Embodiments of the invention include plant stem cell products and treatment methods using the products. In some embodiments, the products may include extracts of plant stem cells, such as apple 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. Treatment methods include aerosol inhalation of the plant stem cell products.

The present invention provides for delivery of therapeutic drug in a polymeric delivery system comprising a PEG-bl-PPS di-block polymer formed in a micelle, filomicelle, or polymersome structure, wherein the structure effectively binds and/or interacts through shape-based targeting with a targeted cell type.

The present invention relates generally to vesicles such as liposomes, colloidosomes, and polymersomes, as well as techniques for making and using such vesicles. In some cases, the vesicles may be at least partially biocompatible and/or biodegradable. The vesicles may be formed, according to one aspect, by forming a multiple emulsion comprising a first droplet surrounded by a second droplet, which in turn is surrounded by a third fluid, where the second droplet comprises lipids and/or polymers, and removing fluid from the second droplet, e.g., through evaporation or diffusion, until a vesicle is formed. In certain aspects, the size of the vesicle may be controlled, e.g., through osmolarity, and in certain embodiments, the vesicle may be ruptured through a change in osmolarity. In some cases, the vesicle may contain other species, such as fluorescent molecules, microparticles, pharmaceutical agents, etc., which may be released upon rupture. Yet other aspects of the invention are generally directed to methods of making such vesicles, kits involving such vesicles, or the like.

The invention relates to a novel drug delivery vehicle. Various embodiments of the invention provide a hybrid polymerized liposomal nanoparticle comprising both polymerizable lipids and non-polymerizable lipids. Therapeutic agents can be loaded into the polymerized liposomal nanoparticle and targeting agents can be conjugated to the surface of the polymerized liposomal nanoparticle. Also described in the invention are methods, compositions and kits that utilize the hybrid polymerized liposomal nanoparticle to treat disease conditions such as various cancers.

The present invention provides polymersomes comprising amphiphilic block-copolymers and their use to quantify ammonia in samples (e.g., body fluid samples). More particularly, it provides a polymersome comprising (a) a membrane, which comprises a block copolymer of poly(styrene) (PS) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), wherein the PS/PEO molecular weight ratio is higher than 1.0 and lower than 4.0; and (b) a core which encloses an acid and at least one pH-sensitive dye. Compositions, strips and kits comprising the polymersomes are also provided along with methods of quantifying ammonia in a sample using the polymersomes, compositions and kit.

A liposome for use in delivering a therapeutically active agent to a subject in need thereof is disclosed herein. The liposome comprises: a) at least one bilayer-forming lipid; b) a polymeric compound having the general formula I:

##STR00001## wherein m, n, L, X, Y, and Z are as defined herein; and c) a therapeutically active agent, incorporated in the liposome and/or on a surface of the liposome.

The present invention provides polymersomes comprising amphiphilic block-copolymers and their use to quantify ammonia in samples (e.g., body fluid samples). More particularly, it provides a polymersome comprising (a) a membrane, which comprises a block copolymer of poly(styrene) (PS) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), wherein the PS/PEO molecular weight ratio is higher than 1.0 and lower than 4.0; and (b) a core which encloses an acid and at least one pH-sensitive dye. Compositions, strips and kits comprising the polymersomes are also provided along with methods of quantifying ammonia in a sample using the polymersomes, compositions and kit.

Methods and compositions for rapid and efficient assembly of fibers coated with lamellar vesicles are provided. Cosmetic and therapeutic uses of vesicle-coated fibers are also provided.

The present invention features new lipid-polymer composite particles that are useful for the formulation of bioactive agents for administration to a subject. The nanoparticles include a block copolymer, a lipid, e.g., phospholipid, and a sterol. The formulations of a bioactive agent (e.g., a therapeutic agent, a nutraceutical agent, or a recreational agent) described herein provide for easier loading of lipid-polymer composite particles with higher drug loading capacity, increased stability of the formulations, and lower surface tension of water, which allows for lipid coating and entrapment.

A “nanolipogel” is a delivery vehicle including one or more lipid layer surrounding a hydrogel core, which may include an absorbent such as a cyclodextrin or ion-exchange resin. Nanolipogels can be constructed so as to incorporate a variety of different chemical entities that can subsequently be released in a controlled fashion. These different incorporated chemical entities can differ dramatically with respect to size and composition. Nanolipogels have been constructed to contain co-encapsulated proteins as well as small hydrophobic drugs within the interior of the lipid bilayer. Agents incorporated within nanolipogels can be released into the milieu in a controlled fashion, for example, nanolipogels provide a means of achieving simultaneous sustained release of agents that differ widely in chemical composition and molecular weight. Additionally, nanolipogels can favorably modulate biodistribution.