Abstract: The invention describes nanotextured super hydrophobic coatings that contain active agents which can elute from the coating over a period of time.

Abstract: The invention describes novel compositions that include a cross linking compound, a polymer and a 1 nm to about a 25 micron sized particle optionally with an oxide layer. In particular, the particle is a silica and one which has been pretreated with a silane.

Abstract: The invention describes compositions that include a polymer having a water contact angle of between about 120° and about 150° or greater adhered to a 1 nm to about a 25 micron diameter sized particle optionally with an oxide layer. In particular, the particle is a silica and one which has been pretreated with a silane.

Abstract: A nanofiber is formed by combining one or more natural or synthetic polymeric materials and one or more than one cross-linking agents having at least two latent reactive activatable groups. The latent reactive activatable nanofiber may be used to modify the surface of a substrate by activating at least one of the latent reactive activatable groups to bond the nanofiber to the surface by the formation of a covalent bond between the surface of the substrate and the latent reactive activatable group. Some of the remaining latent reactive activatable group(s) are left accessible on the surface of the substrate, and may be used for further surface modification of the substrate. Biologically active materials may be immobilized on the nanofiber modified surface by reacting with the latent reactive groups that are accessible on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention describes novel crosslinking compounds that include photoactivatable moieties. Several families of compounds are disclosed that can include one or more hydrophilic moieties that help to solubilize the compounds in aqueous environments.

Abstract: A stimuli responsive nanofiber that includes a stimuli responsive polymer, such as a thermally responsive polymer, and a cross-linking agent having at least two latent reactive activatable groups. The nanofiber may also include a biologically active material or a functional polymer. The stimuli responsive nanofiber can be used to modify the surface of a substrate. When the nanofiber includes a thermally responsive polymer, the physical properties of the surface can be controlled by controlling the temperature of the system, thus controlling the ability of the surface to bind to a biologically active material of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions that include crosslinking agents having multiple photoactivatable groups, such as diaryl ketones, or a diaryl ketone, such as benzophenone, and at least one polymerizable monomer, such as a zwitterionic monomer. The compositions are useful as surface coating agents that provide brush type polymeric coatings. These polymeric coatings can be used on medical devices, such as artificial joints, to reduce wear and tear between the components of the joint and thus reduce or eliminate debris generated by friction between the joint components.

Abstract: The invention describes novel crosslinking compounds that include photoactivatable moieties. Several families of compounds are disclosed that can include one or more hydrophilic moieties that help to solubilize the compounds in aqueous environments.

Abstract: The invention describes novel compositions that include a cross linking compound, a polymer and a 1 nm to about a 25 micron sized particle optionally with an oxide layer. In particular, the particle is a silica and one which has been pretreated with a silane.

Abstract: A web- or network-based healthcare management tool is provided. The innovation provides for a browser-based version of a client that enables clinicians, from remote locations, to securely review patient data retrieved from a healthcare data store. Remote locations include, but are not limited to, from outside the hospital (e.g., at home) or from inside the hospital but in an office or lab that does not have intranet access to the healthcare data store.

Abstract: The invention describes compositions that include a polymer having a water contact angle of between about 120° and about 150° or greater adhered to a 1 nm to about a 25 micron diameter sized particle optionally with an oxide layer. In particular, the particle is a silica and one which has been pretreated with a silane.

Abstract: Polymeric matrices including microparticles that provide sustained release of a hydrophilic bioactive agent are described. The matrices can be in the form of a coating on the surface of an implantable medical article or an in situ formed matrix. The microparticles of the matrix include a first polymer and a second polymer that modulates release of the hydrophilic bioactive agent from the matrix.

Abstract: The invention describes novel crosslinking compounds that include photoactivatable moieties. Several families of compounds are disclosed that can include one or more hydrophilic moieties that help to solubilize the compounds in aqueous environments.

Abstract: The invention provides polymeric reagents of a formula: Xa—Y-Zb wherein X is a latent reactive group, Y is a polymeric backbone, and Z is a melamine group. In some aspects of the above formula, a is in the range of 0.5 to 90 mole percent, and b is in the range of 10 to 99.5 mole percent. The latent reactive group can be a photoreactive group or a thermally-reactive group. Monomeric units for preparing the polymeric reagents are also described. Methods of using the polymeric reagents to provide modified surfaces are also described, as well as methods of providing biocidal surfaces and methods of treating habitats for halogen-sensitive microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention provides implantable medical devices that are fabricated of biodegradable materials for delivery of bioactive agent to limited access regions of a patient's body, such as the eye. The invention further provides methods of treatment utilizing the devices.

Abstract: The invention provides implantable intraluminal medical devices that are fabricated of biodegradable materials. The invention further provides methods of treatment utilizing the devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are transition metal electrodes for electrochemical cells using gel-state and solid-state polymers. The electrodes are suitable for use in primary and secondary cells. The electrodes (either negative electrode or positive electrode) are characterized by uniform dispersion of the transition metal at the nanoscale in the polymer. The transition metal moiety is structurally amorphous, so no capacity fade should occur due to lattice expansion/contraction mechanisms. The small grain size, amorphous structure and homogeneous distribution provide improved charge/discharge cycling performance, and a higher initial discharge rate capability. The cells can be cycled at high current densities, limited only by the electrolyte conductivity. A method of making the electrodes (positive and negative), and their usage in electrochemical cells are disclosed.