Abstract: The application of a highly controlled, micron-sized, branched, porous architecture to enhance the handling properties and degradation rate of hydrogels is described in the instant invention. A previously described pattern created through one-step nucleated crystallization in a hydrogel film creates tunable mechanical properties and/or chemical stability for use in tissue engineering applications. The bulk mechanical properties and the degradation rate of the material can be tuned easily by the addition or subtraction of crystalline structure or by the addition and subtraction of backfill material, making this useful for a variety of applications. Relevant mechanical properties that can be tuned through the application of this unique porosity are moduli, elasticity, tensile strength, and compression strength. The method of the present invention can be applied to biopolymers and natural materials as well as synthetic materials.

Abstract: A process for the formation of an ionic gel comprising contacting a first polyelectrolyte reactant having a backbone comprising a plurality of ?-1,4-glycosidic linkages in the 4C1 conformation and an oligoelectrolyte reactant or second polyelectrolyte reactant, having a backbone containing a plurality of ?-1,4-glycosidic linkages in the 4C1 conformation, in aqueous solution under pH conditions such that one reactant is charged and the other uncharged; adding a donor to adjust the pH such that said uncharged reactant possesses a charge opposite to that of the charged reactant so as to form an ionic gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a shaped article containing at least one skeleton-forming agent, proteins being excepted, optionally one or more active substances and also optionally one or more auxiliary substances for the purpose of external application, to a process for producing the stated shaped articles, and also to novel shaped articles.

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: The present disclosure relates to a hydrogel composition and methods of using the same. The hydrogel composition may include precursors that react with each other upon contact as well as precursors that react upon contact with an initiator. In embodiments, the resulting hydrogels may have varying levels of crosslinking with both denser and less dense regions.

Abstract: Among other aspects, provided herein are multi-armed polymer conjugates comprising an alkanoate-linker, compositions comprising such conjugates, and related methods of making and administering the same. Methods of treatment employing such conjugates and related uses are also provided. The conjugates are prepared with high drug loading efficiencies.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid food composition capable of semi-solidifying in the stomach, which is a one-pack type product containing a water-soluble dietary fiber preliminarily added thereto and in the form of a liquid that can be easily taken, and stably sustains the liquid nature thereof during distribution and storage. The liquid food composition, which is capable of semi-solidifying in an acidic region, comprises a water-soluble dietary fiber (a), a specific metal compound (b), a protein (c) and an emulsifier (d), and the particle size distribution of particles contained in said liquid food composition shows two or more peaks in a neutral region.

Abstract: The invention relates, in one aspect, to a mucoadhesive edible slow dissolving film comprising a salt of alginic acid, an edible cellulose derivative, an edible protein, and edible polymer delaying the dissolution in a physiological fluid of the edible film selected from polyvinylpyrrolidone, a carboxyvinyl polymer and mixtures thereof, in an amount effective to delay the dissolution time of the film in a biological fluid. The edible film is suitable for cicatrizing oral ulcerations or lesions or for forming a layer on oral mucosae or gingiva affected by ulcerations or lesions for protecting against mechanical abrasions, infections or caustic agents.

Abstract: Microencapsulation of bioactive and chemical cargo in a stable, cross-linked polymer matrix is presented that results in small particle sizes and is easily scaled-up for industrial applications. A formulation of a salt of an acid soluble multivalent ion, an acid neutralized with a volatile base and one or more monomers that cross-link in the presence of multivalent ions is atomized into droplets. Cross-linking is achieved upon atomization where the volatile base is vaporized resulting in a reduction of the pH of the formulation and the temporal release of multivalent ions from the salt that cross-link the monomers forming a capsule. The incorporation of additional polymers or hydrophobic compounds in the formulation allows control of hydration properties of the particles to control the release of the encapsulated compounds. The operational parameters can also be controlled to affect capsule properties such as particle-size and particle-size distribution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a hydrogel matrix comprising cartilage-forming cells wherein alginate, chitosan and cartilage-forming cells are mixed and subsequently polymerized into beads.

Abstract: A biocompatible polymeric composition for cross-linking in-situ in a wound is disclosed comprising 1) one or more polyanionic polymers such as alginates or hyaluronates, able to be cross-linked the surface of the wound and 2) one or more polycationic polymers such as chitosan or DEAE-Dextran, that assists in the solidification process as well as speeds up hemostasis without the need for applying pressure. The biocompatible polymeric composition may further comprise a cross-linking agent such as aqueous calcium chloride. The invention encompasses an initial polymeric composition, the solidified matrix cross-linked and integrated at the wound site, including the methods of using, applying, and cross-linking the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsified hydrogel composition and to a production method therefor, wherein, by incorporating between 20 and 30 percent by weight of a gelling solution and an emulsion obtained by mixing between 45 and 60 percent by weight of an aqueous component and between 15 and 30 percent by weight of an oil component, it is possible to simultaneously provide the skin with an aqueous fraction and an oil fraction, and it is possible to enhance functionality due to the inclusion of a high content of a dermatologically active component dissolved in the oil component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hyaluronic acid epoxide derivative film comprises a polymer containing a hydroxyl (—OH) terminal group. The film is prepared by allowing an epoxy crosslinker to react with a mixture of hyaluronic acid and a polymer containing a hydroxyl (—OH) terminal group and has improved physical strength, in vivo stability, flexibility, adhesiveness to biological tissue, and biocompatibility.

