University of Michigan

Harvard College

Kamal H Bouhadir

David J Mooney

Jon A Rowley

Lan Cao

Wai Kung Wong

Genevieve M Kruger

The invention provides a solution to the problem of delivering molecules in a physiologically relevant manner to direct cell fate. For example, a Notch ligand molecule is presented in a microenvironment that mimics the environment encountered in vivo. Accordingly, the invention features a cell delivery vehicle comprising a biocompatible hydrogel or polymer and a composition that binds to a Notch receptor and methods of directing cell fate, e.g., stem cell differentiation, using such compositions.

Materials presenting notch signaling molecules to control cell behavior

Carriers for drug delivery, methods of making such carriers and for associating them to drugs, the resulting carrier and drug combination and methods for drug delivery, particularly controlled or sustained release delivery, using such carrier and drug combinations.

Hydrogels and water soluble polymeric carriers for drug delivery

Materials which contain polysaccharide chains, particularly alginate or modified alginate chains. The polysaccharide chains may be included as side chains or auxiliary chains from a backbone polymer chain, which may also be a polysaccharide. Further, the polysaccharide chains may be cross-linked between side chains, auxiliary chains and/or backbone chains. These materials and non-modified or otherwise modified alginate materials are advantageously modified by covalent bonding thereto of a biologically active molecule for cell adhesion or other cellular interaction. Processes for preparation of these alginate materials and methods for using them, particularly for cell transplantation and tissue engineering applications.

Growing community of inventors

Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Kamal H Bouhadir