Abstract: The present disclosure provides lubricious antimicrobial coating vehicles for medical devices capable of reducing the coefficient of friction of such devices upon exposure thereof to moisture and imparting antimicrobial properties to said devices. The coating vehicle allows the introduction of a pharmacological additive having a release rate that is within acceptable pharmacokinetic criteria.

Abstract: The present invention discloses silicone oils which are structured with a copolymer comprising a large percentage of alkane groups. Using high percentage pendant alkane helps provide silicone with ideal gel properties (G?>G?, particularly >1000 cP, more preferably 2000-30,000 cP) and viscosity, after fracture, of 10 to 1000 cP, preferably 30-500 cP MW of polymer and exact chain length are selected to ensure that, when forming gel upon cooling after mixing polymer and silicone, the polymer viscosity will not be so high upon crystal formation that gel cannot form, yet also will not be so low that polymer will phase separate.

Abstract: Poly(propylene fumarate) is copolymerized with poly(caprolactone) diol to produce a block copolymer of poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(caprolactone). The biocompatible and bioresorbable block copolymer of poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(caprolactone) is useful in the fabrication of injectable and in-situ hardening scaffolds for tissue and/or skeletal reconstruction. The block copolymer can be crosslinked by redox or photo-initiation, with or without an additional crosslinker. Thus, the copolymer is both self-crosslinkable (without the use of any crosslinkers) and photocrosslinkable (in the presence of photons such as UV light).

Abstract: Articles may be formed including: at least one layer of foam, the foam layer and at least one antimicrobial agent associated with foam layer, the antimicrobial agent including PHMB, PEHMB, or derivatives thereof; at least one non-adherent layer disposed on at least a portion of the foam layer, the non-adherent layer being permeable to moisture; and a film disposed on at least another portion of the foam layer, the film being breathable to allow escape of moisture, but substantially impermeable to bacteria. Another article may include at least one layer of foam, the foam having pores of different sizes, at least some of the pores at least partially filled with at least one elutable antimicrobial agent, the pores of different sizes forming a gradient with the foam layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable medical devices comprising nitric oxide (NO) donating polymers comprising polymer backbones having at least one cyclic amine disposed thereon. Methods are further disclosed for providing nitric oxide-donating polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer or physiologically acceptable salt thereof. The polymer comprises a polymerized multifunctional amine monomer. The amine monomer comprises at least two amine groups and at least two acyclic nitrogen atoms that are connected through a —CH2CH2— group, provided that the amine monomer is not ethylenediamine or diethylenetriamine. The disclosed polymers can be used to bind anions in subject in need of such treatment.

Abstract: A drug-releasing polyelectrolyte coating includes: (a) at least two oppositely charged polyelectrolyte layers; (b) at least one pharmaceutical active drug which is covalently coupled to polyelectrolytes of at least one of the polyelectrolyte layers; (c) wherein the drug exhibits a release rate from the polyelectrolyte coating of less than 50% in 3 days.

Abstract: A method for reducing the occurrence of new post-operative fractures in vertebrae of a patient's spine after a vertebroplasty procedure performed to stabilize a fracture in a vertebra of a patient comprising the steps of performing a vertebroplasty procedure to stabilize a fracture in a vertebra of the patient, wherein the vertebroplasty procedure comprises the step of injecting a material into the fractured vertebra, wherein the material is formed by mixing together a first paste and a second paste, wherein the first paste comprises at least one of a polymerizable monomer and a filler, and wherein the second paste comprises at least one of a polymerizable monomer and a filler.

Abstract: Fibrous polymer scaffolds and methods of manufacture are provided. The scaffolds can be formed of multiple layers and the extent and direction of alignment of each layer can be controlled. Efficient fabrication systems and methods for producing such scaffolds include apparatuses and processes are also provided. Kits including the fibrous polymer scaffolds and methods for implanting such scaffolds are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the treatment of ocular conditions by the enhancement of lens regeneration. Enhancement of lens regeneration is accomplished by the administration of a composition comprising a polysiloxane polymer having functional acryl groups useful in the preparation of intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Abstract: Degradable complexes comprising a polycation, a polyanion and a polynucleotide are useful for in vivo polynucleotide delivery applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide a biocidal composition comprising an aqueous mixture of (a) a phosphonium compound and (b) a polymeric ammonium compound, wherein the weight ratio of compound (a) to compound (b) is from 0.2:1 to 20:1, and wherein the phosphonium compound (a) has formula: wherein each R is independently a C1-C6 alkyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by a cyano, hydroxyl, esterified hydroxyl or aryl group; R1 represents a C8-C18 alkyl group which is substituted or unsubstituted; and X represents either chlorine or bromine; and wherein the polymeric ammonium compound (b) comprises the repeat unit: wherein each R2 is independently a C1-C2 alkyl group which is substituted or unsubstituted; R3 represents a C2-C18 alkyl or alkenyl group which is substituted or unsubstituted; and R4 represents a C2-C18 alkyl or alkenyl group which is substituted or unsubstituted, a diethyl ether group, an isopropanol group,a N,N-dipropylurea group, or a 2-butene group.

