Abstract: Provided herein are biocompatible and/or biodegradable hydrogel compositions comprising native collagen and chondroitin sulfate, the collagen and chondroitin sulfate being chemically cross-linked thereby forming a matrix. The native collagen may comprise recombinant human collagen type I (rHCI), recombinant human collagen type III (rHCIII), or a combination thereof, for example. Methods and uses thereof for regeneration or repair of tissue, improvement of tissue function, mechanical stabilization of tissue, prevention of tissue damage, or prevention of tissue loss of function are described, particularly with respect to cardiac tissue and myocardial infarction events.

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: A method of forming and implanting a synthetic corneal lenslet in an eye of a patient includes the steps of: forming a synthetic lenslet from a collagen solution using a mold or a 3-D printer that are configured to form the synthetic lenslet into a predetermined shape for correcting a particular refractive error of the patient; forming a cavity for receiving the synthetic lenslet in the cornea of the eye of the patient; inserting the synthetic lenslet into the cavity of the eye; applying a photosensitizer into the cavity of the eye so that the photosensitizer permeates at least a portion of the tissue surrounding the cavity and at least a portion of the synthetic lenslet; and irradiating the cornea so as to activate cross-linkers in the synthetic lenslet and cross-linkers in the portion of the tissue surrounding the cavity, and thereby prevent an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for preparing a biomaterial scaffold said method comprising, (a) providing a hydrogel comprising a fibrin network and a polysaccharide network; (b) subjecting the hydrogel of step a) to a freeze-thawing process to physically crosslink the hydrogel; and (c) subjecting the physically cross-linked hydrogel obtained after conducting the step b), to a lyophilization. The invention also relates to the biomaterial scaffold obtainable by the process as defined above, as well said biomaterial scaffold for its use to partially or completely increase, restore or replace the functional activity of a diseased or damaged oral mucosa.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to extracellular vesicle (EV) therapeutics, wherein the EVs are coated with proteins containing Fc domains (such as antibodies) for i.a. targeting and therapeutic applications. The coating of EVs is achieved through inventive protein engineering of EV polypeptides. The present invention thus relates to methods for coating of EVs, EVs per se, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and medical applications of such EVs coated with Fc containing proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for alleviating pain and discomfort associated with a dry eye condition; methods for alleviating pain and discomfort while minimizing at least one skin imperfection; and methods for alleviating pain and discomfort while facilitating wound healing. The methods involve administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising hyaluronan with high elasticity.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a retainer for therapeutic treatment may be provided. The retainer for therapeutic treatment may include: a retainer that may retain a antimicrobial solution against tissue; a number of heating elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment; a number of power supply cables connected to the number of heating elements; a number of antimicrobial solution delivery elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment that may deliver an antimicrobial solution; a number of pieces of tubing having a first end connected to a antimicrobial solution reservoir and a second end connected to a number of antimicrobial solution delivery elements; a number of fiber optic cables having a first end connected to a light source; and a number of light terminations rigidly connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment and connected to the second end of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A composite is disclosed. The composite comprises a first conjugate of a polymer and a first phenol-containing moiety, and a second conjugate of a gelatin or collagen and a second phenol-containing moiety, wherein the polymer is selected so that the first conjugate is less cell-adhesive than the second conjugate, at least one of the first and second conjugates is crosslinked to form a matrix, and the composite comprises discrete regions that are rich in one of said first and second conjugates. A method of forming such composite is also disclosed. The method comprises mixing precursors for the first and second conjugates in a solution for forming said composite, and dispersing a catalyst in the solution to catalyze crosslinking of at least one of the first and second conjugates to form the matrix. The composite may be used to grow cells.

Abstract: The invention provides an injectable composition and method for the minimally invasive, in-situ repair and regeneration of an injured ligament or tendon in a mammalian subject. The composition is also useful for the delivery of growth factors, therapeutic agents and cells into the area of tendon or ligament injury.

Abstract: A composition having a pH in the range of from 3 to 8.5, comprising: (a) in the range of from 0.1% to <10% w/w (based on the total weight of the composition) of a stock solution comprising a mixture of bioflavonoids and fruit acids or salts thereof; (b) sodium hyaluronate; and (c) water; and, optionally, (d) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor; wherein the sodium hyaluronate has an average molecular weight of between 800,000 and 4,000,000.

