Abstract: The present invention provides branched water-soluble polymers that allow two or more water-soluble polymers to be conjugated to another species. The branched polymers provide access to therapeutic agents that are conjugated at a single site to two or more water-soluble polymers. The branched polymers are based upon branch points that are simple branched alkyl structures, reactive side-chain amino acids and small peptides of reactive side-chain amino acids, and saccharides. Also provided is a method for preparing mono-disperse poly(ethylene glycol) of a well-defined and determinable molecular weight, and a method for the rational end-functionalization of poly(ethylene glycol). Conjugates of the branched water-soluble polymers with diverse species, e.g., peptides, lipids, glycolipids and small molecules are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalizing a surface of an organic material. For example, surfaces of materials having C—H bonds, such as polymers having C—H bonds, can be functionalized. In certain embodiments, a heterobifunctional molecule having a photoactive anchor, a spacer, and a terminal functional group is applied to the surface of an organic material that contains one or more C—H bonds. The heterobifunctional molecule can be bound to any surface having C—H bonds as the photoactive anchor can react with C—H bonds upon irradiation. The terminal functional group has a “click” functionality which can be utilized to functionalize the surface of the organic material with any desired functionalizing moiety having the orthogonal click functionality.

Abstract: Prodrug formulations of bioactive polypeptides are provided wherein the bioactive polypeptide has been modified by the linkage of a dipeptide to the bioactive polypeptide through an ester linkage. The prodrugs disclosed herein in some embodiments have extended half lives of at least 1.5 hours (e.g., at least 10 hours), and more typically greater than 20 hours and less than 70 hours, and are converted to the active form at physiological conditions through a non-enzymatic reaction driven by chemical instability.

Abstract: Described herein are composites produced by reacting a first thiolated macromolecule with at least one compound having at least one thiol-reactive electrophilic functional group. The methods described herein permit the cross-linking of a variety of different thiolated macromolecules with one another. The composites described herein have a variety of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, which are also described herein.

Abstract: Elutable coatings comprising protein resistant components and bioactive agent on medical devices are disclosed. The elutable coatings comprise labile linkers that can be cleaved under controlled conditions.

Abstract: Compositions provided by mixing a biotin-containing component and an avidin-containing component are useful as an adhesive or sealant for medical/surgical uses.

Abstract: Polyphosphazene polymers having immunomodulating activity, and the biomedical use of such polyphosphazene polymers, in conjunction with an antigen or an immunogen are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing affinity binders having affinitive or highly affinitive binding structures for non-covalent interaction types includes a) contacting a target substance with at least one ligand which is capable of non-covalently binding to the target substance for a sufficient time that the at least one ligand can specifically attach to target regions of the target substance and form a ligand-target substance complex; b) embedding the complex in a structure-providing component and fixing by binding the ligand(s) of the complex to the structure-providing component; and c) removing the target substance such that a structure with a defined spatial arrangement of the ligand(s) is formed which has capacity to specifically bind the respective target substance again.

Abstract: A coating system on a fibrous substrate, such as a fibrous ceiling panel, having a first surface and a second surface. A first coating is disposed on the first surface of the substrate and includes a first binder and a first filler material. A second coating may be disposed on the second surface of the substrate. The second coating includes a second binder and a second filler material. The first coating and the second coating expand at different rates in the presence of humidity in order to help prevent sagging of the substrate in presence of humidity. The first coating is preferably a hydrophobic coating having a large particle size, high elastic modulus filler material. The second coating is preferably a hydrophilic coating having a lower concentration of high elastic modulus material and a polymer having a hydrophilic moiety.

Abstract: Disclosed are water soluble polymeric reagents comprising the structure POLY-[Y—S—W]x, where POLY is a water soluble polymer; Y is a hydrocarbon-based spacer group, x is 1 to 25, and S—W is a thiol, protected thiol, or thiol-reactive derivative. Preferably, the water soluble polymer is a PEG polymer. Also disclosed are conjugates of such polymeric reagents with pharmaceutically relevant molecules, and methods of their formation and use.

