Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species, which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of molded particles for enzyme- or microbial cell-immobilization which is characterized in that: an aqueous liquid composition which comprises: (A) an unsaturated group-containing urethane resin which is obtained by making a compound (a) having one hydroxyl group and one epoxy group in a molecule react with a compound (b) having one carboxyl group and one ethylenically unsaturated group in a molecule, and further making thus obtained unsaturated group-containing diol (c) react with polyisocyanate compound (d); (B) a polymerization initiator; and (C) water-soluble macromolecular polysaccharides which are capable of gelation by contact with metal ion; is gelatinized, in an aqueous medium which contains metal ion, to be particulate gel, which is then subjected to photopolymerization and/or thermopolymerization by which to cause the crosslinking reaction of ethylenically unsaturated group in said particulate gel.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified naturally occurring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin made by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical properties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: A method for curing an active single phase water compatible actinic radiation curable composition, comprising: irradiating a water compatible non emulsion, non dispersing compound, water, and a maleimide derivative.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric material which comprises the steps of activation-treatment and a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, or comprises the steps of activation-treatment, a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, and monomer grafting in this order, or comprises the step of a solvent-treatment followed by these steps. Thus, the polymeric material, e.g., polyolefin, is improved in hydrophilicity, adhesion, etc. without lowering the practical strength thereof. The polymeric material thus improved in adhesion and other properties can be used in many applications where water absorption and adhesion are required, such as an absorption material, e.g., a wiping/cleansing material, a water retention material, a material for microorganism culture media, a separator for batteries (or cells), a synthetic paper, a filter medium, a textile product for clothing, a medical/sanitary/cosmetic supply, and reinforcing fibers for composite materials.

Abstract: Aqueous storage-stable, non-sedimenting photoinitiator suspensions comprising (a) a mono- or bis-acylphosphine oxide of formula (I), wherein R1 is C1-C20alkyl; C2-C20alkyl interrupted by one or more O atoms; C1-C12alkoxy; phenyl-C1-C4alkyl; or phenyl that is unsubstituted or substituted by C1C20alkyl, C1-C12alkoxy, halogen, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, C2-C12alkenyl, C2-C18alkyl interrupted by one or more O atoms, and/or by phenyl-C1-C4alkyl; or R1 is biphenylyl; R2 is an aromatic radical or has one of the meanings give for R1; R3 and R4 are each independently of the other C1-C12alkyl, C1-C12alkoxy or halogen; and R5 is hydrogen, C1-C12alkyl, C1-C12alkoxy or halogen; (b) a dispersant; and (c) water are suitable especially in the photopolymerisation of aqueous formulations comprising ethylenically unsaturated monomers.

Abstract: A method for producing a low molecular weight glycosaminoglycan, which includes irradiating a glycosaminoglycan with an ultraviolet ray. A safe and simple method for producing a low molecular weight glycosaminoglycan is provided.

Abstract: A radiation polymerizable composition comprising: (A) a donor/acceptor component for forming a charge transfer complex said component being selected from the group consisting of: (iii) a bifunctional compound having an electron donor group and an electron withdrawing group and a polymerizable unsaturated group; (iv) a mixture of (a) at least one unsaturated compound having an electron donor group and a polymerizable unsaturated moiety; and (b) at least one unsaturated compound having an electron acceptor group and a polymerizable unsaturated group; and (B) a binder polymer composition.

Abstract: A free radical-curable epoxy composition comprises epoxy resin and a copolymerizable material including a monomer having amide, acrylamide, or hydroxyl functionality, and is advantageously devoid of any cationic catalyst ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable composition for the preparation of table-ware, mulching film and package, which comprises: 2-6% by weight of starch; 35-45% by weight of plant powders; 20-30% by weight of calcium carbonate; 2-7% by weight of sorbital; 7-13% by weight of polypropene; 2-5% by weight of polyethylene; 2-6% by weight of coupling agent; 1-2% by weight of defoamer; 2-5% by weight of stearic acid; 2-6% by weight of stearate; 3-6% by weight of glycerine or epoxidized soybean oil; and 60-100 ppm photosensitizer. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the composition, which comprises: treating a plant wastes with a diluent acid, drying and pulverizing, then mixing it with starch, polypropene, and polyethylene, sorbital, defoamer, coupling agent, stearic acid, stearate, glycerine and photosensitizer homogeneously; blending the mixture obtained in a double-screw extruder at a temperature of 160-180 C to obtain the composition of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of molded particles for microbial cell-immobilization which is characterized in that: an aqueous liquid composition which comprises: (a) an ethylenically unsaturated group-containing urethane resin which is obtained by making a tertiary amino group-containing diol react with a polyisocyanate compound, and by further introducing an ethylenically unsaturated group; (b) a polymerization initiator; and (c) water-soluble macromolecular polysaccharides; is gelatinized, in an aqueous medium which contains metal ion, to be particulate gel which is then subjected to photopolymerization and/or thermopolymerization by which to cause the crosslinking reaction of ethylenically unsaturated group in said particulate gel.

