Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composition comprising extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The present EVs possess immunoregulatory functions that are distinct from those of EVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells. The present EVs can be used to treat or modulate immune responses in diseases such as cancer or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: An implantable or injectable scaffold comprising immunostimulatory compounds and a suppressor of regulatory T cell induction is provided for use in immunotherapy treatments, including the treatment of cancers and other tumors, in particular solid tumors including inoperable tumors, as well as for other applications of immune enhancement and/or suppression.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides bioactive dental restorative materials and methods for making and using them. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the development of novel poly dopamine (PDA) nanoparticles with remineralization capability.

Abstract: A drug delivery system is described comprising a detachable support and a plurality of drug-loaded transdermal microneedles, for delivering drugs into gingival tissue for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Abstract: An implantable or injectable scaffold comprising immunostimulatory compounds and a suppressor of regulatory T cell induction is provided for use in immunotherapy treatments, including the treatment of cancers and other tumors, in particular solid tumors including inoperable tumors, as well as for other applications of immune enhancement and/or suppression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaginal drug delivery device configured to safely and effectively deliver a therapeutic formulation in the vagina at or near a desired target area for a specified time period.

Abstract: A microparticle is described comprising an antigen and a costimulatory component derived from an antigen presenting cell. The microparticle may be used for stimulating T cells ex vivo, followed by administration to a subject, e.g., as part of a personalized, customized therapeutic treatment of cancer or a tumor, an autoimmune disease or an allergic reaction, hypersensitivity reaction, an infection or infectious disease, an injury or other damage, a transplant or other surgical site, or a blood clot. It may also be used for the controlled release of a cytokine for the regulation of immunity in general and for other therapeutic uses. Methods of treating a disease or medical condition in a subject by exposing leukocytes from the subject to the microparticle, then reinfusing the leukocytes into the subject are provided. Methods of preparing an activated cytotoxic T cell population specific for an antigen are also provided.

Abstract: Synthetic liposomal nanoparticles comprising a cell-free transcription and translation machinery, a plasmid encoding a cytokine, and a regulatable caged ATP molecule, as well as microparticles encasing the synthetic liposomal nanoparticles and methods of making and using the synthetic liposomal nanoparticles, are described herein. These liposomal nanoparticles may be used for the controlled release o a cytokine within a localized environment of, for example a tumor, as part of a therapeutic treatment of cancer, or for localized treatment at a focus of interest of an autoimmune disease, an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity reaction, a localized site of an infection or infectious disease, a localized site of an injury or other damage, a transplant or other surgical site, or a blood clot. Further, microparticles produced by encapsulating hundreds of liposomal nanoparticles, and their therapeutic uses, are also described.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and compositions for immune cell activation. Disclosed are antibody-coated microparticles and methods for use. In some cases, immune cell activation methods comprising mechanical stimulation are disclosed. Embodiments are directed to activation of cytotoxic T cells. Additional aspects include generation and activation of regulatory T cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomimetic membrane compositions and methods for making and using them.

Abstract: A dental hydrogel composition comprising: (a) polysaccharide; (b) polydopamine conjugated to the polysaccharide, wherein between 5 and 35 percent of polysaccharide sugar moieties are conjugated to polydopamine; (c) RGD peptide coupled to the polysaccharide-poly-dopamine conjugate; and (d) moieties that are crosslinkable upon exposure to light coupled to the polysaccharide; wherein components (a)-(d) are disposed in the composition such that the hydrogel composition: exhibits an adhesive strength of at least 10 kPa upon cross linking of crosslinkable moieties; and exhibits an elasticity between 5 kPa and 100 kPa upon cross linking of crosslinkable moieties.

Abstract: Conventional dental cements lack certain properties such as the facilitation of optimal re-mineralization. The novel bioactive glass-ionomer dental and bone cement formulations disclosed herein induces mineralization at the in vivo interface and exhibits superior handling properties (shorter setting time) and mechanical properties (improved bond strength to dentin and flexural strength). The present invention presents the first bioactive glass-ionomer dental cement with mineralization power, exhibiting improved bond strength to tooth structure, sharp setting time and superior mechanical strength. Materials of this invention can be used as bone cement, as a dental filling (restorative material), as a liner for deep cavity preparations (to avoid root canal therapies and tooth sensitivity), or as a luting cement to cement dental crowns. Moreover, it can be utilized in a flowable resin for use as a coating to prevent dental caries in their initial steps (white spots).

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomimetic membrane compositions and methods for making and using them.

Abstract: Conventional dental cements lack certain properties such as the facilitation of optimal re-mineralization. The novel bioactive glass-ionomer dental and bone cement formulations disclosed herein induces mineralization at the in vivo interface and exhibits superior handling properties (shorter setting time) and mechanical properties (improved bond strength to dentin and flexural strength). The present invention presents the first bioactive glass-ionomer dental cement with mineralization power, exhibiting improved bond strength to tooth structure, sharp setting time and superior mechanical strength. Materials of this invention can be used as bone cement, as a dental filling (restorative material), as a liner for deep cavity preparations (to avoid root canal therapies and tooth sensitivity), or as a luting cement to cement dental crowns. Moreover, it can be utilized in a flowable resin for use as a coating to prevent dental caries in their initial steps (white spots).