Abstract: Markers (e.g., treatment site markers, biopsy site markers) are composed of a non-metallic material having a composition and/or other features or characteristics such that the markers will generate twinkling artifacts when imaged with ultrasound. In this way, the composition of the markers enables their detection and localization using ultrasound. The markers are generally composed of non-metallic materials that enhance the twinkling artifact.

Abstract: A matrix for neuron regeneration. The matrix can include a sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface having a plurality of integrally formed ridges. The sheet can have a spiral shape, such that the first surface of the sheet faces the second surface of the sheet. The sheet and the integrally formed ridges can comprise oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to polymersomes comprising a crosslinked polymer and their use as drug delivery vehicles. Specifically, polymersomes comprising a polymer of Formula I: wherein each R is independently C1-6 alkyl; and n is an integer between 1 and 50.

Abstract: Fumaric acid or a salt thereof, such as a fumaryl halide (e.g. fumaryl chloride), which contains unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds that can be used for in situ crosslinking, is copolymerized with poly(caprolactone) diol in the presence of an alkali metal salt. The resulting photocrosslinkable biocompatible and bioresorbable poly(caprolactone fumarate) biomaterial is useful in the fabrication of injectable an in-situ hardening scaffolds for application in skeletal reconstruction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to polymersomes comprising a crosslinked polymer and their use as drug delivery vehicles. Specifically, polymersomes comprising a polymer of Formula I: wherein each R is independently C1-6 alkyl; and n is an integer between 1 and 50.

Abstract: Encapsulation devices comprising hydrogels are provided. Methods of making the encapsulation devices and methods of using the devices to provide implant cells, treat a disease, and prevent immunologic attack on implanted material are also provided.

Abstract: A polycaprolactone fumarate copolymer useful as a material for a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The copolymer includes at least one caprolactone unit, at least one fumarate unit, and at least one third unit selected from the group consisting of acrylate units and styrenic units. A linking moiety forms a link between the third unit and at least one caprolactone unit or at least one fumarate unit. The linking moiety can be photodegradable. In one form, the third unit includes at least one methyl methacrylate unit. The copolymer can be used to form the wall of a nerve conduit.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to polymersomes comprising a crosslinked polymer and their use as drug delivery vehicles. Specifically, polymersomes comprising a polymer of Formula I: wherein each R is independently C1-6 alkyl; and n is an integer between 1 and 50.

Abstract: A polycaprolactone fumarate polymer useful as a matrix material for a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The polycaprolactone fumarate polymer can be prepared by reacting caprolactone with an alkane polyol to prepare a polycaprolactone precursor, and then reacting the polycaprolactone precursor with fumaric acid or a salt thereof to prepare the polycaprolactone fumarate polymer. The use of an alkane diol, such as 1,2-propanediol, provides a linear polycaprolactone diol precursor. The use of an alkane triol, such as glycerol, provides a branched polycaprolactone triol precursor. The biocompatible polycaprolactone fumarate formulation releases no diethylene glycol or other undesirable byproducts during degradation.

Abstract: A polycaprolactone fumarate copolymer useful as a material for a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The copolymer includes at least one caprolactone unit, at least one fumarate unit, and at least one third unit selected from the group consisting of acrylate units and styrenic units. A linking moiety forms a link between the third unit and at least one caprolactone unit or at least one fumarate unit. The linking moiety can be photodegradable. In one form, the third unit includes at least one methyl methacrylate unit. The copolymer can be used to form the wall of a nerve conduit.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to polymersomes comprising a crosslinked polymer and their use as drug delivery vehicles. Specifically, polymersomes comprising a polymer of Formula I: wherein each R is independently C1-6 alkyl; and n is an integer between 1 and 50.

