Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic agents and compositions comprising elastin-like peptides (ELPs) and therapeutic proteins. In some embodiments, the therapeutic protein is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, 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 persistance in the body, solubility, and bioavailability.

Abstract: A biopsy marker having radio-opaque properties that are derived in situ, based on a natural a biological response, such as for example, calcification, accumulation or tissue-concentration of a chemical agent so as to provide an imaging contrast. A biodegradable foam such as collagen foam or gelatin foam is embedded with a biological tissue that is susceptible to the calcification. Initially the marker can be imaged using ultrasound, but over time, the embedded material calcifies causing it to become visible under radiation imaging.

Abstract: A method of producing a desired non-spidroin protein or polypeptide is comprising the steps of expressing in a suitable host a fusion protein, obtaining a mixture containing the fusion protein, and optionally isolating the fusion protein. The fusion protein is comprising at least one solubility-enhancing moiety which is derived from the N-terminal (NT) fragment of a spider silk protein. It is further comprising at least one moiety which is a desired non-spidroin protein or polypeptide. Each solubility-enhancing moiety is linked directly or indirectly to the desired protein or polypeptide moiety.

Abstract: This invention provides for a process of rapidly forming silk fibroin gelation through ultrasonication. Under the appropriate conditions, gelation can be controlled to occur within two hours after the ultrasonication treatment. Biological materials, including viable cells, or therapeutic agents can be encapsulated in the hydrogels formed from the process and be used as delivery vehicles.

Abstract: There is provided agents for modulation of a chronic inflammatory response wherein the agent modulates the biological activity of tenascin-C. There is also provided methods of identifying agents modulating tenascin-C and chronic inflammation. There are also provided uses of such agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pH-dependent silk fibroin-based ionomeric compositions and colloids, and methods of making the same. The state of the silk fibroin ionomeric compositions is reversible and can transform from a gel-like colloid to a more fluid-like solution, or vice versa, upon an environmental stimulus, e.g., pH. Thus, the silk-based ionomeric compositions and colloids can be applied in various industries, ranging from electronic applications to biomedical applications, such as sensors, gel diodes, absorbent materials, drug delivery systems, tissue implants and contrast agents.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing nano- and microcapsules from spider silk proteins The invention is further directed to nano- or microcapsules obtainable by this method as well as pharmaceutical, cosmetical and food compositions containing same.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the controlled assembly of layered silk fibroin coatings using aqueous silk fibroin material. The methods described herein can be used to coat substrates of any material, shape, or size. Importantly, the described methods enable control of the biomaterial surface chemistry, thickness, morphology and structure using layered thin film coatings, or bulk coatings. Furthermore, the methods can be performed in all water and do not require intensive chemical processing enabling controlled entrapment of labile molecules such as, drugs, cytokines, and even cells or viruses to generate functional coatings that can be used in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated major ampullate spidroin protein, which consists of from 150 to 420 amino acid residues and is defined by the formula REP-CT. REP is a repetitive, N-terminally derived protein fragment having from 80 to 300 amino acid residues. CT is a C-terminally derived protein fragment having from 70 to 120 amino acid residues. The invention further provides an isolated fusion protein consisting of a first protein fragment, which is a major ampullate spidroin protein, and a second protein fragment comprising a fusion partner and a cleavage agent recognition site. The first protein fragment is coupled via said cleavage agent recognition site to the fusion partner. The invention also provides a method of producing a major ampullate spidroin protein and polymers thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of enhancing in vivo efficacy of an active agent, comprising: administering to a subject an active agent that is coupled to a bioelastic polymer or elastin-like peptide, wherein the in vivo efficacy of the active agent is enhanced as compared to the same active agent when administered to the subject not coupled to (or not associated with) a bioelastic polymer or ELP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing silk dope comprising silk proteins with a coiled-coil structure such as honeybee silk proteins. The silk proteins are obtained from cells producing them, solubilising the proteins by contacting them with a surfactant or an ionic liquid and concentrating the proteins to produce silk dope. The proteins can be used for a variety of purposes such as in the production of personal care products, plastics, textiles and biomedical products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simple and high yield process for producing a regenerated silk fibroin which does not need dialysis. Particularly, a process of the invention is characterized in that the silk fibroin is precipitated by applying a shear stress and/or changing the solvent power of the fibroin solution. The process of the invention simplifies the process of producing silk fibroin and greatly shortens the process time to 1 to 2 hours, whereas the conventional dialysis process is complex and needs around 2 to 3 days. In addition to reducing the time needed, the process of the invention can increase productivity of silk fibroin by at least 8%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant organism having any one of nucleic acids (i) to (iv) introduced therein: (i) a nucleic acid having a base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (ii) a nucleic acid encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; (iii) a nucleic acid encoding a dragline protein and having a sequence identity of 90% or more with the nucleic acid (i); (iv) a nucleic acid which encodes a dragline protein and hybridizes with a complementary chain of the nucleic acid (i) under stringent conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated major ampullate spidroin protein, which consists of from 150 to 420 amino acid residues and is defined by the formula REP-CT. REP is a repetitive, N-terminally derived protein fragment having from 80 to 300 amino acid residues. CT is a C-terminally derived protein fragment having from 70 to 120 amino acid residues. The invention further provides an isolated fusion protein consisting of a first protein fragment, which is a major ampullate spidroin protein, and a second protein fragment comprising a fusion partner and a cleavage agent recognition site. The first protein fragment is coupled via said cleavage agent recognition site to the fusion partner. The invention also provides a method of producing a major ampullate spidroin protein and polymers thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a cell culturing substrate including: a cell culture surface having a film attached thereto, wherein the film includes one or more plasma polymerized monomers; and a coating on the film-coated surface, the coating deposited from a coating solution comprising one or more extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, where the total extracellular matrix protein concentration in the coating solution is about 1 ng/mL to about 1 mg/mL.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for coating an inert or naturally occurring material with a silk polypeptide. It further relates to a coated inert or naturally occurring material obtainable by said method and to uses thereof. It also relates to products comprising said coated material.

