Abstract: Personal care products, particularly hair care products, are made herein by mixing (A) a polymer having defined repeat units of a monomer (e.g. ?-olefin) maleic anhydride alkyl half-ester or full acid, maleamic acid and maleimide, which is derivatized with an amine, and (B) a compound or polymer having a carboxylic acid functionality. These products exhibit excellent high humidity curl retention properties, as well as an advantageous blend of toughness and cohesiveness, and a strong affinity to natural fibers, when applied to keratin-based fibers, e.g. hair, skin, or textiles, e.g. cotton, wool; and also they are water-soluble and water-resistant.

Abstract: Poly(?-amino esters) prepared from the conjugate addition of bis(secondary amines) or primary amines to a bis(acrylate ester) are described. Methods of preparing these polymers from commercially available starting materials are also provided. These tertiary amine-containing polymers are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the poly(amine) nature of these polymers, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Nanoparticles containing polymer/polynucleotide complexes have been prepared. The inventive polymers may also be used to encapsulate other agents to be delivered. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and formulations for the treatment or prevention of infections on mammalian tissues such as skin. Specifically, the methods of this invention involve the in situ formation of a polymeric cyanoacrylate film containing mixed antibiotics over mammalian tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved composition of copolymer-1 comprising copolymer-1 substantially free of species having a molecular weight of over 40 kilodaltons.

Abstract: Improved matrices and adhesives for tissue repair comprising a biocompatible, bioerodable polymer, said polymer comprising a thermoplastic lactide-containing terpolymer of monomer units derived from lactic acid, glycolic acid, and either caprolactone or valerolactone, which has a water solubility of about 0.01 to about 500 mg/mL at about 25° C. and adhesive strength of about 600 to about 150,000 Pa. The matrix or adhesive can further comprise a filler or a bioactive agent, or both.

Abstract: Provided is a polyhydroxyalkanoate containing in a molecule thereof one or more units each selected from the following formulae (1) (2), (3) and (4): wherein R1 and R6 are each OH, halogen, ONa, OK, OCH3 or OC2H5; A1 and J6 are each a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon; m and n are each 0 to 7; r is 1 to 500; and R1? to R5? are each hydrogen or halogen.

Abstract: Wide spectrum disinfecting and antiseptic composition for use in the fields of human medicine, veterinary science and industry, characterized because it includes: Hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid and halogen salts (Br, I) and/or salts of heavy metals (for example, silver halides) with surfactant agents, either cationic, like chlorhexidine and/or quaternary ammonium salts, like didecyl-methyl-polyoxy-ethyl-ammonium propionate, chlorides of ammonium or compounds of ammonium propylamide or anionic, like lauryl sulphate, dodecyl sulphate or alkyl succinic salts, with suitable excipients, some of which may be ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, chlorhexidine, non-chlorinated quaternary ammonium salts, like didecyl-methyl-polyoxy-ethyl-ammonium propionate, combined or not with iodine, and/or its salts, together with excipients, some of which may be ethyl or isopropyl alcohol.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent includes an oligodynamic metal ion in a hydrophilic polymer binder or carrier. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the metal ion is silver and the hydrophilic polymer is polyurethane. According to a method of the invention, the antimicrobial agent is dissolved in dimethyl acetamide DMA, applied to paper by squeegee or the like and dried in an oven to flash off the solvent. The antimicrobial agent can be applied to other products by spraying and/or dipping and then drying to flash off solvent. A method of rendering a polymeric medical device antimicrobial is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of preserving colloid-stabilized polymer emulsions against microbial attack and spoilage using selected cationic compounds. It is also directed to compositions containing colloid-stabilized polymer emulsions and cationic compounds that are resistant to contamination with biodeteriogenic microbes. It has been discovered that specific cationic compounds are particularly effective against biodeteriogenic microbes in preserving polymer emulsions that have been stabilized with protective colloids, such as poly(vinyl alcohol). Examples of suitable microbicidal cationic compounds are: substituted pyridinium salts, substituted guanidine salts, tetrasubstituted ammonium salts, and polymeric cationic compounds.

