Abstract: Methods for intravesical administration of a therapeutic agent including application of a photoactive nanogel to the mucosal surfaces of the bladder and/or intravesical application of cell-penetrating peptides. Photoactive nanogels may be aggregated by exposure to ultraviolet light, either in vitro or in vivo, to provide controlled or extended release of a therapeutic agent, such as an antibiotic.

Abstract: Antimicrobial azo compounds include azobenzene monomers having a phenyl ring comprising a hydroxyl substituent group. The azobenzene monomers can be reacted with a polymeric material to form an antimicrobial coating that prevents growth of persistent biofilms. In some implementations, the azobenzene monomers can be used to coat the surface of a dental resin-based composite to prevent the formation secondary caries. In some implementations, the azobenzene coating can be used to disperse microbial biofilms through a photofluidization process (rapid photoisomerization) in addition to biochemically preventing formation of the microbial biofilm.

Abstract: A method of increasing a polymerization reaction rate of a base monomer composition that has slow free-radical polymerization kinetics. The method comprises combining an effective amount of a nanogel to the base monomer composition to form a monomer-nanogel mixture having a polymerization reaction rate that is greater than the polymerization reaction rate of the base monomer composition when subjected to an identical free-radical polymerization reaction conducted under identical conditions. The base monomer composition comprises one or more slow-kinetic monomers with slow free radical polymerization kinetics in which <25% of the double bonds are converted within the first 10 mintes of said reaction. The nanogel is soluble in the base monomer composition. The nanogel is derived from a nanogel-forming monomer mixture that comprises: at least one monovinyl monomer; at least one divinyl monomer; a chain transfer agent; and an initiator.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to multilayer polymeric matrix based medical devices. In one example, a device comprises an inner first polymeric matrix and an outer second polymeric matrix. The addition of second polymeric matrix modifies bulk properties of each matrix thus resulting in a device where specific bulk properties are incorporated. The disclosure also relates to methods of manufacturing various embodiments of medical devices and their uses.

Abstract: A method of increasing a polymerization reaction rate of a base monomer composition that has slow free-radical polymerization kinetics. The method comprises combining an effective amount of a nanogel to the base monomer composition to form a monomer-nanogel mixture having a polymerization reaction rate that is greater than the polymerization reaction rate of the base monomer composition when subjected to an identical free-radical polymerization reaction conducted under identical conditions. The base monomer composition comprises one or more slow-kinetic monomers with slow free radical polymerization kinetics in which <25% of the double bonds are converted within the first 10 mintes of said reaction. The nanogel is soluble in the base monomer composition. The nanogel is derived from a nanogel-forming monomer mixture that comprises: at least one monovinyl monomer; at least one divinyl monomer; a chain transfer agent; and an initiator.

Abstract: Methods for intravesical administration of a therapeutic agent including application of a photoactive nanogel to the mucosal surfaces of the bladder and/or intravesical application of cell-penetrating peptides. Photoactive nanogels may be aggregated by exposure to ultraviolet light, either in vitro or in vivo, to provide controlled or extended release of a therapeutic agent, such as an antibiotic.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to conductive polymeric compositions, and methods of manufacturing and using conductive polymer compositions. Specifically, the disclosed technology includes customizing conductive compositions, including conductive polymers and nanogels, with a range of physical and mechanical properties tailored to various applications, including drug delivery, contrast for medical imaging (e.g., optical coherence tomography electrochromics), smart lenses, etc.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for polymerizing and programming a liquid crystal polymer, including a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) with two-way shape-memory via a stepped or self-limiting reaction. In the described method, the reaction may be stepped to achieve different aspects of the two-way shape-memory effect in the produced LCE. In one embodiment, the method creates a polydomain LCE body with a completed thiol-acrylate Michael addition reaction polymerization. The method may further crosslink the polydomain LCE body under a stimulus, thereby locking a domain state in a portion of the polymer. A two-way shape-memory effect of the LCE may thereafter be programmed and locked into the LCE the second stage polymerization reaction. The self-limiting reaction allows for unprecedented control over LCE domain states and cross-linking densities, as well as the resultant mechanical and optical properties of the LCE formed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to multilayer polymeric matrix based medical devices. In one example, a device comprises an inner first polymeric matrix and an outer second polymeric matrix. The addition of second polymeric matrix modifies bulk properties of each matrix thus resulting in a device where specific bulk properties are incorporated. The disclosure also relates to methods of manufacturing various embodiments of medical devices and their uses.

Abstract: The invention includes a composition comprising a vinyl sulfone monomer, a thiol monomer, and optionally an isocyanate monomer. The invention further includes a composition comprising a composition comprising the tetra(2-mercapto)silane (SiTSH) monomer and at least one selected from the group consisting of (a) a Michael acceptor, optionally an isocyanate monomer, and optionally at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of a base, nucleophile, photolabile base, photolabile nucleophile, and mixtures thereof; (b) an ene monomer, and optionally a polymerization photoinitiator. In certain embodiments, once the composition is polymerized, the polymerized system is suitable for use as a dental composite system. In other embodiments, the polymerized system is stable to acidic and basic conditions. In yet other embodiments, the polymerized system forms microparticles. The invention further includes a method of generating a dental polymeric material.

