摘要:
The invention features polymeric biomaterials formed by nucleophilic addition reactions to conjugated unsaturated groups. These biomaterials may be used for medical treatments.
摘要:
Heparin-binding regions of several proteins, such as neural cell adhesion molecule, fibronectin, laminin, midkine, and anti-thrombin III have been shown to promote neurite extension on two-dimensional surfaces. The effect of heparin-binding peptides on neurite extension through three-dimensional matrices was investigated by culturing embryonic chick dorsal root ganglia (DRG) within fibrin gels containing chemically attached heparin-binding peptide (HBP). The length of neurites within fibrin gels containing cross-linked HBP was increased by more than 70% over extension through fibrin gels containing no peptide. The HBP sequence of antithrombin III was incorporated into the fibrin gel as the C-terminal domain of a bidomian, chimeric peptide; the N-terminal second domain of this peptide contained the ∀2-plasmin inhibitor substrate for Factor XIIIa. Factor XIIIa, a transglutaminase, was used to chemically attach the HBP-containing chimeric peptide to the fibrin gels during polymerization. The amount of HBP cross-linked into the fibrin gels was determined, after degradation by plasmin using gel permeation chromatography, to be approximately 8 moles of peptide per mole fibrinogen. A peptide (HBP), where the cross-linking glutamine was replaced with glycine, showed no increase in extension in comparison with fibrin gels. The additional of heparin to the gel percursors resulted in no increase in neurite extension in comparison with fibrin gels. HBPs promote neurite extension by binding to cell surface proteoglycans on the DRG.
摘要:
An apparatus is provided for applying to a surface of mammalian tissue including soft, living tissue an initially fluent material and then activating the material by exposure to an energy source. The material may be a liquid capable of polymerization to a non-fluent state by exposure to actinic light. The device, and methods that may be practiced in association with the device, enable a wide range of medical conditions to be treated including, for example, the application of a barrier to soft tissue to prevent post-surgical adhesions.
摘要:
Provided is a method of treating an area affected by a trauma, such as a corneal wound or internal trauma, comprising administering to the affected area a trauma treating effective amount of a composition comprising a polyanionic polymer.
摘要:
Methods for reducing or inhibiting the irreversible inactivation of water-soluble biologically active agents in biodegradable polymeric delivery systems which are designed to release such agents over a prolonged period of time, such as PLGA delivery systems are provided. The method comprises preparing a PLGA delivery systems whose microclimate, i.e. the pores where the active agent resides, uniformly or homogenously maintain a pH of between 3 and 9, preferably between 4 and 8, more preferably between 5 and 7.5 during biodegradation. Depending on the size of the delivery system, and the initial bulk permeability of the polymer, this result is achieved by (a) incorporating a water-soluble carrier into the delivery system, (b) incorporating a select basic additive (or antacid) into the delivery system, (c) incorporating both a water soluble carrier and a select basic additive into the delivery system, (d) adding a pore forming molecule for increasing the rate of release of low molecular weight monomers and oligomers into the delivery system, (e) using a PLGA polymer with reduced glycolide content, i.e. PLGA with from 100% to 75% lactide and 0 to 25% glycolide) (f) using a microencapsulation method that yields a more extensive pore-network, e.g. oil-in-oil emulsion-solvent extraction as opposed to water-in-oil-in water-solvent evaporation method, and (g) combinations thereof.
摘要:
Described herein is a multi-functional polymeric material for use in inhibiting adhesion and immune recognition between cells and cells, cells and tissues, and tissues and tissues. One component of the polymeric material adsorbs well to cells or tissue, and the other component of the polymeric material does not adsorb well to tissues. A water-soluble polymer that does not bear charge (polynonion) is used as the non-binding component, and a water soluble polymer that is positively charged at physiological pH (polycation) is used as the tissue binding component. When the bi-functional polymeric material contacts a tissue, the tissue-binding component binds and thus immobilizes the attached non-binding component, which will then extend generally away from the tissue surface and sterically block the attachment of other tissues. The method and compositions are useful in inhibiting formation of post-surgical adhesions, protecting damaged blood vessels from thrombosis and restenosis, and decreasing the extent of metastasis of attachment-dependent tumor cells.
摘要:
Bioactive molecules are entrapped within a matrix for the controlled delivery of these compounds for therapeutic healing applications. The matrix may be formed of natural or synthetic compounds. The primary method of entrapment of the bioactive molecule is through precipitation of the bioactive molecule during gelation of the matrix, either in vitro or in vivo. The bioactive molecule may be modified to reduce its effective solubility in the matrix to retain it more effectively within the matrix, such as through the deglycosylation of members within the cystine knot growth factor superfamily and particularly within the TGFβ superfamily. The matrix may be modified to include sites with binding affinity for different bioactive molecules, for example, for heparin binding.
摘要:
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for selectively patterning surfaces using radical species generated with a photocatalyst. The photocatalyst may comprise a photocatalytic semiconductor or a photosensitizer. The radical species are brought into contact with an oxidizable coating disposed on the surface, thereby locally oxidizing and selectively patterning the surface. The photocatalyst is preferably disposed on a delivery device, such as a stamp, mask, or scanning probe, that is brought into close proximity or contact with the coated surface. The photocatalyst is then excited in a manner capable of generating radical species, for example, oxygen-containing radical species, in appropriate media. It is expected that these radical species will be transferred to the coated surface along a substantially shortest distance path, thereby locally oxidizing and patterning the surface.
摘要:
Chemokines may be administered to a patient for immunotolerization. Chemokines include CCL19 and CCL21. Materials and methods for accomplishing tolerization and described.