Abstract: The present invention relates to drug release systems which employ shape memory materials.

Abstract: Devices for treatments of diseases and disorders associated with the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, or urinogenital tract are described herein. Initially, the device is in a temporary form which is suitable for oral or rectal administration. After exposure to a stimulus, such as a temperature or pH change, the device changes shape to a permanent form, which allows it to become mechanically fixed in the stomach, esophagus or intestine. In one embodiment, the device is used to reduce the volume of the stomach, esophagus or intestine without interfering with the flow of the food through the gastrointestinal tract. The device may be used to help overweight patients lose weight and to deliver drugs to treat disorders and diseases in the in the stomach or intestine. The devices are manufactured from a stimuli-sensitive polymeric material, which is biocompatible and primarily adapted to the mechanical properties and geometry in the area to which it is applied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for achieving a recallable hair deformation. A composition is applied onto hair, comprising at least one active agent, which, alone or in combination with further compounds, is able, after application to the hair and after carrying out the treatment of hair in accordance with the present invention, to provide a shape memory effect. The hair is brought into a defined (permanent) shape and the permanent shape is subsequently fixed by means of inducing a chemical or physical change of the applied agents, wherein after a desired or undesired deformation, the memory shape of the initial memory shape may be recovered by means of a physical stimulation. Suitable active agents are for example macromers which may be cross-linked to provide shape memory polymers, wherein the permanent shape is fixed by means of the chemical cross-linking of the macromer, providing a shape memory polymer, which possesses at least one transition temperature Ttrans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amorphous phase segregated networks of ABA triblock copolymers. The networks do possess good shape memory properties. The materials of the present invention are in particular suitable as materials in the medicinal field, as implants, for the target designed stimuli sensitive drug release, for ligament augmentation or as disc replacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the penetrating networks comprising a covalently crosslinked polymer component and a polyester urethane component. The materials in accordance with the present invention are suitable in particular as materials for medicinal purposes, as implants, for target controlled stimuli-sensitive drug release, as ligament augmentation and as replacement material for inter-vertebrae disks.

Abstract: A method for the provision of a recallable hair transformation using shape-memory polymers is disclosed. In this respect a composition which comprises a macromer or prepolymer which is cross-linkable to a shape-memory polymer is applied onto the hair and the hair is brought into a defined (permanent) shape and subsequently the permanent shape is fixed by means of the chemical cross-linking of the macromer or prepolymer under formation of the shape-memory polymer. The macromer or prepolymer contains segments which are cross-linkable by means of chemical bonds as well as thermoplastic segments which are not chemically cross-linkable. The shape-memory polymers do possess at least one transition temperature TTrans. In addition to the permanent shape of a hairdo a second (temporary) shape can be impressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer substrate for cultivating tissue cells. The substrate is provided in form of an oxygen-permeable flat membrane, preferably with ultra-filtration properties, and has an optimized amine content of at least 10 nmole amine function per cm2 membrane. The substrate can be used to treat burns and other tissue defects. The substrate can be rapidly populated with cells, in particular with keratinozytes, and supports reorientation of the cells after the populated membrane is transferred to a wound or a dermis equivalent. The substrate can also be later easily detached from the newly formed tissue structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for achieving a recallable hair deformation. A composition is applied onto hair, comprising at least one first active principle or active complex, which, alone or in combination with further compounds, is able, after application to the hair and after carrying out the treatment of hair in accordance with the present invention, to provide a shape memory effect. The composition comprises at least one second active principle, which is a cationic agent. The hair is brought into a defined (permanent) shape and the permanent shape is subsequently fixed by means of inducing a chemical or physical change of the applied agents, wherein after a desired or undesired deformation, the memory shape of the initial memory shape may be recovered by means of a physical stimulation. In addition to the permanent hairdo, a second (temporary) shape can be impressed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a matrix structure for inducing a neofascia with at least one two-dimensional matrix of at least one biocompatible and resorbable polymer, wherein the surface of the matrix is designed to immobilize tissue cells, in particular autologous fibrocytes of the fascia transversalis, and to reduce a preferably three-dimensional tissue growth in vitro or in vivo. The invention is also directed to a hybrid matrix system, which includes the matrix structure and tissue cells immobilized thereon. The novel matrix as well as the fascia hybrid are characterized by a high biocompatibility and overcome the disadvantages of non-degradable implants, thereby promoting formation of a neofascia with native biomechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyester urethanes comprising polypentadecalactone segments. These polyester urethanes do show good properties which may be adjusted in a controlled manner. In preferred embodiments the polyester urethanes display additionally polycaprolactone segments. Such polymer may show shape memory effects.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described herein for reconstruction of different functional tissues. Dissociated cells, differentiated cells, adult mesenchymal stem cells or embryonic stem cells are seeded on a scaffold. The scaffold will consist of a biocompatible, biodegradable shape memory (“SM”) polymers. In addition bioactive substances may be incorporated in the scaffold. Thermoplastic as well as thermoset materials with SM-effect can be used. The shape memory effect will be applied as an interactive link between the cells and the used polymeric scaffold. The degradation kinetics as well as shape memory transition temperature will be tailored by adjusting to monomer ratios of the co-oligomers. The shape memory effect will be used to create a degradation or release of bioactive substances on demand, induce forces on seeded cells or induce proliferation and differentiation of cells.