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: A protein scaffold based on a consensus sequence of fibronectin type III (FN3) proteins, such as the tenth FN3 repeat from human fibronectin (human Tenascin), including isolated nucleic acids that encode a protein scaffold, vectors, host cells, and methods of making and using thereof have applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices. In particular, protein scaffold molecules binding to IgG have been identified as useful for diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides silk proteins, as well as nucleic acids encoding these proteins. The present invention also provides 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 manufacture of personal care products, plastics, textiles, and biomedical products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and method for drawing egel silk fibroin fibers. The resulting fibers can transmit light and hence can be used as optical fiber. Silk fibroin fiber is produced by a method comprising applying an electric field to a solubilized silk fibroin solution to create a silk fibroin gel; converting the silk fibroin gel to a viscous silk liquid; and drawing a silk fiber from the viscous silk liquid. The silk fiber of the invention can be used in materials such as textile, medical sutures, and tissue materials, as well as conferring optical properties into these materials.

Abstract: Described are silk proteins derived from spider mite, more specifically derived from Tetranychus urticae. More specifically, described is the use of these proteins to make fibers, or fiber-composed material and the resulting fibers and materials.

Abstract: A high-molecular-weight recombinant silk or silk-like protein having a molecular weight which is substantially similar to that of native silk protein, and a micro- or nano-sized spider silk or silk-like fiber having improved physical properties, produced therefrom. The recombinant silk or silk-like protein according to the invention has high molecular weight, like dragline silk proteins from spiders, while a fiber produced therefrom has excellent physical properties compared to a fiber produced from native silk protein. Thus, the recombinant silk or silk-like protein and the spider silk or silk-like fiber produced therefrom will be highly useful in various industrial applications, including bioengineering applications and medical applications.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. Phase invertible compositions in accordance with the invention are prepared by combining a liquid proteinaceous substrate and a liquid crosslinking composition, where the liquid crosslinking composition includes a macromolecular crosslinking agent. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Monovalent and multivalent multispecific complexes including ELP-MRD fusion proteins containing one or more modular recognition domains (MRDs) that bind target antigens are described. The use of these monovalent and multivalent multispecific complexes (e.g., ELP-MRD fusion proteins) in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications and methods of making these complexes are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered proteins and biomedical products made from the engineered proteins. The biomedical products include lenses useful for ophthalmic purposes.

Abstract: Downstream purification of recombinant proteins from plant-based samples is performed by elastin-like polypeptides (ELP)-intein fusion expression and purification through inverse phase transition of ELP and cleavage reaction of intein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant organism having any one of nucleic acids (i) to (iv) introduced therein: (i) a nucleic acid having a base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (ii) a nucleic acid encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; (iii) a nucleic acid encoding a dragline protein and having a sequence identity of 90% or more with the nucleic acid (i); (iv) a nucleic acid which encodes a dragline protein and hybridizes with a complementary chain of the nucleic acid (i) under stringent conditions.

Abstract: Nucleic acid transfer is achieved using a silk-based delivery system which releases nucleic acids from silk-based complexes. The silk-based complexes, which are composed, for example, of plasmid DNA (pDNA) and recombinant silk containing polycation and specific polypeptides sequences, can show high biocompatibility, high delivery efficiency, cell selectivity and controlled release of nucleic acid for nucleic acid transfection.

