Microdevices with complex three-dimensional (3D) internal and external structures are described. The microdevices are made by a method combining micromolding and soft lithography with an aligned sintering process. The microfabrication method, termed StampEd Assembly of polymer Layers (SEAL), generates microdevices with complex geometries and with fully-enclosed internal cavities containing a solid or liquid. The microdevices are useful for biomedical, electromechanical, energy and environmental applications.

Provided herein are block copolymers comprising a hydrophilic polymer segment and a hydrophobic polymer segment, wherein the hydrophilic polymer segment comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of: poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(methacrylate phosphatidyl choline) (MPC), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), wherein the hydrophobic polymer segment comprises ##STR00001##
wherein R′ is —H or —CH.sub.3, wherein R is —NR.sup.1R.sup.2, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are alkyl groups, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together have from 5 to 16 carbons, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may optionally join to form a ring, wherein n is 1 to about 10, and wherein x is about 20 to about 200 in total. Also provided are pH-sensitive micelle compositions for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Disclosed are cell membrane-derived nanovesicles, a method of preparing the nanovesicles, and a pharmaceutical composition and a diagnostic kit using the nanovesicles. The cell membrane-derived nanovesicles may prevent potential adverse effects because intracellular materials (e.g., genetic materials and cytosolic proteins) unnecessary for delivering therapeutic or diagnostic substances are removed from the nanovesicles. In addition, as the nanovesicles may be targeted to specific cells or tissues, therapeutic or diagnostic substances may be predominantly delivered to the targeted cells or tissues, while delivery of the substances may be inhibited. Therefore, the nanovesicles may alleviate suffering and inconvenience of patients by reducing adverse effects of therapeutic substances and by improving efficacy of the substances. In addition, the cell membrane-derived nanovesicles loaded with therapeutic or diagnostic substances and a method of preparing the nanovesicles may be used in vitro or in vivo for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, or for experimental use.

Nanostructures for the systemic delivery of nucleic acids, such as RNA, are provided herein. The nanostructures include templated lipoprotein nanoparticles (TLPs) composed of a core decorated with proteins, a lipid bilayer and hydrophobic molecules that self-assemble with nucleic acids, such as RNA. The nanostructures are useful for research, therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

The present invention relates to polymersomes comprising a soluble encapsulated antigen, wherein said soluble encapsulated antigen is selected from the group consisting of: a polypeptide, a carbohydrate, a polynucleotide and combinations thereof. The present invention further relates to a method for production of encapsulated antigens in a polymersome as well as to polymersomes produced by said method. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising a polymersome of the present invention, isolated antigen presenting cells or hybridoma cells exposed to the polymersome or composition of the present invention. The present invention also relates to vaccines comprising polymersomes of the present invention, methods of eliciting an immune response or methods for treatment, amelioration, prophylaxis or diagnostics of a cancer, autoimmune or infectious disease, comprising providing polymersomes of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention include plant stem cell products and treatment devices for applying the plant stem cell products. In some embodiments, the products include extracts of plant stem cells, such as lingonberry stem cells and orchid stem cells, and an aerosolizing device configured to create an aerosol from the plant stem cell products and to deliver the aerosol to the lung via inhalation.

Disclosed are cationic lipids which are compounds of Formula I. Cationic lipids provided herein can be useful for delivery and expression of mRNA and encoded protein, e.g., as a component of liposomal delivery vehicle, and accordingly can be useful for treating various diseases, disorders and conditions, such as those associated with deficiency of one or more proteins.

##STR00001##

Processes for preparing neutral liposomes include adding a hydrophobic solution of liposome lipid bilayer precursors and a nucleic acid condenser to an aqueous composition of a nucleic acid condenser and a biologically active ingredient and then, isolating the liposomes. The liposomes are formed from noncationic lipids and encapsulate the biologically active ingredient as a core composition and entrap some of the biologically active ingredient on the exterior surface of the liposome. The liposomes have the nucleic acid condensers and/or cell penetrating peptides attached to the exterior surface of the lipid bilayer. One or more divalent cations are present in the solution with the liposome and remain in solution once the liposomes form.

Provided herein are block copolymers comprising a hydrophilic polymer segment and a hydrophobic polymer segment, wherein the hydrophilic polymer segment comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of: poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(methacrylate phosphatidyl choline) (MPC), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), wherein the hydrophobic polymer segment comprises

##STR00001##

wherein R′ is —H or —CH.sub.3, wherein R is —NR.sup.1R.sup.2, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are alkyl groups, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together have from 5 to 16 carbons, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may optionally join to form a ring, wherein n is 1 to about 10, and wherein x is about 20 to about 200 in total. Also provided are pH-sensitive micelle compositions for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

This disclosure relates to polymersomes comprising a crosslinked polymer and their use as drug delivery vehicles. Specifically, polymersomes comprising a polymer of Formula I: ##STR00001##
wherein each R is independently C.sub.1-6 alkyl; and n is an integer between 1 and 50.