Abstract: Provided are a BAB-type tri-block copolymer including a polylactic acid (A) that is a hydrophobic block and polyethylene glycol (B) that is a hydrophilic block, a method of preparing the BAB-type tri-block copolymer including synthesizing a polylactic acid (A)-polyethylene glycol (B) di-block copolymer by a ring opening polymerization of a lactic acid monomer using a hydroxyl group of polyethylene glycol (B) as a polymerization initiator; and synthesizing a BAB-type tri-block copolymer by reacting the AB-type di-block copolymer with polyethylene glycol (B) including at least one carboxyl group at one or more terminals thereof in the presence of a coupling agent and a catalyst, and a drug delivery system using the BAB-type tri-block copolymer.

Abstract: An aliphatic polyester polymer for stent coating is described.

Abstract: Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, the coatings including block-polymers comprising at least one poly(hydroxyacid) or poly(hydroxy-alkanoate) block, at least one block of a biologically compatible polymer and at least one type of linking moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous production of polymer mixtures comprising: a) from 10 to 80% by weight of a biodegradable polyester (Q) composed of aliphatic or aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and of aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, and b) from 20 to 90% by weight of one or more polymers (T) selected from the group consisting of: polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polypropylene carbonate, polyglycolide, aliphatic polyester, cellulose acetate, and polyhydroxyalkanoate, where i) a mixture composed of the aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, of the aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and, if appropriate, of further comonomers (component C) is mixed, without addition of any catalyst, to give a paste or, as an alternative, the liquid esters of the dicarboxylic acids are fed into the system, as also are the dihydroxy compound and, if appropriate, further comonomers, without addition of any catalyst, and in a first stage this mixture, together with the entire amount or with a

Abstract: The polylactic acid film is obtained by melt extruding polylactic acid (A) prepared by melt kneading together polylactic acid (B) which comprises an L-lactic acid unit as the main ingredient and polylactic acid (C) which comprises a D-lactic acid unit as the main ingredient in a specific weight ratio, wherein the polylactic acid film has: (a) a stereocomplex crystal rate (S) defined by the following equation (i) of 90% or more: S={(?Hmsc/(?Hmsc+?Hmh)}×100??(i) (in the above equation, ?Hmh is the melting enthalpy of a low-melting point crystal melting peak at a temperature lower than 190° C. obtained by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) measurement and ?Hmsc is the melting enthalpy of a high-melting point crystal melting peak at a temperature of 190° C. or higher obtained by DSC measurement), (b) a haze of 10% or less, and (c) a haze change of 5% or less after it is heated at 140° C. for 10 minutes.

Abstract: Blends comprising 65-95 wt % poly(trimethylene terephthalate-co-sebacate), 5 to 35 wt % polylactic acid and a chain extender are provided that exhibit greatly increased melt strength compared to that of poly(trimethylene terephthalate-co-sebacate) alone. Such improvements allow these compositions to be processed readily by melt-blowing, which is useful for packaging and for preparing items such as biodegradable garbage bags.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-component composition comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first component being a pre-accelerated resin composition comprising an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin and a copper2+ compound, at least one N-containing organic base selected from an amine compound and/or an ammonium salt; and wherein copper is present in an amount of at least 50 ppm (relative to the primary resin system), wherein the resin composition contains less than 0.01 mmol cobalt per kg primary resin system, the resin composition has an acid value in the range of from 0.001-300 mg KOH/g of resin composition, the molecular weight of the resin containing reactive unsaturations is in the range of from 500 to 200,000 g/mole and wherein the second component comprises a peroxide compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing lactic acid polymers of highly crystallinity and molecular weight, the process comprising melt polymerization of a lactide to form prepolymers having active end groups followed by solid state polymerization. The polymerization is carried out in the presence of a catalyst complex comprising a lactide, an organic metal-oxo compound and a lactic acid oligomer. The residual lactide after the melt polymerization is removed by heating the reaction mixture in the temperature range of 98° C. to a temperature less than the melting point of the prepolymer. The metal to oligomer ratio in the catalyst complex is in the range of 0.1 to 10, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5, more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.5.

Abstract: A polycaprolactone fumarate polymer useful as a matrix material for a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The polycaprolactone fumarate polymer can be prepared by reacting caprolactone with an alkane polyol to prepare a polycaprolactone precursor, and then reacting the polycaprolactone precursor with fumaric acid or a salt thereof to prepare the polycaprolactone fumarate polymer. The use of an alkane diol, such as 1,2-propanediol, provides a linear polycaprolactone diol precursor. The use of an alkane triol, such as glycerol, provides a branched polycaprolactone triol precursor. The biocompatible polycaprolactone fumarate formulation releases no diethylene glycol or other undesirable byproducts during degradation.