Abstract: A water dilutable binder resin for use in an inorganic fiber material; wherein the binder resin is prepared by reacting at least the following components in any order: (a) proteinaceous material which is substantially soluble in water at 20° C. and has a viscosity of <50 mPa*s for a 25 wt % aqueous solution, (b) an aromatic hydroxyl compound, and (c) an aldehyde, and wherein the water dilutable binder resin has a property of having a viscosity of <100 mPa*s when measured at a concentration of 50 wt % at 20° C. During curing, the resin thus produced gives lower phenol emissions. Also, the formaldehyde and ammonia emissions are dramatically lower when compared to conventional resins.

Abstract: Highly dispersible inorganic compound nanoparticles modified by functional molecules include the functional molecules; a high molecular nitrogen compound having at least two amino groups selected from primary amino groups, secondary amino groups and tertiary amino groups; and inorganic compound nanoparticles bonded to at least one amino group of the at least two amino groups. The high molecular nitrogen compound is modified by the functional molecules, and the inorganic compound nanoparticles are covered with the high molecular nitrogen compound modified by the functional molecules.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a disease caused by aggregation of misfolded proteins including subjecting a body fluid of a patient to a separation of an aggregated misfolded protein which includes contacting both the misfolded and normal protein with a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) and separating the CPE/protein complex from the other constituents of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical agents comprising optically functional cross linked supramolecular structures and assemblies useful for a range of imaging, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. Supramolecular structures and assemblies of the present invention include optically functional shell-cross linked micelles wherein optical functionality is achieved via incorporation of one or more linking groups that include one or more photoactive moieties. The present invention further includes imaging, sensing and therapeutic methods using one or more optical agents of the present invention including optically functional shell cross-linked micelles. The present invention includes in situ monitoring methods, for example, wherein physical and/or structural changes in an optically functional shell-cross linked micelle generated in response to changes in chemical environment or physiological conditions causes a measurable change in the wavelengths or intensities of emission from the micelle.

Abstract: Peptides are provided that have binding affinity for poly(benzyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) potassium salt copolymers (“BzMA-binding peptides”). The BzMA-binding peptides may be used to prepare peptide-based reagents suitable for use in a variety of applications. The peptide-base reagents may be used to couple benefit agents to a poly(benzyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) potassium salt copolymer surface or may be used to couple a benefit agent comprising a poly(benzyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) potassium salt copolymer surface to a target surface, such as a body surface.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of functional molecules using the thiol-ene coupling reaction and a process for the preparation of protected functional thiols, specifically thioesters is provided. The methods may be used to make functional polymers and other molecules. The method of making a functionalized polymer using a thiol-ene reaction comprises: providing a functionalized thioester having the following formula: wherein R is a functional group and COR? is a protecting group; cleaving the functionalized thioester, forming a functional thiol and an acyl group; providing a polymer having a pendant vinyl group; and reacting the polymer with the functional thiol whereby a functionalized polymer is formed, wherein the functional thiol is not isolated prior to reacting with the polymer.

Abstract: A bio-adhesive supramacromolecular complex of the general formula: wherein R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of an alkane unsubstituted or substituted with alkoxy groups; R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aliphatic or aromatic alkyl; R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of H or C1-6 alkyl; W is a hydrogen-bond accepting functional group-containing entity; Y is a carboxylic acid ester or amide linkage; R is an independently selected peptide linking group; T1, T2, T3 and T4 are independently selected polymer residues; and m1, m2, m3, n1 and n2 are integers selected from at least 25; and wherein P has a molecular weight of about 1×103 to 1×107 and Q has a molecular weight of about 1×103 to 1×107. The complex provides controlled nitric oxide release over a longer period of time than prior art compounds in the locally delivery systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molecular probes of formula (I) {L1-R1-L}n-A-CO—NH—R2-L2??(I) as defined herein that allow for the observation of the catalytic activity of a selected caspase in in vitro assays, in cells or in multicellular organisms, a method for their preparation and the use thereof.

Abstract: Peptides are provided that have binding affinity for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The polymethyl methacrylate-binding peptides may be used to prepare peptide-based reagents suitable for use in a variety of applications. The peptide-based reagents may be used to couple benefit agents to a PMMA polymer surface or may be used to couple a benefit agent comprising a PMMA polymer surface to a target surface, such as a body surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a block copolymer for a drug conjugate which comprises a water-soluble polymer region consisting of polyethylene glycol and a polyamino acid region having a hydrazide group and a hydrophobic group in the side chain.

