Abstract: Provided herein are novel polypeptides, methods for their production and uses thereof.

Abstract: In various embodiments novel biodegradable acid-activated acid releasing nanoparticles (acNPs) are provided that are used as a targeted strategy to manipulate lysosomal acidity and autophagy. These acNPs based, in certain embodiments, on fluorinated polyesters are degraded at pH 6.0 (pH reported in dysfunctional lysosomes), and release component acids that further lower the lysosomal pH, and thereby increasing autophagic flux and cellular function of hepatocytes under LT. The acNPs can serve as a therapeutic in restoring liver-diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating a stiffened joint in a subject that comprise administering relaxin, e.g., a PEGylated relaxin-2, to the subject. The relaxin may be administered intra-articularly as a sustained release formulation. The present invention also provides sustained release formulations in the form of a hydrogel for administering polypeptides that are covalently attached to a polymer, e.g., PEG.

Abstract: The systems, methods, devices and kits disclosed herein be used to determine the presence and/or level a target analyte(s) in a biological sample, wherein the analyte(s) is associated with a pathogenic (e.g., a viral antigen or whole virus) or otherwise altered physiological condition (e.g., pregnancy). In certain embodiments, the systems, methods, devices and kits provide one or more improved properties relative to the RT-PCT and lateral flow antibody assays known in the art for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, including but not limited to, assay time, ease of use, risk of infection, accuracy, specificity, selectivity, limit of detection of the assay, quantitative detection and the effect of common interferents to the sensor output, cost, simplicity or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating a stiffened joint in a subject that comprise administering relaxin, e.g., a PEGylated relaxin-2, to the subject. The relaxin may be administered intra-articularly as a sustained release formulation. The present invention also provides sustained release formulations in the form of a hydrogel for administering polypeptides that are covalently attached to a polymer, e.g., PEG.

Abstract: In various embodiments novel biodegradable acid-activated acid releasing nanoparticles (acNPs) are provided that are used as a targeted strategy to manipulate lysosomal acidity and autophagy. These acNPs based, in certain embodiments, on fluorinated polyesters are degraded at pH 6.0 (pH reported in dysfunctional lysosomes), and release component acids that further lower the lysosomal pH, and thereby increasing autophagic flux and cellular function of hepatocytes under LT. The acNPs can serve as a therapeutic in restoring liver-diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel polypeptides, methods for their production and uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods of forming a gel and related methods of treating subjects with such gels are described. The method may include preparing a composition by combining a macromer comprising a first polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based polymer, a poly(ethylenimine)-based polymer, or a poly(1,2-glycerol) carbonate-based polymer, the macromer including at least one first functional moiety, a crosslinking agent comprising a second PEG-based polymer that includes at least one second functional moiety, and a photoinitiator, and activating the photoinitiator via a light source to form the gel.

Abstract: In various embodiments novel biodegradable acid-activated acid releasing nanoparticles (acNPs) are provided that are used as a targeted strategy to manipulate lysosomal acidity and autophagy. These acNPs based, in certain embodiments, on fluorinated polyesters are degraded at pH 6.0 (pH reported in dysfunctional lysosomes), and release component acids that further lower the lysosomal pH, and thereby increasing autophagic flux and cellular function of hepatocytes under LT. The acNPs can serve as a therapeutic in restoring liver-diseases.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions and processes related to a microbial-based biosensor system for the detection of small molecules and analytes based on an analyte-responsive transcription factor-DNA binding mechanism with either a ratiometric fluorescent output through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) or a redox sensor output for the quantification of the target analyte with high sensitivity.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a drug delivery device that can release a drug or other molecule of interest in response to application of a mechanical force, such as tension, and methods of use thereof. The present disclosure provides a tension-responsive drug delivery device by exploiting a difference in mechanical properties between a drug-loaded core material and a supertiydrophobic barrier coating consisting of interconnected micro- and nano-sized particles formulated via the electrospraying of a mixture of biocompatible polymers.