Abstract: A polycaprolactone fumarate polymer useful as a matrix material for a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The polycaprolactone fumarate polymer can be prepared by reacting caprolactone with an alkane polyol to prepare a polycaprolactone precursor, and then reacting the polycaprolactone precursor with fumaric acid or a salt thereof to prepare the polycaprolactone fumarate polymer. The use of an alkane diol, such as 1,2-propanediol, provides a linear polycaprolactone diol precursor. The use of an alkane triol, such as glycerol, provides a branched polycaprolactone triol precursor. The biocompatible polycaprolactone fumarate formulation releases no diethylene glycol or other undesirable byproducts during degradation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to polymersomes comprising a crosslinked polymer and their use as drug delivery vehicles. Specifically, polymersomes comprising a polymer of Formula I: wherein each R is independently C1-6 alkyl; and n is an integer between 1 and 50.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to polymersomes comprising a crosslinked polymer and their use as drug delivery vehicles. Specifically, polymersomes comprising a polymer of Formula I: wherein each R is independently C1-6 alkyl; and n is an integer between 1 and 50.

Abstract: Fumaric acid or a salt thereof, such as a fumaryl halide (e.g. fumaryl chloride), which contains unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds that can be used for in situ crosslinking, is copolymerized with poly(caprolactone) diol in the presence of an alkali metal salt. The resulting photocrosslinkable biocompatible and bioresorbable poly(caprolactone fumarate) biomaterial is useful in the fabrication of injectable an in-situ hardening scaffolds for application in skeletal reconstruction.

Abstract: Fumaric acid or a salt thereof, such as a fumaryl halide (e.g. fumaryl chloride), which contains unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds that can be used for in situ crosslinking, is copolymerized with poly(caprolactone)diol in the presence of an alkali metal salt. The resulting photocrosslinkable biocompatible and bioresorbable poly(caprolactone fumarate) biomaterial is useful in the fabrication of injectable an in-situ hardening scaffolds for application in skeletal reconstruction.

Abstract: Improved methods for preparing polyethylene glycol fumarate) are disclosed. Methods for chemically crosslinking or photocross-linking hydrophilic polyethylene glycol fumarate) with hydrophobic polymers such as poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and poly(caprolactone fumarate) (PCLF) to form various hydrogels (FIG. 1) with controllable hydrophilicity are also disclosed. The hydrogels are useful in the fabrication of injectable and in-situ hardening scaffolds for application in skeletal reconstruction. An injectable material including the hydrogels may be useful in controlled drug release.

Abstract: A polycaprolactone fumarate polymer useful as a matrix material for a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The polycaprolactone fumarate polymer can be prepared by reacting caprolactone with an alkane polyol to prepare a polycaprolactone precursor, and then reacting the polycaprolactone precursor with fumaric acid or a salt thereof to prepare the polycaprolactone fumarate polymer. The use of an alkane diol, such as 1,2-propanediol, provides a linear polycaprolactone diol precursor. The use of an alkane triol, such as glycerol, provides a branched polycaprolactone triol precursor. The biocompatible polycaprolactone fumarate formulation releases no diethylene glycol or other undesirable byproducts during degradation.

Abstract: A polycaprolactone fumarate copolymer useful as a material for a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The copolymer includes at least one caprolactone unit, at least one fumarate unit, and at least one third unit selected from the group consisting of acrylate units and styrenic units. A linking moiety forms a link between the third unit and at least one caprolactone unit or at least one fumarate unit. The linking moiety can be photodegradable. In one form, the third unit includes at least one methyl methacrylate unit. The copolymer can be used to form the wall of a nerve conduit.

Abstract: A novel electrically conductive polymer composite composed of polycaprolactone fumarate-polypyrrole (PCLF-PPy) for applications in nerve regeneration is disclosed. The synthesis and characterization of PCLF-PPy and in vitro studies showing PCLF-PPy supports both PC12 cell and Dorsal Root Ganglia neurite extension. PCLF-PPy composite materials were synthesized by polymerizing pyrrole in pre-formed scaffolds of PCLF resulting in an interpenetrating network of PCLF-PPy. PCLF-PPy composite materials possess electrical conductivity up to 6 mS cm?1 with compositions ranging from 5-13.5 percent polypyrrole of the bulk material. Surface topographies of PCLF-PPy materials show microstructures with a RMS roughness of 1195 nm and nanostructures with RMS roughness of 8 nm. PCLF-PPy derivatives were synthesized with anionic dopants to determine effects on electrical conductivity and to optimize the chemical composition for biocompatibility.