Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to materials having microscale and/or nanoscale features and particularly, but not exclusively, to porous materials comprising microscale features, methods for producing porous materials comprising microscale features, drug delivery vehicles, and related kits, systems, and uses.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to materials having microscale and/or nanoscale features and particularly, but not exclusively, to porous materials comprising microscale features, methods for producing porous materials comprising microscale features, drug delivery vehicles, and related kits, systems, and uses.

Abstract: Biomimetic scaffolds for neural tissue growth are disclosed herein which have a plurality of microchannels disposed within a sheath. Each microchannel comprises a porous wall that is formed from a biocompatible and biodegradable material. The biocompatible and biodegradable material may be polyethylene glycol) diacrylate, methacrylated gelatin, methacrylated collagen, or polycaprolactone, and combinations thereof. The biomimetic scaffolds have high open volume % enabling superior (linear and high fidelity) neural tissue growth, while minimizing inflammation near the site of implantation in vivo.

Abstract: Tissue scaffolds for neural tissue growth have a plurality of microchannels disposed within a sheath. Each microchannel comprises a porous wall having a thickness of ?about 100 ?m that is formed from a biocompatible and biodegradable material comprising a polyester polymer. The polyester polymer may be polycaprolactone, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer, and combinations thereof. The tissue scaffolds have high open volume % enabling superior (linear and high fidelity) neural tissue growth, while minimizing inflammation near the site of implantation in vivo. In other aspects, methods of making such tissue scaffolds are provided. Such a method may include mixing a reduced particle size porogen with a polymeric precursor solution. The material is cast onto a template and then can be processed, including assembly in a sheath and removal of the porogen, to form a tissue scaffold having a plurality of porous microchannels.

Abstract: Tissue scaffolds for neural tissue growth have a plurality of microchannels disposed within a sheath. Each microchannel comprises a porous wall having a thickness of ?about 100 ?m that is formed from a biocompatible and biodegradable material comprising a polyester polymer. The polyester polymer may be polycaprolactone, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer, and combinations thereof. The tissue scaffolds have high open volume % enabling superior (linear and high fidelity) neural tissue growth, while minimizing inflammation near the site of implantation in vivo. In other aspects, methods of making such tissue scaffolds are provided. Such a method may include mixing a reduced particle size porogen with a polymeric precursor solution. The material is cast onto a template and then can be processed, including assembly in a sheath and removal of the porogen, to form a tissue scaffold having a plurality of porous microchannels.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to materials having microscale and/or nanoscale features and particularly, but not exclusively, to porous materials comprising microscale features, methods for producing porous materials comprising microscale features, drug delivery vehicles, and related kits, systems, and uses.

Abstract: Tissue scaffolds for neural tissue growth have a plurality of microchannels disposed within a sheath. Each microchannel comprises a porous wall having a thickness of ?about 100 ?m that is formed from a biocompatible and biodegradable material comprising a polyester polymer. The polyester polymer may be polycaprolactone, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer, and combinations thereof. The tissue scaffolds have high open volume % enabling superior (linear and high fidelity) neural tissue growth, while minimizing inflammation near the site of implantation in vivo. In other aspects, methods of making such tissue scaffolds are provided. Such a method may include mixing a reduced particle size porogen with a polymeric precursor solution. The material is cast onto a template and then can be processed, including assembly in a sheath and removal of the porogen, to form a tissue scaffold having a plurality of porous microchannels.

Abstract: Tissue scaffolds for neural tissue growth have a plurality of microchannels disposed within a sheath. Each microchannel comprises a porous wall having a thickness of ?about 100 ?m that is formed from a biocompatible and biodegradable material comprising a polyester polymer. The polyester polymer may be polycaprolactone, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer, and combinations thereof. The tissue scaffolds have high open volume % enabling superior (linear and high fidelity) neural tissue growth, while minimizing inflammation near the site of implantation in vivo. In other aspects, methods of making such tissue scaffolds are provided. Such a method may include mixing a reduced particle size porogen with a polymeric precursor solution. The material is cast onto a template and then can be processed, including assembly in a sheath and removal of the porogen, to form a tissue scaffold having a plurality of porous microchannels.

Abstract: Tissue scaffolds for neural tissue growth have a plurality of microchannels disposed within a sheath. Each microchannel comprises a porous wall having a thickness of ?about 100 ?m that is formed from a biocompatible and biodegradable material comprising a polyester polymer. The polyester polymer may be polycaprolactone, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer, and combinations thereof. The tissue scaffolds have high open volume % enabling superior (linear and high fidelity) neural tissue growth, while minimizing inflammation near the site of implantation in vivo. In other aspects, methods of making such tissue scaffolds are provided. Such a method may include mixing a reduced particle size porogen with a polymeric precursor solution. The material is cast onto a template and then can be processed, including assembly in a sheath and removal of the porogen, to form a tissue scaffold having a plurality of porous microchannels.

Abstract: Methods for inducing non-embryonic lesioned central nervous system neurons to survive, integrate, extend axons over long distances, induce intra-lesion ingrowth of neurons into the lesion from host tissue and form synapses in vivo. Pluripotent neural stem cells are grafted into the lesioned CNS tissue within a tissue adhesive suspension, optionally in the presence of growth factors. No modification of the neuronal regenerative inhibitory environment of the CNS is necessary.

