Compositions, devices and methods are described for improving adhesion, attachment, and/or differentiation of cells in a microfluidic device or chip. In one embodiment, one or more ECM proteins are covalently coupled to the surface of a microchannel of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic devices can be stored or used immediately for culture and/or support of living cells such as mammalian cells, and/or for simulating a function of a tissue, e.g., a liver tissue, muscle tissue, etc. Extended adhesion and viability with sustained function over time is observed.

Provided herein are protein-based purification matrices and methods of use thereof to purify biologics and/or to remove contaminants from a composition. Methods of bringing two or more biologics in close proximity are also provided. The disclosed compositions and methods allow for faster, more efficient purification of a biologic compared to traditional affinity chromatography.

Provided herein are protein-based purification matrices and methods of use thereof to purify biologics and/or to remove contaminants from a composition. Methods of bringing two or more biologics in close proximity are also provided. The disclosed compositions and methods allow for faster, more efficient purification of a biologic compared to traditional affinity chromatography.

In various aspects and embodiments, the invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating ocular disease, including ocular disease involving ocular vascular permeability or ocular inflammation. In various aspects and embodiments, the invention comprises administering about 1 μg to about 1 mg of collagen IV-derived biomimetic peptide or salt thereof to a patient by intraocular injection. Injections are provided at a frequency of from about monthly to about once every two years. In various embodiments, the methods and compositions provide for potent action and long duration of action, with infrequent intravitreal injections of a small volume.

In various aspects and embodiments, the invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating ocular disease, including ocular disease involving ocular vascular permeability or ocular inflammation. In various aspects and embodiments, the invention comprises administering about 1 μg to about 1 mg of collagen IV-derived biomimetic peptide or salt thereof to a patient by intraocular injection. Injections are provided at a frequency of from about monthly to about once every two years. In various embodiments, the methods and compositions provide for potent action and long duration of action, with infrequent intravitreal injections of a small volume.

The present invention relates to new biomimetic mineralized apatite structures. The present invention also relates to processes for the production of new biomimetic mineralized apatite structures based on natural and synthetic protein scaffolds. In particular, the invention provides synthetic crystal having a hierarchical structure formed on an elastin-like polypeptide membrane or hydrogel. The invention also provides methods of making such crystals, both in vivo and in vitro, as well as kits comprising membranes or hydrogels with cross-linking agents and/or mineralization solutions. The invention also provides the use of such structures in methods of treatment.

The present invention relates to new biomimetic mineralized apatite structures. The present invention also relates to processes for the production of new biomimetic mineralized apatite structures based on natural and synthetic protein scaffolds. In particular, the invention provides synthetic crystal having a hierarchical structure formed on an elastin-like polypeptide membrane or hydrogel. The invention also provides methods of making such crystals, both in vivo and in vitro, as well as kits comprising membranes or hydrogels with cross-linking agents and/or mineralization solutions. The invention also provides the use of such structures in methods of treatment.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of human intellectual disability. FXS is caused by loss of function of the FMR1 gene which results in significant behavioral deficits in spatial learning and memory tests. FMR1−/− knockout mice share many of the learning deficits and decreased synaptic function encountered in FXS patients. Anecdotal evidence indicates a reduction in the amount of Reelin, a large extracellular signaling protein important for normal hippocampal synaptic plasticity, may play role in the etiology of FXS. Disclosed herein is a rAAV9 Reelin viral vector expressing a REELIN repeat R3+R6 fusion protein that is shown to rescue cognitive deficits in FMR1−/− mice as evaluated in the Hidden Platform Water Maze, Open Field and Fear Conditioning. Reelin gene therapy is therefore potentially a novel therapeutic for the treatment of Fragile X Syndrome.

Nano- to microscale liquid coacervate particles are provided. The liquid coacervate particles are produced by a process including stimulating a population of liquid droplets containing one or a mixture of components to induce a phase separation point of a first component, and maintaining stimulation at the phase separation point to form a coacervate domain of the first component within each of the droplets to form the liquid coacervate particles. The self-assembled nano, meso, micro and macro liquid coacervate particles and related coated substrates can have utility in drug delivery, bioanalytical systems, controlled cell culture, tissue engineering, biomanufacturing and drug discovery.

Nano- to microscale liquid coacervate particles are provided. The liquid coacervate particles are produced by a process including stimulating a population of liquid droplets containing one or a mixture of components to induce a phase separation point of a first component, and maintaining stimulation at the phase separation point to form a coacervate domain of the first component within each of the droplets to form the liquid coacervate particles. The self-assembled nano, meso, micro and macro liquid coacervate particles and related coated substrates can have utility in drug delivery, bioanalytical systems, controlled cell culture, tissue engineering, biomanufacturing and drug discovery.