Abstract: There is provided a production method in which bis(nitrato)platinum complex, optionally in the concurrent presence of dihalo-platinum complex, and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(glutamic acid) are used at specific ratios and reacted. Coordination compound of an anti-tumor platinum complex with a block copolymer having carboxyl groups on its side chains is efficiently produced.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition for sunless tanning or imparting glow to skin is herein described. The composition includes from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight of a tanning agent and from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a crosslinked cationic copolymer having a monomer unit which is a methacryloylethyl or acryloylethyl tri(C1-C3 alkyl)ammonium salt. The crosslinked cationic copolymer is a color enhancing agent which improves color intensity and avoids streaking of the developing tan/glow.

Abstract: The present invention provides NO and, optionally, drug releasing macromers and oligomers wherein the drug molecule and NO releasing moiety are linked an absorbable macromer or oligomeric chain susceptible to hydrolytic degradation and wherein the macromer or oligomer comprises of repeat units derived from safe and biocompatible molecules such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, caprolactone and p-dioxanone. Furthermore, the present invention relates to controlled release of nitric oxide (NO) and/or drug molecule from a NO and drug releasing macromer or oligomer. Moreover, the present invention also relates to medical devices, medical device coatings and therapeutic formulations comprising of nitric oxide and drug releasing macromers and oligomers of the present invention.

Abstract: An inexpensive, easily available, and convenient method of treating or preventing a virus infection is provided. The present invention relates to a method for the treatment or prevention of virus infections using polybiguanide-based compounds administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention relies on the unique biochemical reaction in which polybiguanide-based compounds interfere with the spread of virus within or between organisms. The compositions and formulations described in the present invention are effective means to reduce the infectivity of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and human herpes simplex viruses, and also to kill the causative organisms of many other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Abstract: Absorbable polyurethanes, polyamides and polyester urethanes prepared from at least one compound selected from: or the diamines and diisocyanates thereof, wherein each X represents a member independently selected from —CH2COO— (glycolic acid moiety), —CH(CH3)COO— (lactic acid moiety), —CH2CH2OCH2COO— (dioxanone), —CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2COO— (caprolactone moiety), —(CH2)yCOO— where y is one of the numbers 2, 3, 4 or 6-24 inclusive, and —(CH2CH2O)z?CH2COO— where z? is an integer between 2 and 24, inclusive; each Y represents a member independently selected from —COCH2O— (glycolic ester moiety), —COCH(CH3)O— (lactic ester moiety), —COCH2OCH2CH2O— (dioxanone ester), —COCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2O— (caprolactone ester), —CO(CH2)mO— where m is an integer between 2, 3, 4 or 6-24 inclusive, —COCH2O(CH2CH2O)n— where n is an integer between 2 and 24, inclusive; R? is hydrogen, benzyl or an alkyl group, the alkyl group being either straight-chained or branched; p is an integer between 1 and 4, inclusive; and Rn represents one or more

Abstract: Sulfone-containing copolymers and copolymer networks and compositions including sulfone-containing copolymers and copolymer networks may be used to bind target ions, such as phosphorous-containing compounds in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. In some cases, sulfone-containing copolymers and copolymer networks may be derived from a multi-amine monomer and a multifunctional sulfonyl-containing monomer comprising two or more amine-reactive groups.

