Abstract: Compositions and methods for delivering bioactive agents, such as vitamins, hormones, nutrients and drugs, by stabilizing and or solubilizing these agents in a polymer matrix. The carrier polymers can be used in drug delivery and are useful for delivery of small molecules.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of increasing the substantivity of a personal care composition to hair, skin or nails by preparing a composition of an aqueous phase, a non-aqueous phase and a neutralized amino acid ester that is a reaction product of a neutral amino acid having a non-polar side chain with a long chain fatty alcohol and is represented by formula (I): wherein R1 is an alkyl group; R2 is a linear or branched carbon chain; and the amine group of the amino acid is neutralized with an acid. The composition is substantially free of petrochemicals and/or derivatives of petrochemical materials. The aqueous phase and the non-aqueous phase are emulsified by the neutralized amino acid ester. Other methods and an emulsifiers that is the neutralized amino acid ester are included. Because the neutralized amino acid ester and the compositions do not contain petrochemical-derived ingredient, the products are natural.

Abstract: An emulsion includes a lipid, an emulsifier, and ?-polylysine. A method for improving oxidative stability of a lipid includes forming an emulsion that includes the lipid, an emulsifier, and ?-polylysine, such that the emulsion further includes a complex layer at an oil-water interface configured to provide a physical and/or electrostatic barrier against oxidation of the lipid. A method for preparing an emulsion includes combining a lipid, an emulsifier, and ?-polylysine in a mixture; and homogenizing the mixture to provide an emulsion.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to multivalent compositions targeted to cells and tissues. The disclosed targeting is useful for treatment of cancer and other diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compounds and compositions, and methods of using these compounds and compositions, for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. In one embodiment, these compositions are used for the tumor-targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents useful for treating cancer.

Abstract: Oligomeric acylated biosurfactants (“OABs”) having low critical micelle concentrations of from about 1.0 ppm to about 200 ppm, preferably less than about 50 ppm, in an aqueous solution of Minimal Essential Media that can lower the surface tension in the aqueous MEM environment to less than about 50 dynes/cm2 and have the ability to increase metabolic soluble proteins and/or increase synthesis of extracellular skin matrix proteins and/or increase rates of cell turnover while at the same time exhibiting comparatively low toxicity—preferably, an LD50 of greater 200 ppm in 37 year-old female fibroblast cells. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to the use of OABs in formulations that are topically-applied, by which is meant the formulation is placed in direct contact with the skin, hair and nails as well as mucosa of the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, anus and vagina.

Abstract: Described are charge reversible polymers, peptides and their resulting colloidal particles, comprising polymers and peptides having primary and secondary amines that are protected as easily hydrolysable amides. The amides are charge-reversible such that at neutral pH they are negatively charged but become positively charged at pH less than 6 and thus are relatively stable at neutral pH but quickly hydrolyze at pH below 6. Incorporating a drug in a micelle or a polymer comprised of the charge-reversible polymers or peptides provides a drug carrier for delivering the drug preferentially to the solid tumor or other targeted cells.

Abstract: A cell cultivation carrier implantable in vivo having independent pore with opening of 100 ?m-1000 ?m on the surface thereof produced by neutralization•gellation of collagen acidic solution, said collagen acidic solution is preliminary prepared by passing through a filter of 10 ?m or less pore size by 5-20 mg/mL concentration. Especially, a cell cultivation carrier implantable in vivo having sufficiently self-organized accumulation shape•structure obtained by carrying out said neutralization under directionally supplying of alkali.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a refinement of the processing of particles that are to form a dry powder formulation which is to be administered to the lung using a dry powder inhaler (DPI) device. In particular, the present invention provides the processing of particles of active material and particles of carrier material in the presence of additive material to provide a powder composition which exhibits excellent powder properties and which is economical to produce.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising cross-linkers for cross-linking a retention vehicle polymer. The compositions are particularly useful for local administration of a bioactive agent, wherein prolonged or extended availability of the bioactive agent at the site of administration is desired. Also disclosed are methods of delivering the compositions to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition exhibiting delayed transit through the gastrointestinal tract comprising one or more active agents, fenugreek fiber and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The present invention further relates to gastroretentive dosage forms comprising fenugreek fibers.

