Abstract: A chemical reaction is catalyzed in an organic solvent using a water soluble N-heterocyclic carbene homogeneous catalyst to form a reaction mixture. An aqueous phase in the reaction mixture. A solvent in which the catalyst is insoluble is added to the reaction mixture, causing the catalyst to migrate to the aqueous phase to form a catalyst-laden aqueous phase. The catalyst is extracted from the catalyst-laden aqueous phase.

Abstract: A method for separating a homogeneous catalyst from a solution includes forming a host-guest compound between a first isomer of the catalyst and inclusion compound in the solution and isolating the host-guest compound from the solution. The catalyst may be released from the inclusion compound by converting the first isomer of the catalyst to a second isomer of the catalyst.

Abstract: This invention related to manufactured microbubbles, as well as methods of using manufactured microbubbles, for example, in medicinal applications. The invention pertains to the physical structure and materials of the microbubbles, as well as to methods for manufacturing microbubbles, methods for targeting microbubbles for specific medicinal applications, and methods for delivering microbubbles in medical treatment.

Abstract: Click reactions may be used to bond polymers to lignin by taking advantage of lignin's terminal hydroxyl and thiol groups via an alkyne-azide click reaction or a thiol-alkene or thiol-alkyne click reaction. By selecting functional polymers, these methods may be used to synthesize lignin-containing polymer materials with an array of different properties, such as self-healing polymers.

Abstract: This describes homogeneous catalysts that are recoverable from solution by being phase selective and through host-guest interactions. An example of a method includes separating a water soluble N-heterocyclic carbene homogeneous catalyst from a solution by: (a) forming a host-guest compound between the catalyst and an inclusion compound in the solution; and (b) isolating the host-guest compound from the solution.

Abstract: This invention related to manufactured microbubbles, as well as methods of using manufactured microbubbles, for example, in medicinal applications. The invention pertains to the physical structure and materials of the microbubbles, as well as to methods for manufacturing microbubbles, methods for targeting microbubbles for specific medicinal applications, and methods for delivering microbubbles in medical treatment.

Abstract: This invention related to manufactured microbubbles, as well as methods of using manufactured microbubbles, for example, in medicinal applications. The invention pertains to the physical structure and materials of the microbubbles, as well as to methods for manufacturing microbubbles, methods for targeting microbubbles for specific medicinal applications, and methods for delivering microbubbles in medical treatment.

Abstract: An example of a bottlebrush polymer has a polymer backbone and a plurality of individual brush moieties bonded to the polymer backbone. The individual brush moieties respectively including a ketone, a hydrophilic segment, and a surface adhesive terminal group. The brush moieties can be functionalized and/or cross-linked.

Abstract: A composition includes an agent formed by grafting at least a first polymer with lignin and a component other than the agent, lignin or the at least a first polymer, wherein lignin has an affinity for the component. A method of dispersing a component in a matrix includes adding an agent to the matrix. The agent is formed by grafting at least a first polymer with lignin. The first polymer has an affinity for the matrix. Lignin has an affinity for the component. The component is other than the agent, lignin or the at least a first polymer. The method for includes contacting the matrix with the component.

Abstract: This describes homogeneous catalysts that are recoverable from solution by being phase selective and through host-guest interactions. An example of a method includes separating a water soluble N-heterocyclic carbene homogeneous catalyst from a solution by: (a) forming a host-guest compound between the catalyst and an inclusion compound in the solution; and (b) isolating the host-guest compound from the solution.

Abstract: A method for separating a homogeneous catalyst from a solution includes forming a host-guest compound between a first isomer of the catalyst and inclusion compound in the solution and isolating the host-guest compound from the solution. The catalyst may be released from the inclusion compound by converting the first isomer of the catalyst to a second isomer of the catalyst.

Abstract: Click reactions may be used to bond polymers to lignin by taking advantage of lignin's terminal hydroxyl and thiol groups via an alkyne-azide click reaction or a thiol-alkene or thiol-alkyne click reaction. By selecting functional polymers, these methods may be used to synthesize lignin-containing polymer materials with an array of different properties, such as self-healing polymers.

Abstract: Click reactions may be used to bond polymers to lignin by taking advantage of lignin's terminal hydroxyl and thiol groups via an alkyne-azide click reaction or a thiol-alkene or thiol-alkyne click reaction. By selecting functional polymers, these methods may be used to synthesize lignin-containing polymer materials with an array of different properties, such as self-healing polymers.

Abstract: This invention related to manufactured microbubbles, as well as methods of using manufactured microbubbles, for example, in medicinal applications. The invention pertains to the physical structure and materials of the microbubbles, as well as to methods for manufacturing microbubbles, methods for targeting microbubbles for specific medicinal applications, and methods for delivering microbubbles in medical treatment.

Abstract: The present inventions are directed to novel aqueous compositions comprising a copolymer having water-soluble units and pendant catechols, said composition adapted for use on mammalian tissue and having a lower critical solubility temperature (LCST) of less than a physiological temperature, and their use, for example, in removing foreign particles from tissue surfaces, including ocular surfaces.

Abstract: Click reactions may be used to bond polymers to lignin by taking advantage of lignin's terminal hydroxyl and thiol groups via an alkyne-azide click reaction or a thiol-alkene or thiol-alkyne click reaction. By selecting functional polymers, these methods may be used to synthesize lignin-containing polymer materials with an array of different properties, such as self-healing polymers.

Abstract: A composition includes an agent formed by grafting at least a first polymer with lignin and a component other than the agent, lignin or the at least a first polymer, wherein lignin has an affinity for the component. A method of dispersing a component in a matrix includes adding an agent to the matrix. The agent is formed by grafting at least a first polymer with lignin. The first polymer has an affinity for the matrix. Lignin has an affinity for the component. The component is other than the agent, lignin or the at least a first polymer. The method for includes contacting the matrix with the component.

Abstract: Present invention describes a patterned and coated micro- and nano-scale fibers elastomeric material for enhanced adhesion in wet or dry environments. A multi-step fabrication process including optical lithography, micromolding, polymer synthesis, dipping, stamping, and photopolymerization is described to produce uniform arrays of micron-scale fibers with mushroom-shaped tips coated with a thin layer of an intrinsically adhesive synthetic polymer, such as lightly crosslinked p(DMA-co-MEA).

Abstract: The present inventions are directed to novel aqueous compositions comprising a copolymer having water-soluble units and pendant catechols, said composition adapted for use on mammalian tissue and having a lower critical solubility temperature (LCST) of less than a physiological temperature, and their use, for example, in removing foreign particles from tissue surfaces, including ocular surfaces.

Abstract: The present inventions are directed to novel medical adhesives and their use, for example, in biomedical applications. These compositions and applications allow for improved adhesion with and between mammalian tissues.