Hypotonic formulations of hydrogel forming polymers, preferably poloxamers, have been developed for enhanced delivery through mucosa of therapeutic, diagnostic, prophylactic or other agents, to epithelial tissues, especially those having a mucosal coating. The polymers are administered at a concentration above, at or less than their critical gelling concentration (CGC) under isotonic conditions. The hypotonicity of the formulation is adjusted so that the polymer gels at the lower concentration. A Poloxamer gel administered into the vagina or colorectum at its CGC will form a “plug” of gel in the lumen.

The present disclosure provides compositions comprising protein encapsulated nanoparticles, and methods of making said compositions. In an aspect, a composition may comprise a drug delivery vector and a therapeutic substance, wherein the composition elutes at least 1.0 pg of the therapeutic substance per 100,000 particles of the drug delivery vector over a period of time under conditions of a drug delivery vector release buffer, wherein the therapeutic substance, drug delivery vector and drug delivery vector release buffer comprise a solution, wherein the solution is centrifuged and a portion stored at about 1 to 10° C., and wherein the elution of the therapeutic substance is determined by ELISA assay. This disclosure further describes a method of controlling an immunophenotype in a patient suffering from a disease which impacts the immune system.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides nanoparticles comprising bortezomib encapsulated in a non-water-soluble polymer matrix in a form of a bortezomib-tannic acid complex; methods for preparing the nanoparticle; and use of the nanoparticles for treating liver cancer.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions, methods, and kits for transfecting adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) in freshly extracted adipose tissue using nanoparticles comprising biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods for treating a neurological disease in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising administering the AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules to the patient, wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease, particularly wherein the neurological disease is a brain tumor.

A controlled release system including surfactant protein D (SPD) and a carrier suitable for controlled release that can be polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The system can be in the form of a nanoparticle. A pharmaceutical composition including the system and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of treatment of a disease, disorder or condition associated with a decreased level of SPD in a subject, or for pulmonary delivery of SPD, include administering the pharmaceutical composition to a subject in need of such treatment.

Provided herein are methods and compositions, such as kits, related to compositions comprising synthetic nanocarriers comprising an immunosuppressant and compositions comprising an uricase and a composition comprising an anti-inflammatory therapeutic. Also provided herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of subjects in need of administration or treatment with the uricase.

A silicified cell includes a nanoparticle that carries a bioactive agent. The silicified call can be a tumor cell, a bacterial cell, a virus, or a silicifiable compartment or fragment thereof. The silicified cell can optionally include an immunomodulatory moiety that may be carried within pores of the nanoparticle and/or bound to the surface of the nanoparticle. The silicified cell can be used as a prophylactic or therapeutic treatment for treating tumors or bacterial infections.

Provided are coated particles and methods of their use for providing healthcare benefits. More specifically, the present invention provides amino acid and/or polymer-coated particles, or particles coated with other materials, for binding to, or otherwise associating with, surfaces of the oral cavity.

A process can be used for preparing nano- or microparticles containing a carrier-polymer and a biologically active ingredient. The process is a solvent emulsion process involving an organic phase (OP) and an aqueous phase (AP) to form an emulsion. In the case of an oil-in-water emulsion (O/W), the organic phase (OP) contains the biologically active ingredient dissolved or dispersed therein. Alternatively, in the case of a water-in-oil emulsion (W.sub.1/O), the aqueous phase (AP) contains the biologically active ingredient dissolved or dispersed therein. The organic phase (OP) is saturated with the salt-containing aqueous phase (AP) and vice versa.

Provided herein are methods and compositions related to compositions comprising synthetic nanocarriers comprising an immunosuppressant. Also provided herein are methods and compositions for inducing or increasing autophagy.