Abstract: A process for making a self-dispersible, radiation curable coating composition involving: (a) providing a cationic oligomer; (b) providing an epoxy functional monomer; (c) providing a surfactant component; (d) providing a transfer agent; (e) providing a photoinitiator; and (f) mixing (a)-(e) to form the coating composition.

Abstract: A self-leveling finishing composition capable of providing chemically resistant low profile coatings is described. The finishing composition comprises thermoplastic resin solids and thermosetting resin solids in a weight ratio of about 0.5:1 to about 11:1 and a solvent composition comprising a solvent capable of dissolving the thermoplastic resin solids component and a solvent miscible co-solvent capable of dissolving the thermosetting resin solids. The finishing composition is applied and dried to a dry-to-touch surface which is thereafter subjected to conditions capable of initiating polymerization of the component thermosetting resin solids. The finishing composition can be used as a substitute for more expensive or more labor intensive coating compositions in existing surface finishing protocols without compromise of surface quality and chemical resistance.

Abstract: A manufacturing method comprising the steps of forming at first solidified wax layer of a desired shape, depositing onto the first solidified wax layer at least one layer of a liquid resin formulation, solidifying the layer of liquid resin formulation, depositing a second wax layer on to the combination of the first solidified wax layer and the layer of solidified resin formulation, solidifying the second wax layer, and separating the solidified resin formulation from first and second wax layers. Preferably, the resin formulation comprises at least one monofunctional water soluble vinyl or acrylic monomer in combination with a low molecular weight aliphatic polymer having acrylic or methacrylic acid functionality. The solidified wax and resin formulation layers can be machined as may be desired to form mold of a given shape comprising wax layers when the layer of formulation is separated from the wax layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying naturally occuring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical propserties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are hyaluronate-containing hydrogels having angiogenic and vascularizing activity and pre-gel blends for preparing the hydrogels. The hydrogels contain a cross-linked matrix of a non-angiogenic hyaluronate and a derivatized polysaccharide material, in which cross-linking is effected by free-radical polymerization. Kits for preparing the hydrogels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A free radical-curable epoxy composition comprises epoxy resin and a copolymerizable material including a monomer having amide, acrylamide, or hydroxyl functionality, and is advantageously devoid of any cationic catalyst ingredient.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric material which comprises the steps of activation-treatment and a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, or comprises the steps of activation-treatment, a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, and monomer grafting in this order, or comprises the step of a solvent-treatment followed by these steps. Thus, the polymeric material, e.g., polyolefin, is improved in hydrophilicity, adhesion, etc. without lowering the practical strength thereof The polymeric material thus improved in adhesion and other properties can be used in many applications where water absorption and adhesion are required, such as an absorption material, e.g., a wiping/cleansing material, a water retention material, a material for microorganism culture media, a separator for batteries (or cells), a synthetic paper, a filter medium, a textile product for clothing, a medical/sanitary/cosmetic supply, and reinforcing fibers for composite materials.

Abstract: A radiation polymerisable composition comprising: (A) a donor/acceptor component for forming a charge transfer complex said component being selected from the group consisting of: (iii) a bifunctional compound having an electron donor group and an electron withdrawing group and a polymerisable unsaturated group; (iv) a mixture of (a) at least one unsaturated compound having an electron donor group and a polymerisable unsaturated moiety; and (b) at least one unsaturated compound having an electron acceptor group and a polymerisable unsaturated group; and (B) a binder polymer composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying naturally occuring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical propserties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the parallel and combinatory synthesis of compounds bound to a continuous polymeric solid phase supporting material. According to the method, a continuous polymeric solid phase supporting material is prepared, the material comprising a matrix of a supporting polymeric material and graft copolymer chains covalently bound to the supporting matrix, the graft copolymer chains having reactive groups being able to react with organic compounds, thereby forming spatially defined reaction sites. The method then comprises the sequential spotting of synthesis building blocks or reagents at the various reaction sites on the continuous solid phase supporting material to yield a substrate library of compounds bound to the solid phase supporting material, whereby each reaction site on the continuous solid phase supporting material determines the composition of the synthesized compound, which is bound directly on the supporting matrix via the reactive groups of the graft polymer chain.

