Abstract: Hyaluronic acid and polyalkylene glycol (PAG) based materials have been found to exhibit a synergistic interaction, in which the viscosity of the mixture is more than twice as high as the viscosity expected from the viscosity of the individual components. The mixture otherwise has similar properties to those of its constituents, and in particular will crosslink to form covalently crosslinked gels if the PEG carries crosslinkable groups. The viscous formulation adheres well to tissue, and has applications as a tissue sealant and in tissue coating, prevention of adhesions, cell immobilization, regeneration of cartilage, bone and other tissue, as well as in controlled delivery of hyaluronic acid to sites in the body. Related materials exhibit similar effects.

Abstract: Hydrogels intended for orthopedic applications, including repair and regeneration of cartilage, bone, joint surfaces and related tissues, must possess greater strength and toughness than hydrogels used in soft tissue repair. A hydrogel formulation is provided which has high strength, toughness, a suitable mechanical modulus and low equilibrium hydration. It may also have controlled porosity or degradation time. It can be made to polymerize in situ with high (“good” to “excellent”) adherence to target tissue or surfaces. A preferred formulation for forming such gels comprises 40 to 80% by weight of a low-molecular weight polar monomer and 30 to 10% of a hydrophilic macromeric crosslinker.

Abstract: A porous, water-absorbing fleece is made from crosslinkable biocompatible and biodegradable macromers. A solution of the macromers is frozen and vacuum-dried through lyophilization. The “fleece” formed by lyophilization is then crosslinked, for example by heat and/or an initiator of crosslinking. The resulting crosslinked material is highly water absorbent, readily swelling to at least its size before lyophilization, but retains macroporosity as well as the microporosity of a gel. Porosity and strength of the fleece can be controlled by initial polymer concentration and extent of crosslinking. The fleece materials can be used in different embodiments for applications in medicine and tissue engineering.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid and polyalkylene glycol (PAG) based materials have been found to exhibit a synergistic interaction, in which the viscosity of the mixture is more than twice as high as the viscosity expected from the viscosity of the individual components. The mixture otherwise has similar properties to those of its constituents, and in particular will crosslink to form covalently crosslinked gels if the PEG carries crosslinkable groups. The viscous formulation adheres well to tissue, and has applications as a tissue sealant and in tissue coating, prevention of adhesions, cell immobilization, regeneration of cartilage, bone and other tissue, as well as in controlled delivery of hyaluronic acid to sites in the body. Related materials exhibit similar effects.

Abstract: A method for producing heterocyclic aluminum compounds of the formula:[(C.sub.3 H.sub.8 O.sub.2).sub.x (Al).sub.y (Cl).sub.z ]nwhere X=1, Y=1, Z=1-2, and n=1-20, by reacting aluminum chloride with a short chain alkanol or polyol in the presence of an inert solvent, and the composition obtained in the reaction which is useful as an anti-perspirant compound.