MicroRNAs (miRNAs) directly regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level and represent an attractive therapeutic target for a wide range of diseases. Here, we report a novel strategy for delivering miRNAs to endothelial cells (ECs) to regulate angiogenesis, using polymer functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). CNTs were coated with two different polymers, polyethyleneimine (PEI) or ...

Protein-polymer conjugates are of particular interest for nanobiotechnology applications because of the various and complementary roles that each component may play in composite hybrid-materials. This chapter focuses on the design principles and applications of self-assembling protein-polymer conjugate materials. We address the general design methodology, from both synthetic and genetic perspec...

In this study, we sought to develop strategies for improved endothelialization of a new polymer coating for vascular stents. Surface enhancement of the new poly-1,8-octanediol-co-citric acid (POC) polymer was achieved through conjugation of anti-CD34 antibody and incorporation of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor-containing poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid microp...

Gold nanoparticles quench the fluorescence of cationic polyfluorene with Stern-Volmer constants (KSV) approaching 1011 M-1, several orders of magnitude larger than any previously reported conjugated polymer-quencher pair and 9-10 orders of magnitude larger than small molecule dye-quencher pairs. The dependence of KSV on ionic strength, charge and conjugation length of the polymer, and the dimen...

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a protein that plays a crucial role in diverse cellular functions, from wound healing to bone regeneration. However, a major obstacle to the widespread application of bFGF is its inherent instability during storage and delivery. Here, we describe the stabilization of bFGF by covalent conjugation with a heparin-mimicking polymer, a copolymer consisting of...

A UV-induced 1,3-dipolar nucleophilic addition of tetrazoles to thiols is described. Under UV irradiation the reaction proceeds rapidly at room temperature, with high yields, without a catalyst, and in both polar protic and aprotic solvents, including water. This UV-induced tetrazole-thiol reaction was successfully applied for the synthesis of small molecules, protein modification, and rapid an...

The synthesis of polymer brush decorated silica nano-particles is demonstrated by activator regeneration by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP) grafting of poly(tert-butyl methacrylate). ATRP initiator decorated silica nano-particles were obtained using a novel trimethylsiloxane derivatised ATRP initiator obtained by click chemistry. Comparison of de-grafted poly...

Novel temperature-sensitive polymers containing glucose units in their backbone were synthesized and covalently conjugated to trypsin. A series of copolymers based on N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and glucosyoxylethyl methacrylate (GEMA) were prepared by using 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) as an initiator, which resulted in one terminal carboxylic acid group per polymer chain. The polymers ...

The incorporation of an amino group into a bifunctional initiator for the cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) is achieved in two-step reaction. Detailed kinetic studies using 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline demonstrate initiators' eligibility CROP yielding well-defined polymers featuring molar masses about 2000 g mol-1 . Deprotection phthalimide moiety subsequent to enables introduction cyclooctyne...

For the conjugation of samples and parts "shaft-sleeve" type, from theoretical experimental points view, laws change coefficient friction for combined polymer-metal material coating were considered. Based on law energy conservation transformation in zone, expressions estimating coefficients polymer coatings materials obtained, taking into account properties thermal conductivity elasticity geome...