Abstract: Use of a moulding composition comprising a polymer and a setting agent for wound debridement, wherein said use comprises adding water to said moulding composition to form a moulding fluid, applying said moulding fluid to a surface of a wound, allowing said moulding fluid to set in contact with said surface to form a solid covering on said surface, followed by removing said solid covering from the wound. The alginate composition adheres strongly to bacterial biofilms on the wound, whereby the biofilms are removed with the alginate composition. The moulding composition may be used in conjunction with a staining agent that undergoes a colour change in the presence of bacteria or bacterial polysaccharides to show the presence and removal of the biofilm. Also provided are methods of treating wounds using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrogel and a method of making a porous hydrogel by preparing an aqueous mixture of an uncrosslinked polymer and a crystallizable molecule; casting the mixture into a vessel; allowing the cast mixture to dry to form an amorphous hydrogel film; seeding the cast mixture with a seed crystal of the crystallizable molecule; growing the crystallizable molecule into a crystal structure within the uncrosslinked polymer; crosslinking the polymer around the crystal structure under conditions in which the crystal structure within the crosslinked polymer is maintained; and dissolving the crystals within the crosslinked polymer to form the porous hydrogel.

Abstract: A film comprising as a film-forming agent an alginate salt of monovalent cation or a mixture of alginate salts containing at least one alginate salt of monovalent cation, the film-forming agent being such that a 10% aqueous solution thereof at a temperature of 20° C. has a viscosity of 100-1000 mPas, as measured at a shear rate of 20 rpm by use of a Brookfield viscometer with a spindle No. 2. A method of preparing the film. The film is useful for delivery of active ingredients to a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for oral administration. The invention preferably comprises at least one abuse-resistant drug delivery composition for delivering a drug having potential for dose dumping in alcohol, related methods of preparing these dosage forms, and methods of treating a patient in need thereof comprising administering the inventive compositions to the patient. Most preferably, the dosage form includes verapamil. These formulations have reduced potential for abuse. In another formulation, preferably the abuse relevant drug is an opioid and the non-abuse relevant drug is acetaminophen or ibuprofen. More preferably, the opioid is hydrocodone, and the non-abuse relevant analgesic is acetaminophen. In certain preferred embodiments, the dosage forms are characterized by resistance to solvent extraction; tampering, crushing or grinding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid dispersions including, but not limited to, co-processed carbohydrates with different solubilities and concentrations, which have a microcrystalline plate structure. The solid dispersions, excipient systems and formulations of the present invention are highly compactable and durable and when compressed into solid dosage forms demonstrate uniform densification, low friability at low pressures, and and/or relatively constant low disintegration times at various hardnesses. The solid dosage forms of the present invention demonstrate superior organoleptics, disintegration, and/or robustness.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to topical compositions, comprising isoflavone nanoparticle compositions. The isoflavone nanoparticle compositions contain isoflavone in the form of nanoparticles and preferably a carrier. In the topical compositions recrystallization of the isoflavone to bigger particles is avoided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alginic acid and/or its salts with low molecular weight, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the alginic acid is from about 700 to about 4500 Daltons, and the molar ratio of guluronic acid to mannuronic acid in the alginic acid is from about 0.6 to about 19. The present invention also discloses the preparative method of making the alginic acid and/or its salts thereof, and the use of them for treating hypertension, chronic renal failure and postprandial hyperglycemia induced by glycosidase. The present invention further discloses pharmaceutical compositions and foods containing the alginic acid with low molecular weight and/or salts thereof as active component.

