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: Peptides and conjugates thereof comprising one or more bioactive agents which can be coupled to a tissue via a transglutaminase and related methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing or repairing damage to a fetal membrane. In one embodiment, the method comprises contacting a fetal membrane with a composition comprising a four-armed catechol-terminated polyethylene glycol (cPEG) and a biocompatible oxidant. In one embodiment, the four-armed cPEG and the biocompatible oxidant are initially contained in separate solutions, and the solutions are mixed to form the composition just prior to or at the same time that the composition contacts the fetal membrane.

Abstract: The inventors disclose here a novel, facile approach to the synthesis of acetonide-protected catechol-containing compounds having at least one amine group. In specific embodiments, the invention provides novel methods of synthesizing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (6)), Fmoc-protected H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (Fmoc-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (7)), Fmoc-protected dopamine (Fmoc-dopamine(acetonide) (10)), TFA-protected dopamine (TFA-dopamine(acetonide) (13)) and acetonide-protected 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol (acetonide-protected dopamine (14)).

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: 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 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 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 inventors disclose here a novel, facile approach to the synthesis of acetonide-protected catechol-containing compounds having at least one amine group. In specific embodiments, the invention provides novel methods of synthesizing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (6)), Fmoc-protected H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (Fmoc-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (7)), Fmoc-protected dopamine (Fmoc-dopamine(acetonide) (10)), TFA-protected dopamine (TFA-dopamine(acetonide) (13)) and acetonide-protected 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol (acetonide-protected dopamine (14)).

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.

Abstract: A method of creating a bioadhesive in a substantially aqueous environment is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing an anionicially polymerized block copolymer containing an amide, which is prepared by reacting a difunctional anionic initiator with a sterically hindered ester of methacrylic acid (SEMA), into a solvent to allow the solvent to swell the block copolymer; reacting the anionically polymerized hindered ester of methacrylic acid with methacrylic acid (MMA); hydrolyzing the anionically polymerized block copolymer with an aqueous solution to afford a methyl methacrylate-methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate block copolymer (MMA-MAA-MMA); reacting the MMA-MAA-MMA block copolymer with 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl alanine to afford an amide with the MAA portion of the block copolymer; and placing the solvent swollen block copolymer in water. The water is exchanged with the solvent to provide a bioadhesive in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: The invention provides an antifouling hydrogel comprising an effective amount of antifouling polymer modified with a compound containing catechol functional groups to yield a modified antifouling polymer comprising at least one catechol functional end group; and an effective amount of at least one oxidizing reagent, wherein the at least one oxidizing reagent reacts with the modified antifouling polymer to provide a modified antifouling polymer comprising at least one oxidized catechol end group, wherein an antifouling hydrogel is provided. Methods of synthesis, methods of use and kits of the antifouling hydrogel are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing or repairing damage to a fetal membrane. In one embodiment, the method comprises contacting a fetal membrane with a composition comprising a four-armed catechol-terminated polyethylene glycol (cPEG) and a biocompatible oxidant. In one embodiment, the four-armed cPEG and the biocompatible oxidant are initially contained in separate solutions, and the solutions are mixed to form the composition just prior to or at the same time that the composition contacts the fetal membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides surface treatments that reduce or eliminate marine biofouling of various surfaces. A surface that is to be subjected to a marine environment can be treated with a mPEG-DOPA. The treated surface is thus rendered less susceptible to fouling of the surface.

Abstract: Methods for surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization, which can utilize a catecholic alkyl halide initiator.

Abstract: A method of producing an acrylic block copolymer comprising hydrophobic poly (lower alkyl methacrylate), hydrophilic poly (lower alkyl methacrylic acid), and hydrophobic poly (lower alkyl methacrylate) is disclosed.

Abstract: The inventors disclose here a novel, facile approach to the synthesis of acetonide-protected catechol-containing compounds having at least one amine group. In specific embodiments, the invention provides novel methods of synthesizing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (6)), Fmoc-protected H-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (Fmoc-DOPA(acetonide)-OH (7)), Fmoc-protected dopamine (Fmoc-dopamine(acetonide) (10)), TFA-protected dopamine (TFA-dopamine(acetonide) (13)) and acetonide-protected 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol (acetonide-protected dopamine (14)).

Abstract: Immobilizable antimicrobial compounds incorporating antimicrobial and/or antifouling components, as can be adhered to various device structures and components.

Abstract: A method of producing an acrylic block copolymer comprising hydrophobic poly (lower alkyl methoacrylate), hydrophilic poly (lower alkyl methacrylic acid), and hydrophobic poly (lower alkyl methacrylate).

Abstract: A method of producing an acrylic block copolymer comprising hydrophobic poly (lower alkyl methoacrylate), hydrophilic poly (lower alkyl methacrylic acid), and hydrophobic poly (lower alkyl methacrylate).

Abstract: Peptidomimetic polymers comprising one or more DOPA moieties and related coatings and composites.