Abstract: Described herein are adhesive polymeric compositions and methods for using the compositions. The composition are adherent to the applied surface. The compositions, in certain embodiments, are biodegradable and biocompatible, and can be designed with selected properties of compliancy and elasticity for different surgical and therapeutic applications. The adherent polymeric compositions comprise a polymerized macromer network and an additive mixed or entangled in the polymerized macromer. The additive is bonded to a surface by at least one covalent bond or by secondary interactions and is not covalently bonded to the polymerized macromer network. Alternatively, the additive is bonded to the surface by at least one covalent bond and is also bonded to the macromer network. The disclosed compositions can be used as an improved barrier, coating or drug delivery system that due to the additive is highly adherent to an applied surface.

Abstract: Gel-forming macromers including at least four polymeric blocks, at least two of which are hydrophobic and at least one of which is hydrophilic, and including a crosslinkable group are provided. The macromers can be covalently crosslinked to form a gel on a tissue surface in vivo. The gels formed from the macromers have a combination of properties including thermosensitivity and lipophilicity, and are useful in a variety of medical applications including drug delivery and tissue coating.