Abstract: Biocompatible hydrogels made from cross-linked catechol-borate ester polymers are disclosed, along with methods of synthesizing and using such hydrogels. The hydrogels of the present invention are prepared by boronic acid-catechol complexation between catechol-containing macromonomers and boronic acid-containing cross-linkers. The resulting hydrogels are pH-responsive and self-healing, and can be used in a number of different biomedical applications, including in surgical implants, in surgical adhesives, and in drug delivery systems is data provides further evidence of the viability of using the disclosed hydrogels for in vivo in biomedical applications.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing a DOPA-melanin (DM) polymer are disclosed, as well as compositions comprising the DM polymer and uses thereof. The method comprises contacting a reactant such as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) with a high concentration aqueous salt solution under oxidative conditions. The resulting DM polymer may form as insoluble particles or as a coating on a substrate surface. Exemplary uses for the DM polymers include removing heavy metal ions from contaminated solutions or capturing and delivering cationic drugs such as gentamicin.

Abstract: Polymeric delivery systems for boronic acid-containing therapeutics, related compounds and methods of use, for a pH-sensitive chemoselective approach to delivery of such a therapeutic.

Abstract: Biocompatible hydrogels made from cross-linked catechol-borate ester polymers are disclosed, along with methods of synthesizing and using such hydrogels. The hydrogels of the present invention are prepared by boronic acid-catechol complexation between catechol-containing macromonomers and boronic acid-containing cross-linkers. The resulting hydrogels are pH-responsive and self-healing, and can be used in a number of different biomedical applications, including in surgical implants, in surgical adhesives, and in drug delivery systems is data provides further evidence of the viability of using the disclosed hydrogels for in vivo in biomedical applications.

Abstract: A bio-inspired method for detoxifying contaminated water is disclosed. In the method, polydopamine, a mussel-inspired adhesive catecholamine was used as an adsorbent to effectively remove from contaminated water three major classes of toxic agents: heavy metal ions (e.g., Cr, Hg, Pb, Cu, and Cd), toxic organic species (e.g., 4-aminopyridine), and radioisotopes (e.g., Lutetium-177). Furthermore, the polydopamine adsorbent was regenerated by treatment with acid or hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses biocompatible reactants, biocompatible product hydrogels, methods of use thereof, and methods of synthesis thereof using a novel crosslinking mechanism between a first reactant compound including an N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester group and a second reactant compound including a N-terminal cysteine amine group. In certain embodiments, one or more of the reactant compounds may be a macromonomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticles including a metallic core having a length along each axis of from 1 to 100 nanometers and a coating disposed on at least part of the surface of the metallic core, wherein the coating comprises polydopamine, along with methods for making and using such nanoparticles. The metallic core may be gold, silver or iron oxide and the polydopamine coating may have other substances bound to it, such as silver, targeting ligands or antibodies, or other therapeutic or imaging contrast agents. The disclosed nanoparticles can be targeted to cells for treating cancer or bacterial infections, and for use in diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface-independent surface-modifying multifunctional biocoating and methods of application thereof. The method comprises contacting at least a portion of a substrate with an alkaline solution comprising a surface-modifying agent (SMA) such as dopamine so as to modify the substrate surface to include at least one reactive moiety. In another version of the invention, a secondary reactive moiety is applied to the SMA-treated substrate to yield a surface-modified substrate having a specific functionality.

