Abstract: A novel environmentally responsive polymeric system is provided for biomedical applications, comprising silicon-containing reactive groups which undergo a hydrolysis-condensation reaction at a predetermined body site and thereby change rheological and mechanical properties of the polymeric system. The polymeric system is useful, for example, as a sealant, as a matrix for drug delivery, in the prevention of post-surgical adhesions, and in gene therapy.

Abstract: A responsive polymeric system including a responsive polymeric component capable of undergoing a transition that results in a sharp increase in viscosity in response to a triggering effected at a predetermined body site. The system includes a solid non-ceramic reinforcing component which reinforces the polymeric component, and an aqueous-based solvent wherein the viscosity of the responsive polymeric component increases by at least about 2 times upon exposure to a predetermined trigger.

Abstract: The invention provides a responsive polymeric system, comprising: a polymeric responsive component capable of undergoing a transition that results in a sharp increase in viscosity in response to a change in temperature at a predetermined body site; wherein the polymeric component comprises hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments covalently bound within the polymer component, by at least one chain extender or coupling agent, having at least 2 functional groups; wherein the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments do not display Reverse Thermal Gelation behavior of their own at clinically relevant temperatures and; wherein the viscosity of the polymeric component increases by at least about 2 times upon exposure to a predetermined trigger.

Abstract: A responsive polymeric system including a responsive polymeric component capable of undergoing a transition that results in a sharp increase in viscosity in response to a triggering effected at a predetermined body site. The system includes a solid non-ceramic reinforcing component which reinforces the polymeric component, and an aqueous-based solvent wherein the viscosity of the responsive polymeric component increases by at least about 2 times upon exposure to a predetermined trigger.

Abstract: A novel environmentally responsive polymeric system is provided for biomedical applications, comprising silicon-containing reactive groups which undergo a hydrolysis-condensation reaction at a predetermined body site and thereby change rheological and mechanical properties of the polymeric system. The polymeric system is useful, for example, as a sealant, as a matrix for drug delivery, in the prevention of post-surgical adhesions, and in gene therapy.

Abstract: A multi-component environmentally responsive polymeric system, having at least two environmentally responsive polymeric components capable of undergoing a transition that results in a sharp increase in viscosity in response to a change in temperature at a predetermined body site, wherein the at least two components display different reverse thermal gelation behavior in the human body.

Abstract: The invention provides a responsive polymeric system, comprising: a polymeric responsive component capable of undergoing a transition that results in a sharp increase in viscosity in response to a change in temperature at a predetermined body site; wherein the polymeric component comprises hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments covalently bound within the polymer component, by at least one chain extender or coupling agent, having at least 2 functional groups; wherein the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments do not display Reverse Thermal Gelation behavior of their own at clinically relevant temperatures and; wherein the viscosity of the polymeric component increases by at least about 2 times upon exposure to a predetermined trigger.