Abstract: Aniline copolymers and the synthesis thereof for use as antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral material) material of for the manufacture of antimicrobial objects, suitable for use in the health, food, packaging, water, paint, wood, textile, poultry, glass, paper, rubber, ceramic, seafood, sports, plastic and agricultural industries. The copolymer may be for example (A): where for example R3=H5—CO2H, —CO2Me, or —CO2Et. R is typically H or a C1-C6 alkyl, x is an integer between 1 and 0 and m indicates the degree of polymerisation. Preferred copolymers are copolymers of aniline with 3-aminobenzoic acid, 2-aminobenzoic acid and ethyl 3-aminobenzoate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing resin particles, which can impart a desired function to the surface of resin particles efficiently and simply. Also disclosed are resin particles produced by the method. The method produces resin particles by melting and mixing an acidic-group-containing thermoplastic resin or elastomer with filler particles and a water-soluble material to give a resin composition containing resin fine particles formed by the thermoplastic resin and the filler particles and dispersed in a matrix including the water-soluble material; and removing the matrix component from the resin composition, to give the resin particles. The resulting resin particles each include a core particle including the acidic-group-containing thermoplastic resin or elastomer, and the filler particles immobilized on the outside of the core particle. The acidic group is preferably carboxyl group or carboxylic anhydride group.

Abstract: The present invention presents a biocidic packaging for cosmetics and/or foodstuffs, comprises at least one insoluble proton sink or source (PSS). The packaging is provided useful for killing living target cells (LTCs), or otherwise disrupting vital intracellular processes and/or intercellular interactions of said LTC upon contact. The PSS comprises, inter alia, (i) proton source or sink providing a buffering capacity; and (ii) means providing proton conductivity and/or electrical potential. The PSS is effectively disrupting the pH homeostasis and/or electrical balance within the confined volume of the LTC and/or disrupting vital intercellular interactions of the LTCs while efficiently preserving the pH of said LTCs' environment. The present invention also discloses a method for killing living target cells (LTCs), or otherwise disrupting vital intracellular processes and/or intercellular interactions of said LTC being in a packaging, especially cosmetic or foodstuffs' packaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions comprising crosslinked amine polymers. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of renal diseases and hyperphosphatemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting a toxin in an animal, such as a human, by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a polymer having a plurality of pendant acid functional groups which are directly attached to the polymer backbone or attached to the polymer backbone by a spacer group. The spacer group can have a length in the range from 0 to about 20 atoms. The toxin is, typically, an exotoxin secreted by a pathogenic microorganism, such as a bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising aliphatic amine polymers such as for example Sevelamer HCl as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, wherein the aliphatica amine polymers are spray granulated. The present invention further provides methods of preparing stable pharmaceutical compositions of aliphatic amine polymers such as for example Sevelamer HCl, preferably in tablets dosage forms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel therapeutic and diagnostic dendrimer based modular platforms (e.g., drug delivery platforms). In particular, the dendrimer based modular platforms are configured such that two or more dendrimers (e.g., PAMAM dendrimers) are coupled together (e.g., via a cycloaddition reaction) wherein each of the coupled dendrimers is functionalized (e.g., functionalized for targeting, imaging, sensing, and/or providing a therapeutic or diagnostic material and/or monitoring response to therapy). In some embodiments, the present invention provides dendrimer based modular platforms having coupled dendrimers (e.g., two or more coupled dendrimers) wherein each dendrimer is conjugated to one or more functional groups (e.g., therapeutic agent, imaging agent, targeting agent, triggering agent) (e.g., for specific targeting and/or therapeutic use of the dendrimer based modular platform).

Abstract: An amide of hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof which comprises at least one repetitive unit of general formula (1).: wherein R?NR6R7, or alcoholic group of the aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic series, OH, O—, alcoholic group of hyaluronic acid, amino group of deacylated hyaluronic acid; R1, R2, R3, R4?H, SO3—, acyl group derived from a carboxylic acid of the aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic series, —CO—(CH2)2—COOY; Y=negative charge, or H; R5?—CO—CH3, H, SO3—, acyl group derived from a carboxylic acid of the aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic series, acylic group of hyaluronic acid; R6=is H or a aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstituted; R7=is H or an aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstituted; wherein at least one of R or R5 forms an amide group.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for the use of anti-autoimmune reagents that specifically bind to anti-desmoglein antibodies, which are responsible for both pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. In addition, the invention relates to methods and compositions for inhibiting the expression or function of a variable region of an anti-desmoglein (anti-Dsg) pathogenic autoantibody.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions and methods are disclosed. The antimicrobial compositions are particularly useful in providing antimicrobial capability to a wide-range of medical devices. In one aspect the invention relates a UV curable antimicrobial coating comprising a UV curable composition comprising an oligomer, a momoner, and a photoinitiator which are together capable of forming a UV curable polymer composition. The compositions include rheology modifiers as necessary. The compositions also include antimicrobial agents, which may be selected from a wide array of agents. Representative antimicrobial agents include cetyl pyridium chloride, cetrimide, alexidine, chlorexidine diacetate, benzalkonium chloride, and o-phthalaldehyde.

