Abstract: Novel recognitive hydrogels and sensors are provided, as well as methods of fabricating and using such hydrogels and sensors. Such recognitive hydrogels may comprise a molecularly imprinted polymer having a binding cavity specific for a triggering molecule and a conductive polymer associated with the molecularly imprinted polymer. Such sensors may comprise the recognitive hydrogels and an impedance sensing component. Such methods may comprise providing a triggering molecule, providing a sensor comprising a molecularly imprinted polymer having a binding cavity specific for the triggering molecule, a conductive polymer associated with the molecularly imprinted polymer, and an impedance sensing component, introducing the triggering molecule into the sensor, and detecting a change in impedance of the recognitive hydrogel with the impedance sensing component.

Abstract: Methods of preparing molecularly imprinted polymers are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises providing a solution comprising a template molecule; and forming a product comprising calcium alginate in the presence of the template molecule so that the template molecule is imprinted in the product.

Abstract: Biomimetic polymer networks comprising a heteropolymer network having a cavity, the cavity having a selective affinity for a moiety, methods for making biomimetic polymer networks, and methods for using biomimetic polymer networks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molecule-imprinted reversible polymeric network composition and methods of making and using the same. In addition, the instant invention provides a composition for the delivery of an active agent. The composition includes a polymer matrix formed from at least a first and a second monomer and one or more active agents deposited within the polymer matrix. One or more recognition sites on at least one of the at least first and second monomers and an active site formed in the polymer matrix by the one or more recognition sites. The template binds to the active site by interacting with at least one of the one or more recognition sites, wherein the template causes the release of the one or more active agents.

Abstract: Biomimetic polymer networks comprising a heteropolymer network having a cavity, the cavity having a selective affinity for a moiety, methods for making biomimetic polymer networks, and methods for using biomimetic polymer networks.

Abstract: Novel recognitive hydrogels and sensors are provided, as well as methods of fabricating and using such hydrogels and sensors. Such recognitive hydrogels may comprise a molecularly imprinted polymer having a binding cavity specific for a triggering molecule and a conductive polymer associated with the molecularly imprinted polymer. Such sensors may comprise the recognitive hydrogels and an impedance sensing component. Such methods may comprise providing a triggering molecule, providing a sensor comprising a molecularly imprinted polymer having a binding cavity specific for the triggering molecule, a conductive polymer associated with the molecularly imprinted polymer, and an impedance sensing component, introducing the triggering molecule into the sensor, and detecting a change in impedance of the recognitive hydrogel with the impedance sensing component.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, compositions and methods of making a multilayer modular release system, wherein the layers form a stack of active agent release layers, wherein the stack comprises a body and first and second ends and an impermeable coating surrounding the body of the stack, wherein the active agent is only release from the first, second or both the first and second ends of the stack by diffusion.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions for pharmaceutical compositions that exhibit substantially constant release profile. The composition includes at least two layers with different drug to polymer ratios. The layers can be arranged in any order to achieve desirable pharmaceutical effects.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems for the controlled delivery of an active agent within a polymeric network upon the binding of a molecule that decreases the structural integrity of the polymeric network at one or more micro- or nanovacuoles.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems for the controlled delivery of an active agent in a tablet polymer comprising two or more layers, wherein each of the two or more layers comprises at least one active agent and at least one molecular recognition polymer, wherein the two or more layers are compressed into a single tablet.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems of making a composition that includes one or more active agent; a recognitive polymeric matrix; and a porosigen, wherein the composition comprises a porous recognitive, swellable hydrogel that dissociates under conditions of low water or humidity.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems and kits for the controlled delivery of an active agent within a polymeric network upon the binding of a molecule that decreases the structural integrity of the polymeric network at one or more micro- or nanovacuoles.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to controlled drug delivery. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel device/system and extracorporeally-controlled method of drug delivery. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a system comprising a thermally-active metal nanoshell; and a temperature-responsive interpenetrating polymer network having at least one therapeutic agent disposed therein; wherein the thermally-active metal nanoshell is proximate to the temperature-responsive interpenetrating polymer network. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a particle composition comprising a thermally-active metal nanoshell and a temperature-responsive interpenetrating polymer network. A method is also provided comprising: providing a plurality of the particles; and irradiating the particles so as to effect a temperature-induced swelling of the temperature-responsive interpenetrating polymer network.

Abstract: Biomimetic polymer networks comprising a heteropolymer network having a cavity, the cavity having a selective affinity for a moiety, methods for making biomimetic polymer networks, and methods for using biomimetic polymer networks.

Abstract: Biomimetic polymer networks comprising a heteropolymer network having a cavity, the cavity having a selective affinity for a moiety, methods for making biomimetic polymer networks, and methods for using biomimetic polymer networks.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus useful in detecting viability of biological cells. A substrate defines a microscopic chamber. One or more microcantilevers extend from the substrate into the chamber. A detector is operatively connected to the microcantilevers for sensing a state of deformation thereof. On each microcantilevers is deposited a layer of an environmentally sensitive hydrogel polymer having a configuration changing in accordance with presence of an environmental parameter.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus useful in detecting viability of biological cells. A substrate defines a microscopic chamber. One or more microcantilevers extend from the substrate into the chamber. A detector is operatively connected to the microcantilevers for sensing a state of deformation thereof. On each microcantilevers is deposited a layer of an environmentally sensitive hydrogel polymer having a configuration changing in accordance with presence of an environmental parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cross-linked hydrogel composition in the form of substantially uniform microparticles and a method of preparation therefor. The hydrogel composition comprises a crosslinked polymer formed by free radical polymerization of olefin monomers comprising a C3-C6 unsaturated carboxylic acid and a water dispersible polyolefin crosslinking agent. The olefin monomers may further comprise a polyalkyleneglycol monoacrylate or momomethacrylate.