Abstract: Shape memory polymer compositions, articles of manufacture thereof, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The shape memory polymer compositions can hold more than one shape in memory. Suitable compositions include at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment. At least one of the hard or soft segments can contain a crosslinkable group, and the segments can be linked by formation of an interpenetrating network or a semi-interpenetrating network, or by physical interactions of the blocks. Objects can be formed into a given shape at a temperature above the Ttrans of the hard segment, and cooled to a temperature below to Ttrans of the soft segment. If the object is subsequently formed into a second shape, the object can return to its original shape by heating the object above the Ttrans of the soft segment and below the Ttrans of the hard segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the penetrating networks comprising a covalently crosslinked polymer component and a polyester urethane component

Abstract: Described herein are a group of degradable, thermoplastic polymers, which are able to change their shape after an increase in temperature. Their shape memory capability enables bulky implants to be placed in the body through small incisions or to perform complex mechanical deformations automatically. The shape memory polymers are preferably biocompatible and can be biodegradable or non-degradable polymers. Preferably, the biodegradable polymer has a linear degradation rate. In a specifically preferred embodiment, the suture is formed of biodegradable polymer capable of forming a self-tightening knot. In a most preferred embodiment, the suture is used to close a wound or body scission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyester urethanes comprising polypentadecalactone segments. These polyester urethanes do show good properties which may be adjusted in a controlled manner. In preferred embodiments the polyester urethanes display additionally polycaprolactone segments. Such polymer may show shape memory effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric networks, which are characterised by particular mechanical properties and which, furthermore, allow the control of thermal and mechanical properties by simple variation of the components.

Abstract: Shape memory polymer compositions, articles of manufacture thereof, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The shape memory polymer compositions can hold more than one shape in memory. Suitable compositions include at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment. The Ttrans of the hard segment is preferably between −30 and 270° C. At least one of the hard or soft segments can contain a crosslinkable group, and the segments can be linked by formation of an interpenetrating network or a semi-interpenetrating network, or by physical interactions of the blocks. Objects can be formed into a given shape at a temperature above the Ttrans of the hard segment, and cooled to a temperature below the Ttrans of the soft segment. If the object is subsequently formed into a second shape, the object can return to its original shape by heating the object above the Ttrans of the soft segment and below the Ttrans of the hard segment.

Abstract: Shape memory polymer compositions, articles of manufacture thereof, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The shape memory polymer compositions can hold more than one shape in memory. Suitable compositions include at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment. The Ttrans of the hard segment is preferably between −30 and 270° C. At least one of the hard or soft segments can contain a crosslinkable group, and the segments can be linked by formation of an interpenetrating network or a semi-interpenetrating network, or by physical interactions of the blocks. Objects can be formed into a given shape at a temperature above the Ttrans of the hard segment, and cooled to a temperature below the Ttrans of the soft segment. If the object is subsequently formed into a second shape, the object can return to its original shape by heating the object above the Ttrans of the soft segment and below the Ttrans of the hard segment.

Abstract: Biodegradable shape memory polymer compositions, articles of manufacture thereof, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. In one embodiment the compositions include at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment. The T.sub.trans of the hard segment is preferably between -30 and 270.degree. C. At least one of the hard or soft segments can contain a crosslinkable group, and the segments can be linked by formation of an interpenetrating network or a semi-interpenetrating network, or by physical interactions of the segments. Objects can be formed into a given shape at a temperature above the T.sub.trans of the hard segment, and cooled to a temperature below the T.sub.trans of the soft segment. If the object is subsequently formed into a second shape, the object can return to its original shape by heating the object above the T.sub.trans of the soft segment and below the T.sub.trans of the hard segment.

Abstract: The biocompatible multi-block copolymer is obtainable by linear polycondensation of at least two .alpha.,.omega.-dihydroxypolyesters acid and/or .alpha.,.omega.-dihydroxypolyethers with a diisocyanate, diacid halide or phosgene. The block copolymer is preferably degradable in the human or animal body. The block copolymer is suitable for the production of medical implants and surgical aids.