Abstract: The invention includes a composition comprising a vinyl sulfone monomer, a thiol monomer and an acrylate monomer. In one embodiment, the thiol monomer reacts with the vinyl sulfone monomer preferentially over the acrylate monomer, and this differential selectivity allows for the control of the architecture of crosslinking polymer network. The invention further includes a composition comprising an electrophilic monomer, a nucleophilic monomer, a nucleophilic catalyst and an acid, wherein the concentrations of the nucleophilic catalyst and acid are selected as to provide a specific induction time for the polymerization reaction of the composition.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for polymerizing and programming a liquid crystal polymer, including a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) with two-way shape-memory via a stepped or self-limiting reaction. In the described method, the reaction may be stepped to achieve different aspects of the two-way shape-memory effect in the produced LCE. In one embodiment, the method creates a polydomain LCE body with a completed thiol-acrylate Michael addition reaction polymerization. The method may further crosslink the polydomain LCE body under a stimulus, thereby locking a domain state in a portion of the polymer. A two-way shape-memory effect of the LCE may thereafter be programmed and locked into the LCE the second stage polymerization reaction. The self-limiting reaction allows for unprecedented control over LCE domain states and cross-linking densities, as well as the resultant mechanical and optical properties of the LCE formed.

Abstract: The invention includes a composition comprising a vinyl sulfone monomer, a thiol monomer, and optionally an isocyanate monomer. The invention further includes a composition comprising a composition comprising the tetra(2-mercapto)silane (SiTSH) monomer and at least one selected from the group consisting of (a) a Michael acceptor, optionally an isocyanate monomer, and optionally at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of a base, nucleophile, photolabile base, photolabile nucleophile, and mixtures thereof; (b) an ene monomer, and optionally a polymerization photoinitiator. In certain embodiments, once the composition is polymerized, the polymerized system is suitable for use as a dental composite system. In other embodiments, the polymerized system is stable to acidic and basic conditions. In yet other embodiments, the polymerized system forms microparticles. The invention further includes a method of generating a dental polymeric material.

Abstract: A prosthetic medical device is formed by the combination of a biological tissue a shape memory polymer structure. The biological tissue provides an in-situ physiological function of the device. The shape memory polymer provides a capability for minimizing the device profile during insertion and then deploying after placement into a memory shape that achieves suitable mechanical structure and stability within an anatomical lumen or cavity. This configuration may be applied to form various prosthetic devices including aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves in the heart; venous valves; anti-reflux valves for the lower esophageal sphincter; and other biological valve structures. Alternatively, an entirely non-biologic implementation using only shape memory polymer-based structures may be used as a prosthetic valve device.

Abstract: The invention includes a composition comprising a vinyl sulfone monomer, a thiol monomer and an acrylate monomer. In one embodiment, the thiol monomer reacts with the vinyl sulfone monomer preferentially over the acrylate monomer, and this differential selectivity allows for the control of the architecture of crosslinking polymer network. The invention further includes a composition comprising an electrophilic monomer, a nucleophilic monomer, a nucleophilic catalyst and an acid, wherein the concentrations of the nucleophilic catalyst and acid are selected as to provide a specific induction time for the polymerization reaction of the composition.

Abstract: A variety of biomedical devices are provided which include thiol-ene or thiol-yne shape memory polymers. The biomedical devices of the invention are capable of exhibiting shape memory behavior at physiological temperatures and may be used in surgical procedures. Methods of making the devices of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A variety of biomedical devices are provided which include thiol-ene or thiol-yne shape memory polymers. The biomedical devices of the invention are capable of exhibiting shape memory behavior at physiological temperatures and may be used in surgical procedures. Methods of making the devices of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Transcervical contraceptive devices (TCDs) are disclosed. The TCDs are constructed of shape memory polymer (SMP) materials capable of assuming a memory shape at physiological temperatures. These SMPTCDs (410) have a post-implantation memory shape that is substantially identical to or slightly larger than the insertion site (420) to adapt to changes that may occur in a fallopian tube. The SMPTCDs (410) may be formed as occlusion devices (i.e., plugs) having a number of different structural features. The SMPTCDs (410) may provide for a temporary or permanent means of contraception.

Abstract: A prosthetic medical device is formed by the combination of a biological tissue a shape memory polymer structure. The biological tissue provides an in-situ physiological function of the device. The shape memory polymer provides a capability for minimizing the device profile during insertion and then deploying after placement into a memory shape that achieves suitable mechanical structure and stability within an anatomical lumen or cavity. This configuration may be applied to form various prosthetic devices including aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves in the heart; venous valves; anti-reflux valves for the lower esophageal sphincter; and other biological valve structures. Alternatively, an entirely non-biologic implementation using only shape memory polymer-based structures may be used as a prosthetic valve device.

Abstract: Medical devices for in vivo medical applications are disclosed. The medical devices are constructed of shape memory polymer (SMP) materials capable of assuming a memory shape at physiological temperatures. These medical devices may be used in surgical procedures and in both vascular and non-vascular applications. These SMP medical devices have a post-implantation memory shape that is substantially identical to or slightly larger than the insertion site to adapt to vessel growth or size changes. SMP medical devices may be formed as stents or occlusion devices (i.e., plugs) having a number of different structural features. The SMP medical devices may be formed from a first monomer and a second cross-linking monomer, wherein the weight percentages of the first and second monomers are selected by performing an iterative function to reach a predetermined glass transition temperature (Tg) and a predetermined rubbery modulus to optimize post-implantation memory shape properties of the devices.