Abstract: The present invention relates to delivery systems comprising a cationic polymer, optionally in conjunction with an anionic polymer, to deliver cationic therapeutic agents and their application to a mucosal surface. In particular, these delivery systems are well suited for the treatment of intraocular pressure and glaucoma by way of a sustained delivery system.

Abstract: Lubricious coatings comprising a binder polymer having a vinyl moiety and a carboxylic acid moiety and a hydrophilic polymer are disclosed. The coatings can be applied to a variety of substrates such as, for example, catheters, stents, dilatation balloons, guide wires, endotracheal tubes, instruments, implants and other biomedical devices and can provide exceptional lubricity and abrasion resistance. Processes for applying the lubricious coatings in either one or two coating steps are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising cationic polysaccharide polymers and anionic therapeutic agents which can have enhanced substantivity to mucosal surfaces are disclosed. These compositions are well suited, for example, for the delivery of anionic ophthalmic pharmaceuticals because they can provide clear solution in addition to substantivity.

Abstract: Articles having lubricious polymeric coatings are disclosed. The coatings are comprised of a substantially homogeneous composite of poly(ethylene oxide) and polyisocyanate applied in a single step operation as a mixture in an inert solvent. The coating is believed to form a polymeric complex through an in-situ hydrolysis of the polyisocyanate in the system without substantial crosslinking to form polyurethanes. The polymeric complexes have particular utility in providing medical devices such as catheters with a high degree of abrasion resistance and lubricity when in contact with bodily fluids.

Abstract: Lubricious coatings comprising a binder polymer which is a copolymer of vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate and a carboxylic acid moiety and a hydrophilic polymer are disclosed. The coatings can be applied to a variety of substrates such as, for example, catheters, stents, dilatation balloons, guide wires, endotracheal tubes, instruments, implants and other biomedical devices and can provide exceptional lubricity and abrasion resistance. Processes for applying the lubricious coatings in either one or two coating steps are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making articles having lubricious polymeric coatings are disclosed. The coatings are comprised of a substantially homogeneous composite of poly(ethylene oxide) and polyisocyanate applied in a single step operation as a mixture in an inert solvent. The coating is believed to form a polymeric complex through an in-situ hydrolysis of the polyisocyanate in the system without substantial crosslinking to form polyurethanes. The polymeric complexes have particular utility in providing medical devices such as catheters with a high degree of abrasion resistance and lubricity when in contact with bodily fluids.

Abstract: Dermal patches containing a flexible, crosslinked, polymeric gel comprising polyvinyl alcohol and a crosslinking agent comprising a multivalent element, e.g., titanium complexed with hydroxyalkyl amines, are disclosed. The dermal patches can be used to deliver pharmaceutically active agents to the dermal surface of a mammal, or alternatively can be used without the pharmaceutically active agents. The dermal patches have properties, such as, for example, a high degree of water absorbency, oxygen permeability and physiological compatibility which render them suitable for treatment of open skin, e.g., lacerations, burns or blisters, as well as unbroken, intact skin.

Abstract: A medical balloon and catheter in which the balloon (14) is wrapped and folded upon itself tortuously and tightly so outer surfaces (12) contact each other for insertion into the body and in which the balloon is free of bridging and adhesion between abutting surfaces. The balloon has a base of a continuous polymeric surface (10) expandable from a folded, wrapped configuration with surfaces touching each other into a balloon when inflated. A lubricious, biocompatible, hydrogel coating (11) is disposed on the polymeric surface and a thin, lubricious, blood-compatible coating (12) is disposed upon the hydrogel coating and adheres to it to prevent abutting surfaces of the folded polymeric surfaces from adhering to each other during inflation and to prevent delamination of the hydrogel coating and/or rupture of the balloon. Preferably the blood-compatible coating (12) is polyethylene glycol, methoxy polyethylene glycol or mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 100 and 20,000 grams per gram mole.

Abstract: Cationic polysaccharide polymers and anionic therapeutic agents delivery systems are disclosed which have been found to be substantive to mucosal surfaces. The present delivery system is well suited for the delivery of anionic ophthalmic pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Biocompatible polymeric complexes having utility in many fields including medical applications, as well as personal and health care, are provided and can be affixed to a variety of substrate materials which themselves may or may not also be biocompatible. The complexes of this invention are comprised of a carboxylic acid polymer with either a poly(lower-alkylene oxide) or a poly(N-vinyl lactam). Moreover, a complex of an antimicrobial agent such as iodine can be formed with the complex to provide antimicrobial activity. The complexes are also useful for forming biocompatible coatings on medical devices, some of which can render the surface lubricious when exposed to aqueous or body fluids.

Abstract: This invention is a method for agglomerating mineral ore concentrate comprising the commongling of mineral ore concentrate with a binding amount of a water soluble, high molecular weight polymer. The selected polymer is applied to the mineral ore concentrate either (1) as a dispersion in a non-aqueous medium or (2) as a dry powder. The most preferred polymers are water soluble poly(acrylamide) based polymers.

Abstract: This invention is a method for agglomerating mineral ore concentrate comprising the commingling of mineral ore concentrate with a binding amount of water soluble polymers, preferably poly(acrylamides), and clay, preferably bentonite. The polymer is applied to the mineral ore concentrate either (1) as a dispersion in a non-aqueous dispersion medium or (2) as a dry powder. This invention is also a method of agglomerating mineral ore concentrate with flux material.

Abstract: Polymeric antioxidants comprising polyorganosiloxane backbones having joined thereto, by non-hydrolyzable linkages, aromatic antioxidant moieties.

Abstract: Polymeric dyes of the present invention have the formula: ##STR1## wherein Me represents the methyl group, x can range from 2 to 100, y can range from 20 to 300, and the ratio of x:y is at least 1:10 and is preferably from 1:5 to 1:1. The symbol L represents the divalent group which connects the chromophoric moiety and the polysiloxane moiety together by covalent bonds. L is conveniently a saturated divalent aliphatic group which connects the silicon atom to the chromophoric group by a non-hydrolyzable covalent bond. Chromo represents an aromatic chromophore which imparts color to the polymer molecule. The polmeric dyes of the present invention can be used to dye natural fibers such as silk, wool, and cotton and to color plastics such as nylon, Dynel, Acrilan, acetate, and viscore. In addition, the polymeric dyes can also be used as a food dye when water soluble groups are present (e.g., on the chromophores) to impart water solubility to the polymeric dye.