Abstract: A process for producing an aliphatic polyester, comprising: subjecting at least two serial stages of bulk-phase ring-opening polymerization and a solid-phase polymerization step, wherein a cyclic ester held in a dry air atmosphere is supplied to a first reactor to perform a first stage polymerization, thereby obtaining a partially polymerized molten product, and the resultant partially polymerized molten product is supplied to a second reactor held under a dry inert gas atmosphere to perform a second stage polymerization. As a result, the production efficiency can be improved, while maintaining excellent properties of the aliphatic polyester product.

Abstract: Provided are an organic-inorganic hybrid scaffold with surface-immobilized nano-hydroxyapatite, and a method for the fabrication thereof. The scaffold is fabricated by reacting an acid group present on a surface of nano-hydroxyapatite with a primary amine present on a surface of a polymer support in the presence of EDC (1-ethyl-3-dimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide) to immobilize nano-hydroxyapatite onto the surface of the polymer support. The surface of nano-hydroxyapatite is previously grafted with poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate) (PolyEGMP) having phosphonic acid functionality or with a polymer having carboxylic acid functionality.

Abstract: An S,S- and R,R-lactide stream suitable for polymerization is prepared by producing a low molecular weight poly(lactic acid), depolymerizing the low molecular weight poly(lactic acid) to form a mixture of S,S-, R,R- and meso-lactide, and separating meso-lactide from this mixture to form an S,S- and R,R-lactide stream. Meso-lactide is recycled into the process, and shifts the mole fractions of the lactides in the lactide mixture that is produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable multi-block copolymer, comprising at least two hydrolysable segments derived from pre-polymers A and B, which segments are linked by a multi-functional chain-extender and are chosen from the pre-polymers A and B, and triblock copolymers ABA and BAB, wherein the multi-block copolymer is amorphous at physiological (body) conditions. The invention further relates to a process for preparing said copolymer and to its use as a medical implant, a coating for a medical device or a drug delivery vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a piezoelectric polymer material including a helical chiral polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000 and having optical activity, the piezoelectric polymer material having a piezoelectric constant d14 at 25° C. of 10 pC/N or more, a degree of crystallinity obtained by X-ray diffraction of from 40% to 80%, and a haze of from 0.5 to 30.

Abstract: Disclosed are random copoly(phosphonate carbonate)s with the high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution exhibiting a superior combination of properties compared to prior art.

Abstract: There are provided: a bio-based coating composition which is a bio-based ingredient coating composition in consideration of environment and does not need any expensive ingredient and is also excellent in hydrolysis resistance; and an article coated with the coating composition. The bio-based coating composition is characterized by comprising the following film-forming ingredients: a lactic acid polymer (A) which contains a polyfunctional compound having a hydroxyl group and/or a carboxyl group in a functionality of not less than 3 and lactic acid as essential monomer ingredients and has a specific SP value; and a resin (B) which contains a hydroxyl group and/or a carboxyl group and has a specific SP value; wherein the difference (?SP) between the SP values of the lactic acid polymer (A) and the resin (B) is in the range of 0.2 to 4.0. The coated article is characterized by being obtained by being coated with the aforementioned coating composition.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: Blends made of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) and of polylactides (PLAs) are produced via A) reaction of at least one thermoplastic polyurethane with at least one diisocyanate or one diisocyanate prepolymer which has at least two isocyanate groups, or a mixture thereof, in the melt, with reduction of the molar mass of the thermoplastic polyurethane and with formation of a thermoplastic polyurethane having an excess of isocyanate end groups, B) introduction of at least one polylactide into the melt of the stage A) product, and reaction of the stage A) product with the polylactide at a temperature below 190° C., C) cooling of the resultant blend, where no polyols are used in stages A) to C).

Abstract: Collection devices and kits for biological sample collection include a biologic sample collection device having a hydrophilic swab matrix that includes a modified polycaprolactone (PCL). Methods of production and use thereof are also described herein. The biologic sample collection devices, kits and methods described herein are used to collect a biologic sample (e.g., blood, buccal cells, etc.) and to enable extraction of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) from that biologic sample so that the nucleic acids can be analyzed (e.g., sequencing and subsequent analyses of DNA).