Abstract: PHA containing a novel 3-hydroxy-thioalkanoic acid unit having a highly reactive thienyl group in a side chain thereof, and a method of producing the same are provided. Specifically, 5-(2-thienylsulfanyl) valeric acid represented by Chemical Formula [4] below and 6-(2-thienylsulfanyl) hexanoic acid represented by Chemical Formula [5] below are provided. Further, a method of producing PHA, comprising the step of collecting PHA from cells of a microorganism cultured in a medium containing the valeric acid or hexanoic acid, and a novel PHA represented by Chemical Formula [1] below are provided.

Abstract: An antimicrobial concentrate is manufactured from a carrier, a non-yellowing agent, one or more antimicrobial agents and optionally one or more modifiers, the carrier having a modified ethylene polymer and optionally an olefin polymer, and method of producing the concentrate by producing the carrier, having the modified ethylene polymer and optionally the olefin polymer, then compounding the carrier with a non-yellowing agent, one or more antimicrobial agents and optionally one or more modifiers, to form the concentrate, which does not exhibit chalking and clumping of antimicrobial agent on the surface thereof. An antimicrobial blend that is manufactured from the antimicrobial concentrate, a resin and optionally an additive, and method of producing the blend by combining the concentrate with the resin.

Abstract: Method for preparing biocidal halogenated polystyrene hydantoins. The biocidal polymers poly-1,3-dichloro-5-methyl-5-(4?-vinylphenyl)hydantoin, poly-1,3-dibromo-5-methyl-5-(4?-vinylphenyl)hydantoin, and their monohalogenated alkali metal salts and protonated derivatives have been prepared as porous beads by use of highly crosslinked polystyrene beads as starting materials. The porous beads will be useful in water and air disinfection applications when employed in cartridge filters and carafes (for water), as well as for controlling noxious odor when mixed with absorbent materials in items such as disposable diapers, incontinence pads, bandages, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, mattress covers, shoe inserts, sponges, animal litter, carpets, fabrics, and air filters or the like.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel antitumor agent by evaluating the antitumor effect which is expressed by a mixture of polylactic acids which contains cyclic polylactic acids as main component. The present invention provides an antitumor agent which comprises a mixture of polylactic acids which contains cyclic polylactic acids having a condensation degree ranging from 3 to 20 as main component.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of polymers derived from acrolein and including poly(2-propenal, 2-propenoic acid), characterised in that the polymers are exposed to the presence of water, whereby such polymers exhibit increased antimicrobial activity. The polymers may be heated in the range of 40 to 150° C. Further, the polymers may be prepared in the presence of polyethylene glycols, polyols and/or alkanols.

Abstract: Condensing small drug molecules which contain an acid and alcohol, thiol, or phenol, or amine groups to polymerize them with a diimidazole reagent or thionyl chloride-pyridine complex to form a drug polymer which is a polyester or a polyamide in a one-step reaction. Carbonyldiimidazole, or thiocarbonyldiimidazole, or thionyl chloride-pyridine complex, or oxalyl chloride-pyridine complex or any other similar diimidazole, or pyridine reagents are used to condense salicyclic acid itself into a polymer, the polyester polysalicyclic acid. A one-step reaction synthesizes the exclusively active drug ingredients so that the polymers produced consist only of the drugs themselves, the target molecules, thus providing a drug delivery efficiency of 100%.

Abstract: This is a surgical device. Specifically disclosed is a delivery system for placement of implantable occlusive devices. In particular, the occlusive devices may be placed at selected treatment sites in the vascular system. The major variation described here is a combination of occlusive filaments produced from gel polymers and various grippers, engagers, and couplers that are capable of holding onto the often slippery occlusive devices and of releasing them at desired treatment sites within the human body. Processes for use of such devices are also included.

Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to the field of protein modification, and, more specifically, to conjugates of proteins or analogs thereof to a water-soluble biocompatible polymer and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for reducing pain and organ dysfunction using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried into membranes or sponges, or are used as gels, fluids or microspheres. Compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Disclosed are an organic domain/inorganic domain hybrid material comprising an organic domain comprising at least one water-soluble organic polymer having anionic and/or cationic functional groups, and an inorganic domain, the organic and inorganic domains being chemically bonded to each other through the functional groups, the inorganic domain comprising inorganic bridges, each independently comprising at least one Si atom, at least two O atoms and at least one divalent metal atom, wherein the Si atom and the O atoms together form at least one siloxane linkage arranged longitudinally of the inorganic bridge, wherein each divalent metal atom is ionically bonded to the O atoms of the siloxane linkages positioned adjacent to the divalent metal atoms, wherein, when at least a part of the organic domain is comprised of at least one organic polymer having an anionic functional group and optionally a cationic functional group, the organic domain/inorganic domain weight ratio is less than 1.

