University of Pennsylvania

University of Minnesota

Daniel A Hammer

Frank Steven Bates

Bohdana Marie Discher

Dennis E Discher

You-Yeon Won

James C-m Lee

Michael J Therien

Kevin Vargo

Daeyeon Lee

Ivan Julian Dmochowski

Chandra M Sehgal

Paiman Peter Ghoroghchian

Ranganath Parthasarathy

Francesco Angile

Gregory Patrick Robbins

Masaya S Jimbo

Neha P Kamat

A microfluidic device for generating microbubbles includes a substrate and a microfluidic channel embedded in the substrate. The microfluidic channel includes a plurality of fluid inlets, at least one bubble formation outlet having a nozzle with an adjustable diameter, and a flow focusing junction in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid inlets and the bubble formation outlet. A method for mass producing monodisperse microbubbles with a microfluidic device includes supplying a flow of dispersed phase fluid into a first fluid inlet of a microfluidic channel, supplying a flow of continuous phase fluid into a second fluid inlet of the microfluidic channel, and adjusting a diameter of a nozzle to obtain a plurality of monodisperse microbubbles having a specified diameter.

Apparatus and methods for making recombinant protein-stabilized monodisperse microbubbles

The present invention includes a composition comprising at least one oleosin-like protein. The present invention also includes a composition comprising a vesicle comprising at least one oleosin-like protein.

Vesicles and nanostructures from recombinant proteins

Provided are polymer vesicles comprising polymersomes, a radiofrequency absorbing moiety, a protein or a polysaccharide associated with the inner leaflet of the membrane and a therapeutic or diagnostic cargo. The invention also concerns the use of these polymer vesicles for selective electromagnetic energy-induced delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents.

Polymer vesicles for selective electromagnetic energy-induced delivery

The present invention provides biocompatible vesicles comprising semi-permeable, thin-walled encapsulating membranes which are formed in an aqueous solution, and which comprise one or more synthetic super-amphiphilic molecules. When at least one super-amphiphile molecule is a block copolymer, the resulting synthetic vesicle is termed a 'polymersome.' The synthetic, reactive nature of the amphiphilic composition enables extensive, covalent cross-linking of the membrane, while maintaining semi-permeability. Cross-linking of the polymer building-block components provides mechanical control and long-term stability to the vesicle, thereby also providing a means of controlling the encapsulation or release of materials from the vesicle by modifying the composition of the membrane. Thus, the encapsulating membranes of the present invention are particularly suited for the reliable, durable and controlled transport, delivery and storage of materials.

Cross-linked polymersomes and related encapsulating membranes

The instant invention concerns compositions comprising polymersomes, visible or near infrared emissive agents, and optionally a targeting moiety associated with a surface of the polymersome. The invention also relates to use of these compositions in the treatment of disease and in imaging methodology.

Polymersomes incorporating highly emissive probes

Polymersomes and related encapsulating membranes

The present invention provides biocompatible vesicles comprising semi-permeable, thin-walled encapsulating membranes which are formed in an aqueous solution, and which comprise one or more synthetic super-amphiphilic molecules. When at least one super-amphiphile molecule is a block copolymer, the resulting synthetic vesicle is termed a &ldquo;polymersome.&rdquo; The synthetic, reactive nature of the amphiphilic composition enables extensive, covalent cross-linking of the membrane, while maintaining semi-permeability. Cross-linking of the polymer building-block components provides mechanical control and long-term stability to the vesicle, thereby also providing a means of controlling the encapsulation or release of materials from the vesicle by modifying the composition of the membrane. Thus, the encapsulating membranes of the present invention are particularly suited for the reliable, durable and controlled transport, delivery and storage of materials.

Growing community of inventors

Villanova, PA, United States of America

Daniel A Hammer