Abstract: A polymeric nanocarrier and method of treating a bone disease are provided. The polymeric nanocarrier includes an amphiphilic copolymer including a hydrophobic block and a hydrophilic block, where the hydrophilic block comprises a random copolymer. The method of treating a bone disease includes administering the polymeric nanocarrier to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes a polymer (i.e., copolymer) comprising a thermally responsive block and a hydrophobic block. In some embodiments the copolymer is a terpolymer. Specific embodiments include a thermo-responsive, ROS degradable ABC triblock terpolymer comprising poly(propylenesulfide)-block-poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PPS-b-PDMA-b-PNIPAAM).

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes a compound comprising a first monomer, which is allyl-functionalized and crosslinkable, and a second monomer, which is not crosslinkable. In some embodiments the compounds are photocrosslinkable, and in certain embodiments are photocrosslinkable by ultraviolet light. Also provided are shape memory vascular grafts comprised the of present compounds that can transition from a temporary shape to an original shape when heated above a melting temperature of the graft. Still further provided are methods for treating vascular conditions that utilize embodiments of the present grafts.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes nanoparticles that comprise a plurality of assembled polymers. In some embodiments the polymers comprise a first block that includes hydrophilic monomers, the first block substantially forming an outer shell of the nanoparticle, and a second block that includes cationic monomers and hydrophobic monomers, the second block substantially forming a core of the nanoparticle. In some embodiments a polynucleotide is provided that is bound to the cationic monomers of the nanoparticle. The presently-disclosed subject matter also comprises methods for using the present nanoparticles to include RNAi in a cell as well as methods for making the present nanoparticles.

Abstract: A biodegradable scaffold, a low-molecular weight thioketal, and a method of forming a biodegradable scaffold are provided. The biodegradable scaffold includes a thioketal and an isocyanate, where the thioketal is linked to the isocyanate to form the scaffold. The low-molecular weight thioketal includes 2,2-dimethoxypropane and thioglycolic acid, wherein the thioketal includes at least two hydroxyl terminal groups. The method of forming the biodegradable scaffold includes blending a thioketal with an excess isocyanate, forming a quasi-prepolymer, mixing the thioketal, the quasi-prepolymer, and a ceramic, and then adding a catalyst to form the biodegradable scaffold. The thioketal is a low-molecular weight thioketal having at least two hydroxyl terminal groups.

Abstract: A biodegradable scaffold, a low-molecular weight thioketal, and a method of forming a biodegradable scaffold are provided. The biodegradable scaffold includes a thioketal and an isocyanate, where the thioketal is linked to the isocyanate to form the scaffold. The low-molecular weight thioketal includes 2,2-dimethoxypropane and thioglycolic acid, wherein the thioketal includes at least two hydroxyl terminal groups. The method of forming the biodegradable scaffold includes blending a thioketal with an excess isocyanate, forming a quasi-prepolymer, mixing the thioketal, the quasi-prepolymer, and a ceramic, and then adding a catalyst to form the biodegradable scaffold. The thioketal is a low-molecular weight thioketal having at least two hydroxyl terminal groups.

Abstract: A biodegradable scaffold, a low-molecular weight thioketal, and a method of forming a biodegradable scaffold are provided. The biodegradable scaffold includes a thioketal and an isocyanate, where the thioketal is linked to the isocyanate to form the scaffold. The low-molecular weight thioketal includes 2,2-dimethoxypropane and thioglycolic acid, wherein the thioketal includes at least two hydroxyl terminal groups. The method of forming the biodegradable scaffold includes blending a thioketal with an excess isocyanate, forming a quasi-prepolymer, mixing the thioketal, the quasi-prepolymer, and a ceramic, and then adding a catalyst to form the biodegradable scaffold. The thioketal is a low-molecular weight thioketal having at least two hydroxyl terminal groups.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes a polymer (i.e., copolymer) comprising a thermally responsive block and a hydrophobic block. In some embodiments the copolymer is a terpolymer. Specific embodiments include a thermo-responsive, ROS degradable ABC triblock terpolymer comprising poly(propylenesulfide)-block-poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PPS-b-PDMA-b-PNIPAAM).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include polymeric compounds that comprise a co-polymer microgel at least one bioactive agent, pharmaceutical compounds comprising compounds of the present invention, and methods for treating damaged tissue to a patient in need thereof by administering by injection an effect amount of the composition.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes nanoparticles that comprise a plurality of assembled polymers. In some embodiments the polymers comprise a first block that includes hydrophilic monomers, the first block substantially forming an outer shell of the nanoparticle, and a second block that includes cationic monomers and hydrophobic monomers, the second block substantially forming a core of the nanoparticle. In some embodiments a polynucleotide is provided that is bound to the cationic monomers of the nanoparticle. The presently-disclosed subject matter also comprises methods for using the present nanoparticles to include RNAi in a cell as well as methods for making the present nanoparticles.