Abstract: The objective of this patent application is the application/use of sericin nanoparticles m cosmetic formulas for hair care, as an agent that bestows/gives gloss and softness and promotes maintenance of coloration in dyed hair

Abstract: A method for modifying silk polymer by coupling a chemical moiety to a tyrosine residue of a silk polymer is described herein for the purpose of altering the physical properties of the silk protein. Thus, silk proteins with desired physical properties can be produced by the methods described herein. These methods are particularly useful when the introduction of cells to a mammal is desired, since modifications to the silk protein affect the physical properties and thus the adhesion, metabolic activity and cell morphology of the desired cells. The silk protein can be modified to produce, or modify, a structure that provides an optimal environment for the desired cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising isolated human collagen, isolated human elastin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier wherein the human elastin is substantially insoluble in water with a molecular weight greater than 100 kDa. The present invention further provides methods and kits for soft tissue augmentation.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a regenerated silk fibroin solution comprises the steps of: treating silk or silk cocoons with an ionic reagent comprising an aqueous solution of monovalent cations and monovalent anions, the cations and anions having ionic radii of at least 1.05 Angstroms and a Jones-Dole B coefficient of between ?0.001 and ?0.05 at 25° C.; and subsequently degumming the treated silk or silk cocoons; or alternatively, degumming silk or silk cocoons; and subsequently treating the degummed silk or silk cocoons with an ionic reagent comprising an aqueous solution of monovalent cations and monovalent anions, the cations and anions having ionic radii of at least 1.05 Angstroms and a Jones-Dole B coefficient of between ?0.001 and ?0.05 at 25° C. The invention also extends to fibroin solution, a fibroin material and an implant useful for cartilage repair.

Abstract: This invention provides for a process of rapidly forming silk fibroin gelation through ultrasonication. Under the appropriate conditions, gelation can be controlled to occur within two hours after the ultrasonication treatment. Biological materials, including viable cells, or therapeutic agents can be encapsulated in the hydrogels formed from the process and be used as delivery vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods of linking silk fibroin to active agents through the specific interaction between avidin and biotin, providing for functionalization of silk-based protein biomaterials. An avidin- or biotin-modified silk is a biomaterial platform for functionalization with a variety of correspondingly linked active agents, such as antibodies and growth factors. A variety of functionalized silk materials, such as silk hydrogel, silk micro/nanoparticles and silk films, can be prepared by the methods of the present invention. The functionalization strategies of the present invention are relatively easy, fast and feasible, and are thus useful in many biomedical applications.

Abstract: The method for large scale production of a full length Schistosomal paramyosin coiled coil dimer composition is carried out by providing a composition comprising recombinant paramyosin, contacting the composition with a strand separation agent to remove paramyosin fragments and other contaminants. The purified paramyosin is used in vaccines for humans and bovine animals to induce immunity against schistosomal infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to derivatives of tropoelastin and variants of those derivatives. The invention further provides expression products and hybrid molecules of the derivatives and variants of the invention. The invention further provides methods for the production of the derivatives, variants, expression products and hybrid molecules. Further provided are formulations, cross-linked structures and implants comprising the derivatives, variants, expression products and hybrid molecules of the invention. Further provided are uses of the derivatives, variants, expression products and hybrid molecules of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel sustained release silk-based delivery systems. The invention further provides methods for producing such formulations. In general, a silk fibroin solution is combined with a therapeutic agent to form a silk fibroin article. The article is then treated in such a way as to alter its conformation. The change in conformation increases its crytallinity or liquid crystallinity, thus controlling the release of a therapeutic agent from the formulation. This can be accomplished as single material carriers or in a layer-by-layer fashion to load different therapeutic agents or different concentrations of these agents in each layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic agents and compositions comprising elastin-like peptides (ELPs) and therapeutic proteins. In some embodiments, the therapeutic protein is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, 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 persistance in the body, solubility, and bioavailability.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the production of silk fibroin matrices surface-PEGylated on one or more surfaces. Such surface-PEGylated silk fibroin matrices can be used in biomedical applications, such as anti-adhesive and anti-thrombosis materials. Silk matrices may be surface-PEGylated, for example, by a reaction with a functional group-activated PEG. Controlling the degree of PEGylation on surface of silk fibroin matrix can regulate both the degradation rate of the silk matrix, and the differentiated adhesion of cells or differentiated adsorption of proteins on the surface of the silk matrix. The present invention also provides for silk fibroin matrices having one or more surfaces possessing differentiated adhesion properties, which allows for tissue integration on the adherent side and inhibition of tissue adhesion to the opposing tissues or organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant organism having any one of nucleic acids (i) to (iv) introduced therein: (i) a nucleic acid having a base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (ii) a nucleic acid encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; (iii) a nucleic acid encoding a dragline protein and having a sequence identity of 90% or more with the nucleic acid (i); (iv) a nucleic acid which encodes a dragline protein and hybridizes with a complementary chain of the nucleic acid (i) under stringent conditions.