Abstract: Multi-armed, monofunctional, and hydrolytically stable polymers are described having the structure wherein Z is a moiety that can be activated for attachment to biologically active molecules such as proteins and wherein P and Q represent linkage fragments that join polymer arms polya and polyb, respectively, to central carbon atom, C, by hydrolytically stable linkages in the absence of aromatic rings in the linkage fragments. R typically is hydrogen or methyl, but can be a linkage fragment that includes another polymer arm. A specific example is an mPEG disubstituted lysine having the structure where mPEGa and mPEGb have the structure CH3O—(CH2CH2O)nCH2CH2— wherein n may be the same or different for polya- and polyb- and can be from 1 to about 1,150 to provide molecular weights of from about 100 to 100,000.

Abstract: Peptides are provided that have binding affinity for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The polymethyl methacrylate-binding peptides may be used to prepare peptide-based reagents suitable for use in a variety of applications. The peptide-based reagents may be used to couple benefit agents to a PMMA polymer surface or may be used to couple a benefit agent comprising a PMMA polymer surface to a target surface, such as a body surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to alkanal derivatives of water-soluble polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol), their corresponding hydrates and acetals, and to methods for preparing and using such polymer alkanals. The polymer alkanals of the invention are prepared in high purity and exhibit storage stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogels and methods for producing and using the same. In particular, some embodiments of the invention relate to hydrogels and methods for patterning the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a first polymer and a second polymer cross-linked by the association of functional groups attached as side chains to the polymers.

Abstract: A polymeric prodrug is described which comprises at least one polymer attached via at least one permanent bond to a bicine linker. The bicine linker is attached via a temporary linkage to an amine containing biologically active moiety. The amine containing biologically active moiety—such as a drug—can be released by cleaving the temporary linkage.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for conjugating a polymer specifically to the ?-amine of a polypeptide. The invention provides monofunctional, bifunctional, and multifunctional PEGs and related polymers having a terminal thioester moiety capable of specifically conjugating to the ?-amine of a polypeptide having a cysteine or histidine residue at the N-terminus. The invention provides reactive thioester-terminated PEG polymers that have suitable reactivity with an N-terminal cysteine or histidine residue of a polypeptide to produce an amide bond between the PEG molecule and the polypeptide.

Abstract: An organized mobile multicomponent conjugate (OMMC) and method of using to enhance binding of weakly binding compounds to a target. A lamellar structure containing at least two binding compounds is assembled under conditions in which the binding compounds self-regulate in or on the lamellar structure, forming a cooperative ensemble that is capable of binding with enhanced affinity to a complementary affinity site on a target. Each binding compound is bound to the lamellar surface, and may be connected by a linker. The OMMC may contain an effector molecule, such as a diagnostic or therapeutic agent, for administration to a patent who is then diagnosed or treated using the effector molecule.

Abstract: Methods and compositions involving enzyme-activatable fluorophore polymer imaging agents for photodetection of specific tissues and/or human diseases and disorders are provided. In certain embodiments, the imaging agent comprises a hydrophilic polymer backbone (e.g., poly(L)lysine), a hydrophobic fluorophore, and a hydrophilic solubilizing agent. The solubilizing agent may comprise a quarternary ammonium group (e.g., a 1-methylnicotinic group) to enhance self-quenching of the fluorophore. Various methods for the generation and purification of imaging agents are also provided, including methods involving solid phase probe extraction or ion exchange purification.

Abstract: Resin compositions (A) and (B) are described: wherein resin composition (A) comprises a naturally occurring component or derivative thereof comprising protein, an aromatic hydroxyl compound-aldehyde resin and an amino resin, wherein the naturally occurring component or derivative thereof is chemically bound to the aromatic hydroxyl compound-aldehyde resin to form an ncPF resin and the naturally occurring component or derivative thereof is optionally chemically bound to the amino resin; wherein resin composition (B) comprises a condensation product of a naturally occurring component or derivative thereof, an aromatic hydroxyl compound-aldehyde resin and at least 20 wt % of urea based on the total mass of the resin composition, wherein at least 50 wt % of the naturally occurring component or derivative thereof is chemically bound directly or indirectly to the aromatic hydroxyl compound-aldehyde resin (ncPF), and wherein the naturally occurring component or derivative thereof comprises protein.