Abstract: We have disclosed affinity peptides toward BMP-2. More specifically we have disclosed an affinity biomatrix where the affinity peptide is covalently attached to a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer. The affinity biomatrix is useful in preparing controlled release devices for BMP-2.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for preparing aqueous insoluble, ductile, flexible silk fibroin films. The silk films comprise silk fibroin and about 10% to about 50% (w/w) glycerol, and are prepared by entirely aqueous processes. The ductile silk film may be further treated by extracting the glycerol from and re-drying the silk film. Active agents may be embedded in or deposited on the glycerol modified silk film for a variety of medical applications. The films may be into 3-dimentional structures, or placed on support surfaces as labels or coatings. The glycerol modified silk films of the present invention are useful in variety of applications such as tissue engineering, medical devices or implants, drug delivery, and edible pharmaceutical or food labels.

Abstract: A novel polyoxyalkylene derivative represented by the following formula (1), wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, which has a functional group capable of reacting with various physiologically active substances according to the object is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for intracellular delivery of a cargo comprising at least one component A chosen from aliphatic linear or branched moieties with at least 4 carbon atoms and/or cyclic ring systems comprising 2-4 rings which may contain several hetero atoms chosen from N, S, O and P, wherein component(s) A is (are) attached to a cell penetrating peptide B and/or a non-peptide analogue thereof. It also relates to methods of using the system in diagnosis of diseases, as research tool and as a targeting system, a composition comprising the system and especially a pharmaceutical composition a material covered with the system and a material having the delivery systems into the material. Finally it relates to novel peptides.

Abstract: Stabilized radiopharmaceutical formulations are disclosed. Methods of making and using stabilized radiopharmaceutical formulations are also disclosed. The invention relates to stabilizers that improve the radiostability of radiotherapeutic and radiodiagnostic compounds, and formulations containing them. In particular, it relates to stabilizers useful in the preparation and stabilization of targeted radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic compounds, and, in a preferred embodiment, to the preparation and stabilization of radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic compounds that are targeted to the Gastrin Releasing Peptide Receptor (GRP-Receptor).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition including: (a) an active ingredient other than bendamustine; (b) a charged cyclopolysaccharide comprising at least one charged group; and (c) a stabilizing agent comprising at least one charged group having a charge opposite to that of the cyclopolysaccharide. The composition provides unexpectedly desirable stability in reactive environments such as plasma which contain entities (such as enzymes, other proteins and the like) and/or conditions which can decompose or deactivate the active ingredient.

Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked polymers, and methods for their preparation and use, are disclosed in which the biocompatible crosslinked polymers are formed from water soluble precursors having electrophilic and nucleophilic functional groups capable of reacting and crosslinking in situ. Methods for making the resulting biocompatible crosslinked polymers biodegradable, or not, are provided, as are methods for controlling the rate of degradation. The crosslinking reactions may be carried out in situ on organs or tissues or outside the body. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants. Visualization agents may be included with the crosslinked polymers. Embodiments that include hydrogels having isolated hydrolytically degradable esters are set forth.

Abstract: There is provided a gelator that is capable of forming a gel by an extremely small amount of addition in a wide pH range from acidic to alkaline regions, and a gel having high environmental compatibility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. A gelator comprising: a lipid peptide of Formula (1) wherein R1 is a C9-23 aliphatic group, R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-4 alkyl group optionally having a C1-2 branched chain, R3 is a —(CH2)n-X group, n is a number from 1 to 4, and X is an amino group, a guanidino group, a —CONH2 group, or a 5-membered ring optionally having 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms, a 6-membered ring optionally having 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms, or a fused heterocycle including a 5-membered ring and a 6-membered ring that optionally has 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms); or a pharmaceutically usable salt of the lipid peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silk proteins which can be used to produce silk with a cross-beta structure, as well as nucleic acids encoding such proteins. The present invention also relates to recombinant cells and/or organisms which synthesize silk proteins. Silk proteins of the invention can be used for a variety of purposes such as in the production of personal care products, plastics, textiles, and biomedical products.

Abstract: A composition for cryopreservation of cells and tissues of human and other animals in a safe manner without using toxic substances such as DMSO, as well as for freeze preserving or freeze-drying of foods and pharmaceuticals. In examples, ?-poly-L-lysine is reacted with succinic anhydride so that 60% or more of amino groups are blocked; and, thus obtained polymer compound is added to Dulbecco-modified eagle MEM culture medium (DMEM) on market sale to form a cryopreservation liquid. In examples for foods or pharmaceuticals, the ?-poly-L-lysine derivative was added by 0.5-10 wt % to curb freeze concentration.

