Abstract: Monomer(s) based on a 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,3-benzoxazine derivative. Alternatively, a composition comprising a mixture of the monomer(s) and of a second benzoxazine derivative selected from the group consisting of monofunctional amines bridged with diphenolic compounds, monophenolic compounds bridged with diamines and diamines bridged by diphenolic compounds, or a mixture thereof. These compounds are suited for the preparation of benzoxazine derivative heterogeneous polymers, for example having the shape of coatings or films, exhibiting enhanced anti-inflammatory and/or anti-oxidant properties. A material with a coated substrate with the heterogeneous polymer may be a part of implantable materials, such as implantable metallic apparatus such as a catheter, a metallic implant, or a metallic prosthesis, biologically compatible. These implantable materials may be safely used because they are preventing any inflammatory and/or oxidative reaction(s) from a host into which the coated substrate is grafted or implanted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer-drug conjugate wherein the polymer is hyaluronic acid and the drug is an anticancer compound. The anticancer compound is covalently linked to the hyaluronic acid by a pH-labile boronic acid-containing linkage. These conjugates can be used for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A method of encapsulation comprises the steps of: (a) treating microbial microcapsules with a material to be encapsulated in a substantially anhydrous liquid medium containing a polar aprotic solvent having a dielectric constant greater than 35 under conditions to permit encapsulation of the material, and (b) subjecting the product of step (a) to a substantially aqueous liquid. The preferred solvent is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The method of the invention is useful for encapsulating hydrophobic and/or high molecular weight materials in yeast.

Abstract: The invention features polymeric biomaterials formed by nucleophilic addition reactions to conjugated unsaturated groups. These biomaterials may be used for medical treatments.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for coating surfaces with specially designed thioethers and amphiphilic thioethers that reduce protein adsorption and/or cell adhesion. This reduction may be achieved, for example, by controlling the spacing or length of pendant chains or hydrophilic blocks in an amphiphilic thioether. Techniques for determining spacing include adsorbing the thioether from a solution or a colloidal suspension, or controlling the degree of polymerization of the thioether. Techniques for controlling the length of the pendant chains include controlling the degree of polymerization of the pendant chains. Multiblock copolymers of poly(propylene sulfide) and poly(ethylene glycol) (“PPS-PEG”) represent an exemplary family of amphiphilic thioethers. Methods for coating surfaces with amphiphilic thioethers are also provided.

Abstract: A carrier particle (10) is arranged in use to encapsulate and carry a payload molecule (4) to a target biological environment, and comprises an internal cavity (8) in which a payload molecule (4) is contained. The cavity (8) is surrounded by a perm-selective hydrogel layer (6), and the payload molecule (4) is capable of being active when the particle (10) is at least adjacent the target biological environment.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the preparation of multiblock copolymers, dispersions of multiblock copolymers, vesicles and micelles containing multiblock copolymers, and oxidative degradation products of multiblock copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for coating surfaces with specially designed thioethers and amphiphilic thioethers that reduce protein adsorption and/or cell adhesion. This reduction may be achieved, for example, by controlling the spacing or length of pendant chains or hydrophilic blocks in an amphiphilic thioether. Techniques for determining spacing include adsorbing the thioether from a solution or a colloidal suspension, or controlling the degree of polymerization of the thioether. Techniques for controlling the length of the pendant chains include controlling the degree of polymerization of the pendant chains. Multiblock copolymers of poly(propylene sulfide) and poly(ethylene glycol) (“PPS-PEG”) represent an exemplary family of amphiphilic thioethers. Methods for coating surfaces with amphiphilic thioethers are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the preparation of multiblock copolymers, dispersions of multiblock copolymers, vesicles and micelles containing multiblock copolymers, and oxidative degradation products of multiblock copolymers.

Abstract: A two-step system for preparing biomaterials from polymeric precursors is disclosed. The method involves (a) shaping the polymeric precursors by inducing thermal gelation of an aqueous solution of the polymeric precursors and (b) curing the polymeric precursors by cross-linking reactive groups on the polymeric precursors to produce a cured material. The curing reaction involves either a Michael-type addition reaction or a free radical photopolymerization reaction in order to cross-link the polymeric materials. The biomaterials produced by this method have a variety of biomedical uses, including drug delivery, microencapsulation, and implantation.