Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include glycerol esters and use of the same for active agent delivery systems and methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes an active agent eluting device including a glycerol ester, an active agent dispersed within the glycerol ester, the active agent eluting device configured to elute the active agent from the glycerol ester in response to degradation of the glycerol ester. In an embodiment, the invention includes a composition including a glycerol ester; an active agent dispersed within the glycerol ester; the active agent eluting device configured to elute the active agent from the glycerol ester in response to degradation of the glycerol ester. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Pro-fibrotic coatings for medical articles are described that include a pro-fibrotic polymer such as collagen. The pro-fibrotic coatings can also include a thromboresistant polymer. The coatings can be formed by activation of photoreactive groups pendent or independent of the coating materials.

Abstract: Biodegradable coatings and articles that include natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The coatings and articles are formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups.

Abstract: The invention provides medical articles that include more than one biocompatibility-promoting function. In one aspect, the invention provides a medical articles that include a polymeric matrix including more than one biocompatible agent, wherein each biocompatible agent is provided at a distinct portion of the medical article surface. Methods of making medical articles, as well as methods of using the same, are also described.

Abstract: Medical articles having a body member including natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The body member is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups. The body member can also include a bioactive agent which can be released to provide a therapeutic effect to a patient.

Abstract: Biodegradable coatings that include natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The coating is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for treating an orthopedic condition using a hydrogel-forming composition, which forms a hydrogel in situ at a target location and at least bio-mechanically treats the condition. The invention also provides a hydrogel forming composition designed to form a hydrogel with desirable biocompatible and biomechanical properties. In some aspects the hydrogel is formed in a water-permeable casing, which is delivered to an orthopedic joint in a minimally invasive manner. In particular, the system and method can be used for intervertebral disc replacement or repair.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and materials for forming a polymeric matrix having improved biocompatible properties. A polymerization accelerator is provided that includes an N-vinyl group and a biocompatible functional group. The polymerization accelerator is particularly useful for the polymerization of macromers, which can be used to form biocompatible polymeric coatings on the surface of biological materials, such as cells and tissue.

Abstract: Positively-charged initiator polymers having a polymerization initiator group and a cationic portion are provided. The initiator polymers can be used with a polymerizable material for the formation of a polymeric matrix on a surface. The initiator polymers are particularly useful for cell encapsulation using macromers.

Abstract: Polymeric coatings that include coupled biomolecules are formed on the surface of articles, such as medical devices. A coated layer that includes a synthetic polymer including a reactive group is formed on a surface and then a biomolecule is attached to the reactive group. The synthetic polymer can be an acrylate polymer or an amine-containing polymer having pendent photoreactive groups.

Abstract: A grafting reagent and related method of using the reagent to form a polymeric layer on a support surface, and particularly a porous support surface, in a manner that provides and/or preserves desired properties (such as porosity) of the surface. The reagent and method can be used to provide a thin, conformable, uniform, uncrosslinked coating having desired properties onto the surface of a preformed, and particularly a porous, polymeric substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include glycerol esters and use of the same for active agent delivery systems and methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes an active agent eluting device including a glycerol ester, an active agent dispersed within the glycerol ester, the active agent eluting device configured to elute the active agent from the glycerol ester in response to degradation of the glycerol ester. In an embodiment, the invention includes a composition including a glycerol ester; an active agent dispersed within the glycerol ester; the active agent eluting device configured to elute the active agent from the glycerol ester in response to degradation of the glycerol ester. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A grafting reagent and related method of using the reagent to form a polymeric layer on a support surface, and particularly a porous support surface, in a manner that provides and/or preserves desired properties (such as porosity) of the surface. The reagent and method can be used to provide a thin, conformable, uniform, uncrosslinked coating having desired properties onto the surface of a preformed, and particularly a porous, polymeric substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions that include macromers and visible light-activated polymerization initiators, and methods for forming a matrix using these compositions in conjunction with a light source that emits light primarily in the visible light spectrum.

Abstract: Medical implants formed of hydrophobic derivatives of natural biodegradable polysaccharides and that include bioactive agent are described. The implants demonstrate desirable bioactive agent release profiles and can be prepared to have high drug loading. The implants can be used to treat medical conditions, such as those requiring prolonged administration of the bioactive agent at a target location in the body.

Abstract: Initiator polymers having an initiator group and a ligand group are provided. The initiator polymers are capable of specifically binding to a receptor on a surface. Using a macromer system, the initiator polymers are useful for the formation of a polymeric matrix on the surface of a material. In particular, initiator polymers are provided that have specificity to pancreatic ? cells and can be used to encapsulate cells for transplantation and the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: Hydrophobic ?(1?4)glucopyranose polymers with enhanced degradation properties are described. Between the ?(1?4)glucopyranose polymeric portion and the hydrophobic portion exists a linker portion having a chemistry that facilitates degradation of the polymer. Diester and carbonate ester linker chemistries are exemplified. Biodegradable matrices can be formed from these polymers, and the matrices can be used for the preparation of implantable and injectable medical devices wherein the matrix is capable of degrading in vivo at an increased rate. Matrices including and capable of releasing a bioactive agent in vivo are also described.

Abstract: Initiator polymers having an initiator group and a ligand group are provided. The initiator polymers are capable of specifically binding to a receptor on a surface. Using a macromer system, the initiator polymers are useful for the formation of a polymeric matrix on the surface of a material. In particular, initiator polymers are provided that have specificity to pancreatic ? cells and can be used to encapsulate cells for transplantation and the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: A grafting reagent and related method of using the reagent to form a polymeric layer on a support surface, and particularly a porous support surface, in a manner that provides and/or preserves desired properties (such as porosity) of the surface. The reagent and method can be used to provide a thin, conformable, uniform, uncrosslinked coating having desired properties onto the surface of a preformed, and particularly a porous, polymeric substrate.

Abstract: A coating composition, in both its uncrosslinked and crosslinked forms, for use in delivering a medicament from the surface of a medical device positioned in vivo. Once crosslinked, the coating composition provides a gel matrix adapted to contain the medicament in a form that permits the medicament to be released from the matrix in a prolonged, controlled, predictable and effective manner in vivo. A composition includes a polyether monomer, such as an alkoxy poly(alkylene glycol), a carboxylic acid-containing monomer, such as (meth)acrylic acid, a photoderivatized monomer, and a hydrophilic monomer such as acrylamide.