Epic Therapeutics, Inc.

Middlesex Sciences, Inc.

Jie Di

James E Woiszwillo

Larry Richard Brown

Terrence L Scott

Charles D Blizzard

Judith Sudhalter

Frank J Riske

Methods relating to the field of biochemistry and more specifically relating to microparticles for use in diagnostics, therapeutics, and research are provided.

Macromolecular microparticles and methods of production and use

Microparticles formed by mixing a macromolecule with a polymer at a pH near the isoelectric point of the macromolecule and incubating the mixture in the presence of an energy source for a predetermined length of time. The microparticles are composed of homogeneously distributed, intertwined macromolecule and polymer. Each microparticle allows aqueous fluids to enter and allows solubilized macromolecule and polymer to exit the microparticle and may be formulated to provide a sustained release of macromolecule and polymer from the interior of the microparticle when placed in an appropriate aqueous medium, such as under physiological conditions. Methods of production and methods of use for research, diagnostics and therapeutics are provided.

A method and kit for making a polysaccharide-protein Schiff base conjugate. A polysaccharide is oxidized with an oxidizing agent and combined with a protein in the presence of a macromolecular crowding agent to form a Schiff base. Preferably, the macromolecular crowding agent is a soluble linear polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, dextran, nonylphenol-ethoxylates, polyvinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the macromolecular crowding agent is a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol. The microparticles or substantially dissolved microparticles are immunogenic and are useful for inducing an immune response when administered to humans or animals.

Growing community of inventors

Norwood, MA, United States of America

Jie Di