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, and related compounds and methods, of conjugates of immunomodulatory agents and polymers or unit(s) thereof. The conjugates may be contained within synthetic nanocarriers, and the immunomodulatory agents may be released from the synthetic nanocarriers in a pH sensitive manner.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of a biodegradable polyester, where a mixture of aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their liquid esters, and, optionally, further comonomers is mixed, without addition of a catalyst, to give a paste, and i) this mixture with at least a portion of the catalyst, is continuously esterified or, transesterified; ii) the transesterification or, esterification product obtained in i) is continuously precondensed with any remaining amount of catalyst to an intrinsic viscosity of from 20 to 70 cm3/g; iii) the product obtainable from ii) is continuously polycondensed to an intrinsic viscosity of from 60 to 170 cm3/g, and iv) the product obtainable from iii) is reacted continuously with a chain extender in a polyaddition reaction to an intrinsic viscosity of from 150 to 320 cm3/g. The invention further relates to biodegradable polyesters obtained by this process.

Abstract: Process for preparing a composition of a vinylidene chloride polymer and at least one ?-caprolactone polymer according to which: a) during the preparation of the vinylidene chloride polymer by polymerization of the vinylidene chloride and at least one comonomer that is copolymerizable with it, at least one ?-caprolactone polymer, preformed in a medium other than that of the vinylidene chloride polymerization, is added; and b) optionally, in addition, at least one ?-caprolactone polymer is added to the vinylidene chloride polymer isolated at the end of step a). Process for preparing articles, in particular films, which includes the use of a composition prepared by the aforementioned process. Single-layer or multilayer film comprising said composition and packaging or bag formed from this film.

Abstract: Polyurethane elastomers formed from prepolymers derived from copolyester polyols. The copolyester polyols have segments derived from one or more polyesters and caprolactone or polycaprolactone. The polyurethane elastomers have good hardness stability at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to 30° C. and preferably have good hydrolytic stability.

Abstract: A resin composition which comprises a polyester and is free from a smell produced from a free isocyanate compound. The resin composition comprises a polyester (component A) whose end is modified and a compound including a cyclic structure having one carbodiimide group whose first nitrogen and second nitrogen are bonded together by a bond group (component B).

Abstract: A composition used for preparing foaming material comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polylactic acid and a foaming agent, which posses certain tensile strength, elongation in break and expansion ratio as well as full bio-degradability, thus can be used in packaging industry.

Abstract: Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, the coatings include block-polymers comprising at least one poly(hydroxyacid) or poly(hydroxy-alkanoate) block, at least one block of a biologically compatible polymer and at least one type of linking moiety.

Abstract: Provided are a polyrotaxane capable of using an aqueous solvent in a fabricating process although it has hydrophobicity, an aqueous composition having the polyrotaxane, a crosslinked body comprising the polyrotaxane, etc. The polyrotaxane comprises blocking groups located at both ends of a pseudo-polyrotaxane having cyclic molecules and a linear molecule which pierces the cavities of the cyclic molecules in a skewered manner to form a clathrate therewith so as not to detach the cyclic molecules, wherein the cyclic molecules have a group represented by Formula I, a group represented by Formula II and a group represented by Formula III. Incidentally, M represents, for example, a group derived from ring-opening polymerization of ?-caprolactone or the like, A represents a hydroxy group or the like, B represents a —COOH group or the like, and C represents A and/or B: -M-A??Formula I; -M-B??Formula II; and —C??Formula III.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a modified pigment, comprising: reacting, under Mitsunobu conditions: (a) a first reactant comprising a protonated nucleophile having a pKa<15, and (b) a second reactant comprising a hydroxyl-containing organic group, wherein a pigment is attached to either the first or second reactant. The method further comprises forming the modified pigment having attached an organic species comprising the nucleophile bonded to the organic group, with the net elimination of a proton and a hydroxyl. Also disclosed herein are modified pigments, which can have applications in chemical toners, inkjet ink and electrophoretic ink compositions, black matrix materials, color filters, and coatings.

