Abstract: A microneedle assembly that is capable of transdermal delivery of a drug compound, such as a vaccine, (e.g., vaccine) across a dermal barrier of a subject (e.g., human), and/or detecting the presence of an analyte in the subject is provided. The microneedle assembly comprises a plurality of microneedles arranged on a support that each contain a tip and base, one or both of which are formed from a polymer composition that includes a liquid crystalline polymer. By selectively controlling the specific components of the polymer composition, as well as their relative concentration, the resulting microneedles may exhibit a high degree of physical alignment, which can help ensure better performance during use of the microneedle assembly.

Abstract: Biodegradable thermoformed articles are disclosed. The thermoformed articles are formed from a biodegradable polymer composition. The polymer composition contains a cellulose ester polymer, a plasticizer, and one or more other additives. Thermoformed articles can be made in accordance with the present disclosure having low haze and high clarity.

Abstract: A biodegradable foam material is disclosed. The biodegradable foam material is made from a cellulose ester polymer combined with at least one plasticizer. The cellulose ester polymer composition is combined with one or more foaming agents and formed into a closed cell foam. The foam material is particularly well suited for use in packaging.

Abstract: A microneedle assembly that is capable of transdermal delivery of a drug compound, such as a vaccine, (e.g., vaccine) across a dermal barrier of a subject (e.g., human), and/or detecting the presence of an analyte in the subject is provided. The microneedle assembly comprises a plurality of microneedles arranged on a support that each contain a tip and base, one or both of which are formed from a polymer composition that includes a liquid crystalline polymer. By selectively controlling the specific components of the polymer composition, as well as their relative concentration, the resulting microneedles may exhibit a high degree of physical alignment, which can help ensure better performance during use of the microneedle assembly.

Abstract: A melt-extruded substrate that can be readily thermoformed into a shaped, three-dimensional article is provided. The substrate is formed from a polymer composition that contains a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a unique aromatic amide oligomer. The present inventors have discovered that the oligomer can help increase the “low shear” complex viscosity of the resulting polymer. The ability to achieve enhanced low shear viscosity values can lead to polymer compositions with an increased melt strength, which allows the resulting substrate to better maintain its shape during thermoforming without exhibiting a substantial amount of sag. Due to its relatively high degree of melt strength, the polymer composition is particularly well suited for forming thin extruded substrates for use in thermoforming processes.

Abstract: A melt-extruded substrate that can be readily thermoformed into a shaped, three-dimensional article is provided. The substrate is formed from a polymer composition that contains a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a unique aromatic amide oligomer. The present inventors have discovered that the oligomer can help increase the “low shear” complex viscosity of the resulting polymer. The ability to achieve enhanced low shear viscosity values can lead to polymer compositions with an increased melt strength, which allows the resulting substrate to better maintain its shape during thermoforming without exhibiting a substantial amount of sag. Due to its relatively high degree of melt strength, the polymer composition is particularly well suited for forming thin extruded substrates for use in thermoforming processes.