Abstract: Nanoparticulate material suitable for administration to a subject, the nanoparticulate material having bound to its surface: (a) copolymeric steric stabiliser that promotes dispersion of the nanoparticulate material in a liquid, wherein the copolymeric steric stabiliser comprises (i) an anchoring polymer segment having one or more binding groups that bind the copolymeric steric stabiliser to the nanoparticulate material, and (ii) a steric stabilising polymer segment that is different from the anchoring polymer segment, and (b) copolymeric mapping moiety comprising (i) an anchoring polymer segment having one or more binding groups that bind the copolymeric mapping moiety to the nanoparticulate material, (ii) one or more mapping groups comprising an agent that specifically binds to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), and (iii) a coupling polymer segment that is different to the anchoring polymer segment, wherein the coupling polymer segment couples the anchoring polymer segment to the one or more mapping group

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of obtaining a biological sample from the vagina and detecting various conditions (e.g., detecting a sexually transmitted infection, determining the composition of the vaginal microbiome, and detecting dysbiosis) using a tampon. The present invention also relates to kits containing a tampon for use in such methods.

Abstract: A tubular shaped tampon can include an absorbent body defining a cylindrical shape having a hollow interior, a porous protective sleeve surrounding the absorbent body, and a string that holds the protective sleeve in place against the absorbent body and facilitates removal of the tampon after use. The absorbent body and protective sleeve can combine to define an overall tubular structure having an inner hollow region, providing increased surface area. Methods of manufacturing the tampon can include cutting a fluid absorbent material, rolling the cut material around elongated machine prongs to form an absorbent body, rolling a porous sheet around and extending beyond both distal ends of the absorbent body, pinching together distal ends of the porous sheet, pushing at least one distal end through the hollow interior of the absorbent body, stitching the distal ends of the porous sheet together, and punching a string through the protective sleeve and absorbent body.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon for absorbing menstrual flow and for treating menstrual symptoms is disclosed. The tampon has an absorbent tampon body made of industrial hemp fiber. The tampon body is provided with a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of cannabidiol. Further disclosed is a method for making the tampon and a method for treatment of symptoms associated with menstruation using the tampon.