Abstract: Calcitonin drug-oligomer conjugates that include a calcitonin drug coupled to an oligomer including a single polyalkylene glycol moiety consisting of between 4 and 10 polyalkylene glycol subunits are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions including such conjugates and methods of treating bone disorders by administering such conjugates are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing delivery of glucocorticoids and ascomycins such as hydrocortisone, cyclosporin and FK506 across into and across one or more layers of the skin for the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases of the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of gastrointestinal disease and/or cancer, and a method of weight gain, via the ingestion of polymeric compositions in humans, animals or birds in need of said treatment. The invention provides methods for the treatment of cancer, the treatment and/or prevention of gastrointestinal disease and/or infection and/or diarrhea and a method for increasing weight gain in humans, animals or birds comprising administering to said humans, animals or birds an effective amount of a pharmaceutical or veterinary composition or feed additive, comprising an effective amount of a polymer and/or copolymer, having the repeating polymeric unit (I) wherein R is H or alkyl, usually C1 to C4, or this unit in hydrated, hemiacetal or acetal form, together with a pharmaceutically or veterinarally acceptable carrier, diluent, adjuvant, excipient and/or controlled release system.

Abstract: Poly(&bgr;-amino esters) prepared from the conjugate addition of bis(secondary amines) or primary amines to a bis(acrylate ester) are described. Methods of preparing these polymers from commercially available starting materials are also provided. These tertiary amine-containing polymers are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the poly(amine) nature of these polymers, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Nanoparticles containing polymer/polynucleotide complexes have been prepared. The inventive polymers may also be used to encapsulate other agents to be delivered. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings. A system for preparing and screening polymers in parallel using semi-automated robotic fluid delivery systems is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of and compositions for pulmonary delivery of therapeutic agents which are capable of forming covalent bonds with a site of interest or which have formed a covalent bond with a pulmonary solution protein are disclosed. Therapeutic agents useful in the invention include wound healing agents, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anti-oxidants, anti-proliferatives, immunosupressants, anti-infective and anti-cancer agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable polyesters based on lower hydroxy acids and hydroxy fatty acids. The resulting polyesters are useful as cosmetic vehicles for sunscreens, skin lotions and by themselves are also useful as milder skin exfoliants.

Abstract: A polymer which comprises one or more units of formula (II) in the backbone: —R2—A—L—A—R3—A—L—A—  (II) wherein R2 and R3 are each independently a group that will yield a biologically active compound upon hydrolysis of the polymer; each A is independently an amide or ester linkage; and each L is independently a linking group. Methods of producing these polymer, intermediates useful for preparing these polymers, and methods of using these polymers to deliver biologically active compounds to a host are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of promoting healing through enhanced regeneration of tissue (e.g. hard tissue or soft tissue) by contacting the tissue or the surrounding tissue with an anti-inflammatory agent. These methods are useful in a variety of dental and orthopedic applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of at least one water-soluble polymer, obtained by copolymerization of at least one monomer (a) with ethylenic unsaturation having a group capable of being protonated in the application medium with at least one monomer with ethylenic unsaturation (b) which is copolymerizable with (a) carrying a functional group with an acidic nature capable of being negatively ionized in the application medium; and optionally at least one monomer with ethylenic unsaturation (c) with a neutral charge, preferably carrying one or more hydrophilic groups, which is copolymerizable with (a) and (b); for improving the biocidal effectiveness of biocidal compositions comprising a cationic biocidal compound.

Abstract: Provided is a polyhydroxyalkanoate containing in a molecule thereof one or more units each selected from the group consisting of the following formulae (1), (2), (3) and (4): 1

Abstract: Provided are chains of precise length and methods for their preparation. These chains are formed by the reaction of a derivative of a diacid and a diamine in a stepwise manner on a support. One of the reactants contains a water soluble oligomer, preferably polyethylene glycol. These chains are then used to chemically modify target macromolecules such as biologically important polypeptides.