Abstract: A tissue-adhesive formulation consists of a naturally occurring or synthetic polymerisable and/or cross-linkable material in particulate form, the polymerisable and/or cross-linkable material being in admixture with particulate material comprising tissue-reactive functional groups. The formulation may be used in the preparation of a tissue-adhesive sheet, by applying the formulation to at least one side of a core of a naturally occurring or synthetic polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to altering the physical and/or chemical properties of at least part of at least one tissue in the eye. In a specific embodiment, it relates to the treatment and/or prevention of myopia. An activating energy source is utilized to photopolymerize or crosslink molecules in the sclera, thereby increasing the strength of the tissue. The individual is administered a crosslinking reagent or photopolymerizable molecule that becomes associated with the membrane, which is then precisely exposed to an energy source, such as light or ultrasound.

Abstract: Temperature- and pH-responsive copolymer compositions, and drug delivery devices, conjugates, nanoparticles, and micelles that include the compositions.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: Thermogelling polymers are described containing poly (n-isopropyl acrylamide). Solutions of this polymer, copolymers or mixtures of the polymer with a second polymer such as poly(ethylene glycol), poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) or poly(vinyl alcohol) are liquids at room temperature and solids at body temperature. Thus, also provided are methods of implanting a hydrogel into a mammal by injecting the solution as a liquid at a temperature below body temperature into a selected site in the mammal at a temperature below body temperature, which then undergoes thermal phase transition to form a solid hydrogel in situ in the body as the implant warms to body temperature. Methods for using these thermal gelling materials in various applications including nucleus pulposus replacement/augmentation, wound care, disk replacement, cartilage replacement, joint replacement, surgical barriers, gastrointestinal devices, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and breast enlargement are also provided.

Abstract: An aqueous contact lens solution comprising less than 100 ppm of a tertiary amine oxide of general formula wherein R1 is a C8-C18alkyl, and R2 and R3 are independently selected from a C1-C4alkyl or C1-C4hydroxyalkyl, and an antimicrobial component selected from the group consisting of biguanides, polymeric biguanides, quaternium ammonium compounds, hydrogen peroxide or a stabilized form of peroxide and any one mixture thereof. The solution has no anionic surfactant or less than 30 ppm of anionic surfactant. The invention is also directed to the use of the solution to clean and disinfect contact lenses, and in particular, soft, silicone, hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of occluding a vascular site in a mammal, comprising the step of introducing into the vasculature of a mammal at or proximal to a surgical site, a composition comprising at least one optionally purified inverse thermosensitive polymer, wherein said inverse thermosensitive polymer gels in said vasculature, thereby temporarily occluding a vascular site of said mammal, wherein said temporarily occluded vasculature site is kept in a substantially cylindrical shape.

Abstract: Provided herein is a copolymer that includes a soft block (A) and a hard block (B) comprising a tyrosine di-peptide. The copolymer can be any of AB, ABA or BAB type block copolymers. The soft block can include a PEA polymer. A coating formed of the copolymer may also include a bioactive agent. The implantable device can be implanted in a patient to treat, prevent, or ameliorate a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, and/or tumor obstruction.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic fluids containing ionic liquids and containing no stabilisation agents or containing selected stabilisation agents. These magnetic fluids can be used in different fields of industry, for example as an ink, as a damping fluid, as a sealing fluid, in imaging applications, in sink flotation techniques, in biomedical applications, as a reaction medium to perform chemical reactions, as a reversible seal for occluding blood vessels in living organisms in medical therapy or as a transportation means and/or delivery means for chemical substances at a selected location within a chemical or biological system.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable macromer compositions are provided including a polymeric component possessing a hydroxamate segment and a polymer segment. The polymeric component can be used by itself, or in some embodiments, combined with a second component, to form a macromer composition of the present disclosure. The resulting bioabsorbable macromer composition can be employed as an adhesive or sealant for medical/surgical uses.

Abstract: A method for using polyamine analogues containing bulky hydrophobic groups against antimicrobial agents is disclosed. The antimicrobial method works by the mechanical action of disrupting the protective outer member of a bacterial cell.

