Abstract: A cross-linkable monomer comprises a fumaric acid functional group having a first end and a second end, a first spacer group affixed to said first end and comprising at least repeating unit, a first terminal group affixed to said first spacer group, a second spacer group affixed to said second end and comprising at least one ethylene glycol repeating unit, and a second terminal group affixed to said second spacer group. A hydrogel formed by cross-linking the present monomer and a method for making the monomer. A method for forming a hydrogel, comprises the steps of a) synthesizing a copolymer of poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and poly(ethylene glycol (PEG) so as to produce P(PF-co-EG), b) synthesizing a PEG-tethered fumarate (PEGF), c) coupling agmatine sulfate to the PEGF to produce PEGF modified with agmatine (Agm-PEGF), and d) cross-linking the P(PF-co-EG) from step a) with Agm-PEGF from step c).

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing infection at a surgical site comprising a bony defect and an implanted metal device is disclosed. Biodegradable microspheres are placed at the site and are capable of near-linear controlled release of an antibiotic agent for a predetermined period of time. The microspheres are configured to be large enough to avoid being phagocytosed and removed from the body, and small enough in diameter to not physically inhibit bone growth at said bony defect site. The microspheres are formed of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG), and sufficient antibiotic agent to produce bactericidal levels in body tissues. The microspheres exhibit near-linear delivery of the antibiotic agent for at least 4 weeks at levels exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for organisms commonly found to be the cause of infections, and facilitate bone ingrowth or regrowth at the site.

Abstract: Macromonomers capable of both physical crosslinking and chemical crosslinking. The combination of chemical crosslinking and physical crosslinking provides the ability to generate rapidly gelling hydrogels for many different applications. Moreover, the macromonomers may incorporate functional groups that allow for two different gelation mechanisms—thermal gelation and ionic gelation—further improving mechanical stability of hydrogels formed from the disclosed macromonomers.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are used to make a pliable, non-toxic, injectable porous template for vascular ingrowth. The pore size, usually between approximately 100 and 300 microns, allows vascular and connective tissue ingrowth throughout approximately 10 to 90% of the matrix following implantation, and the injection of cells uniformly throughout the implanted matrix without damage to the cells or patient. The introduced cells attach to the connective tissue within the matrix and are fed by the blood vessels. The preferred material for forming the matrix or support structure is a biocompatible synthetic polymer which degrades in a controlled manner by hydrolysis into harmless metabolites, for example, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, or copolymers thereof. The rate of tissue ingrowth increases as the porosity and/or the pore size of the implanted devices increases.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are used to make a pliable, non-toxic, injectable porous template for vascular ingrowth. The pore size, usually between approximately 100 and 300 microns, allows vascular and connective tissue ingrowth throughout approximately 10 to 90% of the matrix following implantation, and the injection of cells uniformly throughout the implanted matrix without damage to the cells or patient. The introduced cells attach to the connective tissue within the matrix and are fed by the blood vessels. The preferred material for forming the matrix or support structure is a biocompatible synthetic polymer which degrades in a controlled manner by hydrolysis into harmless metabolites, for example, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, or copolymers thereof. The rate of tissue ingrowth increases as the porosity and/or the pore size of the implanted devices increases.

Abstract: A new oligomer based on alternating fumaric acid and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) units is provided. The oligo(PEG fumarate) (OPF) may be functionalized by modification with a biocompatible organic group. Further, the OPF may be cross-linked using radical polymerization in the presence of either a chemical or photo initiator. A cross-linked OPF gel has a swelling behavior that is tunable dependent on the molecular weight of PEG. A cross-linkable PEG macromer, as exemplified by oligo(PEG fumarate), has unsaturated double bonds, for example in the fumaryl groups, along its macromolecular chain that allows for the preparation of hydrogels with tailored structure and properties.

Abstract: Biodegradable microspheres implanted, injected, or otherwise placed totally or partially within the body are capable of near-linear controlled release of an antibiotic for a predetermined period of time for the treatment and prevention of infections involving the body. The microspheres are formed of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and an effective amount of antibiotic sufficient to produce bactericidal levels in body tissues, and may or may not include polyethylene glycol (PEG). The microspheres exhibit near-linear delivery of the antibiotic for at least 4 weeks at levels exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for organisms commonly found to be the cause of infections.

Abstract: A network consisting essentially of poly(propylene fumarate) cross linked with diacrylate and a method for making same.

Abstract: A polymer network formed by crosslinking poly(propylene fumarate) with a fumarate derivative. The fumarate derivative is one in which the PPF is soluble, is preferably an alkyl fumarate, and is more preferably selected from the group consisting of diethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, methyl ethyl fumarate, diisopropyl fumarate, and dibutyl fumarate. The network can be formed by photo-crosslinking and can be porous. In some embodiments, the poly(propylene fumarate) and the fumarate derivative are each present in an amount effective to produce a polymeric network useful for in vivo applications. The network can be formed from an injectable, in situ crosslinkable composite formulation, or can be prefabricated from a crosslinkable composite formulation such as stereolithography, rapid prototyping, injection molding, and extrusion molding.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are used,to make a pliable, non-toxic, injectable porous template for vascular ingrowth. The pore size, usually between approximately 100 and 300 microns, allows vascular and connective tissue ingrowth throughout approximately 10 to 90% of the matrix following implantation, and the injection of cells uniformly throughout the implanted matrix without damage to the cells or patient. The introduced cells attach to the connective tissue within the matrix and are fed by the blood vessels. The preferred material for forming the matrix or support structure is a biocompatible synthetic polymer which degrades in a controlled manner by hydrolysis into harmless metabolites, for example, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, or copolymers thereof. The rate of tissue ingrowth increases as the porosity and/or the pore size of the implanted devices increases.

