Abstract:
Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for the encapsulation and transplantation of cells. Also disclosed are high throughput methods for the characterizing the biocompatibility and physiochemical properties of modified alginate polymers.
Abstract:
A system for “smart” delivery of a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent, such as glucose-mediated delivery of insulin through an injectable nano-network consisting of oppositely-charged dextran nanoparticles encapsulating insulin and glucose-specific enzymes forming a gel-like 3D scaffold. As demonstrated by the examples, the system effectively dissociates to release insulin in a hyperglycemic condition, where the catalytic conversion of glucose into gluconic acid and the subsequent degradation of polymeric matrix are facilitated. This formulation design provides a delivery strategy for both self-regulated and long-term diabetes management.
Abstract:
Injectable insulin loaded microgels that are capable of modifying the amount of insulin released based on the patient's tissue glucose levels, methods for making and using these compositions have been developed. The microgels contain insulin, glucose oxidase entrapped in or bound to the microgels, and an agent that reduces hydrogen peroxide, entrapped in or bound to the microgels, wherein the polymeric microgel expands when pH decreases from physiological pH and shrinks when pH increases towards physiological pH, thereby releasing insulin at a rate corresponding to the glucose concentration. In one embodiment, the glucose oxidase and/or the agent reducing hydrogen peroxide are encapsulated in nanogels, then encapsulated within the microgel.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides devices and uses thereof A devices disclosed herein comprises a plurality of microneedles adapted to protrude from the device. In some embodiments, a device is dimensioned and constructed to carry a payload, so that the payload can be delivered to an internal tissue of a subject or through a wall of a vessel after interaction with microneedles. In some embodiments, devices can be used for oral or intravenous administration. In some embodiments, devices can be used for implantation such as vaginal, rectal, urethral or bladder suppository or pessary.
Abstract:
Products, such as devices, prostheses, and materials, whose surfaces have been modified in order to impart beneficial properties to these products are disclosed. The surface-modified products have improved biocompatibility compared to a corresponding product that lacks the modification. Following implantation in a subject, the surface-modified products induce a lower foreign-body response, compared to a corresponding unmodified product.
Abstract:
Methods and constructs for engineering circular RNA are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and constructs comprise a vector for making circular RNA, the vector comprising the following elements operably connected to each other and arranged in the following sequence: a.) a 5′ homology arm, b.) a 3′ group I intron fragment containing a 3′ splice site dinucleotide, c.) optionally, a 5′ spacer sequence, d.) a protein coding or noncoding region, e.) optionally, a 3′ spacer sequence, f) a 5′ Group I intron fragment containing a 5′ splice site dinucleotide, and g.) a 3′ homology arm, the vector allowing production of a circular RNA that is translatable or biologically active inside eukaryotic cells. Methods for purifying the circular RNA produced by the vector and the use of nucleoside modifications in circular RNA produced by the vector are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to compositions comprising and methods for chemical modification of single guide RNA (sgRNA), tracrRNA and/or crRNA used individually or in combination with one another or Cas system components. Compositions comprising modified ribonucleic acids have been designed with chemical modification for even higher efficiency as unmodified native strand of sgRNA. Administration of modified ribonucleic acids will allow decreased immune response when administered to a subject, increased stability, increased editing efficiency and facilitated in vivo delivery of sgRNA via various delivery platforms. The disclosure also relates to methods of decreasing off-target effect of CRISPR and a CRISPR complex.
Abstract:
Methods and constructs for engineering circular RNA are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and constructs comprise a vector for making circular RNA, the vector comprising the following elements operably connected to each other and arranged in the following sequence: a.) a 5′ homology arm, b.) a 3′ group I intron fragment containing a 3′ splice site dinucleotide, c.) optionally, a 5′ spacer sequence, d.) a protein coding or noncoding region, e.) optionally, a 3′ spacer sequence, f) a 5′ Group I intron fragment containing a 5′ splice site dinucleotide, and g.) a 3′ homology arm, the vector allowing production of a circular RNA that is translatable or biologically active inside eukaryotic cells. Methods for purifying the circular RNA produced by the vector and the use of nucleoside modifications in circular RNA produced by the vector are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Methods and constructs for engineering circular RNA are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and constructs comprise a vector for making circular RNA, the vector comprising the following elements operably connected to each other and arranged in the following sequence: a.) a 5′ homology arm, b.) a 3′ group I intron fragment containing a 3′ splice site dinucleotide, c.) optionally, a 5′ spacer sequence, d.) a protein coding or noncoding region, e.) optionally, a 3′ spacer sequence, f.) a 5′ Group I intron fragment containing a 5′ splice site dinucleotide, and g.) a 3′ homology arm, the vector allowing production of a circular RNA that is translatable or biologically active inside eukaryotic cells. Methods for purifying the circular RNA produced by the vector and the use of nucleoside modifications in circular RNA produced by the vector are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Neurological implants whose surfaces have been chemically and covalently modified to impart beneficial properties to the neurological implants are described. The neurological implants possess improved biocompatibility compared to a corresponding neurological implant that lacks the chemical modification. Following implantation in a subject, the surface-modified neurological implants induce a lower-foreign body response, compared to a corresponding unmodified product.