Abstract: In various embodiments novel biodegradable acid-activated acid releasing nanoparticles (acNPs) are provided that are used as a targeted strategy to manipulate lysosomal acidity and autophagy. These acNPs based, in certain embodiments, on fluorinated polyesters are degraded at pH 6.0 (pH reported in dysfunctional lysosomes), and release component acids that further lower the lysosomal pH, and thereby increasing autophagic flux and cellular function of hepatocytes under LT. The acNPs can serve as a therapeutic in restoring liver-diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, compounds, processes, and methods of use of 3D porous coating(s) on or near a nanopore(s) for analysis or detection of charged polymers such as nucleic acids, proteins, protein-nucleic acid complexes, small molecule-biological complexes, polymer-biological complexes, and/or polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymers which can be used as tissue supplements or lubricants in vivo. The inventive polymers can be used as tissue-interpenetrating hydrogel supplements, viscosupplements, tribosupplements, viscoelastics, tissue space fillers, and/or anti-adhesive agents. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive polymers and methods of using them including, for example, in the treatment of arthritic and injured synovial joints; in reconstruction or cosmetic procedures, intervertebral disc repair, treatment of vocal cord problems, treatment of urinary incontinence, and prevention of adhesion formation following abdominal or gynecological surgery or malfunction of naturally lubricious mucosal tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating a stiffened joint in a subject that comprise administering relaxin, e.g., a PEGylated relaxin-2, to the subject. The relaxin may be administered intra-articularly as a sustained release formulation. The present invention also provides sustained release formulations in the form of a hydrogel for administering polypeptides that are covalently attached to a polymer, e.g., PEG.

Abstract: In various embodiments novel biodegradable acid-activated acid releasing nanoparticles (acNPs) are provided that are used as a targeted strategy to manipulate lysosomal acidity and autophagy. These acNPs based, in certain embodiments, on fluorinated polyesters are degraded at pH 6.0 (pH reported in dysfunctional lysosomes), and release component acids that further lower the lysosomal pH, and thereby increasing autophagic flux and cellular function of hepatocytes under LT. The acNPs can serve as a therapeutic in restoring liver-diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymers which can be used as tissue supplements or lubricants in vivo. The inventive polymers can be used as tissue-interpenetrating hydrogel supplements, viscosupplements, tribosupplements, viscoelastics, tissue space fillers, and/or anti-adhesive agents. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive polymers and methods of using them including, for example, in the treatment of arthritic and injured synovial joints; in reconstruction or cosmetic procedures, intervertebral disc repair, treatment of vocal cord problems, treatment of urinary incontinence, and prevention of adhesion formation following abdominal or gynecological surgery or malfunction of naturally lubricious mucosal tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymers which can be used as tissue supplements or lubricants in vivo. The inventive polymers can be used as tissue-interpenetrating hydrogel supplements, viscosupplements, tribosupplements, viscoelastics, tissue space fillers, and/or anti-adhesive agents. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive polymers and methods of using them including, for example, in the treatment of arthritic and injured synovial joints; in reconstruction or cosmetic procedures, intervertebral disc repair, treatment of vocal cord problems, treatment of urinary incontinence, and prevention of adhesion formation following abdominal or gynecological surgery or malfunction of naturally lubricious mucosal tissue.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a drug delivery device that can release a drug or other molecule of interest in response to application of a mechanical force, such as tension, and methods of use thereof. The present disclosure provides a tension-responsive drug delivery device by exploiting a difference in mechanical properties between a drug-loaded core material and a supertiydrophobic barrier coating consisting of interconnected micro- and nano-sized particles formulated via the electrospraying of a mixture of biocompatible polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymers which can be used as tissue supplements or lubricants in vivo. The inventive polymers can be used as tissue-interpenetrating hydrogel supplements, viscosupplements, tribosupplements, viscoelastics, tissue space fillers, and/or anti-adhesive agents. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive polymers and methods of using them including, for example, in the treatment of arthritic and injured synovial joints; in reconstruction or cosmetic procedures, intervertebral disc repair, treatment of vocal cord problems, treatment of urinary incontinence, and prevention of adhesion formation following abdominal or gynecological surgery or malfunction of naturally lubricious mucosal tissue.