Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for monitoring the reaction kinetics of the biodegradable polymers, and the surface concentration of a drug in a polymer blend matrix. Detailed information on surface concentration, degradation rates, degradation kinetics and mechanism, is provided by using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF SIMS) measurements. Also provided is a method for determining oligomers in hydrolyzed biodegradable polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for monitoring the surface concentration of a drug in a polymer blend matrix and the reaction kinetics of the biodegradable polymers. Detailed information on surface concentration, degradation rates, degradation kinetics and mechanism, is provided by using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF SIMS) measurements. Also provided is a method for determining oligomers in hydrolyzed biodegradable polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel surface modified biodegradable polyesters having fluorocarbon chains at the terminal end of the polyesters. The compounds of the present invention are obtained by the addition of fluorocarbon chains at the surface of the polyester. Any commonly used polyester material can be used in the present invention; however, polyglycolic or polylactic acids or co-polymers thereof are preferred.

Abstract: Fluoropolymeric substrates with metallized surfaces may be prepared by self-assembly of a chemisorbed layer of a metal ion-chelating organosilane onto a fluoropolymer surface after radio-frequency glow discharge plasma surface hydroxylation. The silane covalently binds an aqueous palladium catalyst and subsequent electroless deposition yields homogeneous or patterned metal deposits that exhibit excellent adhesion to the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: Fluoropolymeric substrates with metallized surfaces may be prepared by self-assembly of a chemisorbed layer of a metal ion-chelating organosilane onto a fluoropolymer surface after radio-frequency glow discharge plasma surface hydroxylation. The silane covalently binds an aqueous palladium catalyst and subsequent electroless deposition yields homogeneous or patterned metal deposits that exhibit excellent adhesion to the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: Permanently substituted oxyfluorinated surfaces can be formed on non-fluorinated substrates having a fluorinated surface or fluorocarbon coating applied by gas phase surface fluorination or plasma deposition. The oxyfluorinated surfaces can be refunctionalized by bonding organosilanes, isothiocyanate-containing fluorescent compounds and proteins, such as enzymes, antibodies and peptides directly to such surfaces. Surfaces refunctionalized with such protein based groups are useful in the fabrication of biological sensors, devices for separation of cell lines, filtration applications for selective binding of antigens. Masking techniques can be employed in forming a predetermined pattern of covered and exposed surfaces, for example, prior to oxyfluorination.

Abstract: Fluoropolymers modified by radio frequency glow discharge in the presence of vapor/gas plasma provides for permanent and controlled substitution of hydrogen and oxygen functionality for fluorine. The oxygen-containing sites of the modified fluoropolymer are highly reactive, enabling the material to be readily refunctionalized by the introduction of a new atom, functionality or macromolecular unit, such as organosilane, alkali metal or reactive fluorescent compound.

Abstract: Through radio frequency glow discharge the molecular structure of a fluoropolymer is permanently modified by the substitution of hydrogen and oxygen or oxygen-containing radicals for fluorine to a depth of up to 100 .ANG.. The surface morphological properties on a molecular level (e.g., pore structure) of the modified fluoropolymer remain substantially uncharged from those of the starting polymer as well as the bulk structure below the modified surface region while wettability with respect to low surface tension liquids and surface free energy as determined through critical surface tension are increased and new chemically reactive sites are created for further wet chemical modification or attachment of various functionality for development of a bioprobe device.