Abstract: There are provided poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers and copolymers containing vinyl alcohol or vinyl acetate and derivatives thereof such as poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers or polyether-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers. These polymers can contain various functional groups. Such polymers can be use as polymer matrix or solid support for various chemical substrates such as organic substrates and reagents. Cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers and copolymers are also provided. Methods for preparing such polymers as well as several of their uses are also included.

Abstract: A polymer having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of about 10 000 g/mol comprising a monomeric rigid moiety R and a monomeric flexible moiety F, wherein R comprises a main-chain polycyclic core and F has a main chain comprising a number of atoms sufficient for the transition temperature of the polymer to be lower than the degradation temperature of the polymer is provided. A method of manufacturing of same is also provided. Biomedical devices, scaffolds and supports for tissue engineering, delivery devices, textiles, moulds, vehicle parts, tubes, active disassembly devices, microactuators, toys and inflatable membranes comprising same are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer comprising a cholane core having at least one derivatizable group covalently bonded thereto and a hydrophilic polymer chain covalently bonded to derivatizable group(s) and a process for producing it The present invention also relates to micellar aggregate formed from the polymer of the present.

Abstract: There are provided poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers and copolymers containing vinyl alcohol or vinyl acetate and derivatives thereof such as poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers or polyether-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers. These polymers can contain various functional groups. Such polymers can be use as polymer matrix or solid support for various chemical substrates such as organic substrates and reagents. Cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers and copolymers are also provided. Methods for preparing such polymers as well as several of their uses are also included.

Abstract: A polymer having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of about 10 000 g/mol comprising a monomeric rigid moiety R and a monomeric flexible moiety F, wherein R comprises a main-chain polycyclic core and F has a main chain comprising a number of atoms sufficient for the transition temperature of the polymer to be lower than the degradation temperature of the polymer is provided. A method of manufacturing of same is also provided. Biomedical devices, scaffolds and supports for tissue engineering, delivery devices, textiles, moulds, vehicle parts, tubes, active disassembly devices, microactuators, toys and inflatable membranes comprising same are also described.

Abstract: New biodegradable polyanhydrides are disclosed, which are prepared by homopolymerization of dimer of bile acid, especially lithocholic acid, or bycopolymerization with linear dicarboxylic acid, especially sebacic acid. These biodegradable polyanhydrides have degradation kinetics and a release rate that make them particularly useful for controlled drug release. More specifically, the degradation kinetics of such anhydrides and the release rate of molecules embedded therein make them useful as matrices for controlled drug release systems. The rates of degradation and release can be adjusted by the copolymer composition. The near zero-order kinetrics of release of the drug embedded in the matrices made of such anhydrides, make the same particularly useful since they can deliver an active ingredient at a constant rate for long period of time, avoiding the inauspicious saw-tooth pattern of conventional systemic administration.