Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable particles (e.g., three-dimensional particles) and micelles which can be used to encapsulate active agents for delivering to a subject. The present invention further provides methods for producing and delivering such particles and micelles. Additionally, the invention provides vaccination strategies that encompass the use of the novel particles and micelles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a series of new polycationic biodegradable polyphosphoramidates. Process for making the polymers, compositions containing these polymers and bioactive ligands to enhance the cellular uptake ad intracellular trafficking, articles and methods for delivery of drugs and genes using these polymers are described. A gene delivery system based on these polymers is prepared by complex coacervation of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) with polymers. Targeting ligands and molecules that could facilitate gene transfer can be conjugated to polymers to achieve selective and enhanced gene delivery. The current invention also provides a complex composition with buffering capacity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of conductive polymer dispersion. In the present invention the polymer is dispersed after its synthesis, hence dispersion contains only pure poly aniline salt and stabilizer. It therefore provides a pure poly aniline dispersion without any other contamination. More particularly, the purity of the dispersed poly aniline is achieved up 99% of initiator residue and monomer residue in the present invention. The present process provides a poly aniline dispersion in water, organic solvents and also in a mixture of solvents.

Abstract: A dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, particularly to provide a synthetic, implantable tissue matrix material for a wide variety of tissue types. In particular, artificial or synthetic cartilage, vocal cord material, vitreous material, soft tissue material and mitral valve material are described. In an embodiment, the network is composed of tyramine-substituted and cross-linked hyaluronan molecules, wherein cross-linking is achieved via peroxidase-mediated dityramine-linkages that can be performed in vivo. The dityramine bonds provide a stable, coherent hyaluronan-based hydrogel with desired physical properties.

Abstract: A dimer comprising a mutated neublastin polypeptide coupled to a polymer is disclosed. Such dimers exhibit prolonged bioavailability and, in preferred embodiments, prolonged biological activity relative to wild-type forms of neublastin.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising a hydrogel matrix, where the matrix comprises poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyacrylate (PEGDMA), an acrylate, such as methacrylic acid (M) and methyl methacrylate (MMA), as well as 2-hydroxy-2 methyl propiophenone (HMPP).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that include a multichromophore and/or multichromophore complex for identifying a target biomolecule. A sensor biomolecule, for example, an antibody can be covalently linked to the multichromophore. Additionally, a signaling chromophore can be covalently linked to the multichromophore. The arrangement is such that the signaling chromophore is capable of receiving energy from the multichromophore upon excitation of the multichromophore. Since the sensor biomolecule is capable of interacting with the target biomolecule, the multichromophore and/or multichromophore complex can provide enhanced detection signals for a target biomolecule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reversibly inactivation of membrane active polymers useful for cellular delivery of compounds. Described are polyconjugates systems that incorporate targeting, anti-opsonization, anti-aggregation, and transfection activities into small biocompatible in vivo delivery conjugates. The use of multiple reversible linkages connecting component parts provides for physiologically responsive activity modulation.

Abstract: An in vivo method for labelling a protein having an N-terminal cysteine is disclosed. A probe comprising a thioester group and a detectable label is introduced into a cell expressing the N-terminal cysteine protein, allowing for the N-terminal cysteine to cleave the thioester bond and resulting in the label being covalently attached to the N-terminus of the protein by an amide bond.

Abstract: The present invention is related to new fluorescein derivatives, the method for producing such derivatives and their use for the synthesis of fluorogenic peptides and in particular protease substrates and peptide ligands.

Abstract: Novel compounds, including PEGylated proteins of the formula, methods for preparing such compounds, methods of using such compounds, and other compositions and methods, are provided.

Abstract: Compounds exhibiting angiogenic properties incorporating the structure of Formula I: R3—NH—NH—C(?O)—R2—P—R1 ??(I) wherein P is a water-soluble, biodegradable polymer, R1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or —R2—C(?O)—NH—NH—R3; each R2 is independently —CH2—, —NH— or O; and each R3 is independently hydrogen or a residue of a naturally occurring alpha-L-amino acid or dipeptide thereof. Polymer networks crosslinked with hydrazide compounds are also disclosed, together with implantable medical devices incorporating the compounds and crosslinked polymers, and angiogenesis-promoting treatment methods, including wound-treatment methods.