Abstract: This invention provides for compositions, methods and devices for rapidly converting silk fibroin solution into a silk fibroin gel using direct application of voltage, in a process called electrogelation. The silk fibroin gel may be reversibly converted back to liquid form by applying reverse voltage or may be converted further to ?-sheet structure by applying shear force or other treatments. The electrogelated silk may be used as an extracted bulk gel, spray or stream of gel for processing into materials or devices, or may be used as silk gel coating to devices. Active agents may be embedded in the silk gel for various medical applications. This invention also provides for methods and compositions for preparing adhesive silk pH-gels. For example, the method comprises reducing pH level of a silk fibroin solution to increase the bulk or local proton concentration of the silk fibroin solution, thereby forming adhesive silk gels.

Abstract: Methods for treating bladder cancer comprising intravesicular administration of a stabilized pharmaceutical formulation comprising 5-(1-aziridinyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-2-[(E)-3-hydroxyprop-1-enyl]-1-methyl-1H-indole-4,7-dione (EO9). More specifically, the stabilized pharmaceutical formulation is instilled in the bladder for a time sufficient to treat the cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for delivery of taxanes in stable oil-in-water emulsion. The inventive emulsion formulation includes an oil phase, aqueous and emulsifier phases. The oil portion includes all or substantial amount of taxane, vegetable oil and medium chain triglycerides; aqueous phase includes an emulsion stabilizer; emulsifier phase reduces the surface tension between oil and aqueous phases to produce a stable oil-in-water emulsion. The inventive compositions produce minimal side effects upon administration.

Abstract: The invention discloses nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge. The bioactive agent is hydrophobic or lipophilic in nature and is associated with micelles before being encapsulated in nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising the proteose peptone fraction (PPf). In particular, the present invention relates to a method for the production of an extract comprising a demineralised protein fraction depleted in ?-lactoglobulin and enriched in the PPf and to uses of these extracts, e.g. in a food product, a food supplement, a nutritional, a pharmaceutical and/or a cosmetic composition, for example as emulsifier or as foaming agent. The PPf fraction of the present invention may be obtained by adjustment of the pH of an aqueous native protein dispersion to about 5.6 to 8.4, or to about 3.5 to 5.0, heating the aqueous native protein dispersion to about 70-95° C. for about 10 seconds to 60 minutes, removing at least a part of the formed solid large molecular weight aggregates with a diameter of at least 100 nm from the aqueous protein dispersion after heating and collecting the remaining liquid fraction of the dispersion.

Abstract: The invention is based on the identification of aminopeptidase N (APN) as the receptor for F4 fimbriae of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Based on the observation that oral administration of F4 fimbriae induces a protective intestinal mucosal immune response against a subsequent challenge with F4 ETEC, and the observation that the internalization of said F4 fimbriae is clathrin-mediated, the present invention provides the characterization of APN as a target useful in: in an in vitro assay to screen for molecules that are capable to mimic the clathrin-mediated F4 endocytosis; in an in vitro assay to screen for molecules that are capable to modulate the binding of F4 fimbriae with APN; in the development of a carrier for the delivery of antigens/therapeutics, i.e. immunomodulators to the intestinal submucosa or the intestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, wherein said carrier comprises an APN specific target molecule that mimics the clathrin-mediated F4 endocytosis.

Abstract: Non-aggregating resorbable calcium phosphosilicate nanoparticles (CPNPs) are bioconjugated to targeting molecules that are specific for particular cells. The CPNPs are stable particles at normal physiological pH. Chemotherapy and imaging agents may be integrally formed with the CPNPs so that they are compartmentalized within the CPNPs. In this manner, the agents are protected from interaction with the environment at normal physiological pH. However, once the CPNPs have been taken up, at intracellular pH, the CPNPs dissolve releasing the agent. Thus, chemotherapeutic or imaging agents are delivered to specific cells and permit the treatment and/or imaging of those cells. Use of the bioconjugated CPNPs both limits the amount of systemic exposure to the agent and delivers a higher concentration of the agent to the cell. The methods and principals of bioconjugating CPNPs are taught by examples of bioconjugation of targeting molecules for breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and leukemia.

Abstract: An oil body carrier, its uses in target therapy and/or detection, and a fusion protein comprised therein are provided. The oil body carrier comprises: a) the fusion protein, comprising an oil body protein and a ligand peptide, an antibody peptide, a cell penetrating peptide, or combinations thereof, and b) a lipid, wherein the weight/volume (?g/?l) ratio of the fusion protein and the lipid is at least about 1/25, and the average particle size of the oil body carrier is about 10 nm to about 2,000 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic agents and compositions comprising elastic peptides and therapeutic proteins. Such peptides exhibit a flexible, extended conformation. In some embodiments, the therapeutic protein is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (e.g., GLP-1, exendin), insulin, or Factor VII/VIIa, including functional analogs. The present invention further provides encoding polynucleotides, as well as methods of making and using the therapeutic agents. The therapeutic agents have improvements in relation to their use as therapeutics, including, inter alia, one or more of half-life, clearance and/or persistence in the body, solubility, and bioavailability.

