Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for the engineering, formation, and post-formation handling of absorbent polymeric materials. Devices intended for use in a fluid environment that include an absorbent polymeric material can be formed and processed to ensure that upon installation of the device, the polymeric material can not only have the desired physical characteristics for the intended use, but can also be pre-equilibrated for the environment in which the device will be utilized. In particular, the polymeric materials can be formed with particular characteristics such that, upon absorption of a fluid, the characteristics will alter in a predetermined way to provide the materials within target specifications during use. In addition, the materials can be stored in a fluid so as to exhibit the desired operating characteristics immediately upon installation. In one particular embodiment, the invention is directed to biocompatible, implantable devices designed for use in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable devices that include biocompatible polyurethane materials. In particular, the disclosed polyurethane materials can maintain desired elastomeric characteristics while exhibiting thermoset-like behavior and can exhibit improved characteristics so as to be suitable in load-bearing applications. For example, the disclosed polyurethane materials can be suitable for use in artificial joints, including total joint replacement applications. The disclosed polyurethane materials include biocompatible cross-linking agents as chain extenders, more particularly chain extenders comprising a terminal group capable of side reactions and further comprising an electron withdrawing group immediately adjacent the terminal group. In addition, the reaction materials and conditions can be selected to encourage intermediate levels of cross-linking without the use of traditional cross-linking trifunctional reagents.