Abstract: A curable resin composition capable of providing good OHC performance at elevated temperatures when used in polymer matrix composites. This resin composition includes, as major components, one or more multifunctional benzoxazine compounds and cycloaliphatic epoxy resin.

Abstract: A curable matrix resin composition containing a thermoset resin component and metastable thermoplastic particles, wherein the metastable thermoplastic particles are particles of semi-crystalline thermoplastic material with an amorphous polymer fraction that will undergo crystallization upon heating to a crystallization temperature Tc. A fiber-reinforced polymeric composite material containing metastable thermoplastic particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Surface-treated polymeric particles which are dispersible in water or an aqueous solution without the aid of any surfactant. Surface treatment of hydrophobic polymeric particles is carried out to increase the surface energy and to render the surfaces of the particles hydrophilic, thereby eliminating the need for a surfactant to disperse the polymeric particles in water or an aqueous solution. As such, a surfactantless slurry can be formed from the surface-treated particles for the fabrication of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds of Formula I capable of inhibiting tissue transglutaminase, and uses of the same in medicine. In particular, the invention provides compounds for use in the treatment of prevention of disease and conditions such as fibrosis (e.g. cystic fibrosis), scarring, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease), autoimmune diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis and coeliac disease), thrombosis, proliferative disorders (e.g. cancers), AIDS, psoriasis and inflammation (e.g. chronic inflammatory diseases).

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptides capable of modulating tissue transglutaminase-induced cell behavior wherein the polypeptide comprises or consists of either (a) the amino acid sequence of a heparin-binding site of a tissue transglutaminase, or a functional fragment, variant, fusion or derivative thereof, or a fusion of said fragment, variant or derivative thereof or (b) an antibody capable of binding to a heparin-binding site of a tissue transglutaminase, or an antigen-binding fragment or derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the heparin-binding site of a tissue transglutaminase comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, The invention further provides medical uses of the polypeptides of the invention and methods of treatment using the same.

Abstract: A curable resin composition capable of providing good OHC performance at elevated temperatures when used in polymer matrix composites. This resin composition includes, as major components, one or more multifunctional benzoxazine compounds and cycloaliphatic epoxy resin.

Abstract: Composite materials and structural adhesives containing particles of functionalized polymers as a toughening agent. The particles are composed of functionalized polyaryletherketone (PAEK) polymer or copolymer thereof that contain chemical functional groups capable of reacting with a thermoset resin component to form covalent bonds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds of Formula I capable of inhibiting tissue transglutaminase, and uses of the same in medicine. In particular, the invention provides compounds for use in the treatment of prevention of disease and conditions such as fibrosis (e.g. cystic fibrosis), scarring, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease), autoimmune diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis and coeliac disease), thrombosis, proliferative disorders (e.g. cancers), AIDS, psoriasis and inflammation (e.g. chronic inflammatory diseases).

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptides capable of modulating tissue transglutarmnase-induced cell behaviour wherein the polypeptide comprises or consists of either (a) the amino acid sequence of a heparin-binding site of a tissue transglutaminase, or a functional fragment, variant, fusion or derivative thereof, or a fusion of said fragment, variant or derivative thereof or (b) an antibody capable of binding to a heparin-binding site of a lissue transglutaminase, or an antigen-binding fragment or derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the heparin-binding site of a tissue transglutaminase comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, The invention further provides medical uses of the polypeptides of the invention and methods of treatment using the same.

Abstract: A resin system containing: (i) a thermosetting resin precursor component comprising one or more multi-functional epoxy resin precursor(s) having a functionality of at least three, preferably wherein said precursor(s) are selected from a tri-functional epoxy resin precursor and/or a tetra-functional epoxy resin precursor; (ii) a thermoplastic polyamide particle component wherein the polyamide particles have a melting temperature TPA; and (iii) one or more curing agent(s), wherein the resin precursor component, the thermoplastic particle and the curing agent(s) are selected such that gelation of the epoxy matrix during the cure cycle of the resin system occurs at a gelation temperature TGEL which is at or below TPA.

Abstract: Resin compositions comprise an epoxy thermosetting resin; and at least two types of interlaminar toughening particles; wherein a first type of interlaminar toughening particles are insoluble in said epoxy thermosetting resin; wherein a second type of interlaminar toughening particles are partially soluble or swellable in said epoxy thermosetting resin. Prepregs and structural compounds contain these resin compositions, which are useful in the aerospace industry.