Abstract: A perfluoropolyether and a composition comprising the perfluoropolyether are provided in which the perfluoropolyether comprises at least one bromine or iodine atom at the primary position of the perfluoropolyether. Also provided is a process for producing the composition in which the process comprises contacting a perfluoropolyether acid fluoride moiety with a metal bromide or metal iodide or a suitable polyether secondary iodide under a condition sufficient to effect the production of a perfluoropolyether comprising at least one bromine or iodine at the primary position.

Abstract: A reagent and related method for use in passivating a biomaterial surface, the reagent including a latent reactive group and a bifunctional aliphatic acid (e.g., fatty acid), in combination with a spacer group linking the latent reactive group to the aliphatic acid in a manner that preserves the desired function of each group. Once bound to the surface, via the latent reactive group, the reagent presents the aliphatic acid to the physiological environment, in vivo, in a manner (e.g., concentration and orientation) sufficient to hold and orient albumin.

Abstract: A lubricant coating vehicle for medical devices used to reduce the coefficient of friction of such devices upon exposure thereof to moisture. The lubricant coating vehicle allows the introduction of a pharmacological additive having a release rate that is within acceptable pharmacokinetic criteria. The release rate is adjusted by utilizing different salt forms of the additive and adjusting the concentration of a urethane pre-polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides embolic particles, agents and compositions, suitable for effectuating embolization or occlusion of a vessel or a duct, which particles, agents and compositions are visible under ultrasound. Particularly, the embolic particles, agents and compositions comprise gas or microbubbles of gas such that the embolic particles, agents and compositions are visible under ultrasound. The invention further provides for methods of treatment of diseases such as cancer. The invention further provides for methods of embolization and detection of embolic occlusion using the embolic particle, agents, and compositions of the invention.

Abstract: A biocompatible monomer composition includes: (A) at least one monomer, which forms a medically acceptable polymer; (B) at least one plasticizing agent present in the composition in an amount of from 0.5 wt. to 15 wt. % of the composition; and (C) at least one acidic stabilizing agent having a pKa ionization constant of from about 1 to about 7. The composition can be applied to a variety of materials and is particularly suitable as in vivo tissue adhesive. A method of joining together in vivo two surfaces, e.g.

Abstract: Water soluble macromers are modified by addition of free radical polymerizable groups, such as those containing a carbon-carbon double or triple bond, which can be polymerized under mild conditions to encapsulate tissues, cells, or biologically active materials. The polymeric materials are particularly useful as tissue adhesives, coatings for tissue lumens including blood vessels, coatings for cells such as islets of Langerhans, and coatings, plugs, supports or substrates for contact with biological materials such as the body, and as drug delivery devices for biologically active molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of preparing a sustained release micelle by copolymerizing a biodegradable polyester hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) to obtain a block copolymer, reacting the block copolymer with a linker to the hydroxyl group of the block copolymer and conjugating the linker-bound block copolymer to a drug to obtain a micelle monomer, and dispersing the micelle monomer an aqueous solution. The drug-micelle conjugate of the present invention has practical application in anticancer therapy.

Abstract: Copolymers designed for use as particulate carriers containing functionalizable amino acid subunits for coupling with targeting ligands are described. The copolymers are polyesters composed of &agr;-hydroxy acid subunits such as D,L-lactide and pseudo-&agr;-amino acid subunits which may be derived from serine or terpolymers of D,L-lactide and glycolide and pseudo-&agr;-amino acid subunits which may be derived from serine. Stable vaccine preparations useful as delayed release formulations containing antigen or antigens and adjuvants encapsulated within or physically mixed with polymeric mircoparticles are described. The particulate carriers are useful for delivering agents to the immune system of a subject by mucosal or parenteral routes to produce immune responses, including antibody and protective responses.

Abstract: Oligomers and polymer compositions are provided which comprise GHB and produce GHB after administration in vivo. Devices for the storage and delivery of these polymers and oligomers are also provided. These oligomers and polymer compositions are useful in a variety of applications. The compositions can be used therapeutically, for example, in the treatment of patients with narcolepsy, chronic schizophrenia, catatonic schizophrenia, atypical psychoses, chronic brain syndrome, neurosis, alcoholism, drug addiction and withdrawal, Parkinson's disease and other neuropharmacological illnesses, hypertension, ischemia, circulatory collapse, radiation exposure, cancer, and myocardial infarction. Other uses for the compositions include anesthesia induction, sedation, growth hormone production, heightened sexual desire, anorectic effects, euphoria, smooth muscle relaxation, muscle mass production, and sleep, including rapid eye movement sleep.

