Abstract: A novel pathway for the synthesis of poly(propylene fumarate) includes first producing bis-hydroxypropyl fumarate and then its transesterification into poly(propylene fumarate). This synthetic pathway permits production of high molecular weight poly(propylene fumarate) and enables the production of a composite material useful in orthopedic procedures.

Abstract: A novel processing technique is reported to bond non-woven fibers and, thus, prepare structural interconnecting fiber networks with different shapes for organ implants. The fibers are physically joined without any surface or bulk modification and have their initial diameter.

Abstract: A biodegradable block copolymer made from the transesterfication of a poly(propylene fumarate) prepolymer and a poly(ethylene oxide) prepolymer. The block copolymer poly(propylene fumarate -co- ethylene oxide) is capable of crosslinking at body temperature. Crosslinking requires an appropriate crosslinking monomer and an initiator. The biodegradable block copolymer has utility as a vascular implant became it can be injected as a fluid into the vascular system and crosslinked in situ.

Abstract: A biodegradable block copolymer made from the transesterfication of a poly(propylene fumarate) prepolymer and a poly(ethylene oxide) prepolymer. The block copolymer poly(propylene fumarate -co- ethylene oxide) is capable of crosslinking at body temperature. Crosslinking requires an appropriate crosslinking monomer and an initiator. The biodegradable block copolymer has utility as a vascular implant because it can be injected as a fluid into the vascular system and crosslinked in situ.

Abstract: A biodegradable, bioresorbable, three-dimensional template for repair and replacement of diseased or injured bone which provides mechanical strength to bone while also providing a guide for growth of bone tissue. Preferably, the template is formed of biodegradable materials, for example, poly(L-lactic acid), poly(D, L-lactic acid), poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid), poly (glycolic acid), poly (.epsilon.-caprolactone), polyortho esters, and polyanhydrides, and has the capacity of being rendered porous, either in vitro or in vivo. A pore-forming component, which may or may not be a polymeric material, is mixed within a continuous matrix formed of a biodegradable material, the pore-forming component having a rate of degradation which exceeds that of the matrix. Differential dissolution or biodegradation provides porosity to the template.

Abstract: Biocompatible porous polymer membranes are prepared by dispersing salt particles in a biocompatible polymer solution. The solvent in which the polymer is dissolved is evaporated to produce a polymer/salt composite membrane. The polymer can then be heated and cooled at a predetermined constant rate to provide the desired amount of crystallinity. Salt particles are leached out of the membrane by immersing the membrane in water or another solvent for the salt but not the polymer. The membrane is dried, resulting in a porous, biocompatible membrane to which dissociated cells can attach and proliferate. A three-dimensional structure can be manufactured using the polymer membranes by preparing a contour drawing of the shape of the structure, determining the dimensions of thin cross-sectional layers of the shape, forming porous polymer membranes corresponding to the dimensions of the layers, and laminating the membranes together to form a three-dimensional matrix having the desired shape.

Abstract: A novel processing technique is reported to bond non-woven fibers and, thus, prepare structural interconnecting fiber networks with different shapes for organ implants. The fibers are physically joined without any surface or bulk modification and have their initial diameter.