Abstract: A co-polyester which includes the reaction product of a polycondensation polyester and epsilon-caprolactone, wherein the polycondensation polyester comprises the reaction product of diglycolic acid and/or a derivative thereof and a diol. The co-polyester is injectable and absorbable into animal, such as human, tissue and can be used for facial cosmetic or reconstructive surgery of soft tissue. Another embodiment is directed to a method for preventing adhesion using a co-polyester comprising the reaction product of a polycondensation polyester and epsilon-caprolactone, wherein the polycondensation polyester comprises the reaction product of diglycolic acid and/or a derivative thereof and a diol, and the co-polyester comprises about 40 to 50% by weight of the polycondensation polyester based on the total weight of the co-polyester.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable multi-block copolymer, comprising at least two hydrolysable segments derived from pre-polymers A and B, which segments are linked by a multi-functional chain-extender and are chosen from the pre-polymers A and B, and triblock copolymers ABA and BAB, wherein the multi-block copolymer is amorphous at physiological (body) conditions. The invention further relates to a process for preparing said copolymer and to its use as a medical implant, a coating for a medical device or a drug delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced shrinkage in the transverse direction with little to no concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, plasticizers, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of cast and tenner manufacture is disclosed, which includes a temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: A film comprising a polylactic acid and polypropylene blend having a haze of from about 10% to about 95% and a gloss 45° of from about 50 to about 125. A method of producing an oriented film comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, forming the polymeric blend into a film, and orienting the film. A method of producing an injection molded article comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, injecting the polymeric blend into a mold, and forming the article.

Abstract: Block copolymers include hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks having repeating units derived from ring opening polymerization of one or more cyclic carbonate monomers. The carbonate monomers are independently selected from compounds of formula (II): wherein each Q? and Qa group independently represents a hydrogen, an alkyl group, a halide, a carboxy group, an ester group, an amide group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, or a foregoing Q? or Qa group substituted with a carboxy group or an ester group, at least one Q? and Qa group includes an ester group; each Y independently represents O, S, NH, or NQ?; n is an integer from 0 to 6, wherein when n is 0, carbons labeled 4 and 6 are linked together by a single bond; each Q? group independently represents an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a foregoing Q? group substituted with a carboxy group, or an ester group.

Abstract: A controlled release remediation composition or compositions, a method making such composition(s), a method of using such composition(s), and a remediation system including such composition(s) are disclosed. The disclosed controlled release remediation composition or compositions include at least one chemical oxidant agent, optionally, at least two chemical oxidant agents; at least one encapsulant polymer; and, optionally, at least one matrix polymer. The disclosed controlled release remediation composition or compositions are capable of substantially constantly releasing an amount of the at least one chemical oxidant agent, optionally, amounts of the at least two chemical oxidant agents, for example, into an aqueous system such as may be found at a contaminated site, over at least about a one month period up to over about a three month period.

Abstract: Absorbable, multiphasic, crystalline, solid blend compositions having at least two first order thermal transitions, are formed of a segmented l-lactide copolymer as the principal or major component and at least one additional crystalline thermoplastic absorbable polyester having glycolide-based sequences, a fraction of which participated in ester-ester interchange reactions with lactide-based sequences to produce crystalline materials with modulated properties for use in producing orthopedic and tissue-repair devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to coated biodegradable materials having a reduced amount of residual catalysts and methods thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to polymers, crosslinked polymers, functionalized polymers, nanoparticles, and functionalized nanoparticles and methods of making and using same. In one aspect, the invention relates to degradable polymer and degradable nanoparticles. In one aspect, the invention relates to methods of preparing degradable nanoparticles and, more specifically, methods of controlling particle size during the preparation of degradable nanoparticles. In one aspect, the degradable nanoparticles are useful for complexing, delivering, and releasing payloads, including pharmaceutically active payloads. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable multi-block copolymer, comprising at least two hydrolysable segments derived from pre-polymers A and B, which segments are linked by a multi-functional chain-extender and are chosen from the pre-polymers A and B, and triblock copolymers ABA and BAB, wherein the multi-block copolymer is amorphous at physiological (body) conditions. The invention further relates to a process for preparing said copolymer and to its use as a medical implant, a coating for a medical device or a drug delivery vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel carbohydrate lactone, functionalized aliphatic polyesters and copolymers formed therefrom, and processes for the preparation thereof from renewable resources.

Abstract: There are provided: a shape-memory resin, which is formed from a polylactic acid derivative thereby enabling reduction of an environmental load, has an excellent shape-memory property, high strength, and high toughness, and with which a molded product with high durability, for example, an electronic equipments, particularly a wearable electronic equipments capable of freely changing the shape thereof or the like, can be shaped; and a molded product thereof. The shape-memory resin of the present invention has a three-dimensional structure, in which a polylactic acid derivative having two or more functional groups capable of forming a cross-linking site is cross-linked using a flexible polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) lower than 30° C. and having two or more functional groups capable of forming a cross-linking site, and a linker.