Abstract: A dimer comprising a mutated neublastin polypeptide coupled to a polymer is disclosed. Such dimers exhibit prolonged bioavailability and, in preferred embodiments, prolonged biological activity relative to wild-type forms of neublastin.

Abstract: There is described a method of forming a wound dressing. The method comprises forming a protein polymer by reacting a protein with a polyfunctional spacer, or an activated derivative thereof. The polyfunctional spacer is preferably a polycarboxylic acid, especially a dicarboxylic acid, and protein polymers prepared using such spacers are suitable for a wide range of therapeutic applications, including use as wound dressings, for the delivery of therapeutically active agents to the body and as bioadhesives and sealants.

Abstract: Comblike, surfactant polymers for changing the surface properties of biomaterials are provided. Such surfactant polymers comprise a polymeric backbone of repeating monomeric units having functional groups for coupling with side chains, a plurality of hydrophobic side chains linked to said backbone via the functional groups, and a plurality of hydrophilic side chains linked to said backbone via the functional groups. The hydrophobic side chains comprise an alkyl group comprising from 2 to 18 methylene groups. The alkyl groups are linked to the polymeric backbone through ester linkages, secondary amine linkages, or, preferably, amide linkages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hydrolytically stabilized maleimide-functionalized water soluble polymers and to methods for making and utilizing such polymers and their precursors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hydrolytically stabilized maleimide-functionalized water soluble polymers and to methods for making and utilizing such polymers and their precursors.

Abstract: A composition is provided that includes a polymer matrix. A core having a core surface is embedded within the polymer matrix. A polymeric ligand passivates the core surface and has a moiety Y, where Y is a Diels-Alder group of a diene or dienophile. A polymeric linker has a complementary Diels-Alder group diene or dienophile to moiety Y and forms a Diels-Alder bond with the moiety Y. A composition is also provided that includes polymer matrix having a matrix surface. A core having a core surface is present on the matrix surface. A polymeric ligand passivates the core surface and has a moiety Y, where Y is Diels-Alder group of a diene or dienophile. The polymer matrix and polymeric ligand together define a matrix-ligand Flory-Huggins binary interaction function greater than 0.

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: The present invention relates to polymers functionalized by an aminooxy group or a derivative thereof, conjugates, wherein the functionalized polymers are covalently coupled with a protein by an oxime linking group, a process for preparing the functionalized polymers, a process for preparing the conjugates, functionalize polymers as obtainable by the process of the present invention, conjugates as obtainable by the process of the present invention, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one conjugate of the present invention and the use of said conjugates and compositions for the prophylaxis or therapy of the human or animal body.

Abstract: A fine particle comprising an amphiphilic polymer, further comprising an inner nucleus of hydrophilic segment of amphiphilic polymer, and a hydrophobic outer layer of hydrophobic segment of amphiphilic polymer, and having a surface modifier bonded to the hydrophobic outer layer. A fine particle of the invention effectively enclose protein, peptide drug, nucleic acid medicine of hydrophilic property and large molecular weight in the inner nucleus of hydrophilic segment of amphiphilic polymer, and are preferable for stabilizing in the body and promoting absorption.

Abstract: Compositions for forming a self-reinforcing composite biomatrix, methods of manufacture and use therefore are herein disclosed. Kits including delivery devices suitable for delivering the compositions are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least three components. In one embodiment, a first component can include a first functionalized polymer, a second component can include a second functionalized polymer and a third component can include silk protein or constituents thereof. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least one cell type and/or at least one growth factor. In some embodiments, the composition can include a biologic encapsulated, suspended, disposed within or loaded into a biodegradable carrier. In some embodiments, the composition(s) of the present invention can be delivered by a dual lumen injection device to a treatment area in situ, in vivo, as well as ex vivo applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a 1-benzotriazolylcarbonate ester of a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer by reacting a terminal hydroxyl group of a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer with di(1-benzotriazolyl)carbonate in the presence of an amine base and an organic solvent. The polymer backbone can be poly(ethylene glycol). The 1-benzotriazolylcarbonate ester can then be reacted directly with a biologically active agent to form a biologically active polymer conjugate or reacted with an amino acid, such as lysine, to form an amino acid derivative.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a novel conjugate of a synthetic, biodegradable, exceedingly hydrophilic and non-proteinaceous polymer, whereby each of the above attributes is defined in the specification, and various pharmacologically active agents. The instant invention also provides methods for the identification of said polymers, and methods for the preparation of conjugated pharmaceutically active agents. Furthermore, the invention provides a novel polymer blend for use in pharmaceutical and health care products and applications.