Abstract: The object of the present invention relates to the new and surprising use of sulfated hyaluronic acid (HAS) as regulator agent of the cytokine activity (pro- and anti-inflammatory) and consequently the use of HAS for the preparation of a new medicine for topic use in the prevention and treatment of pathologies associated with the activation and/or deficiency of cytokines of a pro- and anti-inflammatory nature. The Applicant has in fact discovered the exclusive capacity of HAS in modulating the activity of these particular proteins, it has studied the action mechanism and demonstrated the substantial difference between the different sulfated types known in the state of the art, but above all it has demonstrated an unexpectedly high activity of HAS vs different types and strains of Herpes virus, Cytomegalovirus and the virus of vesicular stomatitis. Finally, a further object of the present invention is the use of HAS as a skin absorption promoter of drugs of an anti-inflammatory nature.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medicine. In particular, it relates to recombinant cationic polypeptides and their use as biolubricant. Provided is a biolubricant substance comprising the amino acid sequence[(GKGVP)9]n, wherein n is ?5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein complexes or scaffold comprising cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) polypeptides bound to one or more growth factors, and methods of their use in promoting chondrogenesis and/or osteogenesis, and repair of cartilage and bone lesions.

Abstract: A crosslinking reaction and a reaction for reducing molecular weight that take place in a hyaluronic acid-methotrexate conjugate upon irradiation with light are suppressed to improve the photostability of the conjugate. Specifically, a substance having a quenching effect and/or a radical scaveng effect is added to a pharmaceutical composition containing the hyaluronic acid-methotrexate conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention provides preparation methods of protein nanoparticles for in vivo delivery of pharmacologically active agents, wherein said methods are to encase pharmaceutically active agents into proteins or peptides to form nanoparticles by unfolding the protein, and subsequently refolding or assembling the protein to produce a pharmacologically active agent encased within a protein nanoparticle.

Abstract: A method for direct therapeutic treatment of myocardial tissue in a localized region of a heart having a pathological condition. The method includes identifying a target region of the myocardium and applying material directly and substantially only to at least a portion of the myocardial tissue of the target region. The material applied results in a physically modification the mechanical properties, including stiffness, of said tissue. Various devices and modes of practicing the method are disclosed for stiffening, restraining and constraining myocardial tissue for the treatment of conditions including myocardial infarction or mitral valve regurgitation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a solid bio-product wherein at least 80% of the original indigestible oligosaccharide (raffmose, stachyose and verbascose) content has been degraded into digestible mono- and disaccharides, comprising the following steps: 1) providing a mixture of milled or flaked or otherwise disintegrated biomass, comprising oligosaccharides and optionally polysaccharides and further comprising proteinaceous plant parts, water and one or more enzyme preparations containing ?-galactosidase(s); 2) reacting the mixture resulting from step (1) under continuous mixing and under conditions where the water content in the initial mixture does not exceed 65% by weight, for 0.15-36 hours at a temperature of about 20-65° C.; 3) incubating the reacted mixture from step (2) at a temperature and in a time period which inactivate said ?-galactosidase(s), as well as solid bio-products obtainable by such method.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanoemulsions useful for analytical techniques and delivery of cargoes such as pharmaceutically active agents. In particular, the invention relates to nanoemulsions comprising an oil phase dispersed in an aqueous phase and at least two peptide surfactants adsorbed at the liquid-liquid interface, one peptide surfactant comprising a short peptide sequence having ?-helical propensity and at least one second polypeptide surfactant comprising at least two peptide sequences having ?-helical propensity linked by a linking sequence of 3 to 11 amino acid residues. Optionally the at least one second polypeptide surfactant comprises at least one pharmacokinetic modifying agent and/or a targeting agent. Furthermore, the nanoemulsion may further comprise a cargo such as a pharmaceutically active agent.

Abstract: Provide are a peptide gel with practically sufficient mechanical strength and a self-assembling peptide capable of forming the peptide gel. The self-assembling peptide is formed of the following amino acid sequence: a1b1c1b2a2b3db4a3b5c2b6a4 where: a1 to a4 each represent a basic amino acid residue; b1 to b6 each represent an uncharged polar amino acid residue and/or a hydrophobic amino acid residue, provided that at least five thereof each represent a hydrophobic amino acid residue; c1 and c2 each represent an acidic amino acid residue; and d represents a hydrophobic amino acid residue.

Abstract: Tissue products lacking a desired percentage of immunogenic epitopes, such as galactose alpha-1,3 galactose epitopes, are provided. Methods of making and using the tissue products are also provided.

