Peptides that specifically bind erythrocytes are described. These are provided as peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The peptides may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired.

Provided herein are methods that include introducing into an inner ear of a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector that includes a nucleotide sequence encoding (a) a polypeptide including an antibody heavy chain variable domain operably linked to a signal peptide and a polypeptide including an antibody light chain variable domain operably linked to a signal peptide; (b) a polypeptide including an antigen-binding antibody fragment operably linked to a signal peptide; or (c) a soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor operably linked to a signal peptide.

A targeting nanoparticle composition and method of treatment for diseases associated with major basement membrane components of blood vessels accessible from blood stream is presented. The composition includes pegylated perfluorocarbon nanoparticles having a targeting ligand attached that targets the basement membrane components, specifically collagen IV. The targeted nanoparticles may contain at least one pharmaceutically active agent capable of treating a glomerular disease such as lupus nephritis.

Provided is a composition including a dispersion medium including: an aqueous solution; a first active ingredient; a flavor agent; and a first type of polymer; and a dispersed phase including: a population of particles, each particle including: a core including: a second active ingredient a second type of polymer; and an aqueous solution; a shell, substantially surrounding the core, the shell including: a third type of polymer; a plurality of lipophilic carriers; and a third active ingredient; and a plurality of emulsifying agents.

Provided is a composition including a dispersion medium including: an aqueous solution; a first active ingredient; a flavor agent; and a first type of polymer; and a dispersed phase including: a population of particles, each particle including: a core including: a second active ingredient a second type of polymer; and an aqueous solution; a shell, substantially surrounding the core, the shell including: a third type of polymer; a plurality of lipophilic carriers; and a third active ingredient; and a plurality of emulsifying agents.

Provided is a method of encapsulation, the method including: providing a first mixture; applying heat to the first mixture until the first mixture reaches a first temperature; providing a second mixture; applying heat to the second mixture until the second mixture reaches a second temperature; mixing the first mixture with the second mixture to obtain a third mixture; providing a fourth mixture; applying heat to the fourth mixture until the fourth mixture reaches a third temperature; mixing the third mixture with the fourth mixture to obtain a fifth mixture.

Non-viral delivery platforms are provided for facilitating transport of molecules across cell membranes. In some forms, DNA nanoshells capable of transporting cargo molecules are formed, and may be formed in order to surround a variety of materials for a variety of purposes.

The present disclosure relates to unimolecular core-shell nanoparticle, nanoclusters thereof, and platelet biomimetic nanoclusters thereof. The disclosed compositions are useful for treating a subject with a disease or condition, such as a cardiovascular disease. In a further aspect, the cardiovascular disease can be a vascular stenosis or restenosis. Also described herein are methods of making and using the unimolecular core-shell nanoparticle, nanoclusters thereof, and platelet biomimetic nanoclusters thereof. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Disclosed herein are methods for modulating an amount or activity of a gene or a gene product in a cell. The methods herein may comprise contacting a cell with a therapeutic agent assembled with a lipid composition, which lipid composition may comprise a dendrimer or dendron which may comprise one or more degradable diacyl group, in which may result in modulating the amount or activity of the gene or the gene product in the cell. The therapeutic agent modulating a gene or gene product in a cell may be sufficient to treat a disease or disorder in a subject. Further disclosed herein are pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and lipid compositions for modulating an amount or activity of a gene or a gene product in a cell.

Provided is a hybrid nanoparticle, including an aggregate assembled from a plurality of polymeric molecules, and a plurality of boron-doped graphene quantum dots localized in the aggregate. The polymeric molecule is preferably a pH-responsive dendrimer; the polymeric molecule and the boron-doped graphene quantum dot may be separately associated with different drugs; and hybrid nanoparticle may further include a targeting molecule, such as a rabies virus glycoprotein. Also provided is a method of controlling disassembly of a hybrid nanoparticle, including applying a high-frequency magnetic field to the hybrid nanoparticle to induce disassembly thereof. Also provided is an application of the hybrid nanoparticle for preparing a tumor-penetrating drug carrier.