Abstract: Methods for inducing non-embryonic lesioned central nervous system neurons to survive, integrate, extend axons over long distances, induce intra-lesion ingrowth of neurons into the lesion from host tissue and form synapses in vivo. Pluripotent neural stem cells are grafted into the lesioned CNS tissue within a tissue adhesive suspension, optionally in the presence of growth factors. No modification of the neuronal regenerative inhibitory environment of the CNS is necessary.

Abstract: A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged neurons in the mammalian brain by delivering a definite concentration of recombinant neurotrophin, into a targeted region of the brain using a lentiviral expression vector. The neurotrophin is delivered to, or within close proximity of, identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. Growth of targeted neurons, and reversal of functional deficits associated with the neurodegenerative disease being treated is provided.

Abstract: A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The protocol is practiced by delivering a definite concentration of recombinant neurotrophin, such as glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor), into a targeted region of the brain (such as the substantia nigra) using a lentiviral expression vector. The neurotrophin is delivered to, or within close proximity of, identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. The concentration of neurotrophin delivered as part of a neurotrophic composition varies from 1010 to 1015 neurotrophin encoding viral particles/ml of composition fluid. Each delivery site receives from 2.5 ?l to 25 ?l of neurotrophic composition, delivered slowly, as in over a period of time ranging upwards of 10 minutes/delivery site.

Abstract: A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged cholinergic neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The protocol is practiced by delivering a definite concentration of recombinant neurotrophin into, or within close proximity of, identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. Using a viral vector, the concentration of neurotrophin delivered as part of a neurotrophic composition varies from 1010 to 1015 neurotrophin encoding viral particles/ml of composition fluid. Each delivery site receives form 2.5 ?l to 25 ?l of neurotrophic composition delivered slowly, as in over a period of time ranging upward of 10 minutes/delivery site. Each delivery site is at, or within 500 ?m of, a targeted cell, and no more than about 10 mm from another delivery site. Stable in situ neurotrophin expression can be achieved for 12 months, or longer.

Abstract: A protocol for use of growth factors to stimulate neuronal cell growth and activity in trkB receptor containing cortical tissues, including the entorhinal and hippocampal cortices. The method introduces exogenous growth factor, such as BDNF, NT-4/5 and NT-3, into the EC. The method is useful in therapy of defective, diseased and damaged neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or for normal aging.

Abstract: A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged cholinergic neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The protocol is practiced by delivering a definite concentration of recombinant neurotrophin into, or within close proximity of, identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. Using a viral vector, the concentration of neurotrophin delivered as part of a neurotrophic composition varies from 1010 to 1015 neurotrophin encoding viral particles/ml of composition fluid. Each delivery site receives form 2.5 ?l to 25 ?l of neurotrophic composition delivered slowly, as in over a period of time ranging upward of 10 minutes/delivery site. Each delivery site is at, or within 500 ?m of, a targeted cell, and no more than about 10 mm from another delivery site. Stable in situ neurotrophin expression can be achieved for 12 months, or longer.

Abstract: A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged cholinergic neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The protocol is practiced by delivering a definite concentration of recombinant neurotrophin into, or within close proximity of, identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. Using a viral vector, the concentration of neurotrophin delivered as part of a neurotrophic composition varies from 1010 to 1015 neurotrophin encoding viral particles/ml of composition fluid. Each delivery site receives from 2.5 ?l to 25 ?l of neurotrophic composition, delivered slowly, as in over a period of time ranging upwards of 10 minutes/delivery site. Each delivery site is at, or within 500 ?m of, a targeted cell, and no more than about 10 mm from another delivery site. Stable in situ neurotrophin expression can be achieved for 12 months, or longer.

Abstract: The invention provides a clinically useful protocol for delivery of recombinant nervous system growth factors into the aging mammalian brain. The invention is particularly useful in tempering and reversing the loss of neurological function in the aging mammalian brain, by (a) correlating loss of cortical fiber density to impairment of neurological function in the normal, aging brain; and (b) providing minimally invasive means by which such losses may be reversed. To these ends, a method is provided by which a growth factor-encoding transgene is delivered to, and expressed in, preselected sites within the brain, to stimulate growth of neurons at, and at a distance from, each delivery site.

Abstract: A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The protocol is practiced by directly delivering a definite concentration of recombinant neurotrophin, into a targeted region of the brain using an expression vector. The neurotrophin is delivered to, or within close proximity of, identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. The method stimulates growth of targeted neurons, and reversal of functional deficits associated with the neurodegenerative disease being treated.

Abstract: A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged cholinergic neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The protocol is practiced by delivering a definite concentration of recombinant neurotrophin into, or within close proximity of, identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. Using a viral vector, the concentration of neurotrophin delivered as part of a neurotrophic composition varies from 1010 to 1015 neurotrophin encoding viral particles/ml of composition fluid. Each delivery site receives from 2.5 &mgr;l to 25 &mgr;l of neurotrophic composition, delivered slowly, as in over a period of time ranging upwards of 10 minutes/delivery site. Each delivery site is at, or within 500 &mgr;m of, a targeted cell, and no more than about 10 mm from another delivery site. Stable in situ neurotrophin expression can be achieved for 12 months, or longer.