Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for oxalate degradation. The present invention comprises devices comprising oxalate-reducing enzymes. The enzymes may be directly attached or incorporated in coatings on the devices. Such devices are useful in treatments where oxalate or oxalic acid deposits interfere. Methods for making and using such medical devices are also included.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the preparation of crosslinked water-swellable polymer particles. First, an aqueous polymer solution containing a water-soluble polymer having at least one functional group or charge, is combined with aqueous medium. The aqueous polymer solution is then mixed under moderate agitation with an oil medium and an emulsifier to form an emulsion of droplets of the water-soluble polymer. A crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the functional groups and/or charges in the water-soluble polymer is then added to the emulsion to form crosslinked water-swellable polymer particles. The invention also includes the particles formed by the process and aqueous dispersions containing the particles which are useful for administering to an individual. The particles of the invention are useful for implantation, soft tissue augmentation, and scaffolding to promote cell growth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of use thereof for cleaning fabric, cloth or apparel. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of cleaning using small portable devices for cleaning that dissolve, dissociate or digest stains from fabric or cloth. The devices comprise at least one chamber. The cleaning solution flows through the fabric and removes the stain or soiling material.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the preparation of crosslinked water-swellable polymer particles. First, an aqueous polymer solution containing a water-soluble polymer having at least one functional group or charge, is combined with aqueous medium. The aqueous polymer solution is then mixed under moderate agitation with an oil medium and an emulsifier to form an emulsion of droplets of the water-soluble polymer. A crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the functional groups and/or charges in the water-soluble polymer is then added to the emulsion to form crosslinked water-swellable polymer particles. The invention also includes the particles formed by the process and aqueous dispersions containing the particles which are useful for administering to an individual. The particles of the invention are useful for implantation, soft tissue augmentation, and scaffolding to promote cell growth.

Abstract: A composition and method are provided that are effective in revitalizing scar tissue by introducing a bioactive substance having angiogenic activity into the scar tissue. The bioactive substance can be introduced by itself, or it can be introduced into the scar tissue in a timed release form. The present invention is effective in treating stress urinary incontinence or localized muscular dysfunction.

Abstract: A composition and method are provided that are effective in revitalizing scar tissue by introducing a bioactive substance having angiogenic activity into the scar tissue. The bioactive substance can be introduced by itself, or it can be introduced into the scar tissue in a timed release form. The present invention is effective in treating stress urinary incontinence or localized muscular dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention is an injectable medical device useful for replacing natural lubricating fluids in the body of humans or animals. The method and composition can be used for the treatment of joints and other parts of the body wherein natural lubrication between surfaces is deficient or where additional lubrication is required. The composition comprises a hydrophilic polymer suspended in a hydrophobic carrier so that the suspension is easily injectable into the desired body part. After injection, the carrier diffuses away from the polymer and is replaced by aqueous body fluids thereby causing the polymer to absorb or adsorb water forming a viscous, lubricating fluid.

Abstract: A composition and method are provided that are effective in revitalizing scar tissue by introducing a bioactive substance having angiogenic activity into the scar tissue. The bioactive substance can be introduced by itself, or it can be introduced into the scar tissue in a timed release form. The present invention is effective in treating stress urinary incontinence or localized muscular dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention is an injectable medical composition useful for replacing natural lubricating fluids in the body of humans or animals. The method and composition can be used for the treatment of joints and other parts of the body wherein natural lubrication between surfaces is deficient or where additional lubrication is required. The composition comprises a hydrophilic polymer suspended in a hydrophobic carrier so that the suspension is easily injectable into the desired body part. After injection, the carrier diffuses away from the polymer and is replaced by aqueous body fluids thereby causing the polymer to absorb or adsorb water forming a viscous, lubricating fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is an implantable device that is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue or organ over a long period of time. The implantable device is especially suited for treating tissues and organs that are comprised of smooth muscle. The implantable device can deliver either a single therapeutic agent or a plurality of therapeutic agents to the tissue or organ at zero order kinetics.

Abstract: A medical device having long-lasting bactericidal properties and a method for making the same is provided. The material from which the medical device is made, the substrate, carries a negatively-charged group having a pKa of less than 6. A cationic antibiotic is ionically bonded to the negatively-charged group. The negatively-charged group may be a portion of a larger carrier molecule. The carrier molecule is bound to the substrate such that the negatively-charged group is exposed for ionic interaction with the cationic antibiotic. Heparin is an ideal carrier molecule because it has both anti-bacterial adhesion activity and anti-thrombogenic activity.

Abstract: A urine drainage bag having an outlet tube housing a microcidal tube is disclosed. The microcidal tube is manufactured from polymeric materials capable of absorbing and releasing antimicrobial substances in a controllable sustained time release mechanism, activated upon contact with droplets of urine, thereby preventing the retrograde migration of infectious organisms into the drainage bag.