Abstract: A cross-linkable monomer comprises a fumaric acid functional group having a first end and a second end, a first spacer group affixed to said first end and comprising at least repeating unit, a first terminal group affixed to said first spacer group, a second spacer group affixed to said second end and comprising at least one ethylene glycol repeating unit, and a second terminal group affixed to said second spacer group. A hydrogel formed by cross-linking the present monomer and a method for making the monomer. A method for forming a hydrogel, comprises the steps of a) synthesizing a copolymer of poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and poly(ethylene glycol (PEG) so as to produce P(PF-co-EG), b) synthesizing a PEG-tethered fumarate (PEGF), c) coupling agmatine sulfate to the PEGF to produce PEGF modified with agmatine (Agm-PEGF), and d) cross-linking the P(PF-co-EG) from step a) with Agm-PEGF from step c).

Abstract: A polymer network formed by crosslinking poly(propylene fumarate) with a fumarate derivative. The fumarate derivative is one in which the PPF is soluble, is preferably an alkyl fumarate, and is more preferably selected from the group consisting of diethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, methyl ethyl fumarate, diisopropyl fumarate, and dibutyl fumarate. The network can be formed by photo-crosslinking and can be porous. In some embodiments, the poly(propylene fumarate) and the fumarate derivative are each present in an amount effective to produce a polymeric network useful for in vivo applications. The network can be formed from an injectable, in situ crosslinkable composite formulation, or can be prefabricated from a crosslinkable composite formulation such as stereolithography, rapid prototyping, injection molding, and extrusion molding.

Abstract: A network consisting essentially of poly(propylene fumarate) cross linked with diacrylate and a method for making same.

Abstract: A network consisting essentially of poly(propylene fumarate) cross linked with diacrylate and a method for making same.

Abstract: New injectable, in situ crosslinkable biodegradable polymer composites comprise poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF), poly(ethylene glycol)-dimethacrylate (PEG-DMA), an, optionally, &bgr;-tricalcium phosphate (&bgr;-TCP). A method for controlling the crosslinking characteristics of the composites, including the maximum crosslinking temperature and the gel point, as well as the properties of the cross linked composites such as the compressive strength and modulus and the water holding capacity, is disclosed.

Abstract: High molecular weight linear poly(propylene fumarate) having a relatively low polydispersity index by utilizing a relatively pure intermediate and a method for making same. Fumaryl chloride and propylene glycol are reacted in the presence of potassium carbonate. The potassium carbonate present in the reaction solution prevents the acid by-product from catalyzing reactions at the fumarate double bond. The bis(propyl fumarate) produced according to this technique can be transesterified using conventional processing steps to yield P(PF). The P(PF) produced from bis(propyl fumarate) produced according to the present method has a higher molecular weight and is purer than P(PF) produced using previously known techniques.

Abstract: A new oligomer based on alternating fumaric acid and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) units is provided. The oligo(PEG fumarate) (OPF) may be functionalized by modification with a biocompatible organic group. Further, the OPF may be cross-linked using radical polymerization in the presence of either a chemical or photo initiator. A cross-linked OPF gel has a swelling behavior that is tunable dependent on the molecular weight of PEG. A cross-linkable PEG macromer, as exemplified by oligo(PEG fumarate), has unsaturated double bonds, for example in the fumaryl groups, along its macromolecular chain that allows for the preparation of hydrogels with tailored structure and properties.

Abstract: New injectable, in situ crosslinkable biodegradable polymer composites comprise poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF), poly(ethylene glycol)-dimethacrylate (PEG-DMA), an, optionally, &bgr;-tricalcium phosphate (&bgr;-TCP). A method for controlling the crosslinking characteristics of the composites, including the maximum crosslinking temperature and the gel point, as well as the properties of the cross linked composites such as the compressive strength and modulus and the water holding capacity, is disclosed.

Abstract: Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a highly biocompatible hydrophilic polyether, is tethered to poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF), a biodegradable polyester. To avoid change in molecular weight distribution of PPF, end hydroxyl groups of PPF are reacted with bis-carboxymethyl PEG after being treated with thionyl chloride. New end carboxyl groups of the PEG-tethered PPF are further reacted with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) to couple bioactive molecules. Glutamine and glycine-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (GRGD) are attached to the PEG-tethered PPF in 50 mM phosphate buffer of pH of 7.4. The method is valuable for the preparation of a triblock copolymer with PEG end blocks and the coupling of biologically active molecules.

Abstract: A method for controlling the gel point of a bone cement containing poly(polypropylene fumarate), a cross-linking monomer, an initiator, an inorganic filler, and a radical initiator. The gel point is controlled by varying the molecular weight of the poly(polypropylene fumarate) while maintaining the weight average molecular weight (M.sub.w) of the poly(polypropylene fumarate) above 2000 and the polydispersity index of the poly(polypropylene fumarate) below 2. In a preferred embodiment, the molecular weight of the poly(polypropylene fumarate) greater than 4000, and more preferably greater than 5000.