polyester material, in some embodiments, comprises a plurality of polymeric units of the general formula (-A-B—)p, wherein p is an integer greater than 1; and a plurality of urethane cross-links each of which covalently links two polymeric units to one another, which two linked polymeric unit each had at least one free hydroxyl or amino group prior to formation of the crosslink.

Abstract: The present invention provides antimicrobial nanoparticle conjugates and an efficient method of preparing same. In particular, the invention relates to the preparation of antifungal nanoparticle conjugates comprising amphotericin B covalently immobilized to nanoparticles. The conjugates, and suspensions thereof, can be used to form antifungal coatings with particular application to medical devices and materials.

Abstract: The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.

Abstract: The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.

Abstract: In various aspects, provided are methods for providing CD34+ cells from embryoid bodies and stimulating these cells to give rise to endothelial-like and/or smooth muscle-like cells. In various embodiments are provided methods that produce endothelial-like and/or smooth muscle-like cells that have functionality and/or preserved genetic integrity. In various aspects, provided are tissue engineering constructs comprising endothelial-like and/or smooth muscle-like cells produced according to a method the present inventions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to substrates, materials and devices coated with a gel, foam, film, particle or composition comprising a polymei solvent and effector compounds attached thereto, processes of producing the same, and methods of use thereof, of in, inter-alia, biological applications, including preventing infection and the treatment of various diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle for delivering various chemicals, compositions and proteins to stem cells and embryoid bodies. The vehicle may be biocompatible and biodegradable polymer microparticles. Typically the particles will contain at least a growth factor for delivery to the embryoid bodies, and generally the growth factor induces differentiation of the cells in the embryoid body along a specific lineage. The present invention also provides methods for directing differentiation of the cells in the embryoid body.

Abstract: The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.

Abstract: The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic polymers compositions for encapsulation of cells. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked in the presence of glycerol and a population of cells to form elastic porous polymer scaffolds suitable for cell encapsulation and/or proliferation.