Therapeutic agents with improved fibrinogen binding properties are described. The agents are suitable for use as artificial platelets, or for formation of biogels. Methods and intermediates for producing the agents, cross-linking agents for use in the methods, and biogels formed from, or comprising the agents, are also described.

The present invention relates generally to antifungal hydrogels to locally deliver antifungal drugs. Specifically, the present invention provides aspartic protease-triggered antifungal hydrogels to locally deliver antifungal drugs that specifically respond to aspartic proteases secreted by virulent, pathogenic Candida.

Provided herein are methods and compositions for enhancement of stem-cell based immunomodulation and promotion of tissue repair.

Hydrogels that degrade under appropriate conditions of pH and temperature by virtue of crosslinking compounds that cleave through an elimination reaction are described. The hydrogels may be used for delivery of various agents, such as pharmaceuticals.

Described herein are hydrogel compositions comprising cross-linked bacteriophages. The hydrogels are typically bioactive, degradable, for example biodegradable, self-healing, fluorescent, for example autofluorescent, and/or birefringent. The hydrogels described herein may be used as therapeutics or diagnostics, as scaffolds for material synthesis, as catalysts, as membranes or filters, or as biosensor substrates, for example.

Methods for the steam sterilization of hydrogels crosslinked with a beta-eliminative linker without the drawback of significant degradation are provided.

Aspects of the invention include crosslinked copolymer hydrogel compositions. Crosslinked copolymer hydrogel compositions according to certain embodiments include a copolymer of chitosan and a polyester and a hydrolysable crosslinker. In certain embodiments, crosslinked hydrogels further include fibrinogen. The subject invention also describes compositions having crosslinked copolymer hydrogels with one or more absorbed bioactive agents. Methods for preparing and using the crosslinked copolymer hydrogels of the invention are also described.

Vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF-sequestering hydrogel microspheres that have been prepared to selectively bind VEGF from blood products are disclosed herein. In one particular embodiment, the microspheres bind VEGF as part of an intra-operative process such that the growth factor can be removed from the blood products before the products are used in a clinical procedure.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for preventing or treating post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a subject in need thereof, comprising administrating a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes or mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal microRNA to the subject. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for preventing progressive fibrocartilage degeneration in a subject in need thereof, comprising administrating a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes or mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal microRNA to the subject.

Mucoadhesive microgel compositions, which include an active agent (such as HB-EGF), are provided. Aspects of the invention include a microgel comprising a crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate polymer comprising a mucoadhesive functionality. Also provided are methods of making and using the mucoadhesive microgel compositions, e.g., in therapeutic applications. In one embodiment, HB-EGF loaded mucoadhesive microgel compositions are provided, e.g., for prevention or treatment of mucositis conditions, such as therapy induced oral mucositis conditions.