Polymers including a repeating unit of the following formula I are disclosed. A repeating structural unit E is selected from a structural unit of the following formula (1) or (2). Mixtures and formulations containing the polymers are also disclosed.

The present application provides a boric acid derivative modified binder and a lithium-ion battery including the binder. Surfaces of emulsion particles of the binder are rich in boric acid groups (—B(OH).sub.2). When the binder is applied to an electrode piece of the battery, the boric acid groups can be subjected to a dehydration condensation reaction with —OH in sodium carboxymethyl cellulose dispersant, or with —OH in a functional monomer during the drying process of the electrode piece, to form a three-dimensional network, increasing the bonding force and greatly improving the peeling strength of the electrode piece. The binder can also significantly improve the cycle performance of the lithium-ion battery, thereby prolonging the cycle life of the lithium-ion battery.

The present application provides a boric acid derivative modified binder and a lithium-ion battery including the binder. Surfaces of emulsion particles of the binder are rich in boric acid groups (—B(OH).sub.2). When the binder is applied to an electrode piece of the battery, the boric acid groups can be subjected to a dehydration condensation reaction with —OH in sodium carboxymethyl cellulose dispersant, or with —OH in a functional monomer during the drying process of the electrode piece, to form a three-dimensional network, increasing the bonding force and greatly improving the peeling strength of the electrode piece. The binder can also significantly improve the cycle performance of the lithium-ion battery, thereby prolonging the cycle life of the lithium-ion battery.

The present invention generally relates to polymers and, in particular, to copolymers for stabilizing, e.g., emulsions or droplets. In certain aspects, the copolymers may comprise a relatively hydrophobic monomer and a relatively hydrophilic monomer polymerized together (e.g., randomly) to form the copolymer. Examples of hydrophobic monomers include methacrylates and vinylphenyls; examples of hydrophilic monomers include boronic acids or acid derivatives. Surprisingly, such random copolymers may act as surfactants, e.g., stabilizing droplets within the emulsion. In addition, in some cases, an interfacial film may be produced by exposing the copolymer to a complexing molecule, such as a polyol, that can complex with the copolymer to form the film. In some cases, the film may at least partially surround a droplet, and in certain embodiments, the film may be sufficiently sturdy such that the droplet can be removed from the emulsion. Other aspects include methods of making or using such copolymers (for example, for containing cells in droplets), kits involving such copolymers, or the like.

The present invention generally relates to polymers and, in particular, to copolymers for stabilizing, e.g., emulsions or droplets. In certain aspects, the copolymers may comprise a relatively hydrophobic monomer and a relatively hydrophilic monomer polymerized together (e.g., randomly) to form the copolymer. Examples of hydrophobic monomers include methacrylates and vinylphenyls; examples of hydrophilic monomers include boronic acids or acid derivatives. Surprisingly, such random copolymers may act as surfactants, e.g., stabilizing droplets within the emulsion. In addition, in some cases, an interfacial film may be produced by exposing the copolymer to a complexing molecule, such as a polyol, that can complex with the copolymer to form the film. In some cases, the film may at least partially surround a droplet, and in certain embodiments, the film may be sufficiently sturdy such that the droplet can be removed from the emulsion. Other aspects include methods of making or using such copolymers (for example, for containing cells in droplets), kits involving such copolymers, or the like.

The present invention generally relates to polymers and, in particular, to copolymers for stabilizing, e.g., emulsions or droplets. In certain aspects, the copolymers may comprise a relatively hydrophobic monomer and a relatively hydrophilic monomer polymerized together (e.g., randomly) to form the copolymer. Examples of hydrophobic monomers include methacrylates and vinylphenyls; examples of hydrophilic monomers include boronic acids or acid derivatives. Surprisingly, such random copolymers may act as surfactants, e.g., stabilizing droplets within the emulsion. In addition, in some cases, an interfacial film may be produced by exposing the copolymer to a complexing molecule, such as a polyol, that can complex with the copolymer to form the film. In some cases, the film may at least partially surround a droplet, and in certain embodiments, the film may be sufficiently sturdy such that the droplet can be removed from the emulsion. Other aspects include methods of making or using such copolymers (for example, for containing cells in droplets), kits involving such copolymers, or the like.

An improved device capable of releasing a drug in response to stimuli such as a glucose concentration is provided. Provided is a drug delivery device, including a porous body such as a hollow fiber having biocompatibility and drug permeability, a stimuli-responsive gel composition filling inside of the porous body, and a drug surrounded by the gel composition inside of the porous body.

An improved device capable of releasing a drug in response to stimuli such as a glucose concentration is provided. Provided is a drug delivery device, including a porous body such as a hollow fiber having biocompatibility and drug permeability, a stimuli-responsive gel composition filling inside of the porous body, and a drug surrounded by the gel composition inside of the porous body.

The present invention provides a nanoparticle including at least one poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) having a molecular weight of from about 10 kDa to about 200 kDa, substituted with one or more moieties selected from: a therapeutic agent having a boronic acid moiety, wherein the therapeutic agent is covalently linked to the PVA via a boronate ester bond; a crosslinking group having a disulfide moiety, wherein the crosslinking group is covalently linked to the PVA, and a porphyrin, wherein the porphyrin is covalently linked to the PVA. Use of the nanoparticles for tumor detection and the treatment of diseases, including methods for photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy, are also described.

Disclosed are compositions and methods for microneedle patches comprising copolymer designed for glucose triggered insulin delivery. In one aspect, disclosed herein are microneedle patches comprising insulin loaded copolymers; wherein the insulin dissociates from the microneedle in an hyperglycemic environment; wherein the copolymer comprises poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone-co-2-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate-co-3-(acrylamido)phenylboronic acid and methods of their use.