Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming shape-retentive and shape-conforming aggregate wound dressings and biomaterials composed of gel nanoparticles and wound or bodily fluid in which the aggregates are held together by non-covalent bond physical forces such as, without limitation, hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The method comprises introducing a dry powder of gel nanoparticles to a wound site in which the nanoparticles absorb some of the blood or wound exudate and coalesce in situ into the claimed shape-retentive aggregate dressing. The method also comprises introducing the dry nanoparticle powder in or on a wet bodily tissue in vivo to form the claimed shape-retentive biomaterial. In addition, the method also comprises incorporating biomedical agents to produce medicated aggregate dressings or biomaterials for a variety of medical applications. This invention also relates to uses of the method of formation of the shape-retentive aggregates of gel nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming shape-retentive aggregates of gel particles in which the aggregates are held together by non-covalent bond physical forces such as, without limitation, hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The method comprises introducing a suspension of gel particles in a polar liquid at a selected concentration, wherein the gel particles have an absolute zeta potential, into a medium in which the absolute zeta potential of the gel particles is decreased, resulting in the gel particles coalescing into the claimed shape-retentive aggregate. This invention also relates to uses of the method of formation of the shape-retentive aggregates of gel particles.

Abstract: The present invention is related to hydrogel particles and aggregates formed therefrom having characteristics including, without limitation, shape-retentiveness, elasticity, controllable pore sizes and controllable degradation rates that render them useful for a wide variety of applications including, without limitation, the controlled release of biologically active substances, in vivo medical devices, tissue growth scaffolding and tissue replacement.