Abstract: A gelatin-based (e.g., gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)) patch is disclosed with an array of microneedles (MNs) for minimally invasive sampling of bodily fluids such as interstitial fluid (ISF). The properties of the patch can be tuned by altering the concentration of the GelMA prepolymer and the crosslinking time. The GelMA-based MN patch demonstrated efficient extraction of ISF. Furthermore, in experimental testing, the patch efficiently and quantitatively detects glucose and vancomycin in ISF in an in vivo study. This minimally invasive approach of extracting ISF with a GelMA microneedle enables to detection and analysis of target molecules from patients. The target molecules captured in the patch may be released and analyzed to detect the presence of and/or concentration of target molecules. In other embodiments, the patch itself may be analyzed directly to detect the presence of and/or concentration of target molecules.

Abstract: A biodegradable microneedle (MN) patch is disclosed for transdermal gene delivery. The MN patch, in one embodiment, is a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based MN platform for the local and controlled transdermal delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA) (or other nucleic acid with high transfection efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. Intracellular delivery of the nucleic acid cargo is enabled by poly(?-amino ester) (PBAE). After being embedded in the GelMA MNs, sustained release of DNA-encapsulated PBAE nanoparticles (NPs) is achieved and the release profiles can be controlled by adjusting the degree of crosslinking of the GelMA. These results highlight the advantages and potential of using PBAE/DNA NPs embedded GelMA MN patches (MN/PBAE/DNA) for successful transdermal delivery of pDNA for tissue regeneration, cancer therapy, and other applications. The patch may also be used on other tissue types.

Abstract: A patch incorporates biodegradable microneedles (MNs) that are fabricated from naturally derived polymer conjugates of gelatin methacryloyl and ?-cyclodextrin (GelMA-)?-CD). When curcumin, an unstable and water-insoluble anticancer therapeutic agent, is loaded as an example, its stability and solubility are improved due to the formation of inclusion complex. The polymer-drug complex GelMA-?-CD/CUR can be formulated into MN arrays with sufficient mechanical strength for skin penetration and tunable drug release profile. Anticancer efficacy of released curcumin is observed in three-dimensional (3D) B16F10 melanoma models. The GelMA-?-CD/CUR MN exhibits relatively higher therapeutic efficacy through more localized and deeper penetrated manner compared with a control non-transdermal patch. In vivo studies verify biocompatibility and degradability of the GelMA-?-CD MN-based patch. Other water-insoluble therapeutic agents may be loaded into the patch.

Abstract: We have developed novel shear-thinning biomaterials using silica nanoparticles, gelatin-based polymers and polypeptides such as anti-PD-1 antibodies. Shear-thinning biomaterial technology offers enables polymers and drugs loaded inside such polymers to be easily delivered directly through catheters into target area for use, for example, in cancer therapy and immunotherapy. When a force above a certain threshold is applied to inject such materials, they “thin” and behaves as a semi-solid, allowing the material to readily flow through a catheter. When the force is removed, the material instantly becomes a soft solid with significant cohesive properties that prevent it from dislodging or breaking up.

Abstract: A microneedle patch is described that can be used for the sustained delivery of therapeutic agents into living tissue (e.g., skin). The polymer (gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)) patch can adjust delivery rates based on the degree of crosslinking. The anticancer drug Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into GelMA microneedles using a molding fabrication technique. The GelMA microneedles efficiently penetrated the stratum corneum layer of a mouse cadaver skin. Mechanical properties and therapeutic agent release behavior of the GelMA microneedles can be adjusted by tuning the degree of crosslinking. The efficacy of the DOX released from the GelMA microneedles was tested and demonstrated the anticancer efficacy of the released drugs against melanoma cell line A375. Because GelMA is versatile material in engineering tissue scaffolds, GelMA microneedles can be used as a platform for the delivery of various types of therapeutic agents to tissue.

Abstract: Described herein are nucleic acid based nanoparticles that can contain a cargo molecule. The nanoparticles described herein can be used to deliver a cargo molecule to a cell or area of interest.

Abstract: It discloses a use of N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase with an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 in catalytic synthesis of N-acetylneuraminic acid. The preparation of N-acetylneuraminic acid is to use the N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase with the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 as a catalyst, and N-acetylmannosamine and pyruvic acid as substrates.

Abstract: It discloses a use of N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase with an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 in catalytic synthesis of N-acetylneuraminic acid. The preparation of N-acetylneuraminic acid is to use the N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase with the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 as a catalyst, and N-acetylmannosamine and pyruvic acid as substrates.