CXCL12 polypeptide eluting matrices encapsulating at least one cell are described for use in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for the encapsulation and transplantation of cells. Also disclosed are high throughput methods for the characterizing the biocompatibility and physiochemical properties of modified alginate polymers.

Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for coating of any material where reduced fibrosis is desired, such as encapsulated cells for transplantation and medical devices implanted or used in the body.

Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for coating of any material where reduced fibrosis is desired, such as encapsulated cells for transplantation and medical devices implanted or used in the body.

Provided herein are methods for inhibiting the formation of scale on equipment in contact with a produced fluid containing a scale-forming divalent cation. Such methods can comprise adding an activated alginate to the produced fluid in an amount effective to react with the divalent cation in the produced fluid to form an activated alginate complex; and separating the activated alginate complex from the produced fluid. Methods can further comprise recycling the activated alginate from the activated alginate complex by dissolving the activated alginate complex. The activated alginate can be prepared by thermally modifying an alginate precursor at a temperature of from 80° C. to 180° C. for a period of at least 24 hours. The activated alginate can be in the form of a solution including 0.1% to 10% by weight activated alginate, based on the total weight of the solution. The activated alginate can exhibit increased solubility in water and kinetics of complexation with the divalent cation compared to the alginate precursor.

A surfactant produced by reacting naturally occurring polysaccharides that are not water soluble with a hydrophilic substituent on a carboxylic portion of the polysaccharide. In a second reaction, the surfactant is further substituted on a hydroxylic portion with a hydrophobic or lipophilic substituent, so as to make the reaction product both water soluble and capable of attracting oily material that is hydrophobic to be removed from a substrate by cleaning in water. Methods of making the surfactant and the follow-on reaction product are described.

A biodegradable iron-crosslinked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer.

Provided is a novel conjugate of a primary or secondary amine compound with an acidic polysaccharide, which is a compound represented by Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where in Formula (I), D, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, A, and Poly are as defined in the specification.

A composition includes a dual crosslinkable hydrogel that includes a plurality of polymer macromers, which are crosslinked with a first agent and a second agent different than the first agent, wherein the crosslinks formed using the second agent are reversible and repeatable to allow the mechanical properties of the hydrogel to be dynamically adjusted.

A biodegradable core-shell microcapsule composition with controlled release of an active material is provided, wherein the shell of the microcapsule is composed of a biopolymer cross-linked with a combination of two or more different types of cross-linking agents.