Abstract: Hydrophilic composite polymer articles are provided which comprise at least one hydrophilic polymer in a powder form and one or more liquid components of which at least one is hydrophilic and which can be polymerized with said hydrophilic polymer. This composition is produced from a homogeneously mixed paste which can be molded or cast into a desired shape which will subsequently set. The resulting article has a shape-retaining, non-tacky flexible consistency which allows the shape to be further modified, if necessary.Such object can be then cured by any of the conventional curing methods to retain its shape permanently. The final properties of the composite can be tailored to suit the final application by using fillers or modifiers. In the medical field, such articles can be utilized as a sustained release devices as they can be loaded with the desired therapeutic drugs. These articles can be made non-toxic and biocompatible and used as prosthetic devices.

Abstract: An acoustically sealed earmold for a hearing aid insertable into the ear of individuals with impaired hearing can be prepared in situ employing the hydrophilic composite polymer materials described herein. Such composite materials include at least one hydrophilic polymer in a powder form and one or more liquid components of which at least one is hydrophilic and which can be polymerized with said hydrophilic polymer. The resulting earmold has a shape-retaining, non-tacky flexible consistency which allows it to be shaped further and also to be modified to accommodate a receiver adapter or external receiver. The earmold can then be cured by any of the conventional curing methods to retain its shape permanently. This method enables an audiologist to fit the earmold and evaluate the hearing aid in a single office visit.

Abstract: Hydrophilic polymeric chambers for encapsulating biologically active tissue and methods for their preparation. The tissue refers to those essential cellular components of a particular organ that is capable of receiving, modifying or secreting hormones. A device comprising such chamber and such tissue is fabricated and implanted in a living body so that said tissue is permitted normal function without being rejected by the host's immunological system. The viability of the tissue in the device is maintained by a correlation of factors including pore size and membrane thickness of the hydrophilic chamber. To maintain the viability of the tissue, the implanted device allows the inflow of essential nutrients and gases, and outflow of metabolites and products while simultaneously excluding the ingress of cellular components of the host's immunological system.

Abstract: Products are prepared of solid hydrogel matrixes having entrapped therein high-surface area sorbent materials, preferably activated carbon. The entrapped absorbent has an effective surface area no greater than about 1% of the actual surface area of the sorbent material, e.g., activated carbon per se, preferably not over 0.001%. The products are particularly useful in radioimmunoassay for antigens.

Abstract: Products are prepared of solid hydrogel matrixes having entrapped therein high-surface area sorbent materials, preferably activated carbon. The entrapped absorbent has an effective surface area no greater than about 1% of the actual surface area of the sorbent material, e.g., activated carbon per se, preferably not over 0.001%. The products are particularly useful in radioimmunoassay for antigens.

Abstract: An ophthalmic "ointment" comprising water, a solid water-soluble polymer of controlled molecular weight, and a medicament or therapeutic agent such as pilocarpine in its pharmacologically acceptable salts.