Abstract: A polyacrylate random copolymer is synthesized from acrylic acid (AA), butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA). The copolymer is suitable for workup into a water emulsion and may be applied to a surface in liquid form, quickly drying to yield a peelable protective barrier film.

Abstract: A water emulsion and film are provided comprising a polyacrylate random copolymer synthesized from acrylic acid (AA), butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA). The emulsion may be applied to a surface in liquid form, quickly drying to yield a peelable protective barrier film.

Abstract: A water emulsion and film are provided comprising a polyacrylate random copolymer synthesized from acrylic acid (AA), butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA). The emulsion may be applied to a surface in liquid form, quickly drying to yield a peelable protective barrier film.

Abstract: PSA-PCL micelles were developed as carrier systems for pharmaceutical drugs. As an example, cyclosporine A (CyA) was encapsulated in the micelles and physical characterization, including size and zeta potential, demonstrated that the micelles possess favorable properties for drug delivery. In vitro studies verified that rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts are able to internalize the CyA-loaded micelles. CyA was released from the PSA-PCL micelle upon uptake and subsequently, partitioned into the phospholipid membrane. The PSA-PCL micelles also demonstrated improved therapeutic efficacy in drug delivery when used to deliver statins and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Abstract: Disclosed are injectable, biodegradable neuroscaffolds formed in situ by self-assembling biodegradable polymeric microparticles, nanoparticles, or any combination thereof, via copper-free click chemistry or Michael-type addition coupling reactions. The injectable, biodegradable neuroscaffolds provide 3-D structural support, neuroprotection, and/or subsequent regeneration in a subject with a spinal cord injury or a focal neurological disorder.

Abstract: PSA-PCL micelles were developed as carrier systems for pharmaceutical drugs. As an example, cyclosporine A (CyA) was encapsulated in the micelles and physical characterization, including size and zeta potential, demonstrated that the micelles possess favorable properties for drug delivery. In vitro studies verified that rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts are able to internalize the CyA-loaded micelles. CyA was released from the PSA-PCL micelle upon uptake and subsequently, partitioned into the phospholipid membrane. The PSA-PCL micelles also demonstrated improved therapeutic efficacy in drug delivery when used to deliver statins and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Abstract: Gel nanoparticles for encapsulating and delivering a pharmaceutical compound to a patient. The nanoparticles are formed from N-trimethyl chitosan and polysialic acid, preferably in the presence of sodium tripolyphosphate. A ratio of polysialic acid to N-trimethyl chitosan of about 0.5 to 1 produces nanoparticles having diameter of about 100 nm (plus or minus 25 nm) and a zeta potential above 30 milivolts that can stability contain a pharmaceutical compound, such as methotrexate, for delivery to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bone cements and, more particularly, to acrylic-based orthopedic bone cements, their use in spinal applications, and methods for making the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of grafting PMMA brushes on cross-linked PMMA nanospheres comprising at least one of the following steps: performing a hydrolysis reaction of surface methyl ester groups of said cross-linked PMMA nanospheres to form surface carboxylic acid groups of said cross-linked PMMA nanospheres; forming a 2-aminoethyl acrylate compound; coupling said surface carboxylic acid groups of said cross-linked PMMA nanospheres with said 2-aminoethyl acrylate compound to form a coupled compound with an initiating site; and grafting said PMMA brushes onto said initiating site.

Abstract: Gel nanoparticles for encapsulating and delivering a pharmaceutical compound to a patient. The nanoparticles are formed from N-trimethyl chitosan and polysialic acid, preferably in the presence of sodium tripolyphosphate. A ratio of polysialic acid to N-trimethyl chitosan of about 0.5 to 1 produces nanoparticles having diameter of about 100 nm (plus or minus 25 nm) and a zero potential above 30 milivolts that can stability contain a pharmaceutical compound, such as methotrexate, for delivery to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bone cements and, more particularly, to acrylic-based orthopedic bone cements, their use in spinal applications, and methods for making the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of grafting PMMA brushes on cross-linked PMMA nanospheres comprising at least one of the following steps: performing a hydrolysis reaction of surface methyl ester groups of said cross-linked PMMA nanospheres to form surface carboxylic acid groups of said cross-linked PMMA nanospheres; forming a 2-aminoethyl acrylate compound; coupling said surface carboxylic acid groups of said cross-linked PMMA nanospheres with said 2-aminoethyl acrylate compound to form a coupled compound with an initiating site; and grafting said PMMA brushes onto said initiating site.