Abstract: A therapeutic sustained delivery vehicle (TSDV) includes a plurality of microparticles with pirfenidone (PFD) within a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) matrix, where the microparticles are suspended in a hyaluronic acid (HA) solution. This suspension of microparticles are useful for injection into a joint that suffers from osteoarthritis (OA) inflammation and pain. The microparticles are microspheres formed by forming a solution of PDF and PLGA in a water insoluble organic solvent that is emulsified with an aqueous solution. Upon evaporation of the organic solvent the resulting microspheres are separated from the suspension. The microspheres are suspended in a HA solution. An OA treatment is a periodic injection protocol that provides a long-term in vivo controlled-release PFD to modulate and attenuate the OA progression.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a device and methods for inducing tensile strain on a hydrogel and/or hydrogel-encapsulated cells and/or tissues. The device includes a hydrogel-based mold for cell culture and a magnet-combined rail slider for cyclic tensile stretch. The resulting hydrogel-based device provides controllable tensile strain to cells and/tissues, from which cells and/or tissues can be encapsulated in hydrogels and strain can be applied cyclically.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are Nsp-IL10 polypeptides comprising an Nsp polypeptide and an IL10 polypeptide. In some embodiments, Nsp-IL10 polypeptide is capable of activating an NGF signaling pathway, an IL10 signaling pathway, or both. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disease comprising administering an Nsp-IL10 polypeptide. The methods include treating diseases associated with joint inflammation, such as osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are Nsp-IL10 polypeptides comprising an Nsp polypeptide and an IL10 polypeptide. In some embodiments, Nsp-IL10 polypeptide is capable of activating an NGF signaling pathway, an IL10 signaling pathway, or both. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disease comprising administering an Nsp-IL10 polypeptide. The methods include treating diseases associated with joint inflammation, such as osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are Nsp-IL10 polypeptides comprising an Nsp polypeptide and an IL10 polypeptide. In some embodiments, Nsp-IL10 polypeptide is capable of activating an NGF signaling pathway, an IL10 signaling pathway, or both. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disease comprising administering an Nsp-IL10 polypeptide. The methods include treating diseases associated with joint inflammation, such as osteoarthritis.