The invention generally relates to synthetic mimics of cell penetrating peptides. More particularly, the invention relates to certain novel monomers, oligomers and polymers (e.g., co-polymers) that are useful for the preparation of synthetic mimics of cell penetrating peptides, their compositions, preparations and use.

Disclosed are self-assembling diblock copolymers of the formula (I): ##STR00001##
wherein R.sup.1-R.sup.4, n, and m are as described herein, which find use in preparing self-assembled structures and porous membranes. Embodiments of the self-assembled structures contain the diblock copolymer in a cylindrical morphology. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such copolymers.

The present disclosure provides the use of a biomolecule, flavin, appended to a polymerizable unit that can then be polymerized to form an electroactive active polymer. The polymer and the flavin unit are comprised of an organic material containing C, H, N, and O atoms. The electroactive functionality is related to the double bonds that are present in the flavin unit that are appended to a non-electroactive backbone. This appended unit is rendered insoluble in the electrolyte of the discussed secondary battery unit. Several different molecular structures are disclosed exhibiting efficacy as energy storage medium in energy storage devices. Compounds have also been synthesized from which these different energy storage molecular structures are produced.

Disclosed are new polymeric materials that respond to a mechanical force. The novel polymeric compounds contain an isomer of aziridine, a three-membered N-heterocyclic compound. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the polymeric compounds. Mechanical force-induced cycloaddition of aziridines as mechanophores yields stereospecific products without covalent bond cleavage of aziridines. That is, a mechanical force makes the mechanochemical products stereospecific. The stereospecific products prepared from the isomeric mechanophores by a mechanical force can be widely used in various industrial fields, including new materials.

The invention provides a composition for a conductive polymeric material suitable for the production of electrodes for recording electrophysiological signals, such as electrocardiogram (EGG), electromyogram (EMG), electroencephalogram (EEG), etc and signals related to the impedance variation of the body or skin, both deriving from active and passive measures (for example, breathing, electrodermal response, etc.). For this purpose a formulation containing FEDOT and ionic liquids has been developed. The formulation according to the invention can be used generically in the context of detecting bioelectric signals and can be applied on wearable items, in particular in fabric, such as for example garments of different shapes, so as to be in direct contact with the areas of the body subject to detection. The artifacts include diving artefacts, such as watertight suits, and for water sports and submarine surveys, artifacts used in the medical and health sector such as plasters, elastic support bands and adhesive support bands and textile articles, including special fabrics such as bioceramics.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass compositions encompassing a latent organo-ruthenium compound and a pyridine compound along with one or more monomers which undergo ring open metathesis polymerization (ROMP) when said composition is exposed to suitable actinic radiation to form a substantially transparent film. Surprisingly, the compositions are very stable at ambient conditions to temperatures up to 80° C. for several days and undergo mass polymerization when subject only to actinic radiation. Accordingly, compositions of this invention are useful in various opto-electronic applications, including as 3D printing materials, coatings, encapsulants, fillers, leveling agents, among others.

Disclosed are new polymeric materials that respond to a mechanical force. The novel polymeric compounds contain an isomer of aziridine, a three-membered N-heterocyclic compound. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the polymeric compounds. Mechanical force-induced cycloaddition of aziridines as mechanophores yields stereospecific products without covalent bond cleavage of aziridines. That is, a mechanical force makes the mechanochemical products stereospecific. The stereospecific products prepared from the isomeric mechanophores by a mechanical force can be widely used in various industrial fields, including new materials.

The subject invention provides materials and methods for intracellular deliver of molecules and/or therapeutic agents. The subject invention also provides methods for synthesizing polymeric systems and nanomaterials that enhance or assist the passage of molecules and/or therapeutic agents across biological membranes. The compound, polymer or nanoparticle of the subject invention comprises a modified guanidine moiety in a plurality of repeating units of a polymer or on the surface of a nanoparticle where the guanidine moiety comprises, for example, a carbamoyl or thiourea modification. The polymer or nanoparticle can be used in a cancer treatment formulation.

In an aspect, the invention provides therapeutic agents comprising brush polymers that address challenges associated with conventional administration of free therapeutic peptides. In an embodiment, for example, the invention provides brush polymers incorporating one or more therapeutic peptides as side chain moieties. Therapeutic agents of the invention comprising brush polymers include high-density brush polymers including cross-linked brush polymers and brush block copolymers. In an embodiment, brush polymers of the invention exhibit proteolysis-resistant characteristics and maintain their biological function during formulation and administration. The invention also includes methods of making and using therapeutic agents comprising brush polymers.

The present disclosure provides the use of a biomolecule, flavin, appended to a polymerizable unit that can then be polymerized to form an electroactive active polymer. The polymer and the flavin unit are comprised of an organic material containing C, H, N, and O atoms. The electroactive functionality is related to the double bonds that are present in the flavin unit that are appended to a non-electroactive backbone. This appended unit is rendered insoluble in the electrolyte of the discussed secondary battery unit. Several different molecular structures are disclosed exhibiting efficacy as energy storage medium in energy storage devices. Compounds have also been synthesized from which these different energy storage molecular structures are produced.