Ligand-coupled initiator polymers and methods of use

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.

1 . A ligand-coupled initiator polymer comprising:
 a) a hydrophilic polymeric backbone;   b) a photoinitiator group selected from the group consisting of acridine orange, camphorquinone, ethyl eosin, eosin Y, erythrosine, fluorescein, methylene green, methylene blue, phloxime, riboflavin, rose bengal, thionine, and xanthine dyes; and   c) a ligand group that can specifically bind to a receptor.   
     
     
         2 . A kit comprising:
 a) a ligand-coupled initiator polymer comprising:
 i) an initiator group; and 
 ii) a ligand group able to specifically bind to a receptor on a surface; and 
   b) polymerizable material able to form a polymeric layer on the surface upon activation of the initiator group.