Ligand-coupled initiator polymers and methods of use
AssigneeSurModics, Inc.
InventorsStephen J. Chudzik, Dale G. Swan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Initiator polymers having an initiator group and a ligand group are provided. The initiator polymers are capable of specifically binding to a receptor on a surface. Using a macromer system, the initiator polymers are useful for the formation of a polymeric matrix on the surface of a material. In particular, initiator polymers are provided that have specificity to pancreatic β cells and can be used to encapsulate cells for transplantation and the treatment of diabetes.
Claims30
A method for encapsulating cells comprising the steps of
- a) providing cells having a surface receptor;
- b) contacting the cells with an initiator polymer comprising:
- i) a polymeric backbone;
- ii) at least five initiator groups pendent from the polymeric backbone;
- iii) a ligand group pendent from the polymeric backbone that specifically binds to the surface receptor on the surface of the cells;
- and
- iv) charged groups pendent from the polymeric backbone;
- c) contacting the surface of the cells with a polymerizable material;
- and
- d) activating the initiator groups of the initiator polymer to cause polymerization of the polymerizable material and formation of a layer of polymerized material on the surface of the cells.
A method for encapsulating pancreatic islets with a polymeric coating comprising the steps of:
- a) providing pancreatic islet cells;
- b) contacting a surface of the cells with an initiator polymer comprising:
- i) a hydrophilic backbone;
- ii) a plurality of photoinitiator groups pendent from the hydrophilic backbone, the photoinitiator groups selected from the group consisting of visible light-activated dyes;
- iii) a ligand group pendent from the hydrophilic backbone, the ligand group comprising a sulfonylurea derivative that specifically binds to a receptor on the surface of the pancreatic islet cells;
- and
- iv) charged groups pendent from the polymeric backbone;
- c) contacting the surface of the pancreatic islet cells with a polymerizable material comprising macromers;
- and
- d) activating the photoinitiator groups to cause polymerization of the macromers, which forms a layer of polymerized macromers on the surface pancreatic islet cells.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.