Abstract: A preventive or therapeutic agent for granuloma, specifically for granuloma occurring after ligation of a deferent duct, comprising an antagonist against the scavenger receptor of macrophage, such as antibody, as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A polyurethane dispersion and method of making are provided. The dispersion is stable in an alcohol-water mixture. The dispersion is a reaction product of: (i) at least one oligomeric polyactive hydrogen compound, wherein said compound is an alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl structure optionally substituted in and/or on the chain by N, O, S and combinations thereof, and wherein the compound is insoluble in 50:50 weight percent of said alcohol-water mixture; (ii) at least one polyisocyanate, and (iii) at least one polyactive hydrogen compound soluble in the alcohol-water mixture selected from the group consisting of a compound containing an ionic group, a compound containing a moiety capable of forming an ionic group, a compound containing a polyester, polyether, or polycarbonate group having a ratio of 5 or less carbon atoms for each oxygen atom, and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one polyfunctional chain extender.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and formulations for the treatment of topical conditions on mammalian tissues such as skin and mucous tissues mediated at least in part by viral, bacterial or fungal infections in the mammal. The methods of this invention involve the in situ formation of a polymeric film over the diseased tissue.

Abstract: A non-toxic, environmentally safe and easily employable insecticide and insect repellent is achieved by providing an aqueous composition incorporating ethanolamine based compounds, either independently or in combination with the ethanolamine based compounds being selected from both simple compounds and conjugated compounds. In one preferred embodiment, a highly effective composition is attained for safe, effective, direct topical application to humans and animals by employing between about 10% and 70% by volume of the entire composition of the ethanolamine-based compound. In alternate preferred embodiments, the insecticide is formulated for application to plants, trees, crops, and other vegetation to provide a composition which effectively controls bothersome insects, while being completely safe and non-injurious to the plant, tree, or crop, as well as to the flowers or fruit thereof.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue-bonding adhesive composition comprising a polyol of functionality N. The polyol being terminated has at least one polyisocyanate in solution with at least (N-1)% of the solution comprising free polyisocyanate. N may be in the range 1.5-8. The polyol may be a branched polypropylene/polyethylene oxide copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-soluble solid composition that produces a lubricating liquid when dissolved in water. The composition is preferably prepared by kneading particles of a solid, such as sodium polyacrylate, with water and one or more optional additives to form a mixture. This kneaded mixture is then molded or otherwise formed into a desired shape, preferably one that is easily held such as a lump, sphere, or rod. The shaped composition may also be provided with a partial cover of a water-insoluble material or other modified surface so that it may be held more securely. In use a dry portion of the solid composition can be held in the hand and applied to an area of moistened skin to apply a lubricating liquid without also applying the lubricating liquid to the hand. Similarly, a portion of the solid composition may be moistened and then rubbed on dry skin to apply a lubricating liquid to the skin.

Abstract: To achieve, an in vivo repair of injured mammalian nerve tissue, an effective amount of a biomembrane fusion agent is administered to the injured nerve tissue. The application of the biomembrane fusion agent may be preformed by directly contacting the agent with the nerve tissue at the site of the injury. Alternatively, the biomembrane fusion agent is delivered to the site of the injury through the blood supply after administration of the biomembrane fusion agent to the patient. The administration is preferably by parenteral administration including including intravascular, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intraperitoneal injection of an effective quantity of the biomembrane fusion agent so that an effective amount is delivered to the site of the nerve tissue injury.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an agent for preventing the implantation of cancer cells and/or an agent for preventing the cancer recurrence, for example, an agent and food and drink for preventing the implantation and/or metastasis of cancer cells existing in the transplanted organ, the graft and/or the transplanted cells in a recipient. According to the present invention, there is provided an agent for preventing the implantation of cancer cells, an agent for preventing the cancer recurrence, and food and drink for preventing the implantation of cancer cells and/or preventing the cancer recurrence, which comprises, as an active ingredient, a mixture of cyclic and/or straight chain poly lactic acids having a condensation degree of 3 to 19.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a radiation preventing agent and food and drink using the same, that have a function of giving protection against radiation and have no harmful side effects. The present invention provides a radiation protecting agent which comprises, as an active ingredient, a mixture of cyclic and/or straight chain poly lactic acids having a condensation degree of 3 to 19.