Abstract: Described herein is a degradable linking agent of formula Photo1-LG-Photo2, wherein Photo1 and Photo2 independently represent at least one photoreactive group and LG represents a linking group comprising one or more silicon atoms or one or more phosphorous atoms. The degradable linking agent includes a covalent linkage between at least one photoreactive group and the linking group, wherein the covalent linkage between at least one photoreactive group and the linking group is interrupted by at least one heteroatom. A method for coating a support surface with the degradable linking agent, coated support surfaces and medical devices are also described.

Abstract: A coating composition, in both its uncrosslinked and crosslinked forms, for use in increasing the static friction of a surface of a delivery system comprising a medical device having a surface in contact with the surface of a delivery component, the static friction of the surface being increased in an amount sufficient to substantially maintain the position of the medical device on the delivery component against forces asserted on the delivery system as it navigates through a vessel of the body. The delivery system may comprise a balloon catheter as the delivery component and a stent as the medical device. A composition includes a polyether monomer, such as an alkoxy poly(alkylene glycol), a carboxylic acid-containing monomer, such as (meth)acrylic acid, optionally a photoderivatized monomer, and a hydrophilic monomer such as (meth)acrylamide.

Abstract: Method and reagent composition for covalent attachment of target molecules, such as nucleic acids, onto the surface of a substrate. The reagent composition includes epoxide groups capable of covalently binding to the target molecule. Optionally, the composition can contain photoreactive groups for use in attaching the reagent composition to the surface. The reagent composition can be used to provide activated slides for use in preparing microarrays of nucleic acids.

Abstract: A grafting reagent and related method of using the reagent to form a polymeric layer on a support surface, and particularly a porous support surface, in a manner that provides and/or preserves desired properties (such as porosity) of the surface. The reagent and method can be used to provide a thin, conformable, uniform, uncrosslinked coating having desired properties onto the surface of a preformed, and particularly a porous, polymeric substrate.

Abstract: Medical articles having a body member including natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The body member is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups. The body member can also include a bioactive agent which can be released to provide a therapeutic effect to a patient.

Abstract: In situ formed biodegradable occlusions including natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The matrix is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups.

Abstract: Biodegradable coatings and articles that include natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The coatings and articles are formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups.

Abstract: In vivo formed matrices including natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The matrix is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups. The matrix can also include a bioactive agent which can be released to provide a therapeutic effect to a patient.

Abstract: Polymeric coatings that include coupled biomolecules are formed on the surface of articles, such as medical devices. A coated layer that includes a synthetic polymer including a reactive group is formed on a surface and then a biomolecule is attached to the reactive group. The synthetic polymer can be an acrylate polymer or an amine-containing polymer having pendent photoreactive groups.

Abstract: Biodegradable coatings that include natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The coating is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups.

Abstract: Compounds useful as surface coating agents, including compounds of the formula: wherein X1 comprises a first photoreactive species; X2 comprises a second photoreactive species; Y comprises a nonpolymeric core molecule comprising an aromatic group; and Z comprises at least one charged group. The Y core can include an aromatic group such as a benzene radical, the charged groups Z can be independently selected from the organic acids that include sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, and phosphoric acid, and the photoreactive species of X1 and X2 can independently be aryl ketones, such as those selected from the group acetophenone, benzophenone, anthraquinone, anthrone, and anthrone-like heterocycles, and their substituted derivatives.

Abstract: Method and reagent composition for covalent attachment of target molecules, such as nucleic acids, onto the surface of a substrate. The reagent composition includes groups capable of covalently binding to the target molecule. Optionally, the composition can contain photoreactive groups for use in attaching the reagent composition to the surface. The reagent composition can be used to provide activated slides for use in preparing microarrays of nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and materials for forming a polymeric matrix having improved biocompatible properties. A polymerization accelerator is provided that includes an N-vinyl group and a biocompatible functional group. The polymerization accelerator is particularly useful for the polymerization of macromers, which can be used to form biocompatible polymeric coatings on the surface of biological materials, such as cells and tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, reagents, and substrates that can be used for, for example, immobilizing biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins. In an embodiment, the present invention relates to surfaces coated with a polymer according to the present invention. In an embodiment, the present invention relates to methods for thermochemically and/or photochemically attaching molecules to a surface at a high density.