Trustees of the Colorado School of Mines

Other

University of Colorado

Northeastern University

Melissa D Krebs

Jacqueline L Harding

Randall Erb

Karin A Payne

Conor Doyle

Kelli Ann Lynch

Isabel Welch

Peter Christensen

Gulsu Sener Yildirim

Tyler Hall

The present invention relates to the unexpected discovery of compositions and methods for the treatment of growth plate defects. In certain embodiments, the methods prevent the growth of 'bony bars' at the site of growth plate injury, thereby preventing growth arrest and/or deformity. In certain embodiments, the compositions comprise hydrogels comprising at least one biological factor capable of preventing bony bar formation.

Hydrogel drug delivery systems for the treatment of pediatric growth plate injuries

The present invention relates to a method for in situ biomimetic mineralization of polymeric hydrogels, where the incorporated CaP phase can be selectively tuned in chemical composition and morphology to mimic bone and dental mineral. The present invention also relates to a method to coat a substrate with apatite material, the resulting product and the use of the product.

Deposition-conversion method for tunable calcium phosphate coatings on substrates and apparatus prepared thereof

The present invention is directed to a method for the tunable precipitation of apatite induced by a chemical reaction within a polymeric hydrogel, and the product made thereof. The present invention includes a pH dependent pathway for the hydrolysis of DCPD precursor phase. In addition to pH the stoichiometry of the CaP reactants can contribute to the composition of the CaP phase incorporated into the PVA hydrogels. At elevated pH the direct conversion of DCPD to apatite is observed. However, decreasing the reaction pH to 7.4 to mimic physiological conditions results in the inclusion of OCP as a transition step.

Controlled and tunable precipitation of biomimetic apatites via in situ mineralization of an organic polymeric matrix

Methods of producing microporous zwitterionic cryogels are described, wherein the cryogels are useful for sustaining release of therapeutic agents. The disclosed cryogels overcome several limitations associated with existing compositions, for example the disclosed cryogels have high loading efficiencies and a sustained release profile with minimal burst of up to 4 months or more. The characteristics of the disclosed cryogels can be varied by altering monomer (e.g. zwitterion) and crosslinker selection. The amount of monomer contained in the hydrogel may also be varied to aid in controlling the cryogel's chemistry.

Sustained release of bioactive factors from zwitterionic hydrogels

Augmented three-dimensional (3D) printing systems and methods for constructing and mineralizing a hydrogel structure with defined geometry are disclosed. One example embodiment is a system for three-dimensional printing and mineralizing a polymer. The system includes a three-dimensional printer unit with a syringe extruder, a fluid delivery system operatively coupled to the three-dimensional printer unit, and a control unit. The control unit is operatively coupled to the three-dimensional printer unit and fluid delivery system, and is configured to (i) cause the three-dimensional printer unit to print a portion of a three-dimensional polymer object, (ii) cause the fluid delivery system to flush the portion of the three-dimensional polymer object with a fluid to mineralize the portion of the three-dimensional polymer object, and (iii) cause the three-dimensional printer unit to print a subsequent portion of the three-dimensional polymer object. Applications of embodiments include manufacturing of tooth, bone, and other biomaterial articles.

Three dimensional mineralization printer

Methods, processes, systems, and compositions for treating disease are disclosed. In some cases, the present disclosure provides for delivery of therapeutic agents, in an active form, to a localized area, over an extended period of time. In one embodiment, the disclosed composition may comprise a therapeutic agent and a biodegradable polymer and/or a biodegradable polymer microsphere.

Growing community of inventors

Englewood, CO, United States of America

Melissa D Krebs