Abstract: The present invention is directed to a peptide for the delivery of anionic materials, such as anionic therapeutic agents, across a biological barrier, and methods of use thereof. The invention relates to a peptide comprising, or consisting of: X-(Xaa1)a-(Xaa2)b-Y-(Xaa3)c-(Xaa4)d-Z, in which each of X and Z is independently selected from Asn, Cys, Gln, Gly, Ser, Thr and Tyr; in which one of Xaa1 and Xaa2 is His and the other of Xaa1 and Xaa2 is Arg; in which one of Xaa3 and Xaa4 is His and the other of Xaa3 and Xaa4 is Arg; in which the amino functional group of X is, optionally, acylated; in which the carboxylate functional group of Z is, optionally, amidated; in which Y is selected from Ala and Trp; in which each of a and d is independently 2 to 4; and each of b and c is independently 2 to 4, or a salt or amide thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the polymerisation of surgical cement comprising a container for holding the surgical cement, sensing means to detect at least one environmental factor affecting surgical cement polymerisation or property of surgical cement indicating the level of polymerisation, wherein the sensing means is adapted to produce an output according to at least one environmental factor or property. The apparatus further comprises signal means to inform a user of the condition of the surgical cement according to the output of the sensing means. Suitably at least one environmental factor or property of the surgical cement is ambient temperature, ambient humidity, temperature of the surgical cement, viscosity of the surgical cement or the speed of sound through the surgical cement.