Abstract: A method of making a titanium oxide-containing coating composition comprises attaching an initiator to a pretreated titanium oxide to form an initiator/pretreated titanium oxide complex. The pretreated titanium oxide includes a plurality of pretreated titanium oxide particles which are titanium oxide particles that are pretreated with at least one metal oxide. The initiator/pretreated titanium oxide complex is contacted with a polymerizable unsaturated monomer such that a polymeric encapsulate forms on the initiator/pretreated titanium oxide particles to form polymeric encapsulated titanium oxide particles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses self-assembled bioadhesive anti-microbial, anti-fouling and/or anti-oxidant micro- and nano-structures comprising a plurality of amino acids or peptides, wherein each amino acid is an aromatic amino acid comprising a catecholic moiety, and/or each peptide comprises at least one aromatic amino acid comprising a catecholic moiety. Further disclosed are methods and kits for preparing these micro- and nano-structures. Further disclosed are uses of these micro- and nano-structures in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and medical devices applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticles including a metallic core having a length along each axis of from 1 to 100 nanometers and a coating disposed on at least part of the surface of the metallic core, wherein the coating comprises polydopamine, along with methods for making and using such nanoparticles. The metallic core may be gold, silver or iron oxide and the polydopamine coating may have other substances bound to it, such as silver, targeting ligands or antibodies, or other therapeutic or imaging contrast agents. The disclosed nanoparticles can be targeted to cells for treating cancer or bacterial infections, and for use in diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: A bio-inspired method for detoxifying contaminated water is disclosed. In the method, polydopamine, a mussel-inspired adhesive catecholamine was used as an adsorbent to effectively remove from contaminated water three major classes of toxic agents: heavy metal ions (e.g., Cr, Hg, Pb, Cu, and Cd), toxic organic species (e.g., 4-aminopyridine), and radioisotopes (e.g., Lutetium-177). Furthermore, the polydopamine adsorbent was regenerated by treatment with acid or hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, non-destructive and versatile method that enables layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly to be performed on virtually any substrate. A novel catechol-functionalized polymer which adsorbs to virtually all surfaces and can serve as a platform for LbL assembly in a surface-independent fashion is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface-independent surface-modifying multifunctional biocoating and methods of application thereof. The method comprises contacting at least a portion of a substrate with an alkaline solution comprising a surface-modifying agent (SMA) such as dopamine so as to modify the substrate surface to include at least one reactive moiety. In another version of the invention, a secondary reactive moiety is applied to the SMA-treated substrate to yield a surface-modified substrate having a specific functionality.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses biocompatible reactants, biocompatible product hydrogels, methods of use thereof, and methods of synthesis thereof using a novel crosslinking mechanism between a first reactant compound including an N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester group and a second reactant compound including a N-terminal cysteine amine group. In certain embodiments, one or more of the reactant compounds may be a macromonomer.

Abstract: Polymeric delivery systems for boronic acid-containing therapeutics, related compounds and methods of use, for a pH-sensitive chemoselective approach to delivery of such a therapeutic.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for enhancing tissue regeneration or wound repair in a mammalian subject comprising a composition comprising (a) a proline hydroxylase inhibitor component or molecule that increases or upregulates HIF1a and (b) a carrier component comprising a hydrogel.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing a DOPA-melanin (DM) polymer are disclosed, as well as compositions comprising the DM polymer and uses thereof. The method comprises contacting a reactant such as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) with a high concentration aqueous salt solution under oxidative conditions. The resulting DM polymer may form as insoluble particles or as a coating on a substrate surface. Exemplary uses for the DM polymers include removing heavy metal ions from contaminated solutions or capturing and delivering cationic drugs such as gentamicin.

Abstract: Polymeric delivery systems for boronic acid-containing therapeutics, related compounds and methods of use, for a pH-sensitive chemoselective approach to delivery of such a therapeutic.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a biocompatible hydrogel by covalently cross-linking an effective amount of a first macromonomer including a cyclic thioester group with an effective amount of a second macromonomer including a terminal cysteine group is disclosed. In addition, the synthesis and use of the following specific cyclic thioester macromonomer that can be used in the method, as well as specific hydrogels made using this macromonomer are disclosed. The disclosed method produces a biocompatible hydrogel, while producing substantially no toxic free thiol by-product. Accordingly, the method can be used in making biomedical products, such as sutures and tissue replacement biomaterials, and for encapsulating therapeutic cells and pharmaceuticals.