Abstract: The invention provides palatability enhancers containing at least one animal digest and at least one surfactant and methods for using such palatability enhancers to enhance the palatability of comestible compositions.

Abstract: This invention concerns a manufacturing process for nanoparticles composted of biodegradable polymers and active ingredients with therapeutic, cosmetic, veterinary, and alimentary applications, and a composition which contains said nanoparticles, which are used in products for animals, including humans. The process consists of emulsifying the hydrosoluble substances to form a w/o emulsion; dissolving the non-emulsionable substances, liposoluble polymer or polymer/compounds in organic solvents; mixing the w/o emulsion and the organic solution of the hydrophobics to form a pre-emulsioned mixture; adding the pre-emulsioned mixture, with the assistance of an injector system, to an aqueous emulsifier solution under ultradispersion to form the final emulsion; leading the final emulsion to evaporation, then centrifuge, freeze, and lyophilize.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation containing an angiotensin-II receptor blocker and a release-control material as a pharmacologically active ingredient and a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an immediate-release compartment and an extended-release compartment. The immediate-release compartment contains an agent as a pharmacologically active ingredient for preventing and inhibiting hepatitis and the extended-release compartment has an angiotensin-II receptor blocker as a pharmacologically active ingredient. The formulation of the present invention maximizes the effectiveness on pharmacologically and clinically lowering blood pressure and preventing complications when taking the formulation, helps to avoid interaction with a drug which is metabolized by the same enzyme in the liver, and prevents and inhibits the incidence of drug-induced hepatitis which is caused by drug administration for a long time.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for mucosal delivery of agents are provided. The compositions are intended for administration to mucosal surface, such as oral, gastrointestinal and nasal mucosa. The compositions provided contain one or more mucoadhesive proteins and an agent to be delivered. Methods for delivery of agents using the compositions provided herein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of killing and/or inactivating microbes, the method comprising the step of placing the microbes in contact with a catalyst by means of a fluid medium, wherein the catalyst comprises a solid support, which solid support comprises one or more fibres, and a first metal cation fixed to the support. The fibres are keratinous fibres like wool fibres, or polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibres. The first metal cation is selected from transition metal copper, silver and gold included. A second non-transition metal cation can be present. The catalyst is prepared by first treating the fibres with hydrazine and/or hydroxylamine salt in presence of a base, the modified fibres are then treated with an aqueous solution of containing the metal cations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for repairing a ruptured connective tissue are disclosed. The composition may include a first biocompatible material to provide a scaffold for connective tissue cell growth and tissue repair. This first biocompatible material may withstand a tensile load of up to 250 N. The composition may also include a second biocompatible material including at least one bioactive agent that can stimulate connective tissue cell growth and tissue repair. The method may include positioning a first end of the first biocompatible material adjacent a first end of a ruptured connective tissue, positioning a second end of the first biocompatible material adjacent a second end of the ruptured connective tissue, and anchoring the first biocompatible material to the first and second tendon ends. The method may alternatively comprise or further include positioning a second biocompatible material between the first and second ends of the ruptured connective tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means of delivering imaging agents and/or therapeutic agents to specific cellular sites in an animal involving the use of a viral capsid that is chemically modified on it exterior and/or interior surfaces.

Abstract: A process is provided of delivering at least one active agent cargo molecule into an neuronal cell whereby a cargo molecule is placed within a synthetic vesicle such as a liposome and a biotinylated protein such as an antibody is bound to the synthetic vesicle to form a protein bound synthetic vesicle whereby the protein recognizes a receptor expressed on the surface of a neuronal cell, and exposing the protein bound synthetic vesicle to the cell until the cargo molecule is delivered into the neuronal cell. Numerous cargo molecules are delivered by the inventive synthetic vesicle including a calpain inhibitor and a caspase inhibitor. The protein illustratively targets a cellular receptor for a ligand such as glutamate, glycine, dopamine, nicotine, muscarine, acetylcholine, or serotonin, and the like.

