Abstract: Provided herein are compositions for treating biofilm-derived infections include a cis-monounsaturated fatty acid solubilized in a solvent with a concentration in the range of about 100 ppm (parts per million) to about 1000 ppm, where the composition is configured to produce a bactericidal effect measured as a log reduction of colony forming units (CFU) of a bacteria of at least 1.0 when the composition is applied to a biofilm formed from the bacteria. Also provided are methods for treating the site of a biofilm-derived infection comprising applying a composition as disclosed herein to the site.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions for treating biofilm-derived infections include a cis-monounsaturated fatty acid solubilized in a solvent with a concentration in the range of about 100 ppm (parts per million) to about 1000 ppm, where the composition is configured to produce a bactericidal effect measured as a log reduction of colony forming units (CFU) of a bacteria of at least 1.0 when the composition is applied to a biofilm formed from the bacteria. Also provided are methods for treating the site of a biofilm-derived infection comprising applying a composition as disclosed herein to the site.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an organogel drug depot for use in delivering an active agent to a surgical site, such as an implant site, for instance an orthopedic implant site. The present disclosure is also directed to an organogel drug depot for use in a non-sterile environment and application to a non-sterile open wound site. In a further embodiment, there is disclosed a system for preparing an organogel drug depot including an organogel matrix comprising an organogelator and a biocompatible organic solvent, an active agent comprising solid particles, a container including at least one wall having an outer surface and defining a volume capable of containing the organogel matrix and active agent solid particles, and a heating component configured to contact the outer surface and supply an amount of heat to the container.

Abstract: Provided herein are biodegradable copolymers and nanoplex delivery systems comprising the same and a cargo molecule, such as a nucleic acid, a polynucleotide or other biomolecule. The biodegradable copolymers may comprise a reducible polymer linearly modified with lysine, such as a linear lysine-modified N,N?-cystamine bisacrylamide. The biodegradable copolymers also may be conjugated to a sequestering moiety, such as dietheylamine. The biodegradable copolymers also may comprise one or both of a targeting moiety and one or more moieties to facilitate endosomal escape. Also provided are methods for treating a pathophysiological condition and for increasing biocompatibility of a polymeric delivery system upon delivery to a subject using the biodegradable copolymers and nanoplexes.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomimetic contrast agents, dual functional contrast agents effective for therapeutic gene delivery and magnetic nanoparticles which comprise functionalized iron oxide nanoparticle cores, one of an inert gold layer, a layer of inert metal seeds or a silica layer and, optionally, one or both of an outer gold-silver nanoshell or a targeting ligand attached to the inert gold layer or the gold-silver nanoshell. Also provided are methods of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, of treating primary or metastatic cancers or of ablating atherosclerotic plaque using the contrast agents and magnetic particles. In addition, kits comprising the biomimetic contrast agents, dual contrast agents and magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomimetic contrast agent comprising an amine-functionalized iron (II) oxide/iron(III) oxide nanoparticle core a targeting ligand attached to the nanoparticle core via a linker and an inert outer layer of a hydrophilic polymer conjugated to the targeting ligand and imaging methods using the biomimetic contrast agents. Also, provided is a dual functional contrast agent comprising a metal-doped iron (II) oxide/iron(III) oxide nanoparticle core, an inert layer of gold coating the nanoparticle core and a biodegradable cationic polymer linked thereto. The dual functional contrast agent is complexed to a therapeutic gene and when transfected into mesenchymal stem cells comprises a dual contrast agent and gene delivery system. In addition, methods of using the dual functional system are provided. Furthermore, kits comprising the biomimetic contrast agents and the dual contrast agent and gene delivery system are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are biodegradable copolymers and nanoplex delivery systems comprising the same and a cargo molecule, such as a nucleic acid, a polynucleotide or other biomolecule. The biodegradable copolymers may comprise a reducible polymer linearly modified with lysine, such as a linear lysine-modified N,N?-cystamine bisacrylamide. The biodegradable copolymers also may be conjugated to a sequestering moiety, such as dietheylamine. The biodegradable copolymers also may comprise one or both of a targeting moiety and one or more moieties to facilitate endosomal escape. Also provided are methods for treating a pathophysiological condition and for increasing biocompatibility of a polymeric delivery system upon delivery to a subject using the biodegradable copolymers and nanoplexes.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomimetic contrast agents, dual functional contrast agents effective for therapeutic gene delivery and magnetic nanoparticles which comprise functionalized iron oxide nanoparticle cores, one of an inert gold layer, a layer of inert metal seeds or a silica layer and, optionally, one or both of an outer gold-silver nanoshell or a targeting ligand attached to the inert gold layer or the gold-silver nanoshell. Also provided are methods of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, of treating primary or metastatic cancers or of ablating atherosclerotic plaque using the contrast agents and magnetic particles. In addition, kits comprising the biomimetic contrast agents, dual contrast agents and magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomimetic contrast agent comprising an amine-functionalized iron (II) oxide/iron(III) oxide nanoparticle core a targeting ligand attached to the nanoparticle core via a linker and an inert outer layer of a hydrophilic polymer conjugated to the targeting ligand and imaging methods using the biomimetic contrast agents. Also, provided is a dual functional contrast agent comprising a metal-doped iron (II) oxide/iron(III) oxide nanoparticle core, an inert layer of gold coating the nanoparticle core and a biodegradable cationic polymer linked thereto. The dual functional contrast agent is complexed to a therapeutic gene and when transfected into mesenchymal stem cells comprises a dual contrast agent and gene delivery system. In addition, methods of using the dual functional system are provided. Furthermore, kits comprising the biomimetic contrast agents and the dual contrast agent and gene delivery system are provided.