Abstract:
The subject invention concerns a composite comprising an organic fluid-swellable, fibrous matrix, such as collagen, and a mineral phase, such as calcium carbonate or phosphate mineral phase, for use as a biomimetic of bone. In another aspect, the subject invention concerns a process for making a composite involving the inclusion of acidic polymers to a supersaturated mineralizing solution, in order to induce an amorphous liquid-phase precursor to the inorganic mineral, which is then absorbed (pulled by capillary action) into the organic matrix. Advantageously, once solidified, a high mineral content can be achieved, with the inorganic mineral crystals embedded within the collagen fibers (intrafibrillarly) and oriented such that they are aligned along the long axes of the fibers of the organic matrix, thereby closely mimicking the natural structure of bone. The present invention further concerns a method of treating a patient suffering from a bone defect by applying a biomimetic composite to the bone defect site.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to methods for immobilizing natural or synthetic biomolecules to surfaces comprising covalently linking the natural or synthetic biomolecule to a mono- or bi-functional polymer and covalently and/or electrostatically immobilizing the biomolecule/polymer conjugate to an unmodified or modified surface wherein the biomolecule is an oligonucleotide, a polynucleotide, a protein, a glycoprotein, a peptide or a carbohydrate that has been modified to incorporate a single or plurality of nucleophilic groups comprising an aliphatic or aromatic amino, thiol, hydrazine, thiosemicarbazide, hydrazide, thiocarbazide, carbazide, aminooxy, a derivative of 2-hydrazinopyridine or aminoxyacetic acid or a single or plurality of electrophilic groups comprising an aliphatic or aromatic aldehyde, ketone, epoxide, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, succinimidyl ester or cyanuric chloride or a linkable aromatic aldehyde or ketone and the surface has been modified to possess either neutral, cationic or anionic groups or a combination neutral, anionic and/or cationic moieties.
Abstract:
The invention relates to porous polymeric materials, methods of making them, and applications in medical devices. A specific embodiment of the invention encompasses a material comprising a porous polyolefin substrate containing inclusions of a material to which chemical or biological moieties are attached directly or via a spacer.
Abstract:
A method of attaching unmodified biopolymers, particularly, unmodified polynucleotides, directly to a solid support is provided. The method includes the steps of (a) providing unmodified biopolymers; (b) providing a solid support having at least one surface comprising pendant acyl fluoride functionalities; and (c) contacting the unmodified biopolymers with the solid support under a condition sufficient for allowing the attachment of the biopolymers to the solid support. The unmodified biopolymers may be nucleic acids, polypeptides, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and analogues thereof. The unmodified polynucleotides may be DNA, RNA or synthesized oligonucleotides. The DNA may be single or double stranded. A device including a solid support and unmodified biopolymers attached to the solid support by reaction with the pendant acyl fluoride functionalities of the solid support is also provided. The methods and devices of the present invention may be used in performing hybridization assays and immunoassays.
Abstract:
A deformable stamp for patterning a surface. The stamp can be placed in contact with an entire 3-dimensional object, such as a rod, in a single step. The stamp can also be used to pattern the inside of a tube or rolled over a surface to form a continous pattern. The stamp may also be used for fluidic patterning by flowing material through channels defined by raised and recessed portions in the surface of the stamp as it contacts the substrate. The stamp may be use d to deposit self-assembled monolayers, biological materials, metals, polymers, ceramics, or a variety of other materials. The patterned substrates may be used in a variety of engineering and medical applications.
Abstract:
A composition for intracellular delivery of a chemical agent into a target receptor and/or interleukin-2-receptor-bearing cell, e.g. an activated T cell and cancer cell, includes a chemical agent, at least one copy of target-receptor binding and/or an interleukin-2-receptor-binding and endocytosis-inducing ligand coupled to a water soluble polymer. The ligand binds to a target receptor and/or IL-2 receptor on the target receptor and/or IL-2-receptor-bearing cell and elicits endocytosis of the composition. The composition also optionally includes a biodegradable spacer for coupling the chemical agent and the ligand to the polymer. Chemical agents can include cytotoxins, transforming nucleic acids, gene regulators, labels, antigens, drugs, and the like. A preferred water soluble polymer is polyalkylene oxide, such as polyethylene glycol and polyethylene oxide, and activated derivatives thereof. The composition can further comprise a carrier such as another water soluble polymer, liposome, or particulate. Methods of using these compositions for delivering a chemical agent in vivo or in vitro are also disclosed. A method of detecting a disease, such as cancer, T-cell lymphocytic leukemia, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, associated with elevated levels of soluble target receptor and/or IL-2 receptor is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Process for providing immobilized living cells, said process comprising the steps of: mixing together under reactive conditions a polymer and an activator for said polymer, such as a cross-linking agent, so that the polymer is activated, whereafter a living cell is separately added to the activated polymer, so that the living cell is not exposed to substantially unreacted activator, whereby the living cell is immobilized within the activated polymer.
Abstract:
A biocompatible, heterofunctional, star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) is described. Methods of making the heterofunctional star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) and using it for conjugation with proteins are also described.
Abstract:
Optical fiber sensors and fiberless optical sensors for measuring analytes, and in particular nitric oxide, are described utilizing metals, and more particularly, metal colloids. Proteins (or fragments thereof) with selective binding are immobilized on metal particles. The proteins may be dye-labeled for increased sensitivity.
Abstract:
Disclosed are proteins, referred to as tumor necrosis factor binding proteins, that modulate the activity of tumor necrosis factor. Also disclosed are processes for obtaining the tumor necrosis binding proteins by recombinant genetic engineering techniques.