Abstract: Polypeptides labelled with a donor and acceptor pair of dyes selected from a dibenzorhodamine dye and a diamino-benzophenoxazine dye are peptide conjugates which are useful for intracellular and bead-based assays with fluorescence detection. Peptide conjugates with a caspase-recognition site undergo cleavage into peptide fragments which may be detected, located, and quantitated by the changes in fluorescence. Intracellular cleavage of peptide conjugates is correlated with apoptosis.

Abstract: A novel micellar preparation in which the solubility of a sparingly water-soluble anticancer agent has been heightened and which after intravenous administration, enables a high blood concentration to be maintained. The preparation has high medicinal activity and/or is reduced in side effects. The micellar preparation is formed from a block copolymer represented by the following general formula (1): [wherein R1 represents hydrogen or C1-5 alkyl; R2 represents C1-5 alkylene; R3 represents methylene or ethylene; R4 represents hydrogen or C1-4 acyl; R5 represents hydroxyl, optionally substituted aryl C2-8 alkoxyl, substituted C1-4 alkylamino, or amino having a residue of either an amino acid or a peptide derivative; n is an integer of 5 to 1,000; m is an integer of 2 to 300; and x is an integer of 1 to 300; provided that the proportion of hydroxy in the R5's is 0 to 99% and x is not larger than m] and a sparingly water-soluble anticancer agent.

Abstract: Conjugates between a protein and a water soluble polymer comprising multiple degradable carbonate linkages are provided.

Abstract: Purification of vegetarian (non-animal derived) Protein A using a multidimensional purification process to remove undesirable non-animal derived component impurities in the Protein A from the non-animal fermentation media used to produce the Protein A so as to produce a vegetarian Protein A free of animal-origin components and essentially free of components derived from non-animal derived growth media.

Abstract: Disclosed are a protein conjugate with improved in vivo duration and stability and the use thereof. The protein conjugate includes a physiologically active polypeptide, a non-peptide polymer and an immunoglobulin Fc fragment. Since the three components are covalently linked, the protein conjugate has extended in vivo duration and enhanced stability for the physiologically active polypeptide. The protein conjugate maintains the in vivo activity at relatively high levels and remarkably increases the serum half-life for the physiologically active polypeptide, with less risk of inducing undesirable immune responses. Thus, the protein conjugate is useful for developing long-acting formulations of various polypeptide drugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preserving peptides or proteins over long periods of time. The invention also relates to the use of the preservation method for the transport of labeled peptides or proteins without requiring refrigeration, as well as to a set of tools for implementing said method.

Abstract: Hemostatic wound dressings that include cationic polymers and related hydrogels, methods for making and using the wound dressings.

Abstract: The current invention is a capture-particle comprising: a) a molecular sieve portion; and b) an analyte binding portion; wherein the molecular sieve portion, analyte binding portion or both further comprise a cross-linked region having modified porosity. Capture particles wherein the molecular sieve portion, analyte binding portion or both comprise pore dimensions sufficient to exclude molecules larger than about 60 kDa. These particles are useful in purification and diagnostic methods. Kits comprising the capture particles are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel process for conjugating a polymer, especially PEG, to a protein or peptide, which comprises reacting a polymeric conjugation reagent with a protein or peptide containing a polyhistidine tag under conditions such that conjugation occurs via said polyhistidine tag. The resulting conjugates are novel.

Abstract: A polymer comprising a phosphoryl choline moiety(ies), a composition comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, an implantable device such as a DES or a non-implantable device such as an angioplasty balloon comprising thereon a coating comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, and a method of using the device for the treatment of a disorder in a human being are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an activated metallic, semiconductor, polymer, composite and/or ceramic substrate, the substrate being bound through a mixed or graded interface to a hydrophilic polymer surface that is activated to enable direct covalent binding to a functional biological molecule, the polymer surface comprising a sub-surface that includes a plurality of cross-linked regions, as well as to such activated substrates that have been functionalised with a biological molecule and to devices comprising such functionalised substrates. Such substrates can be produced by a method comprising steps of: a.

Abstract: A conjugate comprising a magnetic polymer particle bound to a carboxymethylated aspartate chelating ligand, optionally chelating a metal ion.