Abstract: It is intended to efficiently inject into a target cell, a substance charged within a liposome. The present inventors have found that connexin synthesized within a liposome is introduced as connexon having a gap junction function into the liposome membrane. Specifically, the liposome according to the present invention is a liposome in which connexon composed of connexin synthesized by an in-vitro protein synthesis system is incorporated in a state of having a gap junction function.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a scalable and electrostretching approach for generating microfibers exhibiting uniaxial alignment from polymer solutions. Such microfibers can be generated from a variety of natural polymers or synthetic polymers. The hydrogel microfibers can be used for controlled release of bioactive agents. The internal uniaxial alignment exhibited by the presently disclosed fibers provides improved mechanical properties to microfibers, contact guidance cues and induces alignment for cells seeded on or within the microfibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing flavoring ingredients, ready-to-drink formulations, protein powder mixes and pre-mixes, yogurt-flavored cereal binders for use in cereal clusters and bars, etc., from Greek yogurt whey (i.e., Greek acid whey). Also disclosed are methods for concentrating and utilizing the soluble factors produced by probiotic bacteria in yogurt cultures.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a recipe for in-situ gel, formed by dissolving at least one polymer and at least one gel prevention agent in a polar solvent to form a solution and placing the solution in a condition for in-situ forming gels. The disclosure also provides an implant and a drug delivery system formed by the recipe.

Abstract: A two-component, molecular-recognition gelation strategy that enables cell encapsulation without the need for environmental triggers is provided. The two components, which in one example contain WW and polyproline-rich peptide domains that interact via hydrogen bonds, undergo a sol-gel phase transition upon simple mixing. Hence, physical gelation is induced by the mixing of two components at constant environmental conditions, analogous to the formation of chemically crosslinked epoxies by the mixing of two components. Variations in the molecular-level design of the two components are used to predictably tune the association energy and hydrogel viscoelasticity. These hetero-assembly physical hydrogels encapsulate neural progenitor cells at constant physiological conditions within 10 seconds to create uniform 3D cell suspensions that continue to proliferate, differentiate, and adopt well-spread morphologies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cohesive soft tissue fillers, for example, dermal and subdermal fillers, based on hyaluronic acids and optionally including proteins. In one aspect, hyaluronic acid-based compositions described herein include zero-length cross-linked moieties and optionally at least one active agent. The present hyaluronic acid-based compositions have enhanced flow characteristics, hardness, and persistence compared to known hyaluronic acid-based compositions. Methods and processes of preparing such hyaluronic acid-based compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A silk fiber based matrix composition comprising spider silk that can be biodegradable, from the spider species Nephila clavipes (or from genetically engineered bacteria making Nephila clavipes silk), and in the form of a mesh or film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogels comprising a plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids capable of self-assembling into three-dimensional macromolecular nanofibrous networks, which entrap water and form said hydrogels, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids is chemically cross-linked. The present invention further relates to methods for preparing such hydrogels and to various uses of such hydrogels, e.g. as cell culture substrates, for drug and gene delivery, as wound dressing, as an implant, as an injectable agent that gels in situ, in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions, in regenerative medicine, in tissue engineering and tissue regeneration, or in electronic devices. It also relates to a method of tissue regeneration or tissue replacement using a hydrogel in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A method of using vaults as carrier molecules to deliver one or more than one substance to an organism, or to a specific tissue or to specific cells, or to an environmental medium. A vault-like particle. A method of preventing damage by one or more than one substance to an organism, to a specific tissue, to specific cells, or to an environmental medium, by sequestering the one or more than one substance within a vault-like particle. A method of delivering one or more than one substance or a sensor to an organism, to a specific tissue, to specific cells, or to an environmental medium. According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of making vault-like particles, and making vault-like particles comprising one or more than one substance, or one or more than one sensor.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a controlled drug release carrier formed by using a silk fibroin porous material, which has high drug controlled release rate, controllability of the drug controlled release speed, high strength, easy handleability, skin care properties from high biocompatibility, high water retentivity, and capability of efficiently retaining a drug.