Abstract: Composite material suitable for biomedical use, comprising a first phase consisting of a reticulated hydrogel deriving from a polymer chosen from among polymers N-methyl-amides derivatives of carboxymethylcellulose, alginic acid or carboxymethyl starch and a second phase which comprises a solution of the above polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an agent for skin external preparation which is hardly reduced in viscosity even when stored for a long period under extreme high temperature storage conditions and is therefore stable. The preparation is in an emulsion form, and comprises (1) an alginic acid polyol ester having an esterification degree ranging from 75 to 95% (e.g., alginic acid propylene glycol ester) and/or a salt thereof; (2) a polyvalent metal ion (e.g., a calcium ion); and (3) a 4-alkylresolcinol (e.g., 4-n-butylresolcinol) and/or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hyaluronic acid epoxide derivative film comprises a polymer containing a hydroxyl (—OH) terminal group. The film is prepared by allowing an epoxy crosslinker to react with a mixture of hyaluronic acid and a polymer containing a hydroxyl (—OH) terminal group and has improved physical strength, in vivo stability, flexibility, adhesiveness to biological tissue, and biocompatibility.

Abstract: Drug formulations, devices and methods are provided to deliver biologically active substances to the eye. The formulations are delivered into scleral tissues adjacent to or into the suprachoroidal space without damage to the underlying choroid. One class of formulations is provided wherein the formulation is localized in the suprachoroidal space near the region into which it is administered. Another class of formulations is provided wherein the formulation can migrate to another region of the suprachoroidal space, thus allowing an injection in the anterior region of the eye in order to treat the posterior region.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition that, despite containing alginic acid and/or a salt thereof, has improved tackiness during use and provides a satisfactory use feeling. The composition has an improved ability to remain on the eye mucosa. The ophthalmic composition contains (A) alginic acid and/or a salt thereof in combination with (B) hyaluronic acid and/or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to stable oleaginous cosmetic or therapeutic foam compositions containing certain active agents, having unique therapeutic properties and methods of treatment using such compositions. The foamable composition includes at least one solvent selected from a hydrophobic solvent, a silicone oil, an emollient, a co-solvent, and mixtures thereof, wherein the solvent is present at a concentration of about 70% to about 96.5% by weight of the total composition, at least a non-ionic surface-active agent at a concentration of about 0.1% to less than about 10% by weight of the total composition; at least one gelling agent at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the total composition; a therapeutically effective amount of at least one active agent; and at least one liquefied or compressed gas propellant, at a concentration of about 3% to about 25% by weight of the total composition.

Abstract: A composition for the treatment of adhesions that are formed as a result of an inflammatory response comprising an aqueous formulation containing the polysaccharide dextrin in an effective amount. The invention also discloses a method of treating adhesions that are formed as a result of an inflammatory response.

Abstract: The present invention is a substantially non-adhesive elastic gelatin matrix. The matrix is both non-adhesive to wounds, tissues and organs and is also elastic such that it is flexible. The matrix is a lyophilized mixture of protein(s), polymer(s), cross-linking agent(s) and optional plasticizer(s). The invention also provides methods for making the non-adhesive elastic gelatin matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an oral dosage form based on microgranules and/or microtablets to reduce the abusive use of at least one active principle contained therein. The aim of the invention is to prevent the diversion of an oral dosage form based on microgranules and/or microtablets containing at least one active principle capable of causing a dependency, a gelling agent, and a gelling activator. The gelling agent and the activator are only brought into contact with each other in the event of diversion by crushing. Said judiciously selected pair of excipients confers a viscosity to the formulation, such that said formulation cannot be administered by injection or does not release the active principle rapidly by forming a gel when it comes into contact with the mucous membrane if nasally administered.

Abstract: An enteric coating composition including about 0.01% to about 10% resin and about 0.01% to about 10% polymer. The enteric coating composition may be applied to a substrate, such as a pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, fruit, vegetable, agricultural product, or industrial product, to form an enteric coating on the substrate. Also provided is a multiple-component system having a first component including a resin and a second component including a polymer, wherein mixing the first component and the second component forms an enteric coating composition having about 0.01% to about 10% resin and about 0.01% to about 10% polymer. Methods for coating a substrate with the enteric coating compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for administering a dermatological agent to a subject are provided. In the subject methods an effective amount of a topical formulation of the dermatological agent is topically applied to a host. The topically applied formulation of dermatological agent is then occluded with a hydrogel patch, where a feature of the hydrogel patch is that it lacks a pharmaceutically active agent. Also provided are methods of treating a subject for a disease condition by administering a dermatological agent to the subject. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: A method of forming particles, comprises accelerating a first stream comprising a first liquid, applying a charging voltage of at most 1.5 kV to the first stream, and vibrating the first stream, to form particles.

Abstract: Provided herein according to some embodiments of the invention are methods of inhibiting or preventing calcification of hydrogels. Such methods may include combining the hydrogel with a buffer solution having a pH lower than 7.4; forming a hydrogel by crosslinking alginate in a solution comprising a bisphosphonate compound; and/or forming a hydrogel by crosslinking a polyanionic polymer with a polyvalent cation that is not Ca2+. Compositions that may be used in such methods are also provided herein. Also provided herein according to some embodiments of the invention are methods of bone regeneration and/or formation that include administering a hydrogel that does not encapsulate biological material that affects calcification and/or bone formation to an area of a subject's body that is in need of bone formation and/or regeneration.