Abstract: An encapsulated chelate dendritic polymer and an encapsulated ligand dendritic polymer are disclosed which have unique properties. These encapsulated chelate dendritic polymers may have associated with its dendritic polymer surface target directors, proteins, DNA, RNA (including single strands) or any other moieties that will assist in diagnosis, therapy or delivery of this encapsulated chelate dendritic polymer. These encapsulated dendritic polymers are suitable as contrast agents for use in imaging in an animal, for other imaging techniques, for EPR, and as scavenger agents for chelant therapy. Formulations for these uses are also included within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: A dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, such as artificial or synthetic cartilage. The network is made by first providing a polyamine or polycarboxylate macromolecule (having a plurality of amine or carboxylic acid groups respectively attached along the length of the molecule), reacting this macromolecule with a hydroxyphenyl compound having a free carboxylic acid group in the case of a polyamine or a free primary amine group in the case of a polycarboxylate, and substituting the hydroxyphenyl compound onto the macromolecule via a carbodiimide-mediated reaction pathway to provide a hydroxyphenyl-substituted macromolecule. This macromolecule is then linked to other such macromolecules via an enzyme catalyzed dimerization reaction between two hydroxyphenyl groups attached respectively to different macromolecules under metabolic conditions of temperature and pH.

Abstract: A process for efficiently preparing polymer conjugates such as branched PEG-polypeptide conjugates, in large scale without column chromatography clean up of the activated PEG linkers to remove impurities is disclosed.

Abstract: Polymers containing poly(hydroxyalkanoate-co-ester amides) and agents for use with medical articles are disclosed along with methods of fabricating medical articles comprising these polymers. The medical articles generally comprise an implantable substrate having a coating containing a poly(hydroxyalkanoate-co-ester amide).

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.

Abstract: A block copolymer comprising a methoxyethyl methacrylate (MOEMA) midblock is provided for forming a coating a medical device for controlled release of a bioactive agent.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising a block of an elastin pentapeptide and method of making and using the copolymer are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a coating that includes cRGD for endothelial cells and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive system comprising a protein and one or more polymers containing primary, secondary, or tertiary amino groups, or pendant amide groups. It also relates to a method of producing a laminated wood based product and a particle board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer comprising a composition comprising a polymeric resin composition comprising from about 55 to about 99.9 wt. % of polymerizable unsaturated acid group containing monomers, from about 0.001 to about 5.0 wt. % of internal crosslinking agent and from 0 to 25 wt % of a preneutralizing agent; wherein the polymeric resin composition is preneutralized from 0 to about 50 mole %; and a water swellable, water-insoluble aminopolysaccaride polymer wherein when the superabsorbent polymer is contacted with an aqueous solution, the polymeric resin composition is neutralized by the aminopolysaccaride polymer so that the superabsorbent polymer has a degree of neutralization of about 20 mole % or more than the preneutralization degree of the polymeric resin composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a branched polyalkylene glycol wherein three or more single-chain polyalkylene glycols and a group having reactivity with an amino acid side chain, the N-terminal amino group or the C-terminal carboxyl group in a polypeptide or a group convertible into the group having reactivity are bound; and a physiologically active polypeptide modified with the branched polyalkylene glycol.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure relate to a method for crosslinking a biological fluid comprising combining a biological fluid with a crosslinker to covalently crosslink proteins endogenous to the biological fluid to form a crosslinked gel. Examples of a biological fluid are blood, plasma, or serum.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyphosphazenes of Formula 1 showing a sol-gel behavior with a temperature change, a preparation method thereof, and injectable thermosensitive polyphosphazene hydrogels using the same

Abstract: Method for making lignocellulosic composites by adhering lignocellulosic substrates together. A first variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) first ingredient selected from a soy protein or lignin and (ii) at least one substantially formaldehyde-free curing agent that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide, or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the soy protein. A second variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) a protein or lignin, (ii) a first compound that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the protein and (iii) a curing agent.