Abstract: An Offset Lithographic Printing Process employing low VOC lithographic printing ink formulations containing monomeric diluents, curable by cationic polymerization in the presence of fountain solution and resin rheology modifiers compatible with cationic catalysts.

Abstract: The invention provides a pretreatment method and primer that is applied directly to the hard tissue. The invention has particular utility for adhering to or coating sclerotic dentin and cervical enamel or for adhering to or coating hard tissue in a high humidity environment. The primer enables formation of extremely strong bonds to dentin. The method comprises the steps of: (a) applying to the hard tissue adhesively effective amounts of an acid and a water-dispersible film former comprising a polymer and (b) hardening the film former. Primer compositions are provided for use in this method, comprising a mixture of an acid and a film former comprising a polymer prior to hardening, the mixture being in the form of a film atop the hard tissue.

Abstract: Polymer compositions having reduced molecular weight prepared by a method which comprises subjecting a solid phase polymer to a dose of gamma irradiation sufficient to permit the desired molecular weight reduction to occur.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel polymer compositions comprising cellulose acrylamide, acrylamide and/or a fluorescent indicator species, and membranes made with these compositions. Optical pH sensors for monitoring the pH in a fluid sample, and methods for making such pH sensors are also disclosed. The pH sensors have reduced sensitivity to sample components that can interfere with pH measurements.

Abstract: The invention provides a decomposable resin composition which is stable at the using time and quickly decomposed when being discarded. According to the present invention, there is provided a resin composition comprising an agent generating an acid or a base by light or heat together with a hydrolyzable and biodegradable resin. The decomposable resin composition can promote decomposition of the polymer by generating an acid or a base in the resin by carrying out light irradiation and/or heat treatment at a desired time and can control the decomposition speed of the polymer by controlling the generation amount of an acid or a base.

Abstract: Described herein is the use of a combination of organic additives that is particularly advantageous for the preparation of cementitious compositions having a high conservation of the degree of white, which contain in mass a photocatalyst that is able to oxidize, in the presence of light, air and ambient humidity, pollutant substances present in the environment, the said photocatalyst being, in particular, titanium dioxide prevalently in the form of anatase. The above combination of additives comprises the following: a melamine resin; a cellulose ether; a polymer chosen from among an ethylene polymer, an acrylic polymer, and a terpolymer comprising as co-monomers at least one ester of acrylic acid with an alcohol and at least one ester of vinyl alcohol with a carboxylic acid, or alternatively, an acrylic, styrene or butadiene latex; and a chemically modified starch.

Abstract: Methods of forming polymer particles in situ from polymer precursors such as monomers or oligomers, comprising exposing a composition comprising at least one polymer precursor, a solvent or solvent mixture, and an antisolvent or antisolvent mixture to photoradiation under conditions whereby particles are formed are provided. The polymer precursor may be photosensitive, or a separate polymerization initiator may be used. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer precursor is insoluble in the antisolvent or antisolvent mixture and the solvent or solvent mixture is soluble in the antisolvent or antisolvent mixture at the concentrations used. Polymer particles comprising a polymer and a bioactive material are also provided. The polymer may be erodable, and the polymer particles formed may be used in a variety of applications, including controlled release of bioactive materials such as drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible collagenous material which is non-toxic and biodegradable in less than one month, preferably in less than one week. This material comprises collagen and at least one hydrophilic macromolecular additive which is chemically non-reactive towards the collagen, with the collagen having at least partially lost its helical structure and being crosslinked. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining such a material. The collagenous material according to the invention is used, in particular, for preventing post-operative adhesions.

