Abstract: Ultra-low crosslinked microgels made of an ultra-low crosslinked polymer are provided. The microgels, also referred to as Platelet-like Particles (PLPs), preferably have <0.5% crosslinking densities. One or more of the polymers are conjugated with a fibrin-binding element or moiety, preferably H6, in an amount effective to confer to the microgel selective binding to fibrin under physiological conditions. The PLPs can recapitulate multiple key functions of platelets including binding, stabilizing and enhancing fibrin clot formation, responsiveness to injury cues, and induction of clot contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the microgel or PLP has little or no binding to soluble fibrinogen under physiological conditions compared to its binding to fibrin. The microgels or PLPs are prepared using crosslinker-free synthesis conditions, and can promote or induce clotting and clot contraction.

Abstract: Ultra-low crosslinked microgels made of an ultra-low crosslinked polymer are provided. The microgels, also referred to as Platelet-like Particles (PLPs), preferably have <0.5% crosslinking densities. One or more of the polymers are conjugated with a fibrin-binding element or moiety, preferably H6, in an amount effective to confer to the microgel selective binding to fibrin under physiological conditions. The PLPs can recapitulate multiple key functions of platelets including binding, stabilizing and enhancing fibrin clot formation, responsiveness to injury cues, and induction of clot contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the microgel or PLP has little or no binding to soluble fibrinogen under physiological conditions compared to its binding to fibrin. The microgels or PLPs are prepared using crosslinker-free synthesis conditions, and can promote or induce clotting and clot contraction.

Abstract: Ultra-low crosslinked microgels made of an ultra-low crosslinked polymer are provided. The microgels, also referred to as Platelet-like Particles (PLPs), preferably have <0.5% crosslinking densities. One or more of the polymers are conjugated with a fibrin-binding element or moiety, preferably H6, in an amount effective to confer to the microgel selective binding to fibrin under physiological conditions. The PLPs can recapitulate multiple key functions of platelets including binding, stabilizing and enhancing fibrin clot formation, responsiveness to injury cues, and induction of clot contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the microgel or PLP has little or no binding to soluble fibrinogen under physiological conditions compared to its binding to fibrin. The microgels or PLPs are prepared using crosslinker-free synthesis conditions, and can promote or induce clotting and clot contraction.

Abstract: Ultra-low crosslinked microgels made of an ultra-low crosslinked polymer are provided. The microgels, also referred to as Platelet-like Particles (PLPs), preferably have <0.5% crosslinking densities. One or more of the polymers are conjugated with a fibrin-binding element or moiety, preferably H6, in an amount effective to confer to the microgel selective binding to fibrin under physiological conditions. The PLPs can recapitulate multiple key functions of platelets including binding, stabilizing and enhancing fibrin clot formation, responsiveness to injury cues, and induction of clot contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the microgel or PLP has little or no binding to soluble fibrinogen under physiological conditions compared to its binding to fibrin. The microgels or PLPs are prepared using crosslinker-free synthesis conditions, and can promote or induce clotting and clot contraction.

Abstract: Composite constructs of polymer matrices and polymeric microgels, and methods of making and using thereof, are described. The addition of the microgels to polymeric matrices retains the overall mechanical properties of the matrices and enables cell spreading, invasion and vascularization. Using fibrin as a model system, composite fibrin constructs with microgels are described, in which microgels form unique interconnected pockets within the fibrin matrix. The microgel assembly is driven by the polymerization dynamics of fibrin, and the architecture of these interconnected pockets can be tuned. The composite constructs support cell spreading, migration and infiltration more efficiently than do control matrices. The composite constructs can be used attract cells and/or to deliver therapeutic, diagnostic, nutraceutical, prophylactic and cosmetic agents to a desired site.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to nanogels for the cellular delivery of therapeutics and methods of using the same. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for the targeted treatment of neoplastic using nanogel-based technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, a nanogel-based delivery system comprises: a nanogel comprising a crosslinked polymer particle; and an active agent contained substantially within the nanogel, wherein the active agent is non-covalently associated with the nanogel.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to nanogels for the cellular delivery of therapeutics and methods of using the same. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for the targeted treatment of neoplastic using nanogel-based technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, a nanogel-based delivery system comprises: a nanogel comprising a crosslinked polymer particle; and an active agent contained substantially within the nanogel, wherein the active agent is non-covalently associated with the nanogel.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the modification of biomaterials with microgel films. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present invention are directed to the modification of biomaterials and medical devices with microgel thin films to alter a host's response to an implanted biomaterial or medical device. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a coated biomaterial comprising a non-fouling polymer film attached to at least a portion of a surface of the biomaterial, the non-fouling polymer film comprising a plurality of a cross-linked polymer microparticles, wherein at least a portion of the cross-linked polymer microparticles are covalently bonded to at least a portion of the surface of the biomaterial.

Abstract: The invention is a structure capable of detecting a target molecule, the invention including a functionalized polymer matrix having chemically reactive groups and at least one biomolecule attached to the chemically reactive groups to form a surface-modified bioresponsive polymer matrix.