Abstract: The invention features a triblock copolymer including a hydrophilic block; a hydrophobic block; and a positively charged block capable of reversibly complexing a negatively charged molecule, e.g., a nucleic acid, wherein the hydrophobic block is disposed between the hydrophilic block and the positively charged block. Desirably, the triblock copolymer is capable of self-assembling into a supramolecular structure, such as a micelle or vesicle. The invention further features methods of delivering negatively charged molecules and methods of treating a disease or condition using the polymers of the invention.

Abstract: Chemical polymerization procedures initiated by, and proceeding from, a biomolecule, particularly a protein, for the formation of biomolecule-polymer conjugates, particularly protein-polymer conjugates, which have therapeutic uses, are intermediates for forming other materials or are usable in diagnostic sensors are disclosed. Polymerization can be initiated by a protein in the absence of additional initiation agents to form the protein-polymer conjugate. Alternatively, polymerization is initiated in the presence of an additional initiation agent that does not interact with the protein. Amino acids existing in the protein can serve as the sites for initiation of the polymerization or the protein can be modified to contain site(s) for initiation or protein with active sites can be prepared by recombinant methods, chemical ligation, solid-phase synthesis, or other techniques to generate site(s) for initiation.

Abstract: A cross-linked fiber is provided by cross-linking a fiber made of polyglutamic acid sodium of molecular weight of 200,000 or more and a polymer cross-linking agent. The polymer cross-linking agent is preferably a polymer having an oxazoline group or a polymer having an epoxy group. The cross-linked fiber is manufactured by: spinning threads from a solution in which the material is mixed by an electrostatic spinning to form a fiber and a fiber assembly; and heating the fiber and the fiber assembly to form the cross-linked fiber.

Abstract: A water-soluble photo-activatable polymer including: a photo-activatable group adapted to be activated by an irradiation source and to form a covalent bond between the water-soluble photo-activatable polymer and a matrix having at least one carbon; a reactive group adapted to covalently react with a biomaterial for subsequent delivery of the biomaterial to a cell; a hydrophilic group; and a polymer precursor. A composition including a monomolecular layer of the water-soluble photo-activatable polymer and a matrix having at least one carbon, wherein the monomolecular layer is covalently attached to the matrix by a covalent bond between the photo-activatable group and the at least one carbon. The composition further includes a biomaterial having a plurality of active groups, wherein the biomaterial is covalently attached to the monomolecular layer by covalent bonding between the active groups and reactive groups. Also provided is a method for delivery of a biomaterial to a cell.

Abstract: The application describes materials derived from keratin proteins in combination with polymers, either as intimate mixtures with water soluble polymers, or as chemically bound copolymers. The keratin protein is a specific keratin protein fraction, and is preferably intact, s-sulfonated and from the intermediate filament protein family. The application also describes the process for production of these materials.

Abstract: Polymer blends and/or adducts obtainable from protein hydrolysates and/or gelatins used as raw material for the manufacture of regenerated leather and fabrics. Polymer adducts and/or blends conveniently prepared, tanned and finished can replace natural leather or fabric in the manufacture of clothing and consumer articles with particular technological properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an MHC binding polymer suitable for the oligomerisation of individual MHC monomers. The MHC binding polymer comprises a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment comprises a peptide capable of binding in a binding groove of an MHC molecule, and wherein the second segment comprises a linking segment and a recognition site for coupling the MHC binding polymer with a specific partner. The linking segment is a polymer with a length of at least 10 Angstrom in its native conformation. Further it relates to an MHC oligomer containing such MHC binding polymers. Individual functional MHC complex monomers are oligomerised via their peptides bound in the peptide binding groove of the complex. Moreover, it relates to a method of making such MHC binding polymer and oligomer and various methods using the same.

Abstract: A modified bioreactor support material having high surface area for removing a contaminant (16) from fluids can include a substrate (10) having a functionalized surface, The functionalized surface can have inorganic or organic non-living functional groups, such that the functional groups bind to or chemically alter the contaminant. A method for making a modified bioreactor support material can include activating a suitable substrate (10) and attaching a biologically-derived functional group carrier such as living microbes (18) or non-living materials (14) derived from living materials to the activated substrate (10).