Abstract: A method of preparing a salt product comprises the steps of: (i) providing a mixture which comprises salt dissolved in a solvent, said mixture further containing an organic material that is solid under ambient temperature conditions; and (ii) atomising said mixture and evaporating said solvent to produce a salt product comprised of particles of salt incorporating said organic material. The organic material may be a polymer such as a carbohydrate (e.g. maltodextrin or Gum Arabic). Novel salt products are disclosed which comprise hollow particles having a shell formed for individual crystallites of salt. The salt product is useful as a seasoning for food and may be used in lower amounts than conventional salt to provide the same taste. Particular advantages are obtained in the baking of bread.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding porcine taste receptors, polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acids, and methods of using the nucleic acids and polypeptides to identify compounds that enhance umami taste.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel materials based on biodegradable polyamino acids, particularly useful for the vectorisation of active principals (PA). The invention further relates to novel, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, dietary or phytosanitary compositions. The invention provides novel polymeric raw material, for use in the vectorisation of PA and with an optimal match for all the requirements of the type: biocompatibility, biodegradability, stability, ability to easily associate with numerous active principals or to solubilise the same and to liberate said active principals in vivo. Said aim is achieved with polyamino acids comprising aspartic and/or glutamate units, some of which carry at least one graft, characterised in that at least one of said grafts is bonded to an aspartic or glutamate unit by means of an amino acids spacer based on Leu, and/or Ileu, and/or Val, and/or Phe and a hydrophobic group with C6-C30 is connected by an ester bond to the spacer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humectant composition containing, as component (A), at least one member selected from a menthol derivative represented by the following formula (1) and p-menthane-3,8-diol: in which R is an alkylene group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms which may be substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of a methyl group and a hydroxyl group, and n is an integer of 1 to 3. The humectant composition of the present invention provides an excellent moisture-retention effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agonists of the human bitter-taste receptor hTAS2R40 and their role in bitter taste transduction. The invention also relates to assays for screening molecules that modulate, e.g. suppress or block hTAS2R40 bitter taste transduction or bitter taste response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to delayed release oral formulations comprising active ingredients and modified proteins used as excipients. The proteins have chemical modifications such as succmylation, deammation, glytarylation or phosphorylation which decrease the isoelectric point of the protein compared to the protein's native isoelectric point and enhance protem-protem interactions, thereby reducing solubility and swelling, and delaying release of the active ingredient when the formulation is ingested orally. Particularly, the invention relates to tablets that comprise an excipient of chemically-modified food proteins such as soy proteins or -lactoglobulm useful for delaying release of an active ingredient such as a pharmaceutical drug or a probiotic.

Abstract: A delivery device including at least one stinging capsule and methods of use are described.

Abstract: The present invention describes the modification of polypeptides, more particularly channel proteins with a thiol reactive agent so as to introduce an azide group. The present invention further describes vesicles comprising channel proteins modified according to the invention, which upon reaction with a phosphine open up thereby releasing the content of the vesicles. The reagents, polypeptides and vesicles described in the present invention have in vivo and in vitro applications in both drug delivery and imaging.

Abstract: A protein-phospholipid dispersion preparation in a drug delivery system is provided, in which the weight ratio of protein to phospholipid is 1:300-300:1 and the particle size is between 5 nm and 1000 nm. The preparation process of the said preparation contains the mixture of protein phase and phospholipid phase and the homogenization process. The said drug delivery system can be used in many different pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of oligomers and polymers capable of rendering insoluble drugs soluble, protecting unstable drugs, and facilitating the delivery of drugs to their site of action. This invention further relates to processes for the preparation of such oligomers and polymers, and to compositions containing them. In some instances, oligomers, polymers, and/or mixtures thereof can be used to protect a protein drug. Such structures can include at least one recognition element covalently attached to a hydrophilic element, wherein said recognition element or elements interact noncovalently with the protein drug to form a complex in which said protein drug is protected from degradation, recognition by the immune system, and/or renal excretion.

Abstract: The present invention provides colloidally stable dispersions of nanoparticles comprising beta-lactoglobulin and a polysaccharide which are transparent when diluted in aqueous media. In particular these colloidally stable dispersions of nanoparticles are useful as delivery vehicles of hydrophobic nutraceuticals and fat-soluble vitamins, for enrichment of food products, especially of transparent beverages and other non-fat or low fat foods and drinks. The present invention further provides methods for the preparation of said colloidally stable dispersions.

Abstract: The embodiments set forth herein provide biocompatible self-setting compositions suitable for use in tissue augmentation applications. The biocompatible self-setting compositions described herein exhibit advantageous theological properties and may be applied to a site in the body of a patient by injecting the composition through a 20-30 gauge needle. Once applied to a site in the body, the composition sets to a slow resorbing or substantially non-resorbing matrix. Advantageously, exposure of the composition material to body heat at its site of use enhances setting of the composition.