Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a plasticised superporous hydrogel material comprising subjecting initial hydrogel material to treatment with an acidic solution, an optional treatment with a monovalent metal salt solution, freeze drying and plasticisation. Optionally, the process of the invention produces moulded plasticised superporous hydrogel material bodies that have one or more through-holes formed therein. The plasticised superporous hydrogel material of the present invention may be formulated as a suitable oral dosage form for use an appetite suppressant and for use to deliver a pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical into a human or animal body.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel a high-volume swelling hydrogel which comprises a plurality of pores which are defined by an interpenetrating network, and/or a semi-interpenetrating network and/or simple cross-linked arrangement of a plurality of one or more species of hydrophilic polymers, optionally together with one or more biocompatible polymers and optionally together with one or more plasticising agents, characterised in that at least some of the pores are at least partially collapsed and/or flattened, and further characterised in that the interpenetrating network and/or semi-interpenetrating network and/or cross-linked arrangement which defines the collapsed and/or flattened pores is substantially unbroken. The invention also relates to a process for preparing such hydrogels, and to their use as an appetite suppressant.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel a high-volume swelling hydrogel which comprises a plurality of pores which are defined by an interpenetrating network, and/or a semi-interpenetrating network and/or simple cross-linked arrangement of a plurality of one or more species of hydrophilic polymers, optionally together with one or more biocompatible polymers and optionally together with one or more plasticising agents, characterised in that at least some of the pores are at least partially collapsed and/or flattened, and further characterised in that the interpenetrating network and/or semi-interpenetrating network and/or cross-linked arrangement which defines the collapsed and/or flattened pores is substantially unbroken. The invention also relates to a process for preparing such hydrogels, and to their use as an appetite suppressant.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel a high-volume swelling hydrogel which comprises a plurality of pores which are defined by an interpenetrating network, and/or a semi-interpenetrating network and/or simple cross-linked arrangement of a plurality of one or more species of hydrophilic polymers, optionally together with one or more biocompatible polymers and optionally together with one or more plasticising agents, characterised in that at least some of the pores are at least partially collapsed and/or flattened, and further characterised in that the interpenetrating network and/or semi-interpenetrating network and/or cross-linked arrangement which defines the collapsed and/or flattened pores is substantially unbroken. The invention also relates to a process for preparing such hydrogels, and to their use as an appetite suppressant.

Abstract: A process for preparing a scaffold of biocompatible polymer which comprises placing a composition comprising the polymer in a mould possessing one or more voids therein, said mould being a negative of the desired shape including a designed architecture and dimensions of the scaffold, causing the polymer to acquire the shape of the mould and causing pores to be formed in the polymer, and removing the mould without affecting the polymer.

Abstract: A method of making artificial bone comprises providing a membrane of collagen with solutions of calcium ions and of phosphate ions on opposite sides of the membrane. The calcium ions and phosphate ions diffuse through the membrane and precipitate as a hydroxyapatite material. Control of ionic concentrations ensures that precipitation takes place within the fibrils of the membrane. The result is an artificial bone material comprising a matrix of collagen and a hydroxyapatite material deposited within the matrix.

Abstract: A method of making artificial bone comprises providing a membrane of collagen with solutions of calcium ions and of phosphate ions on opposite sides of the membrane. The calcium ions and phosphate ions diffuse through the membrane and precipitate as a hydroxyapatite material. Control of ionic concentrations ensures that precipitation takes place within the fibrils of the membrane. The result is an artificial bone material comprising a matrix of collagen and a hydroxyapatite material deposited within the matrix.

Abstract: A method of making artificial bone comprises providing a membrane of collagen with solutions of calcium ions and of phosphate ions on opposite sides of the membrane. The calcium ions and phosphate ions diffuse through the membrane and precipitate as a hydroxyapatite material. Control of ionic concentrations ensures that precipitation takes place within the fibrils of the membrane. The result is an artificial bone material comprising a matrix of collagen and a hydroxyapatite material deposited within the matrix.