摘要:
The present invention relates to scaffolds that can physically guide cells, e.g. neurons, while best matching the material properties of native tissue. The present invention also relates to methods of generating such scaffolds, and for the use of such scaffolds, e.g. in spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury repair. The methods of the present invention include a uniquely controlled freeze casting process to generate highly porous, linearly oriented scaffolds. The scaffolds of the present invention not only comprise a highly aligned porosity, but also contain secondary guidance structures in the form of ridges running parallel to the pores to create a series of microstructured and highly aligned channels. This hierarchy of structural guidance aligns and guides neurite outgrowth down the channels created by the ridges, and keep neurites from branching perpendicular to the inter-ridge grooves.
摘要:
Compositions, methods for preparing and methods of using contrast agent-filled polymeric microparticles for imaging are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, air-encapsulating microparticles are formed by ionotropically gelling synthetic polyelectrolytes such as poly(carboxylatophenoxy)phosphazene, poly(acrylic acid), poly(methacrylic acid) and methacrylic acid copolymers (Eudragit's) by contact with multivalent ions such as calcium ions. In the preferred embodiment, the average size of the microparticles is less than seven .mu.m so that they are suitable for injection intravenously. The polymeric microparticles are stable to imaging and display high echogenicity, both in vitro and in vivo. Due to their in vivo stability their potential application is extended beyond vascular imaging to liver and renal diseases, fallopian tube diseases, detecting and characterizing tumor masses and tissues, and measuring peripheral blood velocity. The microparticles can optionally be linked with ligands that minimize tissue adhesion or that target the microparticles to specific regions.
摘要:
Compositions, methods for preparing and methods of using air-filled polymeric microcapsules for ultrasound imaging are disclosed. Air-encapsulating microcapsules are formed by ionotropically gelling synthetic polyelectrolytes such as poly(carboxylatophenoxy)phosphazene, poly(acrylic acid), poly(methacrylic acid) and methacrylic acid copolymers (Eudragit's) by contact with multivalent ions such as calcium ions. In the preferred embodiment, the average size of the microcapsules is less than seven .mu.m so that they are suitable for injection intravenously. The polymeric microcapsules are stable to imaging and display high echogenicity, both in vitro and in vivo. Due to their in vivo stability their potential application is extended beyond vascular imaging to liver and renal diseases, fallopian tube diseases, detecting and characterizing tumor masses and tissues, and measuring peripheral blood velocity. The microcapsules can optionally be linked with ligands that minimize tissue adhesion or that target the microcapsules to specific regions.
摘要:
The present invention relates to scaffolds that can physically guide cells, e.g. neurons, while best matching the material properties of native tissue. The present invention also relates to methods of generating such scaffolds, and for the use of such scaffolds, e.g. in spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury repair. The methods of the present invention include a uniquely controlled freeze casting process to generate highly porous, linearly oriented scaffolds. The scaffolds of the present invention not only comprise a highly aligned porosity, but also contain secondary guidance structures in the form of ridges running parallel to the pores to create a series of microstructured and highly aligned channels. This hierarchy of structural guidance aligns and guides neurite outgrowth down the channels created by the ridges, and keep neurites from branching perpendicular to the inter-ridge grooves.
摘要:
The invention concerns substrates comprising a biocompatible gel and at least one of a plurality of cells, said cells being capable of producing at least one therapeutic agent. Other aspects of the invention concern methods of making such substrates and methods of repairing and regenerating damaged nervous tissue with the substrates.
摘要:
The invention relates to compositions and methods for the safe delivery of a bioactive agent to an animal. Preferably, the bioactive agent is a vaccine, and more preferably, the bioactive agent is a virus.
摘要:
Tissue joining devices of one or more bending, interconnecting, or magnetically attractive components (1, 2) are provided. Methods for delivering bioactive agents (3) via these tissue joining devices (1, 2) are also provided.
摘要:
Multifunctional systems for delivery of bioactive compounds incorporated within or between polymeric fibers in a matrix are provided. Also provided are methods of delivering bioactive compounds via implementation, coating and/or wrapping of these systems and methods for modulating the rate of release of bioactive compounds from these delivery systems.