Abstract: Methods including providing a block copolymer, the block copolymer comprising at least a polycaprolactone (PCL) block; and a second block being amorphous and having a glass transition temperature less than 30° C.; and subjecting the block copolymer to thermal processing at a temperature less than 100° C. Articles and thermoprocessing methods utilizing such block copolymers are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An artificial gut simulator and methods are shown. In one example, the artificial gut simulator and methods provide accurate dissolution data by removing detected test sample material from the tester over time.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a formulation suitable for nasal administration comprising water, a prodrug of a therapeutic agent, and an enzyme that is suitable for intranasal conversion of the prodrug to the therapeutic agent, as well as methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new drug delivery strategy based on prodrug conversion, in which a water-soluble prodrug and its converting enzyme are co-delivered and at a point of administration such as the nasal or buccal mucosa. Enzymatic conversion of the prodrug produces drug in concentrations exceeding the drug's thermodynamic solubility, or saturation level. The supersaturated drug crosses the mucosal membrane quickly, as a result of its high thermodynamic activity, prior to crystallization. This strategy is particularly useful when fast action is required, for example in preventing or responding rapidly to Status Epilepticus (SE) or other central nervous system conditions such as migraine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new drug delivery strategy based on prodrug conversion, in which a water-soluble prodrug and its converting enzyme are co-delivered and at a point of administration such as the nasal or buccal mucosa. Enzymatic conversion of the prodrug produces drug in concentrations exceeding the drug's thermodynamic solubility, or saturation level. The supersaturated drug crosses the mucosal membrane quickly, as a result of its high thermodynamic activity, prior to crystallization. This strategy is particularly useful when fast action is required, for example in preventing or responding rapidly to Status Epilepticus (SE) or other central nervous system conditions such as migraine.

Abstract: An artificial gut simulator and methods are shown. In one example, the artificial gut simulator and methods provide accurate dissolution data by removing detected test sample material from the tester over time.

Abstract: A method of making a sensor includes depositing a layer of hydrogel over a substrate, the hydrogel configured to change thickness or volume in response to a selected condition and including a plurality of magnetic particles disposed in the hydrogel so that a magnetic property of the hydrogel changes with changes of thickness or volume of the hydrogel. The hydrogel is sacrificed in selected region(s) of the layer so that the hydrogel outside the selected region(s) forms a plurality of spaced-apart islands of the hydrogel. The islands of the hydrogel are enclosed in an enclosure at least partly permeable to a selected fluid. A sensor for detecting a condition includes the substrate, islands, and a device coil arranged with respect to the hydrogel so that changes in the magnetic property modulate an electrical property of the sensor. A system includes the substrate, islands, and a magnetic-field detector.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a formulation suitable for nasal administration comprising water, a prodrug of a therapeutic agent, and an enzyme that is suitable for intranasal conversion of the prodrug to the therapeutic agent, as well as methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a condition includes a hydrogel configured to change thickness or volume in response to the condition. Magnetic particles are arranged in the hydrogel so that a magnetic property of the hydrogel changes with changes of thickness or volume of the hydrogel. Some such sensors include a magnetic-field detector that measures the magnetic field of the hydrogel. Other such sensors include a device coil is arranged with respect to the hydrogel so that changes in the magnetic property modulate an electrical property of the sensor. A sensing system using such a sensor includes a reader spaced apart from the sensor and including a reader coil and a resonance detector coupled to the reader coil to detect a the resonant frequency of the sensor. Changes in the magnetic property detectably modulate the resonant frequency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new drug delivery strategy based on prodrug conversion, in which a water-soluble prodrug and its converting enzyme are co-delivered and at a point of administration such as the nasal or buccal mucosa. Enzymatic conversion of the prodrug produces drug in concentrations exceeding the drug's thermodynamic solubility, or saturation level. The supersaturated drug crosses the mucosal membrane quickly, as a result of its high thermodynamic activity, prior to crystallization. This strategy is particularly useful when fast action is required, for example in preventing or responding rapidly to Status Epilepticus (SE) or other central nervous system conditions such as migraine.

Abstract: A method of making a sensor includes depositing a layer of hydrogel over a substrate, the hydrogel configured to change thickness or volume in response to a selected condition and including a plurality of magnetic particles disposed in the hydrogel so that a magnetic property of the hydrogel changes with changes of thickness or volume of the hydrogel. The hydrogel is sacrificed in selected region(s) of the layer so that the hydrogel outside the selected region(s) forms a plurality of spaced-apart islands of the hydrogel. The islands of the hydrogel are enclosed in an enclosure at least partly permeable to a selected fluid. A sensor for detecting a condition includes the substrate, islands, and a device coil arranged with respect to the hydrogel so that changes in the magnetic property modulate an electrical property of the sensor. A system includes the substrate, islands, and a magnetic-field detector.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a condition includes a hydrogel configured to change thickness or volume in response to the condition. Magnetic particles are arranged in the hydrogel so that a magnetic property of the hydrogel changes with changes of thickness or volume of the hydrogel. Some such sensors include a magnetic-field detector that measures the magnetic field of the hydrogel. Other such sensors include a device coil is arranged with respect to the hydrogel so that changes in the magnetic property modulate an electrical property of the sensor. A sensing system using such a sensor includes a reader spaced apart from the sensor and including a reader coil and a resonance detector coupled to the reader coil to detect a the resonant frequency of the sensor. Changes in the magnetic property detectably modulate the resonant frequency.

Abstract: The invention provides hydrogel compositions, components, and hydrogel-actuated or mediated devices, and methods for the incorporation of hydrogel microscale components in microscale devices and systems. The methods and devices result in active microvalves that are useful in microfluidic applications, including analyte sensing, in process chemical and fermentation stream monitoring, and drug delivery. In particular, the devices are useful for controlled drug delivery either in response to a pre-determined stimulus or for pulsatile delivery.

Abstract: The invention describes supersaturated solutions of benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, glycofurol and water and their use for intranasal (NS) administration to combat various disorders.

Abstract: The invention describes supersaturated solutions of benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, glycofurol and water and their use for intranasal (NS) administration to combat various disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides hydrogel compositions, components, and hydrogel-actuated or mediated devices, and methods for the incorporation of hydrogel microscale components in microscale devices and systems. The methods and devices result in active microvalves that are useful in microfluidic applications, including analyte sensing, in process chemical and fermentation stream monitoring, and drug delivery. In particular, the devices are useful for controlled drug delivery either in response to a pre-determined stimulus or for pulsatile delivery.

Abstract: An implantable pump for the delivery of insulin to a mammal has a biocompatible housing which supports an aqueous-swellable glucose-sensitive member and a chamber containing a pharmaceutically acceptable insulin composition. The aqueous-swellable member is exposed to the body fluids which surround the pump when it is implanted; it initiates an insulin pumping cycle by swelling in response to an increase in blood glucose level and terminates an insulin pumping cycle by deswelling in response to the decrease in blood glucose level. When the glucose-sensitive aqueous-swellable member swells in response to an increase in blood glucose level, it generates a hydraulic force which causes insulin composition to be expelled from the chamber through a pressure-sensitive one way valve. The valve seals the chamber when the hydraulic force is withdrawn by deswelling of the glucose-sensitive aqueous-swellable member.

Abstract: A new method for making polymeric systems for the sustained release of macromolecular drugs is described. The method consists of mixing drug and polymer, e.g. ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer powders below the glass transition temperature of the polymer, and compressing the mixture at a temperature above the glass transition point. The macromolecule is not exposed to organic solvent during the fabrication process. The sustained release and bioactivity of macromolecules is unchanged throughout the pressure casting and release processes.