Abstract: A contact lens care solution comprising: a cationic antimicrobial component having an average molecular weight (MNA), and a cationic oligomer or nitrogen/amine oligomer having a number average molecular weight (MNO) from 500 daltons to 15,000 daltons. The lens care solutions are used to clean and disinfect contact lenses, and in particular, soft, silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mucomimetic and ophthalmic solutions comprising a cationic multimeric antimicrobial agent such as polyaminopropyl biguanide and a magnesium, calcium or magnesium/calcium complex of an anionic polymer such as hyaluronate, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, chondroitin sulfate or mixtures thereof. In specific embodiments, the solutions include additional components such as a surfactant, preferably polysorbate 20, a viscosity-modifying agent, preferably hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, a tonicity agent and a buffer. The solutions are biocompatible with and are highly comfortable when administered to mucous membranes, including those of the eye, as well as are effective disinfectants.

Abstract: Compounds selected from: where DRUG-OH, DRUG-COOH and DRUG-NH2 are biologically active compounds; each X is independently selected from —CH2COO-(glycolic acid moiety), —CH(CH3)COO-(lactic acid moiety), —CH2CH2OCH2COO-(dioxanone moiety), —CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2COO-(caprolactone moiety), —(CH2)yCOO—, where y is 2-4 or 6-24 and —(CH2CH2O)zCH2COO—, where z is 2-24; each Y is independently selected from —COCH2O-(glycolic ester moiety), —COCH(CH3)O-(lactic ester moiety), —COCH2OCH2CH2O-(dioxanone ester moiety), —COCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2O-(caprolactone ester moiety), —CO(CH2)mO—, where m is 2-4 or 6-24 and —COCH2O(CH2CH2O)n-where n is between 2-24; R? is hydrogen, benzyl or an alkyl group, the alkyl group being either straight-chained or branched; and p is 1-6. Multi-functional compounds and drug dimers, oligomers and polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for initiating formation of hydrogels in situ from a gellable composition and an initiator where the initiator is provided as a solid article or is contained in a solution infused to the intended site of formation of the hydrogel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a stable polyallylamine hydrochloride polymer in which between about 4% to about 12% by weight of the polymer is a chloride anion and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting a toxin in an animal, such as a human, by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a polymer having a plurality of pendant acid functional groups which are directly attached to the polymer backbone or attached to the polymer backbone by a spacer group. The spacer group can have a length in the range from 0 to about 20 atoms. The toxin is, typically, an exotoxin secreted by a pathogenic microorganism, such as a bacterium.

Abstract: A topical composition is provided. The topical composition can be prepared by diluting a topical composition precursor with water and adding additional components, if desired. The topical composition precursor can be prepared by melt processing a hydrophobic polymer composition that includes repeating pyrrolidone/alkylene groups wherein the alkylene groups contain at least 10 carbon atoms, and a hydrophilic polymer composition including repeating carboxylic groups and/or repeating hydroxyl groups. A topical composition precursor and methods for manufacturing and using a topical composition are provided by the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides an agent for inhibiting production of hepatitis C virus with notable anti-HCV activity and without side-effects. The agent comprises a proanthocyanidin polymer composition illustrated in the following the general formula (1), wherein R1 is hydrogen or hydroxyl, R2 is hydroxyl, R3 is hydrogen when R1 is either hydrogen or hydroxyl, but R3 is possibly hydroxyl when R1 is either hydrogen or hydroxyl to the extent that both R1 and R3 being hydroxyl is at most 40 percents in the proanthocyanidin polymer composition said units of flavan-3-ol being bonded each other in any one of three patterns as follows; (i) a bond between carbon at the position 4 and carbon at the position 8, (ii) a bond between carbon at the position 4 and carbon at the position 6, (iii) a bond between carbon at the position 4 and carbon at the position 8, and between carbon at the position 2 and oxygen at the position 7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to leave-on antimicrobial compositions that provide a substantial reduction in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria without the use of alcohol as either a vehicle or a secondary active ingredient.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a polymer comprising a plurality of pendent hydroxyl groups, a crosslinker, and a sclerosing agent. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing lung volume in a patient comprising the steps of advancing into a region of a patient's lung via said patient's trachea a multi-lumen catheter lumen through a bronchoscope; and co-administering, through the multi-lumen catheter, a first mixture comprising a first amount of a polymer containing a plurality of pendent hydroxyl groups; a second mixture comprising a second amount of a crosslinker; and a third mixture comprising a third amount of a sclerosing agent; thereby forming a hydrogel in said region. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein are intended for use in the treatment of patients with emphysema of the lung.