Abstract: Methodology was developed for transformation of methionine residues into homocysteine derivatives. Methionine residues can undergo alkylation reactions at low pH to yield sulfonium ions, which can then be selectively demethylated to give alkyl homocysteine residues. This process tolerates many functional groups.

Abstract: Provided herein are synthetic copolypeptide hydrogel compositions for use as dermal fillers, and methods of treating dermatological conditions using the same.

Abstract: Methodology was developed for transformation of methionine residues into homocysteine derivatives. Methionine residues can undergo alkylation reactions at low pH to yield sulfonium ions, which can then be selectively demethylated to give alkyl homocysteine residues. This process tolerates many functional groups.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to physical mixtures of diblock copolypeptide hydrogel (DCH) systems. These systems exhibit mechanical strength and stiffness that are synergistically increased over the individual component DCHs, to greater than would be expected for a linear combination of the components. Such systems may have utility in biomedical applications such as drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to copolypeptide hydrogels (DCH) containing non-ionic hydrophilic residues (DCHEO), incorporation of thermoresponsive elements into DCHEO, to generate thermoresponsive DCH (DCHT), and hydrogels that include a combination of DCHEO and DCHT. The invention includes preparation, uses, compositions containing the hydrogels and methods of tuning the hydrogels. The hydrogels can be used to deliver an agent or cells to an organism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mixtures of triblock or pentablock copolypeptide hydrogels (DCH). These hydrogels possess improved mechanical properties, such as elasticity, that are synergistically increased over the individual component DCHs, to greater than would be expected for a linear combination of the components. Also disclosed herein are methods of making and using the triblock and pentablock copolypeptide hydrogels.

Abstract: A polypeptide comprises amino acids in an amino acid sequence, wherein a portion of the amino acids are covalently linked via a monothioether bridge. In one embodiment, the portion includes amino acids selected from (I) herein n is 0, 1, or 2 and m is 1 or 2. In another embodiments, a hydrogel can include such an amino acid as a crosslinker.

Abstract: Improved synthetic copolypeptide antimicrobials contain cationic amino acid residues and may be based on a blocky sequence. These antimicrobials show low mammalian toxicity and may undergo directed self-assembly. The inventive synthetic copolypeptides are useful in treatment of wounds and other infections.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising at least two diblock copolypeptides, wherein each copolypeptide has an ionic segment with the opposite charge from the other. The copolypeptides form ?-sheet structured hydrogel assemblies via polyion complexation when mixed in aqueous media. As a result of their unique physical properties, the hydrogels are useful as cell suspension or cell culture media, in drug or cell delivery systems, in scaffolds for tissue repair, or as 3d-printable media.

Abstract: Improved synthetic copolypeptide antimicrobials contain cationic amino acid residues and may be based on a blocky sequence. These antimicrobials show low mammalian toxicity and may undergo directed self-assembly. The inventive synthetic copolypeptides are useful in treatment of wounds and other infections.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention involve methods for introduction of various functional groups onto polypeptides, peptides and proteins by alkylation of thioether (a.k.a. sulfide) groups by ring opening reactions, creating new compositions of matter that may be useful for medical therapeutic or diagnostic applications. The thioether groups may either be present in the polypeptides, or may be added to polypeptides by chemical modification, such as by alkylation of thiol (sulfhydryl) groups.

Abstract: Methodology was developed for transformation of methionine residues into homocysteine derivatives. Methionine residues can undergo alkylation reactions at low pH to yield sulfonium ions, which can then be selectively demethylated to give alkyl homocysteine residues. This process tolerates many functional groups.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention involve methods for introduction of various functional groups onto polypeptides, peptides and proteins by alkylation of thioether (a.k.a. sulfide) groups by ring opening reactions, creating new compositions of matter that may be useful for medical therapeutic or diagnostic applications. The thioether groups may either be present in the polypeptides, or may be added to polypeptides by chemical modification, such as by alkylation of thiol (sulfhydryl) groups.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to copolypeptide hydrogels (DCH) containing non-ionic hydrophilic residues (DCHEO), incorporation of thermoresponsive elements into DCHEO, to generate thermoresponsive DCH (DCHT), and hydrogels that include a combination of DCHEO and DCHT. The invention includes preparation, uses, compositions containing the hydrogels and methods of tuning the hydrogels. The hydrogels can be used to deliver an agent or cells to an organism.

Abstract: Methods for preparation of novel amphiphilic derivatives of thioether containing block copolypeptides with narrow chain length distributions are described. These block copolymers can be chemically modified by oxidation and alkylation of the thioether containing residues. These materials generate self-assembled micelles, vesicles and hydrogels, or emulsions with oil phases. These assemblies can be used to encapsulate and delivery therapeutic molecules. The assemblies can be taken up by cells to release molecules from the assemblies.

Abstract: Methods for preparation of novel amphiphilic derivatives of thioether containing block copolypeptides with narrow chain length distributions are described. These block copolymers can be chemically modified by oxidation and alkylation of the thioether containing residues. These materials generate self-assembled micelles, vesicles and hydrogels, or emulsions with oil phases. These assemblies can be used to encapsulate and delivery therapeutic molecules. The assemblies can be taken up by cells to release molecules from the assemblies.

Abstract: Improved synthetic copolypeptide antimicrobials contain cationic amino acid residues and may be based on a blocky sequence. These antimicrobials show low mammalian toxicity and may undergo directed self-assembly. The inventive synthetic copolypeptides are useful in treatment of wounds and other infections.

Abstract: Improved synthetic copolypeptide antimicrobials contain cationic amino acid residues and may be based on a blocky sequence. These antimicrobials show low mammalian toxicity and may undergo directed self-assembly. The inventive synthetic copolypeptides are useful in treatment of wounds and other infections.

Abstract: Reagents are disclosed for chemoselective tagging of methionine residues in peptides and polypeptides, subsequent bioorthogonal tag functionalization, and cleavage of the tags when desired to regenerate unmodified samples. This method compliments other peptide tagging strategies and adds capability for tag removal, which may be useful for release of therapeutic peptides from a carrier, or release of tagged protein digests from solid supports.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a composition suitable for administration to the central nervous system (CNS), comprising a block copolypeptide hydrogel, which comprises a biologically active material that is mixed with the hydrogel or that is attached to the polypeptide chain of the hydrogel, wherein the composition is suitable for administration to the CNS. Also disclosed are methods of making and using compositions of the invention as depots or as scaffolds for cell migration, and pharmaceutical compositions and kits for implementing methods of the invention.