Abstract: This invention is the design and synthesis of a caprolactone monomer which bears a pendant protected carboxyl group. This monomer has been copolymerized with caprolactone in varying ratios. After polymerization, the protecting group can be removed and an antibiotic can be attached as a new pendant group. The bioactivity of the antibiotic-bound poly(caprolactone) polymer is described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a biodegradable copolymer composition of a polysaccaride backbone grafted with amphiphilic diblock copolymers, as well as a process for the preparation of such composition and a particle suitable for the release of active ingredients made of such a composition.

Abstract: This invention provides a triblock copolymer useful as a compatibilizer for biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid, and general-purpose polymers. Namely, this is a triblock copolymer represented by the below general formula (i), wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —CH3, —C2H5, and —CH2CH(CH3)2, n is an integer of 10 to 1000, and A represents a polyester block obtained by subjecting one or more cyclic esters selected from the group consisting of lactides, glycolides and lactones, to ring-opening polymerization.

Abstract: A bimodal bioabsorbable polymer composition. The composition includes a first amount of a bioabsorbable polymer polymerized so as to have a first molecular weight distribution; a second amount of said bioabsorbable polymer polymerized so as to have a second molecular weight distribution having a weight average molecular weight between about 10,000 to about 50,000 Daltons, the weight average molecular weight ratio of said first molecular weight distribution to said second molecular weight distribution is at least about two to one; wherein a substantially homogeneous blend of said first and second amounts of said bioabsorbable polymer is formed in a ratio of between about 50/50 to about 95/5 weight/weight percent. Also disclosed are a medical device, a method of making a medical device and a method of melt blowing a semi-crystalline polymer blend.

Abstract: A polylactic acid-containing resin composition that include (a) a polylactic acid and (b) a (meth)acrylic copolymer having a molecular weight in excess of 30,000 and that is the reaction product of a monomer mixture including a methyl (meth)acrylate (i) and a (meth)acrylic acid ester (ii) that is different than the methyl (meth)acrylate (i). The (meth)acrylic acid ester (ii) is represented by any one of formula (I): CH2?C(R1)—COO—R2 formula (II): CH2?C(R1)—COO—(CH2CH2O)m—R3, or formula (III): CH2?C(R1)—COO—(CH2CH2O)n-Ph. A method for preparing the (meth)acrylic copolymer is also provided as well as articles formed from polylactic acid-containing resin compositions.

Abstract: A resin composition comprises a polylactic acid resin (A) 75-10 wt %, an aromatic polycarbonate resin (B) 25-90 wt % and a polymer compound to which a glycidyl compound or an acid anhydride is grafted or copolymerized (D) 1-50 wt parts with respect to 100 wt parts of the total of the component (A) and the component (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles made of a thermoformable resin comprising a biodegradable polymer having polybutylene succinate (PBS) via extrusion using an extruder which comprise: a biodegradable polymer having: (a) a Ts value of up to about 160° C. (e.g., in the range of from about 50° to about 150° C.); (b) a heat distortion index of up to about 150° C. (for example, up to about 120° C.); and (c) optionally, a Tm in the range of from about 70° to about 160° C. (e.g., in the range of from about 80° to about 150° C.). Thermoformed article such as a food or beverage cup, lid, cutlery item, foodservice item, molded tray, food storage container, etc provide the ability to resist deformation during higher temperature conditions that may occur during storage and distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a copolymer resin composition including a lactic acid copolymer, the lactic acid copolymer containing monomer units represented by the following chemical formulas [1], [2], and [3], wherein a content of a monomer unit represented by the chemical formula [3] is 50 mol % or more and 95 mol % or less, a weight-average molecular weight of the lactic acid copolymer is 20,000 or more and 1,000,000 or less, and a deflection temperature of the lactic acid copolymer under load is 65° C. or higher and 100° C. or lower at a bending stress of 1.80 MPa.

Abstract: A film comprising a polylactic acid and polypropylene blend having a haze of from about 10% to about 95% and a gloss 45° of from about 50 to about 125. A method of producing an oriented film comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, forming the polymeric blend into a film, and orienting the film. A method of producing an injection molded article comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, injecting the polymeric blend into a mold, and forming the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a poly lactic acid resin including an L-lactic acid block and a D-lactic acid block, which blocks are bonded by a carbonate bonding.