Abstract: Novel Amino Acid Derivatives and Pharmaceutical Uses Thereof Provided are novel compounds of Formula I: wherein ‘X’ represents an amino acid group, ‘n’ is an integer between 1 and 4, ‘R1’ represents benzyl, t-butyl or 9-fluorenylmethyl and ‘R2’ represents a tetramethylmercaptoimidazole derivative or —S+R3R4, wherein R3 and R4 each independently represent lower alkyl, or a pharmaceutically and/or veterinarily acceptable derivative thereof. Further provided are pharmaceutical formulations of the compounds and the use thereof in the preparation of a medicament for inhibiting diseases in which transglutaminase has been implicated. Advantageously, the medicament is for treating fibrosis, scarring and/or cancer. Additionally provided are methods, of inhibiting autoimmune diseases such as coeliac disease, neurodegeneration and chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical implant material comprising mammalian transglutaminase and a polymer, wherein the transglutaminase is provided in the absence of free divalent metal ions and wherein the polymer is associated with the transglutaminase binding protein. Preferably, the transglutaminase is a tissue transglutaminase, which is coated on, impregnated into or covalently linked to the polymer. The polymer may be naturally occuring or synthetic, and may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. The medical implant material may further comprise a reinforcing agent and/or one or more additional polymers. The invention further provides the use of a mammalian transglutaminase in a method for improving the biocompatibility of a medical implant material, the method comprising the steps of (i) providing a medical implant material comprising a polymer associated with a binding protein for binding the transglutaminase, and (ii) treating said material with a mammalian transglutaminase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of a transglutaminase in the preparation of a medicament for inhibiting angiogenesis. Preferably, the transglutaminase is a human tissue transglutaminase. Advantageously, the medicament is for treating cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, retinopathy and/or psoriasis. Additionally, the invention relates to compositions comprising a transglutaminase in an amount sufficient to inhibit angiogenesis.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing coeliac disease in a patient comprising (a) providing an antibody sample from the patient to be tested, (b) contacting said antibody sample with cross-linked extracellular matrix (ECM) material immobilized on a surface and (c) detecting binding of antibodies present in the sample to the ECM-coated surface, wherein the binding of antibodies present in the sample to the ECM-coated surface being indicative of a positive diagnosis. Preferably, step (c) comprises an ELISA. The invention further provides a kit of parts for use in diagnosing coeliac disease in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an improved biomaterial comprising treating a collagen biomaterial with a transglutaminase under conditions which permit the formation of cross-links within the collagen. Preferably, the transglutaminase is a tissue transglutaminase, a plasma transglutaminase or a microbial transglutaminase. In a preferred embodiment, the collagen biomaterial further comprises a cell adhesion factor, such as fibronectin. The invention further provides biomaterials obtainable by the methods of the invention, and medical implants and wound dressings comprising the same.

Abstract: A coating for a medical device, the device generally being of the type which is to be used internally in a subject, includes a transglutaminase (TGase) inhibitor. The Tgase inhibitor effectively prevents the activity of any Tgase involved in clot formation or clot stability. Preferably, the transglutaminase inhibitor is a factor XIIIa inhibitor. The coating may be prepared by suitable processes such as esterification. The coating may be immobilized on a suitable medical device in a number of ways and is preferably included in a TGase inhibitor containing polymer. The coating may also include a suitable antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds of Formula (I) wherein ‘X’ represents an amino acid group, ‘n’ is an integer between 1 and 4, ‘R1’ represents benzyl, t-butyl or 9-fluorenylmethyl and ‘R2’ represents a tetramethylmercaptoimidazole derivative or —S+R3R4, wherein R3 and R4 each independently represent lower alkyl, or a pharmaceutically and/or veterinarily acceptable derivative thereof. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical formulations of said compound and the use thereof in the preparation of a medicament for inhibiting diseases in which transglutaminase has been implicated. Advantageously, the medicament is for treating fibrosis, scarring and/or cancer. Additionally, the invention relates to a method of inhibiting autoimmune diseases such as coeliac disease, neurodegeneration and chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g. of the joints including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in a subject).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying a drug-like compound, or lead compound for the development of a drug-like compound, which is capable of modulating cellular adhesion and/or cell survival comprising the step of testing said compound for an ability to modulate the binding of a complex of tissue transglutaminase and fibronectin to a heparan sulfate containing receptor. In particular, there is provided a method for identifying a compound for use in the curative and/or prophylactic treatment of a proliferative disorder or with efficacy in promoting wound healing and /or cell survival, and compounds identified by such methods.

Abstract: A method and compound for the purification of proteins including the attachment of a non-peptidic, small compound which simulates the affinity of Protein A for immumoglobulins to a support matrix. Once attached on the support matrix, the resulting monochloro-triazine derivative is reacted with an excess of an amino compound at a higher temperature to achieve high levels of substitution. The resulting support matrix with ligand is useful in the affinity separations of antibodies. Further, a mercapto heterocyclic system ligand may be attached to the super matrix and useful in affinity separations of antibodies.