Abstract: A manufacturing method comprising the steps of forming at first solidified wax layer of a desired shape, depositing onto the first solidified wax layer at least one layer of a liquid resin formulation, solidifying the layer of liquid resin formulation, depositing a second wax layer on to the combination of the first solidified wax layer and the layer of solidified resin formulation, solidifying the second wax layer, and separating the solidified resin formulation from first and second wax layers. Preferably, the resin formulation comprises at least one monofunctional water soluble vinyl or acrylic monomer in combination with a low molecular weight aliphatic polymer having acrylic or methacrylic acid functionality. The solidified wax and resin formulation layers can be machined as may be desired to form mold of a given shape comprising wax layers when the layer of formulation is separated from the wax layers.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for preparing a water-dispersible photosensitive composition, including the steps of: (a) adding an unsaturated photomonomer and/or a plasticizer to a carboxyl-group bearing acrylic resin solution which contains at least an organic solvent; (b) distilling and removing said organic solvent to form a resin paste; (c) dissolving a photoinitiator and an alkaline into said resin paste; (d: adding deionized water and mixing thoroughly to form an emulsion; and (e) adjusting the viscosity or said emulsion with a water-soluble resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultraviolet-curable cellulosic coating composition comprising cellulose acetate, diepoxy compound and photo cationic polymerization catalyst. The objective is to provide a novel ultraviolet-curable cellulosic coating composition capable of forming a film excellent in the adherence to polar substrate, solvent resistance, gloss and impact resistance.

Abstract: The present invention aims to develop a photosensitive resin composition which exhibits a rapid ink absorption rate, which has an excellent water resistance, and which is appropriate for providing an ink receiving layer forming a sharp ink dot shape and having an excellent color formability of ink. A photosensitive resin composition forming an excellent ink receiving layer is obtained by incorporating at least one selected from an ethylenically unsaturated group-containing compound having quaternary nitrogen and a grain flour (filler) such as a wheat flour or the like in a photosensitive resin composition containing a quaternary nitrogen-free ethylenically unsaturated group-containing compound, a photopolymerization initiator etc.

Abstract: In order to provide an adhesive to adhere to the tissue of organisms a buffered solution containing a protein macromer having a vinylated protein, a polysaccharide macromer having a vinylated polysaccharide, or the both by mixture, along with a photo-reactive compound which generates radicals by irradiation is prepared. The solution is cured into a gel state by irradiation, adheres to and is fixed on the tissue surface.

Abstract: The specification describes optical fiber coating materials and methods for making optical fiber gratings wherein the material of the optical fiber coatings comprises vinyl ether functionalized monomers, together with oligomeric or polymeric thickeners and a cationic photoinitiator. These coating materials are highly transparent to UV radiation used to write optical gratings in the optical fibers but still absorb sufficiently at other wavelengths to be cured effectively using UV radiation.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system that includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more polymer-pendent initiator groups. The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s) can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation curable ink formulation which has a tan .delta. of from about 0.5 to about 1.5. The radiation curable ink formulation includes a pigment, a radiation cross-linkable monomer or oligomer, and a rheology modifier. Flat panel color filters which contain a black radiation curable ink formulation and one or more colored radiation curable ink formulations are also disclosed. At least one of the black and colored radiation curable ink formulations has a tan .delta. of from about 0.5 to about 1.5 and includes a pigment, a radiation cross-linkable monomer or oligomer, and a rheology modifier. Methods for manufacturing these flat panel color filters are also disclosed. The radiation curable ink formulations of the present invention have the advantage of permitting clean doctoring.

Abstract: A polymeric film includes at least one irradiated water soluble layer. A process for making a water soluble film includes the steps of extruding a water soluble film; and irradiating the water soluble film. Using electron beam irradiation, a water soluble film's solubility rate can be increased.

Abstract: This invention relates release compositions that comprise a radiation curable polyorganosiloxane and cellulose fibers having an average fiber length of about 15 to about 100 microns and an average fiber thickness in the range of about 5 to about 40 microns. This invention also relates to a method of making a release coated substrate comprising coating a substrate with the foregoing release coating composition and curing the coating by exposing it to radiation. This invention relates to release coated articles made by the foregoing method. The invention also relates to multilayered articles comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, the foregoing release composition which has been cured by exposure to radiation, and a pressure sensitive adhesive, the release composition being adhered to the first substrate, the pressure sensitive adhesive being adhered to the second substrate, and the release composition and the pressure sensitive adhesive being adhered to each other.

Abstract: A modified cellulose compound and a photopolymerizable resin composition containing the same are disclosed, the modified cellulose compound being obtained by reacting a hydroxyl group of cellulose or a cellulose derivative with an isocyanate group of a specific (meth)acryloyloxyalkylene isocyanate compound. The photopolymerizable resin composition has excellent adhesion to a substrate and high flexibility, and the modified cellulose compound has properties of easily decomposing and volatilizing even after baking.

