Abstract: This application relates to a thermo-gel polymer system useful for ophthalmic drug delivery. The thermo-gel comprises a polymer and chitosan, and the polymer comprises monomers of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), acrylic acid (AA) and at least one hydrophobic monomer.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an ocular drug delivery system that includes a contact lens and a drug delivery portion, which may include a compound having the formula X—(CH2)n-Z, wherein X is a photocrosslinkable group. Advantageously, the drug delivery portion may aid in loading a high concentration of a negatively-charged therapeutic agent into the ocular drug delivery system. Additionally, the disclosed ocular drug delivery system may aid in controlled delivery of the negatively-charged therapeutic agent to the eye of a patient over a period of about 4 to about 24 hours.

Abstract: Biocompatible block copolymer micelles for use in mucoadhesive drug delivery are provided. The micelles comprise a degradable hydrophobic polymer, a degradable synthetic hydrophilic polymer and a mucoadhesive polymer. The micelles are particularly useful for ophthalmic uses.

Abstract: Biocompatible block copolymer micelles for use in mucoadhesive drug delivery are provided. The micelles comprise a degradable hydrophobic polymer, a degradable synthetic hydrophilic polymer and a mucoadhesive polymer. The micelles are particularly useful for ophthalmic uses.

Abstract: A contact lens storage case of limited life and predetermined usage to further the safe and effective use of contact lenses by ensuring patient compliance through both limiting case use over a set period of time and discouraging reuse and topping-off of the disinfecting and storage solution. Generally, the self-destruction consists of the case developing a leak in a pre-determined fashion as a result of the change in properties of a material in a limited area of the case following exposure of the case to the storage solution.

Abstract: A contact lens storage case of limited life and predetermined usage to further the safe and effective use of contact lenses by ensuring patient compliance through both limiting case use over a set period of time and discouraging reuse and topping-off of the disinfecting and storage solution. Generally, the self-destruction consists of the case developing a leak in a pre-determined fashion as a result of the change in properties of a material in a limited area of the case following exposure of the case to the storage solution.

Abstract: A polymer system useful for in vivo delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided. The polymer system comprises a biocompatible biodegradable polymeric backbone that is capable of a reversible stimuli-induced transition from liquid to gel.

Abstract: A used contact lens is placed in a contact lens receptacle. An aqueous composition is added to the contact lens receptacle, the aqueous composition capable of changing from a first appearance to a second appearance in response to an interaction with the used contact lens after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Novel hyaluronic acid-containing biopolymers are provided which exhibit increased hydrophilicity and reduced protein adsorption. In one aspect, the biopolymer incorporates hyaluronic acid modified to include a linking agent in a molar excess sufficient to yield a degree of HA modification in a range of about 1-5. In another aspect, the biopolymer incorporates unmodified hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A contact lens storage case of limited life and predetermined usage to further the safe and effective use of contact lenses by ensuring patient compliance through both limiting case use over a set period of time and discouraging reuse and topping-off of the disinfecting and storage solution. Generally, the self-destruction consists of the case developing a leak in a pre-determined fashion as a result of the change in properties of a material in a limited area of the case following exposure of the case to the storage solution.

Abstract: A polymer system useful for in vivo delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided. The polymer system comprises a biocompatible biodegradable polymeric backbone that is capable of a reversible stimuli-induced transition from liquid to gel.

Abstract: A contact lens storage case of limited life and predetermined usage to further the safe and effective use of contact lenses by ensuring patient compliance through both limiting case use over a set period of time and discouraging reuse and topping-off of the disinfecting and storage solution. Generally, the self-destruction consists of the case developing a leak in a pre-determined fashion as a result of the change in properties of a material in a limited area of the case following exposure of the case to the storage solution.

Abstract: A method of in situ hydrogel polymerization is provided. The method comprises combining a backbone polymer with an in situ polymerizable group to form a prepolymer solution which is administered to a target site and polymerized at the target site on exposure to a polymerization-inducing stimulus.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid-retaining biopolymer is provided which exhibits low levels of protein adsorption and surface friction. The biopolymer is useful for incorporation in products, such as contact lenses, used in biological environments.

Abstract: A photo-responsive delivery system useful to deliver a compound to a target site is provided. The system includes a physiologically compatible matrix crosslinked with a photo-responsive matrix cross-linking agent. A method of making the delivery system and a method of delivering a compound to a target site using the system are also provided.

Abstract: A silicone polymer having a modified surface is described, wherein said modification consists of a covalently attached water soluble polymer bearing an activating group, wherein said activating group reacts with reactive functionalities on one or more biological molecules so that said one or more biological molecules become covalently attached to said silicone polymer. The modified silicones are reacted with biological molecules to make them more biocompatible for use in biodiagnostic, biosensor or bioaffinity applications, or for coatings for in vivo transplantation or for liners exposed to biological broths.

Abstract: A substance delivery apparatus is disclosed. Embodiments of the substance delivery apparatus comprise a housing defining a reservoir containing the substance. At least one micro-needle is operably connected to the reservoir. A micro-pump is fluidically connected to the reservoir so that when the micro-pump is activated, the substance is directed from the reservoir, through the at least one micro-needle.

Abstract: Dendrimer-crosslinked collagen is provided which is particularly suitable for use as a tissue engineering scaffold. The dendrimer-crosslinked collagen can also incorporate biomolecules to enhance its utility as a tissue engineering scaffold.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid-retaining biopolymer is provided which exhibits low levels of protein adsorption and surface friction. The biopolymer is useful for incorporation in products, such as contact lenses, used in biological environments.