Abstract:
Fusion proteins containing a first domain and a second domain, where the first domain contains a crosslinkable substrate domain and the second domain contains a fibrinolysis inhibitor, are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the fibrinolysis inhibitor is a protease inhibitor, preferably, aprotinin. The fusion protein optionally contains a degradable site between the fist domain and the second domain. In a preferred embodiment, the crosslinkable substrate domain is a transglutaminase substrate domain, more preferably a Factor XIIIa substrate domain. Also provided is a method for decreasing the degradation of a fibrin matrix, and supplemented fibrin matrices with reduced degradation rates. The method includes covalently crossHnking a fusion protein containing a fibrinolysis inhibitor to the matrix. The supplemented fibrin matrices contain lower concentrations of a fibrinolysis inhibitor covalently bound to the matrix, compared to the concentration of unbound fibrinolysis inhibitor required to achieve the same reduction in degradation of the fibrin matrix.
Abstract:
Nanoparticles that activate complement in the absence of biological molecules are described. The nanoparticles are shown to specifically target antigen presenting cells in specifically in lymph nodes, without the use of a biological molecule for targeting. These particles are useful vehicles for delivering immunotherapeutics.
Abstract:
The invention features a triblock copolymer including a hydrophilic block; a hydrophobic block; and a positively charged block capable of reversibly complexing a negatively charged molecule, e.g., a nucleic acid, wherein the hydrophobic block is disposed between the hydrophilic block and the positively charged block. Desirably, the triblock copolymer is capable of self-assembling into a supramolecular structure, such as a micelle or vesicle. The invention further features methods of delivering negatively charged molecules and methods of treating a disease or condition using the polymers of the invention.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for locally patterning surfaces. In one such method, an oxidizable thioether is adsorbed onto a conductive surface 10. The surface is then contacted with a fluid medium M. A conducting stamp 12 is then brought into contact with the fluid medium above the thioether-coated surface. Next, a potential V is applied between the stamp and the surface. It is expected that the charge will be transferred through the medium to the coated surface along a shortest distance path, thereby locally oxidizing the thioether and effectively creating a negative patterned image of the conducting stamp on the surface. Remaining adsorbed thioether may then be used as a mask for standard etching or material addition procedures.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for coating surfaces with specially designed thioethers and amphiphilic thioethers that reduce protein adsorption and/or cell adhesion. This reduction may be achieved, for example, by controlling the spacing or length of pendant chains or hydrophilic blocks in an amphiphilic thioether. Techniques for determining spacing include adsorbing the thioether from a solution or a colloidal suspension, or controlling the degree of polymerization of the thioether. Techniques for controlling the length of the pendant chains include controlling the degree of polymerization of the pendant chains. Multiblock copolymers of poly(propylene sulfide) and poly(ethylene glycol) ("PPS-PEG") represent an exemplary family of amphiphilic thioethers. Methods for coating surfaces with amphiphilic thioethers are also provided.
Abstract:
A two-step system for preparing biomaterials from polymeric precursors is disclosed. The method involves (a) shaping the polymeric precursors by inducing thermal gelation of an aqueous solution of the polymeric precursors and (b) curing the polymeric precursors by cross-linking reactive groups on the polymeric precursors to produce a cured material. The curing reaction involves either a Michael-type addition reaction or a free radical photopolymerization reaction in order to cross-link the polymeric materials. The biomaterials produced by this method have a variety of biomedical uses, including drug delivery, microencapsulation, and implantation.
Abstract:
Proteins are incorporated into protein or polysaccharide matrices for use in tissue repair, regeneration and/or remodeling and/or drug delivery. The proteins can be incorporated so that they are released by degradation of the matrix, by enzymatic action and/or diffusion. As demonstrated by the examples, one method is to bind heparin to the matrix by either covalent or non-covalent methods, to form a heparin-matrix. The heparin then non-covalently binds heparin-binding growth factors to the protein matrix. Alternatively, a fusion protein can be constructed which contains a crosslinking region such as a factor XIIIa substrate and the native protein sequence. Incorporation of degradable linkages between the matrix and the bioactive factors can be particularly useful when long-term drug delivery is desired, for example in the case of nerve regeneration, where it is desirable to vary the rate of drug release spatially as a function of regeneration, e.g. rapidly near the living tissue interface and more slowly farther into the injury zone. Additional benefits include the lower total drug dose within the delivery system, and spatial regulation of release which permits a greater percentage of the drug to be released at the time of greatest cellular activity.
Abstract:
Fusion proteins containing a first domain and a second domain, where the first domain contains a crosslinkable substrate domain and the second domain contains a fibrinolysis inhibitor, are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the fibrinolysis inhibitor is a protease inhibitor, preferably, aprotinin. The fusion protein optionally contains a degradable site between the fist domain and the second domain. In a preferred embodiment, the crosslinkable substrate domain is a transglutaminase substrate domain, more preferably a Factor XIIIa substrate domain. Also provided is a method for decreasing the degradation of a fibrin matrix, and supplemented fibrin matrices with reduced degradation rates. The method includes covalently crossHnking a fusion protein containing a fibrinolysis inhibitor to the matrix. The supplemented fibrin matrices contain lower concentrations of a fibrinolysis inhibitor covalently bound to the matrix, compared to the concentration of unbound fibrinolysis inhibitor required to achieve the same reduction in degradation of the fibrin matrix.
Abstract:
Embodiments include a vehicle for delivery of nitric oxide comprising: a collection of micelles having an internal micelle core that comprises a polymer with N-diazeniumdiolate comprising NO complexed with secondary amines of the polymer. Embodiments include a method of making a nitric oxide vehicle comprising dissolving a polymer that comprises secondary amines in an aqueous solution and combining the polymer with nitric oxide in the solution to form a N-diazeniumdiolate comprising the nitric oxide complexed with the secondary amines, with the formation of the N-diazeniumdiolate causing the polymer to be at least partially insoluble in the solution and to form a collection of micelles that have an internal core that comprises N-diazeniumdiolate.
Abstract:
Ligands that specifically bind to articular cartilage tissues are disclosed, including uses for targeting therapeutics towards articular cartilage tissue and new materials for articular cartilage. The ligands are effective in vivo to target therapeutic materials to articular cartilage.