Abstract: The present application relates to compositions comprising and methods of using a liposome comprising a pHLIP polypeptide, wherein a lipid bilayer of the liposome is substantially free of the pHLIP polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable device having a biosoluble coating or a biosoluble body structure comprising a polyelectrolyte and a counterion and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A chemically modified water-soluble elastin that is obtained by subjecting to N-acylating some or all of the primary amines and secondary amines contained in the molecule of a high molecular weight water-soluble elastin and coupling some or all of the carboxyl groups contained in the molecule with the amino group of an amino acid alkyl ester. A chemically modified water-soluble elastin/collagen mixed gel obtained by mixing a collagen with a chemically modified water-soluble elastin that is obtained by subjecting to N-acylating some or all of the primary amines and secondary amines contained in the molecule of a high molecular weight water-soluble elastin and coupling some or all of the carboxyl groups contained in the molecule with the amino group of an amino acid alkyl ester.

Abstract: Biomaterials that support cell attachment and growth are provided. In one aspect, biomaterials are provided comprising a first polymer matrix comprising reactive amino moieties and a second polymer matrix that interpenetrates with the first polymer matrix, where the second polymer matrix comprises a poly(alkylene oxide) comprising two or more alkylene oxide oligomers joined by gamma-thioether carbonyl linkages. In another aspect, biomaterials are provided comprising at least one biopolymer comprising amino groups, thiol groups, and bifunctional modifiers connecting at least some of the amino groups to at least some of the thiol groups; and at least one poly(alkylene oxide) cross-linked to at least two thiol groups of the biopolymer. The biomaterials may further comprise a pharmacologically active agent or cells. Methods of administering such biomaterials to a patient in need thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bio-functionalized stimulus-responsive dissolvable PEG-hydrogel. This inventive stimulus-responsive dissolvable PEG-hydrogel comprises a matrix of PEG-polymers, which are modified to contain at least one multifunctional fusion protein, the multifunctional fusion protein preferably comprising as components a substrate binding peptide (SBP), preferably a repetitive RGD-binding peptide and/or a ZZ-binding domain, preferably a tag for purification, and at least one N- and/or C-terminal linker. The present invention is furthermore directed to the use of such inventive stimulus-responsive dissolvable PEG-hydrogels in the treatment of lesions, in surgical dressings, for wound treating, for soft and hard tissue regeneration, for the treatment of wounds in the oral cavity, in the field of ophthalmology, in the field of periodontal defects, etc. The invention also describes a method of treatment for such diseases.

Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a collagen component.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, devices and kits for increasing mechanical stiffness of an incompetent or a dilated biological tissue in a subject are provided herein. The methods described herein involve placing (e.g., injecting) a silk fibroin-based composition into at least a portion of an incompetent or dilated tissue of a subject. In some embodiments, the silk fibroin-based composition can further comprise at least two PEG components that will crosslink together upon placement (e.g., injection) into a subject in need thereof. In specific embodiments, the methods, compositions, devices and kits can be used to increase mechanical stiffness of a cervical tissue in a subject, for example, for treatment of cervical insufficiency.

Abstract: The invention provides a genipin cross-linked fibrin gel. The ratio of genipin to fibrin in the gel ranges from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 (genipin:fibrin). The gel can be hydrogel. Also provided is method for repairing tissue defects by administering the gel to site of tissue defect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amphiphilic peptides having antibacterial and/or antitumor activity, and to therapeutic and non-therapeutic compositions comprising these peptides. The peptides are of structural formula I or II shown below wherein A1, v, A2, w, A3, x, y, A4, z, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the application; or a salt thereof. The invention further relates to use of the peptides as antibacterial agents, or antitumor agents, including the medical use of the peptide in treating infection and/or cancer, as well as their use as preservatives and antibacterial agents in other products, including personal care products such as skin topical treatments, cleansers, mouth washes, toothpastes, shampoo, body lotions and creams etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of preparing silk nanoparticles and microparticles, methods of encapsulating an active agent into the silk nano- and microparticles and compositions comprising these silk particles. In particular, the silk spheres are prepared from phase separation of silk and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), without exposure to an organic solvent. The method employs a chemical, PVA, which is an FDA-approved ingredient in drug formulations. Different parameters can be adjusted to control the size and shape of the silk spheres during the fabrication process. The silk particle compositions of the present invention may also encapsulate active agents or chemicals. Such compositions allow the active agents to be controllably and sustainably released to the target organs or tissues. The silk composition entrapping active agents also provides for a long-term storage medium for the active agents so entrapped.

Abstract: Provided herein relates to methods and compositions for preparing a silk microsphere and the resulting silk microsphere. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions described herein are all aqueous, which can be used for encapsulating an active agent in a silk microsphere, while maintaining activity of the active agent during processing. In some embodiments, the resulting silk microsphere can be used for sustained delivery of an active agent encapsulated therein.

