Abstract: Disclosed herein are pH-dependent silk fibroin-based ionomeric compositions and colloids, and methods of making the same. The state of the silk fibroin ionomeric compositions is reversible and can transform from a gel-like colloid to a more fluid-like solution, or vice versa, upon an environmental stimulus, e.g., pH. Thus, the silk-based ionomeric compositions and colloids can be applied in various industries, ranging from electronic applications to biomedical applications, such as sensors, gel diodes, absorbent materials, drug delivery systems, tissue implants and contrast agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods of linking silk fibroin to active agents through the specific interaction between avidin and biotin, providing for functionalization of silk-based protein biomaterials. An avidin- or biotin-modified silk is a biomaterial platform for functionalization with a variety of correspondingly linked active agents, such as antibodies and growth factors. A variety of functionalized silk materials, such as silk hydrogel, silk micro/nanoparticles and silk films, can be prepared by the methods of the present invention. The functionalization strategies of the present invention are relatively easy, fast and feasible, and are thus useful in many biomedical applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods of linking silk fibroin to active agents through the specific interaction between avidin and biotin, providing for functionalization of silk-based protein biomaterials. An avidin- or biotin-modified silk is a biomaterial platform for functionalization with a variety of correspondingly linked active agents, such as antibodies and growth factors. A variety of functionalized silk materials, such as silk hydrogel, silk micro/nanoparticles and silk films, can be prepared by the methods of the present invention. The functionalization strategies of the present invention are relatively easy, fast and feasible, and are thus useful in many biomedical applications.

Abstract: A deformable phantom apparatus for simulating motion of a patient's anatomy in 3D during breathing, the apparatus comprising a chamber fillable with a first fluid, a deformable member comprising tissue equivalent material of the anatomy being simulated, the deformable member being positionable within the chamber in the first fluid and having an open end in fluid communication with a second fluid outside the chamber in use; and a mechanism for causing the second fluid to flow through the open end to deform the deformable member between a normal state and a deformed state to simulate motion during breathing.

Abstract: A deformable phantom apparatus for simulating motion of a patient's anatomy in 3D during breathing, the apparatus comprising a chamber fillable with a first fluid, a deformable member comprising tissue equivalent material of the anatomy being simulated, the deformable member being positionable within the chamber in the first fluid and having an open end in fluid communication with a second fluid outside the chamber in use; and a mechanism for causing the second fluid to flow through the open end to deform the deformable member between a normal state and a deformed state to simulate motion during breathing.

Abstract: Described herein are macromolecules modified with electrophilic groups and methods of making and using thereof. The preparation of a thiol-reactive, electrophililic derivative of HA in order to prepare “crosslinker-free” hydrogels are described as well as compounds and methods that are capable of coupling two or more molecules, such as macromolecules, under mild conditions. Specifically disclosed is the introduction of reactive bromo- and iodoacetate functionalities at the hydroxyl groups that are abundantly present on the HA polymer. The “crosslinker-free” hydrogels described have numerous applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery, small molecule delivery, wound healing, burn injury healing, tissue regeneration/engineering, cell culturing, and bio-artificial materials.

Abstract: Described herein are thiolated macromolecules and methods of making and using thereof.