Abstract: Oil-in-water emulsion gels and medical articles containing an omega-3 oil are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and using such emulsion gels and medical articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a preformed hydrogel attach to a polymer backing comprising exposing a surface of the backing to an activated gas and depositing the preformed hydrogel on the exposed surface of the backing, and hydrogel products so formed. This hydrogel product can be used as an active ingredient delivery device, a wound cover and a diagnostic tool. It advantageously replaces hydrogel products using chemicals as adhesive agents.

Abstract: A process for preparing activated polyethylene glycols is disclosed. In some embodiments, the process includes reacting a molten polyethylene glycol with an activator. In other embodiments, the process includes reacting a polyethylene glycol with an activator in the absence of a solvent. The process may be carried out in an inert gas atmosphere, at a temperature at least 10° C. above the melting point of polyethylene glycol, and/or with the activator provided in molar excess of the polyethylene glycol. The invention further provides activated polyethylene glycols produced by this process and their use in a variety of pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic and chemical applications.

Abstract: A process for preparing activated polyethylene glycols is disclosed. In some embodiments, the process includes reacting a molten polyethylene glycol with an activator. In other embodiments, the process includes reacting a polyethylene glycol with an activator in the absence of a solvent. The process may be carried out in an inert gas atmosphere, at a temperature at least 10° C. above the melting point of polyethylene glycol, and/or with the activator provided in molar excess of the polyethylene glycol. The invention further provides activated polyethylene glycols produced by this process and their use in a variety of pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic and chemical applications.

Abstract: A process for preparing activated polyethylene glycols is disclosed. In some embodiments, the process includes reacting a molten polyethylene glycol with an activator. In other embodiments, the process includes reacting a polyethylene glycol with an activator in the absence of a solvent. The process may be carried out in an inert gas atmosphere, at a temperature at least 10° C. above the melting point of polyethylene glycol, and/or with the activator provided in molar excess of the polyethylene glycol. The invention further provides activated polyethylene glycols produced by this process and their use in a variety of pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic and chemical applications.

Abstract: Oil-in-water emulsion gels and medical articles containing an omega-3 oil are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and using such emulsion gels and medical articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of activated polyethylene glycols, or PEG(NPC)2s, comprising reacting polyethylene glycol with an activator while in the presence of an aromatic nitrogen containing heterocyclic base. The process is carried out at temperatures ranging from about 20 to about 30° C., more preferably at room temperature, and under stoichiometric conditions.

Abstract: A method of modulating topical inflammatory response is disclosed. The method generally includes the selective removal of certain proteins, e.g., one or more cytokines such as interleukin-1? (IL-1?) and/or interleukin-6 (IL-6), from a topical site without substantially altering the local concentrations of other proteins that may be present at or near the topical site. Other proteins that are present at or near the topical site can include serum albumin, fibrinogen, and immunoglobin G (IgG). Hydrogel compositions that can be used to practice the methods of the invention are provided. The invention further provides methods of preparing such hydrogel compositions.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating radiation-induced skin reactions are disclosed. The methods generally include applying one or more hydrogel compositions to a topical site before, during, and/or after exposure to radiation. The hydrogel compositions generally include one or more electrolytes. In some embodiments, the hydrogel compositions can include a protein component and a biocompatible polymer component, where the protein component can be covalently crosslinked by the biocompatible polymer component. The invention further provides methods of preparing such hydrogel compositions.

Abstract: A process for preparing activated polyethylene glycols is disclosed. In some embodiments, the process includes reacting a molten polyethylene glycol with an activator. In other embodiments, the process includes reacting a polyethylene glycol with an activator in the absence of a solvent. The process may be carried out in an inert gas atmosphere, at a temperature at least 10° C. above the melting point of polyethylene glycol, and/or with the activator provided in molar excess of the polyethylene glycol. The invention further provides activated polyethylene glycols produced by this process and their use in a variety of pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic and chemical applications.

Abstract: Medical articles including a hydrophilic water-swellable hydrogel and methods of using and making the articles are provided. The hydrogel may include a crosslinked mixture of a biocompatible polymer and a protein, such as polyethylene glycol and a soy protein. The hydrogel may further include an agent, such as diazolidinyl urea and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, dispersed within the hydrophilic water-swellable hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of activated polyethylene glycols, or PEG(NPC)2s, comprising reacting polyethylene glycol with an activator while in the presence of an aromatic nitrogen containing heterocyclic base. The process is carried out at temperatures ranging from about 20 to about 30° C., more preferably at room temperature, and under stoichiometric conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a preformed hydrogel attach to a polymer backing comprising exposing a surface of the backing to an activated gas and depositing the preformed hydrogel on the exposed surface of the backing, and hydrogel products so formed. This hydrogel product can be used as an active ingredient delivery device, a wound cover and a diagnostic tool. It advantageously replaces hydrogel products using chemicals as adhesive agents.

Abstract: The invention provides biologically active compounds of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is a light-emitting moiety and R.sub.7 is a peptide of between 2 and 200 amino acids. X is selected from the group including .dbd.O, .dbd.S, --OH, .dbd.C.tbd.O, .dbd.NH, --H, --OR, --NR, --R, --R.sub.3 R.sub.4, wherein each R, R.sub.4 and R.sub.3, independently, is H or a C1-C6 branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted, alkyl. The compounds are both biologically active and optically detectable. The peptide is chemically attached to the light-emitting moiety at an amino acid position which is not involved in binding to the peptide's receptor. In this way, the peptide's affinity for its receptor is not significantly decreased, and the compound retains high biological activity and can be easily detected using standard optical means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compound having the formula: ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid salt thereof, wherein R is a polypeptide moiety comprises an amino acid sequence:-Y-Arg-Pro-Z-Ile-Leu;wherein Y is Arg, andZ is Tyr or Trp;R.sub.1 is a fluorophore selected from the group consisting of fluorescein, rhodamine, Blue fluorescent and Texas red; andX is oxygen or sulfur. The present invention also relates to a method for the labeling of neurotensin receptors on cell surface and a method to isolate neurotensin-receptor expressing cells.