Abstract: Biocompatible nanomatrices composed of peptide amphiphiles are provided for the embedding of cell populations for their implantation into a recipient animal or human. To confine the nanomatrix to a site of implantation, the nanomatrix can be encapsulated in a nanofiber sack formed from an electrospun nanofiber sheet. The nanofiber sheets are porous and have surface indentations that promote the vascularization of the implant, thereby maintain the viability and biofunctions of the cells, as wells as delivering cell-product products to the circulatory system to the benefit of the recipient subject. The implants may further include cell growth factors that can be beneficial to the survival of the cells as to promote angiogenesis and infiltration of the implant by new blood vessels.

Abstract: Biodegradable and nutritionally attractive composition comprising biocidal or antibiotic compounds and/or microbes having bio-adhesion and controlled buoyancy properties are selectively fed to an aquatic organism in open or closed water-bodies, and bioactive components are released upon contact with mucosal tissues such as gill, skin or along the digestive tract of the selected aquatic organism.

Abstract: Described herein are low protein concentration gelling compositions comprising keratin proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to micro-, submicro- or nano-structures comprising amaranth protein, optionally combined with at least one other biopolymer, which structures are suitable for use as an encapsulation matrix. In particular, the invention relates to micro-, submicro- or nano-structures comprising amaranth protein and a polysaccharide. The invention also relates to the production method thereof, said method comprising an electrospinning, electrospraying or blow spinning step. The encapsulated product is characterised in that it comprises an encapsulation matrix formed by micro-, submicro- or nano-structures of the invention and at least one functional ingredient. The invention further relates to the method for obtaining same.

Abstract: A system for targeted delivery of agents (e.g., molecular probes, diagnostic agents, therapeutic agents, imaging agents, research or analytical compounds, enzymes, peptides, proteins, lipids, lipoproteins, sugars, hormones, vitamins, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, and/or cells) including use of a composition containing the agent and a targeting moiety, specific for a determinant at the target location. An exemplary composition of the system includes a targeting moiety of one of peptides ?3, 2?3, 3?3, A1, B7, B8, B9, B1O, and D6, specific for targeting ICAM-I. The system enables effective, versatile, and safe targeting and transport of agents. The system is useful in research applications, as well as in the context of translational science and clinical interventions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental hydrogel and to a method for manufacturing same, and more particularly, to a hydrogel and to a method for manufacturing wherein the hydrogel, which can be freely used during treatment irrespective of the shape of a bone defect region, has a decomposition rate capable of being regulated in situ and can thus be rapidly decomposed over a certain time, i.e., after the completion of bone regeneration. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a hydrogel membrane using the hydrogel which can be applied to a bone defect region irrespective of the shape thereof, and to a method for manufacturing same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to portable facial treatment devices, and methods of using same. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a muscle toning treatment device, comprising: (i) a polarity generator; (ii) a single active electrode assembly comprising a first electrode being adapted to apply electrical current to the area of the skin to be treated; (iii) at least one vibration modality, wherein the vibration modality provides a vibration frequency, of between 5-6 MHz or between 30-35 Hz; (iv) at least one heating modality for heating the skin of the user, wherein the temperature of the heating modality is between 34 and 45 degrees Celsius; and (v) a counter electrode assembly comprising second electrode being adapted to be in continuous contact to a second location of the skin of the user.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to therapeutic compositions that comprise: (1) a nanovector, (2) an active agent; and (3) a targeting agent, wherein the active agent and the targeting agent are non-covalently associated with the nanovector. The present invention also pertains to methods of treating various conditions in a subject by utilizing the above-described therapeutic compositions. Methods of making the therapeutic compositions are also a subject matter the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biomaterial compositions and methods having a technology to improve retention of hyaluronic acid (HA). The biomaterial compositions utilize small HA binding peptides that is tethered to synthetic biocompatible polymers. When tethered to the polymers, the peptide region allows the polymers to bind to HA. The biocompatible polymers are modified to contain a crosslinking group so that the HA can be incorporated into a scaffold and retained in place. The novel biomaterial 1 compositions can be made into hydrogel compositions and used in a variety of tissue applications, using mild crosslinking conditions and they also have the ability to be degraded with hyaluronidase if needed. Furthermore, the novel biomaterial compositions will enable enhanced interaction between the scaffold and encapsulated cells for a wide variety of tissue engineering applications. Methods of making hydrogel compositions and their use are also provided.