Abstract: In joint reconstruction, repair and cushioning applications, a synthetic polypeptide material is useful that contains cross-linked polypeptides that are modeled on human elastin or other fibrous proteins. The polypeptides comprise at least three consecutive beta-sheet/beta-turn structures and at least one amino acid residue that participates in cross-linking.

Abstract: A method of producing polymers of an isolated spider silk protein involves providing a solution of said spider silk protein in a liquid medium at pH 6.4 or higher and/or an ion composition that prevents polymerisation of the spider silk protein. The properties of the liquid medium are adjusted to a pH of 6.3 or lower and an ion composition that allows polymerisation of the spider silk protein. The spider silk protein is allowed to form polymers in the liquid medium, and the resulting spider silk protein polymers are isolated from the liquid medium. The resulting polymers are useful as fibers, films, foams, nets or meshes.

Abstract: A method for bonding a polymeric fiber to tissue is provided which includes providing a polymeric fiber having a plurality of tissue reactive members linked to a surface of the fiber via a specific binding pair, and contacting the polymeric fiber to biological tissue, to covalently bond the fiber to the tissue.

Abstract: The present application relates to isolated amino acid sequence comprising multiple repeats of a semi-synthetic spider silk protein domain, or any functional homolog, variant, derivative, fragment or mutant thereof. The amino acid sequence of the invention further comprises an N-terminal region and a C-terminal region. The invention further provides a nucleic acid encoding the amino acid sequence of the invention, an expression vector comprising said nucleic acid, a host cell transformed with said expression vector, a recombinant spider silk protein thus produced and a fiber composed of the recombinant spider silk protein. The invention further encompasses a composition comprising as an active ingredient said amino acid sequence or any said recombinant protein or fiber comprising the same. Lastly, the invention relates to an article comprising at least one fiber composed of said recombinant spider silk protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tropoelastin and to tissue repair and restoration using elastic materials. Disclosed is a process for producing an elastic material from tropoelastin including heating a solution of tropoelastin having an alkaline pH to form an elastic material from the tropoelastin in the solution. Also disclosed are elastic materials prepared according to this process and their applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to silk or other materials formed to have predetermined contraction/relaxation characteristics, wherein the contraction/relaxation characteristics are initiated by exposure thereof to predetermined humidity characteristics in the adjacent atmosphere. The materials may comprise a single silk fiber, a bundle of fibers of a predetermined size or diameter, a meshwork of fibers forming a predetermined configuration such as one or more sheets, bundles or other bodies. In this manner, the material can be scaled across a size range of any desired magnitude to produce predetermined force and/or displacement characteristics in association therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides an all-aqueous process and composition for production of silk biomaterials, e.g., fibers, films, foams and mats. In the process, at least one biocompatible polymer, such as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) (a well-documented biocompatible material), was blended with the silk protein prior to processing e.g., electrospinning. We discovered that this step avoids problems associated with conformational transitions of fibroin during solubilization and reprocessing from aqueous solution which lead to embrittled materials. Moreover, the process avoids the use of organic solvents that can pose problems when the processed biomaterials are exposed to cells in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simple and high yield process for producing a regenerated silk fibroin which does not need dialysis. Particularly, a process of the invention is characterized in that the silk fibroin is precipitated by applying a shear stress and/or changing the solvent power of the fibroin solution. The process of the invention simplifies the process of producing silk fibroin and greatly shortens the process time to 1 to 2 hours, whereas the conventional dialysis process is complex and needs around 2 to 3 days. In addition to reducing the time needed, the process of the invention can increase productivity of silk fibroin by at least 8%.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides a fusion polypeptide comprising a fibrous protein domain and a mineralization domain. The fusion is used to form an organic-inorganic composite. These organic-inorganic composites can be constructed from the nano- to the macro-scale depending on the size of the fibrous protein fusion domain used. In one embodiment, the composites can also be loaded with other compounds (e.g., dyes, drugs, enzymes) depending on the goal for the materials, to further enhance function. This can be achieved during assembly of the material or during the mineralization step in materials formation.