Abstract: A gel production apparatus includes a liquid ejection device which ejects a gel forming solution containing 0.3 to 10 wt % of sodium alginate and 4 to 60 wt % of glycerin into either one of an aqueous calcium chloride solution containing 1.0 wt % or more of calcium chloride and an aqueous calcium acetate solution containing 1.0 wt % or more of calcium acetate, thereby forming a gel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capsule comprising a water-soluble compound suitable for the capsule, a non-water soluble excipient suitable for the capsule; and suitable for the capsule, and a mixture of colorant agents, wherein the color of the capsule may be in the range of 15<L<90; ?30<a<+75; ?37<b<+46 as measured in accordance with the Lab color space. The present invention further includes capsules containing a filling such as food, medicine, cosmetics, agrichemicals, feed or active biological ingredient.

Abstract: A drug delivery system which comprises alginate tube that is prepared by coating a substrate with alginate gel. One or more therapeutic drugs may also be present in the alginate gel or in the cavity of the tube. The activity of the alginate drug delivery system is highly adjustable so that the release may be controlled as required. The rate at which the system releases the drug and the concentration of the drug released can be adjusted by varying; the number of layers of the alginate tubes, the number of open or closed ends of the tubes, or the number of tube layers containing the drug.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition is disclosed having a viscosity enhancement system comprised of two different viscosity enhancing agents. The aqueous composition contains a first viscosity enhancing agent that provides enhanced viscosity upon dispensing of the composition to the eye and a second viscosity agent that increases viscosity (e.g., gels or partially gels) after dispensing of the composition to the eye to provide extended viscosity enhancement of the composition.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating post-myocardial infarction damage are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, a carrier with a treatment agent may be fabricated. The carrier can be formulated from a bioerodable, sustained-release substance. The resultant loaded carrier may then be suspended in at least one component of a two-component matrix system for simultaneous delivery to a post-myocardial infarction treatment area.

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: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable medical devices comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue. The triggerable bioadhesive property of the polymer can be triggered or activated by exposure to a stimulus. Also, the present invention pertains to methods of making an implantable medical device comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Personal care products, including cosmetics, are provided as solid, water-soluble polymeric films which adhere to a human integument when wetted. The invention also relates to such films having plural laminated layers, at least two of which possess different cosmetic or therapeutic characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed are aerosol-mediated methods for synthesizing particles for biomedical and drug delivery applications. The method is based on the production of particles from sprayed polymeric micro or nano-droplets obtained by, for example, an air-jet nebulization process that is followed by gelation and/or hardening in a crosslinking fluid, non-solvent, precipitating solvent, or supercritical fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric material comprising a conductive polymer substantially homogeneously distributed within a hydrogel. Also disclosed are methods for making the polymeric material and uses for the polymeric material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gastric resistant pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition, comprising a core, comprising a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical active ingredient and a gastric resistant coating layer onto the core, wherein the release of the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical active ingredient is not more than 15% under in-vitro conditions at pH 1.

Abstract: A non-synthetic, hydrophilic, biodegradable, biocompatible polysaccharide based non-toxic anti-adhesion hydrogel barrier is disclosed herein. The barrier of the present invention is formed by constructing a unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network with a unique porosity. Furthermore, the barrier of the present invention is comprised of tunable biopolymers for controllable mechanical robustness and degradation. The barrier of the present invention effectively reduces unwanted adhesions using non-synthetic components.

Abstract: A plasma coating device for treating a wound comprises a plasma chamber having: one or more electrodes, a gas supply inlet, a plasma outlet exposed to ambient pressure, and an ignition system operatively connected to the electrodes for providing a non-thermal equilibrium plasma within the plasma chamber. An aerosol delivery system is operable to introduce a bioresorbable material as an aerosol into the plasma, to produce a coating on the wound surface.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a coating composition, which is used for an orally-administered preparation, the administering property of which has been improved, and/or an easily administrable preparation that does not affect dissolution property. The aforementioned object can be achieved using a coating composition comprising a first thickener selected from the group consisting of a carboxyvinyl polymer and sodium alginate, a polyvalent metal compound, and at least one type of a second thickener selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum and sodium alginate, with the proviso that when the first thickener is sodium alginate the second thickener is not sodium alginate, or using a coating composition comprising, as thickeners, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and sugar or sugar alcohol having a solubility at 20° C. of 30 or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curable dental retraction composition for reacting gingiva from a prepared tooth structure. The composition comprises an alginate, a di- and/or trivalent ion source, water, a retarder and a filler.