Abstract: The present invention provides a dental composition comprising a curable blend of one or more polythiol compounds and one or more polyvinyl compounds; where one or both compounds are oligomers. In one aspect, the polythiol compounds are polythiol oligomers formed by prepolymerization of polyvinyl monomers in the presence of an excess of polythiol monomers. In another aspect, the polyvinyl compounds are polyvinyl oligomers formed by prepolymerization of polythiol monomers in the presence of an excess of polyvinyl monomers. The dental composition may further comprise one or more fillers or photoinitiators known in the art. The invention also comprises methods of making a dental prosthesis comprising the composition described above. Use of the thiol-ene oligomeric system results in cured (polymerized) dental compositions having improved physical properties, including low-shrinkage properties and reduced shrinkage induced-stress, enhanced double bond conversion percentage, and reduced odor.

Abstract: Photopolymerizable polymer composites based on dimethacrylate systems have been increasingly utilized as dental restorative materials. One of the biggest drawbacks of current dental resin systems is the volume shrinkage and shrinkage induced stresses that arise during the polymerization. Other major problems include incomplete double bond conversion and insufficient wear resistance. This invention involves the development of an entirely novel approach to the photopolymerization process that utilizes thiol-ene systems as low shrinkage and ultra-low shrinkage stress dental restorative materials. Compared with the traditional dimethacrylate dental resins, these novel photopolymerizations have demonstrated a dramatically decreased volume shrinkage, extremely rapid polymerization, abilities to photopolymerize ultrathick materials and achieve much higher conversion, lack of oxygen inhibition and ultra-low shrinkage stress due to low volume shrinkage and drastically delayed gel point conversion.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to detect molecular recognition events. The invention also provides methods to detect the presence of or identify a target species based on its interaction with one or more probe species. The methods of the invention are based on amplification of the signal due to each molecular recognition event. The amplification is achieved through photopolymerization, with the polymer formed being associated with the molecular recognition event. In an embodiment, a fluorescent polymer, a magnetic polymer, a radioactive polymer or an electrically conducting polymer can form the basis of detection and amplification. In another embodiment, a polymer gel swollen with a fluorescent solution, a magnetic solution, a radioactive solution or an electrically conducting solution can form the basis of detection and amplification. In another embodiment, sufficient polymer forms to be detectable by visual inspection.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel (meth)acrylic and (meth)acrylamide monomers and polymers produced from those monomers. The monomers of the invention each include only a single vinyl functionality and at least one non-vinyl functionality that can be varied to achieve desired monomer/polymer properties. The invention additionally provides methods of producing polymers from these mono-vinyl monomers.

Abstract: Methods and system of providing benefit plan administration. A method of providing benefit plan administration to a first sponsor having at least one participant enrolled in a benefit plan can include electronically receiving benefit plan information from the first sponsor, electronically providing benefit plan information to the first sponsor, and electronically providing benefit plan information to the at least one participant.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making polymeric layers. A layer of liquid (20) including a photopolymerizable precursor is formed between a substrate (17) and a photomask (12). A reaction chamber is formed by a base (15), side walls (16) and photomask (12) polymerizes one or more regions of the liquid layer (20) to form a polymeric layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition that includes a first monomer comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one Si—N linkage, and a second monomer comprising at least one thiol functional group. The invention also provides a method of forming a ceramic material and process for forming a three-dimensional ceramic material.

Abstract: A thiol-ene polymeric material is disclosed. The material is produced by the photopolymerization of reactants having thiol and olefin moieties. The material can incorporate encapsulated components, including cells. Additionally, the material can be derivatized by reacting the polymeric material with components such as proteins.