Abstract: The present disclosure relates to probiotics and probiotic compositions having modified carbohydrate metabolism (e.g., modifying or metabolizing carbohydrates, or reduced glucose production), and thus regulating the absorption of the carbohydrates by the host subject. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making the probiotics and probiotic compositions. The present disclosure further relates to methods of regulating body weight in a subject, and methods of treating carbohydrate metabolism disorder, using the probiotics and probiotic compositions disclosed herein.

Abstract: This document provided ocular delivery systems for treatment of cystinosis as well as methods for making such ocular delivery systems and methods for using such ocular delivery systems. For example, ocular delivery systems designed to include spray-dried, cysteamine-loaded microparticles suspended in a thermoresponsive gel are provided herein.

Abstract: Controlled release of VIP from PLGA microparticles was accomplished and varied through use of different polymer molecular sizes, addition of solutes to the inner aqueous phase, and use of our computer model. Released VIP from microparticles appeared to be bioactive and caused DCs to produce more CCL22 than DCs treated with blank particles at 7 and 24 hours. Additionally, DCs treated with VIP microparticle releasates recruited higher percentages of FoxP3+ T-cells in in vitro chemotaxis studies. Testing in a mouse model in vivo indicated that VIP microparticles have significant therapeutic potential to treat periodontal disease by reducing the bone loss in infected mice relative to the blank group.

Abstract: The present invention provides microparticles that induce the migration of multipotent stem cells to the anatomical site of the microparticles. Various release profiles are demonstrated that depend upon the relative concentration of alginate in the chemokine-loaded microparticle. Local administration and/or intraarticular injection of the microparticles are useful in conditions such as osteoarthritis. Targeted systemic delivery of the alginate chemokine microparticles to distant anatomical sites subjected to autoimmune disease symptomology can be performed by encapsulation within liposomes having targeting ligands. Consequently, upon the creation of the appropriate chemokine gradient, multipotent stem cells will migrate to the distant anatomical site where the liposomes are attached.

Abstract: Controlled release of VIP from PLGA microparticles was accomplished and varied through use of different polymer molecular sizes, addition of solutes to the inner aqueous phase, and use of our computer model. Released VIP from microparticles appeared to be bioactive and caused DCs to produce more CCL22 than DCs treated with blank particles at 7 and 24 hours. Additionally, DCs treated with VIP microparticle releasates recruited higher percentages of FoxP3+ T-cells in in vitro chemotaxis studies. Testing in a mouse model in vivo indicated that VIP microparticles have significant therapeutic potential to treat periodontal disease by reducing the bone loss in infected mice relative to the blank group.

Abstract: A Fe(II)- and Ca+2-chelated alginate/gelatin conjugate.

Abstract: Methods for treating an ear condition in a subject, comprising topically administering to the ear of the subject in need thereof a composition comprising: (i) an anti-infective agent-loaded biodegradable polymer microspheres; and (ii) a thermoresponsive hydrogel.

Abstract: The absence of regulatory T cells (Treg) may underlie disorders including but not limited to autoimmunity, dermatitis, periodontitis and even transplant rejection. Enhancing local numbers of Treg through in situ Treg expansion or induction is contemplated herein as a treatment option for these disorders. Current methods for in vivo Treg expansion are not Treg specific and are associated with many adverse side-effects. The data presented herein provides in vitro testing of a Treg-inducing microparticle providing a predictable controlled release for combinations of cytokines and drugs (e.g., IL-2, TGF-?, and/or rapamycin) resulting in targeted Treg migration. These controlled release microparticles are also capable of inducing FoxP3+ Treg in human cells in vitro suggesting that these compositions be developed into an in vivo Treg induction and expansion therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to probiotics and probiotic compositions having modified energy metabolisms (e.g., modifying, metabolizing, or storing energy molecules, e.g., lipids, before the energy molecules are absorbed by a host subject), and thus modulating the absorption of the energy molecules by the host subject. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making such probiotics and probiotic compositions. The present disclosure further relates to methods of regulating (e.g., maintaining or reducing) body weight in a subject (e.g., a subject having a healthy BMI, a subject having an overweight BMI, a subject having an obese BMI), using the probiotics and probiotic compositions disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for making a modified release composition, comprising: selecting a desired active agent and polymer matrix for formulating into a modified release composition; assessing degradation effect on release of the active agent from the composition including plotting polymer molecular weight (Mwr) at onset of active agent release vs. active agent molecular weight (MwA); predicting performance of multiple potential formulations for the composition based on the degradation assessment and average polymer matrix initial molecular weight (Mwo) to define a library of building blocks; determining the optimal ratio of the building blocks to satisfy a specified release profile; and making a modified release composition based on the optimal ratio determination.