Abstract: A photocured crosslinked-hyaluronic acid gel, which has a storage modulus (G') of from 50 to 1500 Pa, a loss modulus (G") of from 10 to 300 Pa, and a tangent delta (G"/G') of from 0.1 to 0.8 in dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 10 Hz, and which is a hydrogel obtained by irradiation with ultraviolet rays of a photoreactive hyaluronic acid derivative in which a photoreactive crosslinking group is chemically linked to a functional group of the hyaluronic acid and crosslinking of mutual photoreactive crosslinking groups, methods for preparing the same, and uses thereof as biomedical materials.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system that includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more polymer-pendent initiator groups. The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s) can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility.

Abstract: A microorganism cells-immobilizing granular carrier and its manufacturing system.Said microorganism cells-immobilizing granular carrier, which has a specific gravity of 1.00 to 1.20, and which has a contact angle of 2.degree. to 30.degree. formed between the carrier surface and n-paraffin, and which has a surface suitable for the attachment of a microorganism, is obtained by dripping a liquid composition containing a hydrophilic photo-curable resin having (a) at least two ethylenically-unsaturated bonds in one molecule, (b) photopolymerization initiator, and (c) water-soluble macromolecular polysaccharide capable of gelatinizing through contact with alkaline metal ions or polyvalent metal ions, into an aqueous medium containing alkaline metal ions or polyvalent metal ions to gelatinize the composition; and irradiating the composition with ultraviolet radiation so as to harden said composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of photopolymerizable coatings forming cosmetic films that are especially useful for human and animal nail coatings. The coating compositions are based on certain cellulose ester derivatives, which possess groups capable of free radical addition reactions with unsaturated ethylenic pendant groups on other compounds upon exposure to actinic radiation in the presence of an photoinitiator. The coating compositions contain solvents, pigments, modifying resins, plasticizers, and other compounds mixed and maintained in a liquid solution.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition comprising the following components (A), (B), (C) and (D): (A) a photopolymerizable urethane (meth)acrylate compound containing at least two acryloyl or methacryloyl groups, (B) an alkali-soluble polymer compound having an acid value of from 50 to 250 mgKOH/g, and (C) a photopolymerization initiator, (D) a polymeric complex of an alkali thioxanate wherein the photosensitive resin composition has an electrical insulation resistance of 8.0.times.10.sup.9 to 1.0.times.10.sup.14 .OMEGA..multidot.cm after photocuring. A photosensitive resin laminated film comprising a flexible film, a photosensitive layer provided on the flexible film, and a releasable film layer provided on the photosensitive layer, wherein the photosensitive layer comprises the above photosensitive resin composition.

Abstract: A surgical suture fabricated from a copolymer containing dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate and glycolide is treated with gamma radiation to enhance bioabsorbability without adversely effecting handling properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a material having hydrophilic surface which comprises forming a hydrophobic photopolymerizable composition comprising a hydrophobic compound (a) having two or more polymerizable unsaturated double bonds per molecule and a photopolymerization initiator into a desired form and irradiating the resultant shape (b) with actinic rays while keeping the surface of the shape (b) in contact with a hydrophilic liquid (d) containing a hydrophilic compound (c) having one or more polymerizable unsaturated double bonds under such conditions that a photopolymerization reaction is prevented from occurring in the hydrophilic liquid (d) except at the interface between the liquid (d) and the shape (b), whereby the shape (b) is cured and, at the same time, the hydrophobic compound (a) is copolymerized with the hydrophilic compound (c) at the interface between the shape (b) and the hydrophilic liquid (d) to chemically bond molecules of the hydrophilic compound (c) to the surface of the hydropho

Abstract: A water processable photopolymeric composition for use in the manufacture of flexographic photopolymer printing plates is disclosed. Preferably, the flexomer blend includes a flexomer having an affinity for water combined with a hydrophilic crosslinking agent, a nonhydrophilic crosslinking agent, a swell enhancing filler, a hydrophilic plasticizer, a compatibilizer and a surfactant. The compatibilizer aids the blending of the hydrophilic components with the flexomer blend.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new form of biocompatible materials (e.g., lipids, polycations, polysaccharides) which are capable of undergoing free radical polymerization, e.g., by using certain sources of light; methods of modifying certain synthetic and naturally occurring biocompatible materials to make polymerizable microcapsules containing biological material coated with said polymerizable materials, composites of said polymerizable materials, methods of making microcapsules and encapsulating biological materials therein, and apparatus for making microcapsules containing biological cells (particularly islets of Langerhans) coated with polymerizable alginate or with a composite thereof (e.g., alginate and PEG). The present invention also relates to drug delivery systems relating to the foregoing, as well as bioadhesives and wound dressings made utilizing the foregoing technology.