Emulsome compositions comprising phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, tristearin, and one or more lipophilic bioactive agents such as vinpocetine are provided. The emulsomes may further comprise surface modifications of either [N-(carbonyl-methoxypropylethyleneglycol-2000)-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, sodium salt] (MPEG-DSPE) for peglyation or stearylamine for cationization. Methods of improving brain delivery of lipophilic bioactive agents by intranasally administering such emulsome compositions are also provided.

The present invention relates to fumarate polymersomes. The polymersomes are capable of targeting immune cells and then hydrolysing to release the immunomodulatory compound fumarate. The polymersomes can thus be used methods for the treatment of prevention of diseases, including immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and psoriasis.

The present disclosure is directed to radiation triggered liposomes and their use in delivery and release of pharmaceutical drugs upon exposure to ionizing radiation. In one embodiment liposomes are provided that comprise cholesterol and sphingolipids modified to comprise reactive groups that are activated by ionizing radiation to form crosslinks with other lipids of the liposome causing the release of the liposomal contents.

The present invention relates to polymersomes that contain an encapsulated drug and that exhibit chemotaxis in response to a chemical stimulus. The chemotactic polymersomes can be targeted in vivo to a location of therapeutic interest with high specificity and selectivity. The present invention also provides related pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic methods.

Provided herein are nanocarriers for delivery of immunosuppressive agents. In some embodiments, provided herein are nanocarriers comprising a core comprising a poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene sulfide) copolymer and least one therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the nanocarriers may further comprise a targeting ligand displayed on a surface of the nanocarrier. The at least one therapeutic agent may be an anti-inflammatory agent. The disclosed nanocarriers may be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions for use in methods of treating an inflammatory condition or preventing transplantation rejection in a subject.

The disclosure generally relates to lipid nanodiscs, in particular to lipid nanodiscs formed from polymers. A lipid nanodisc according to the disclosure includes a lipid bilayer having a first hydrophilic face and a second hydrophilic face opposing the first hydrophilic face, and a hydrophobic edge between the opposing hydrophilic faces, and a polymer encircling the hydrophobic edge of the lipid bilayer. The polymer includes a first monomeric unit having a pendant hydrophobic group and a second monomeric unit having a backbone hydrophilic group. Methods of making and characterizing the lipid nanodiscs are also disclosed.

Compositions and methods useful in administering nucleic acid based therapies, for example association complexes such as liposomes and lipoplexes are described.

The present invention provides nanomaterials for the specific targeting of immune cells. Methods of treating cardiac disease and inflammatory disease are also described.

Nanoparticle mediated microvascular embolization (NME) of tumor tissue may occur after systemic administration of PEM, leading to widespread shutdown of vascular flow, hemorrhage, and necrosis. PEM constructs are developed that incorporate large amounts of iron-containing protein, possess high oxygen affinities, and demonstrate delayed nitric oxide binding. Such properties induce selective NME of tumors after extravasation, and will likely enhance the effect of VEGFR TKIs and/or mTOR inhibitors.

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.