Abstract: The absence of regulatory T cells (Treg) may underlie disorders including but not limited to autoimmunity, dermatitis, periodontitis and even transplant rejection. Enhancing local numbers of Treg through in situ Treg expansion or induction is contemplated herein as a treatment option for these disorders. Current methods for in vivo Treg expansion are not Treg specific and are associated with many adverse side-effects. The data presented herein provides in vitro testing of a Treg-inducing microparticle providing a predictable controlled release for combinations of cytokines and drugs (e.g., IL-2, TGF-?, and/or rapamycin) resulting in targeted Treg migration. These controlled release microparticles are also capable of inducing FoxP3+ Treg in human cells in vitro suggesting that these compositions be developed into an in vivo Treg induction and expansion therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising a YAP1/WWRT1 inhibiting agent and a glutaminase inhibiting agent and methods of their use. Disclosed herein are therapeutic particles comprising a biocompatible polymer, a YAP1/WWRT1 inhibiting agent, and a glutaminase inhibiting agent. In one aspect, disclosed herein are methods of treating a pulmonary disease in a subject in need of such treatment comprising administering the therapeutic particle to the subject.

Abstract: A method for treating an ocular disorder in a subject comprising administering a therapeutic agent-loaded carrier to an ocular site of the subject in need thereof, wherein the therapeutic agent is a histone deactylase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates induction of immunological tolerance thereby providing permanent allograft acceptance. This method obviates the need for a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressive agents which can increase the risk of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Immunological tolerance is thought to be mediated by regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg cells) with immunosuppressive capabilities. A therapeutically relevant platform comprising artificial constructs are contemplated comprising numerous soluble and surface bound Treg cell stimulating factors that may induce tolerance following allograft transplantation. Such artificial constructs, being the sire of a cell, have surface bound monoclonal antibodies specific to regulatory T-cell surface moieties and encapsulated soluble regulatory T-cell modulating factors.

Abstract: Provided herein is a drug delivery device and composition, such as a particle, comprising conditioned medium. Also provided herein is a method of preparing polymeric particles for release of conditioned medium. Further, a tissue growth scaffold comprising particles for release of conditioned medium is provided.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates induction of immunological tolerance thereby providing permanent allograft acceptance. This method obviates the need for a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressive agents which can increase the risk of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Immunological tolerance is thought to be mediated by regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg cells) with immunosuppressive capabilities. A therapeutically relevant platform comprising artificial constructs are contemplated comprising numerous soluble and surface bound Treg cell stimulating factors that may induce tolerance following allograft transplantation. Such artificial constructs, being the size of a cell, have surface bound monoclonal antibodies specific to regulatory T-cell surface moieties and encapsulated soluble regulatory T-cell modulating factors.

Abstract: The present invention provides microparticles that induce the migration of multipotent stem cells to the anatomical site of the microparticles. Various release profiles are demonstrated that depend upon the relative concentration of alginate in the chemokine-loaded microparticle. Local administration and/or intraarticular injection of the microparticles are useful in conditions such as osteoarthritis. Targeted systemic delivery of the alginate chemokine microparticles to distant anatomical sites subjected to autoimmune disease symptomology can be performed by encapsulation within liposomes having targeting ligands. Consequently, upon the creation of the appropriate chemokine gradient, multipotent stem cells will migrate to the distant anatomical site where the liposomes are attached.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting tissue ossification or calcification in a subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of BMP I inhibitor-loaded microparticles to a subject in need thereof, wherein the administration provides local and sustained release of the BMP I inhibitor thereby inhibiting tissue ossification or calcification.

Abstract: A Fe(II)- and Ca+2-chelated alginate/gelatin conjugate.

Abstract: A method for sustained delivery of an agent to an ocular organ in a subject, comprising topically delivering to the ocular surface a liquid thermoresponsive hydrogel comprising agent-loaded polymer microparticles, wherein the agent is an antibody, a fusion protein, a chemokine, an interleukin, a growth factor, albumin, immunoglobulin, an interferon, a peptide, stem cell-conditioned media, plasma or serum.