Abstract: A biocompatible material genus serves as the foundation for multiple material composition species, each adapted to a specific therapeutic indication.

Abstract: A block copolymer. The block copolymer has formula A-B-C, wherein A represents polyester, B represents polyamide, and C represents specific molecular groups or metal complexes. The invention also provides a nano micelle and drug carrier including the block copolymer.

Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, the system is compliant, in that it is capable of conforming to the three dimensional structure of a tissue surface as the tissue bends and deforms during healing processes. The barrier or drug delivery systems is formed as a polymeric coating on tissue surfaces by applied a polymerizable monomer to the surface, and then polymerizing the monomer. The polymerized compliant coating preferably is biodegradable and biocompatible, and can be designed with selected properties of compliancy and elasticity for different surgical and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A monomer composition comprising at least one polymerizable alkyl ester ?-cyanoacrylate monomer. Specifically, the ?-cyanoacrylate monomer is an alkyl ester ?-cyanoacrylate monomer of the general formula having a spacer R1: wherein n is from 2 to 12; R3 and R4 are each an alkyl group or a hydrogen, and at least one of R3 or R4 is an alkyl group (e.g. linear or branched, or cyclic) having from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 carbon atoms; R2 is an alkyl group (e.g. linear or branched, or cyclic) having from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 carbon atoms; and the combined number of carbon atoms (N) in the spacer R1 is at least n+1.

Abstract: A heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) is provided having a hydrolytically degradable linkage, a first terminus comprising an acrylate group, and a second terminus comprising a target such as a protein or pharmaceutical agent or a reactive moiety capable of coupling to a target. Hydrogels can be prepared. The hydrogels can be used as a carrier for a protein or a pharmaceutical agent that can be readily released in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: Proteinaceous gels having visualization agents and methods of use thereof are disclosed herein. Further, polymeric crosslinking agents are disclosed that have an inert water soluble polymeric component, biodegradable components, functional components reactive with chemical groups on a protein, for example, amine or thiol groups. The inert polymeric component may be flanked at each end with a biodegradable component which is flanked at each end with a protein reactive functional component. A polymeric crosslinking agent is disclosed having a biodegradable component, polyalkylene oxide, and at least three reactive functional groups that are each capable of forming a covalent bond in water with at least one functional group such as an amine, thiol, or carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Polymers containing poly(hydroxyalkanoate-co-ester amides) and agents for use with medical articles are disclosed along with methods of fabricating medical articles comprising these polymers. The medical articles generally comprise an implantable substrate having a coating containing a poly(hydroxyalkanoate-co-ester amide).

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies, antibody fragments, conjugates of antibodies and antibody fragments with cytotoxic agents, and hybridomas producing the antibodies and antibody fragments, where the antibodies and antibody fragments recognize extracellular epitopes of plasma membrane proteins that are not released into the extracellular fluid, and to methods for the detection, monitoring and treatment of malignancies such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer using the antibodies, antibody fragments and conjugates.

Abstract: A bio-liquid crystal polymer is made from a tissue-derived compound or the derivatives. The bio-liquid crystal polymer has a characteristic of liquid crystal under predetermined conditions and is biocompatible.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2)or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: A heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) is provided having a hydrolytically degradable linkage, a first terminus comprising an acrylate group, and a second terminus comprising a target such as a protein or pharmaceutical agent or a reactive moiety capable of coupling to a target. Hydrogels can be prepared. The hydrogels can be used as a carrier for a protein or a pharmaceutical agent that can be readily released in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: Water-soluble macromers including at least one hydrolysable linkage formed from carbonate or dioxanone groups, at least one water-soluble polymeric block, and at least one polymerizable group, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The macromers are preferably polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light or visible light excitation. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. The macromers can be used to encapsulate cells, deliver prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic agents in a controlled manner, plug leaks in tissue, prevent adhesion formation after surgical procedures, temporarily protect or separate tissue surfaces, and adhere or seal tissues together.