Abstract: The present invention provides new biopolymers which mimic the properties of natural polysaccharides found in vivo. The inventive polysaccharides can be used as viscosupplements, 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 sport-injured knee 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.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to ionic liquids and ionic viscoelastics formed between [1] a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more cations; and [2] a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more anions. Another embodiment of the invention is the use of the inventive ionic liquids and ionic viscoelastics, formed between a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more cations and a small molecule or macromolecule containing two or more anions, to form a crosslinked network. In certain embodiments, the ionic liquids formed can be viscous liquids, viscous liquid formed networks, or viscoelastic networks/gels. In certain embodiments, the ionic material of the invention may be used for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, lubricants, additives, gas separation, liquid separation, membranes, fuel cells, sensors, batteries, coatings, heat storage, liquid crystals, biocompatible fluids, solvents, and electronic materials.

Abstract: The present invention describes a synthetic non-viral vector composition for gene therapy and the use of such compositions for in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo transfer of genetic material. The invention proposes a pharmaceutical composition containing 1) a non-cationic amphiphilic molecule or macromolecule and its use for delivery of nucleic acids or 2) a cationic amphiphilic molecule or macromolecule that transforms from a cationic entity to an anionic, neutral, or zwitterionic entity by a chemical, photochemical, or biological reaction and its use for delivery of nucleic acids. Moreover this invention describes the use of these non-viral vector compositions in conjunction with a surface to mediate the delivery of nucleic acids. An additional embodiment is the formation of a hydrogel with these compositions and the use of this hydrogel for the delivery of genetic material. A further embodiment of this invention is the use of a change in ionic strength for the delivery of genetic material.

Abstract: Novel dendritic polymers are employed to clinically seal or repair wounds and treat traumatized or degenerative tissue. Novel crosslinkable biopolymers such as dendritic macromolecules are used in vitro, in vivo and in situ to treat ophthalmological, orthopaedic, cardiovascular, plastic surgery, pulmonary or urinary wounds or injuries. The crosslinkable dendritic macromolecules can be fabricated into cell scaffold/gel/matrix of specified shapes and sizes using one-photon and multi-photon spectroscopic techniques. The crosslinked polymers can be seeded with cells and used to repair or replace organs, tissues or bones. Alternatively, the polymers and cells can be mixed and injected into the in vivo site and crosslinked in situ for organ, tissue or bone repair or replacement.

Abstract: Crosslinkable polymers, such as dendritic macromolecules and their in vitro, in vivo, and in situ uses are disclosed. These biomaterials/polymers are likely to be an effective sealant/glue for a variety of surgical procedures where the site of the wound is not easily accessible or when sutureless surgery is desirable. Crosslinkable dendritic macromolecules can be fabricated into cell scaffold/gel/matrix of specified shapes and sizes using chemical techniques. The polymers, after being crosslinked, can be seeded with cells and then used to repair or replace organs, tissue, or bones. Alternatively, the polymers and cells can be mixed and then injected into the in vivo site and crosslinked in situ for organ, tissue, or bone repair or replacement. The crosslinked polymers provide three dimensional templates for new cell growth that is suitable for a variety of reconstructive procedures, including custom molding of cell implants to reconstruct three dimensional tissue defects.

Abstract: Novel lipid compounds and compositions comprising carbohydrate backbones are used to make supramolecular structures such as vesicles, liposomes (single lamellar, multilamellar, and giant), micelles, hexagonal phases, microemulsions and others. The novel compositions and supramolecular structures may be combined with active agents such as contrast agents and bioactive agents (e.g., therapeutic and diagnostic agents) in delivery methods.

Abstract: An interfacial biomaterial prepared using a plurality of binding agents, each binding agent including a first ligand that specifically binds a non-biological substrate and a second ligand that specifically binds a biological substrate. Also provided is an interfacial biomaterial prepared using a plurality of binding agents, each binding agent including a ligand that specifically binds a non-biological substrate and a non-binding domain that shows substantially no binding to a biological substrate. Also provided are methods for preparing a binding agent, methods for preparing an interfacial biomaterial, and methods for using interfacial biomaterials.

Abstract: The present invention provides metal-containing purines, pyrimidines, nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides; including phosphoramidite and photolabile derivatives thereof, including methods of making and method of using same. The present invention provides a method for detection of nucleic acid sequences via electrochemical or photochemical means.

Abstract: A lipid compound comprising: 1

Abstract: The present invention provides metal-containing purines, pyrimidines, nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides; including phosphoramidite and photolabile derivatives thereof, including methods of making and method of using same. The present invention provides a method for detection of nucleic acid sequences via electrochemical or photochemical means.

Abstract: The invention relates to metal complexes used to bind proteins and enzymes.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions useful for the in vivo delivery of a biologic, wherein the biologic is associated with a polymeric shell formulated from a biocompatible material. The biologic can be associated with the polymeric shell itself, and/or the biologic, optionally suspended/dispersed in a biocompatible dispersing agent, can be encased by the polymeric shell. In another aspect, the biologic associated with polymeric shell is administered to a subject, optionally dispersed in a suitable biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions for the in vivo delivery of substantially water insoluble pharmacologically active agents (such as the anticancer drug taxol) in which the pharmacologically active agent is delivered in a soluble form or in the form of suspended particles. In particular, the soluble form may comprise a solution of pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible dispersing agent contained within a protein walled shell. Alternatively, the protein walled shell may contain particles of taxol. In another aspect, the suspended form comprises particles of pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible aqueous liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, compositions comprising imaging agent(s) contained within polymeric shells are provided. Invention compositions are useful, for example, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and X-ray computer tomography. The polymeric shell diameter is typically approximately 2 microns in diameter. Consequently, these materials have organ specificity due to rapid scavenging by the reticuloendothial system (RES) or the mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) system upon intravenous injection. Furthermore, polymeric shells of the invention can be used to measure and monitor local oxygen and temperature. Exemplary contrast agents contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention include fluorinated compounds. Fluorinated compounds in general are hydrophobic and as such have limited water solubility. The invention method permits preparation of such compounds in a biocompatible form suitable for ready delivery.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention compositions comprising imaging agent(s) contained within polymeric shells are provided. Invention compositions are useful, for example, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and X-ray computer tomography. The polymeric shell diameter is typically approximately 2 microns in diameter. Consequently, these materials have organ specificity due to rapid scavenging by the reticuloendothial system (RES) or the mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) system upon intravenous injection. Furthermore, polymeric shells of the invention can be used to measure and monitor local oxygen and temperature. Exemplary contrast agents contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention include fluorinated compounds. Fluorinated compounds in general are hydrophobic and as such have limited water solubility. The invention method permits preparation of such compounds in a biocompatible form suitable for ready delivery.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, compositions comprising imaging agent(s) contained within polymeric shells are provided. Invention compositions are useful, for example, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and X-ray computer tomography. The polymeric shell diameter is typically approximately 2 microns in diameter. Consequently, these materials have organ specificity due to rapid scavenging by the reticuloendothial system (RES) or the mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) system upon intravenous injection. Furthermore, polymeric shells of the invention can be used to measure and monitor local oxygen and temperature. Exemplary contrast agents contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention include fluorinated compounds. Fluorinated compounds in general are hydrophobic and as such have limited water solubility. The invention method permits preparation of such compounds in a biocompatible form suitable for ready delivery.