Abstract: A process for producing a cross-linked crystallized protein complex, which comprises: a first step of concentrating a crude protein derived from an animal or plant; a second step of encapsulating the protein in a gel, to thereby allow the protein to undergo air oxidation, and then extracting a protein complex from the gel; a third step of allowing the extracted protein complex to undergo crystallization and precipitation; and a fourth step of cross-linking the precipitated protein complex. Alternatively, by use of a fifth step of drying (FD) the obtained crosslinked crystallized protein complex, to thereby form a powder. As a result, there is provided an enzyme which is stable at room temperature storage, and has an activity in catalyzing an asymmetric oxidation reaction. That is, there is provided a useful material which enables an efficient enzyme-mimetic reaction under a mild condition.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for site-specific modification of proteins by incorporation of an aldehyde tag. Enzymatic modification at a sulfatase motif of the aldehyde tag through action of a formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE) generates a formylglycine (FGly) residue. The aldehyde moiety of FGly residue can be exploited as a chemical handle for site-specific attachment of a moiety of interest to a polypeptide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydrogel composition and methods of using the same. The hydrogel composition may include precursors that react with each other upon contact as well as precursors that react upon contact with an initiator. In embodiments, the resulting hydrogels may have varying levels of crosslinking with both denser and less dense regions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of: treating an organic polymer with an electron beam-generated plasma; exposing the treated polymer to air or an oxygen- and hydrogen-containing gas, generating hydroxyl groups on the surface of the polymer; reacting the surface with an organosilane compound having a chloro, fluoro, or alkoxy group and a functional or reactive group that is less reactive with the surface than the chloro, fluoro, or alkoxy group; and covalently immobilizing a biomolecule to the functional or reactive group or a reaction product thereof.

Abstract: A flexographic printing ink for use in a flexographic printing process with wet on wet capability, comprising a polymer and a combination of liquids comprising radiation curable monomers and/or oligomers, diluents, colorants, additives, and photoinitiators, the components having the Hansen Solubility Parameters adjusted to generate an ink with a capability to form a gel having the required physical characteristics, and that is in a liquid form in the presence of a small quantity of non reactive solvent, or is brought to a liquid state during the printing process. The disclosure is also directed to a flexographic printing process with wet on wet capability based on controlled polymer or polymer segment precipitation that leads to gel formation of ink compounds by controlling the solubility parameter of the ink system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual crosslinked biodegradable polymer and methods of making and using the polymer. The dual crosslinked biodegradable polymer composition includes a multifunctional monomer; a diol; and an unsaturated di-acid at least partially polymerized to form a network and photocrosslinked into a dual crosslinked polymer network.

Abstract: A resin includes: an acrylate; and a curing agent to cure the acrylate. The resin is adapted to adhere to a degradable material selected from the group consisting of polylactic polymer (PLA), polyhydroxyalkonate (PHA), poly 3 hydroxybutrate co 3 hydroxyhexanote (PHBH), and paper. The curing agent includes a photoinitiator or a sensitizer that, when cured, form a hard coat when the resin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation or an electron beam.

Abstract: Described herein are modified gelatins or the pharmaceutically-acceptable salts or esters thereof comprising at least one actinically crosslinkable group covalently bonded to gelatin. The modified gelatins are useful in producing composites that ultimately can be used to produce three-dimensional engineered biological constructs. The composites are the polymerization product between the modified gelatin and at least one actinically crosslinkable macromolecule. Methods for making the modified gelatins are also described herein.

Abstract: A radiation curable biobased coating, such as a UV/EB curable biobased coating, for flooring applications includes a biobased component comprising renewable and/or biobased materials. The biobased component is selected from the group consisting of a biobased resin, a biobased polyol acrylate, or a biobased polyol. The biobased component is blended with a coating formula. The coating formula includes at least one initiator. The radiation curable biobased coating contains at least about 5% weight of renewable materials or biobased content.

Abstract: Provided are substantially flat membranes that include a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein, such as Aquaporin-Z, or a synthetic mimic of such proteins. Also provided are methods of removing contaminants from a liquid, by contacting the liquid with a substantially flat membrane that includes a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic thereof. Also provided are methods of making such membranes. Further provided are compositions that include at least one active ingredient and vesicles surrounding the active ingredient, where the vesicles include a block or graft copolymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic surrounding the active ingredient. Also provided are methods that include administering such compositions to patients.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for site-specific modification of proteins by incorporation of an aldehyde tag. Enzymatic modification at a sulfatase motif of the aldehyde tag through action of a formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE) generates a formylglycine (FGly) residue. The aldehyde moiety of FGly residue can be exploited as a chemical handle for site-specific attachment of a moiety of interest to a polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin composition for optical components, which is an ultraviolet-curable transparent resin composition used as a material for an optical component, in which the resin composition includes (A) an epoxy resin having two or more epoxy groups in one molecule thereof, (B) an oxetane compound having one or more oxetanyl groups in one molecule thereof and (C) a photo-acid generator, and in which the component (C) is contained in an amount of 0.01 to 2.0 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of a total amount of the components (A) and (B). The present invention also relates to an optical component obtained by using the resin composition for optical components, and a production method thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a molecularly imprinted structure for detection of a pentraxin protein and a method for preparing the same by synthesizing a reactive group-pentraxin protein ligand complex specifically reacting with the pentraxin protein and being polymerizable with a crosslink agent to detect a pentraxin protein by using the complex. The present disclosure also provides a chip for detection of a C-reactive protein and a method for preparing the same, the chip including a molecularly imprinted layer having excellent sensitivity to a C-reactive protein and an improved binding force to a metal substrate by using click chemistry.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for site-specific modification of proteins by incorporation of an aldehyde tag. Enzymatic modification at a sulfatase motif of the aldehyde tag through action of a formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE) generates a formylglycine (FGly) residue. The aldehyde moiety of FGly residue can be exploited as a chemical handle for site-specific attachment of a moiety of interest to a polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention is related to preparation of photosensitive ruthenium based aminoacid monomers and oligomers, aminoacid monomer-protein cross-linking using photo sensitat ion and conjugation on micro and nano-structures by ruthenium-chelate based monomers. Its vast range biotechnolgy applications of multifunctional, biocompatible, stabilE and specific micro and nanobio-conjugates, which will stand-alone or simultaneously enable (i) both purification and determination, (ii) both targeting and imaging and theranostics and (iii) catalysis and determination. The construction and method of preparation is applicable to silica materials, superparamagnetic particles, QDs, CNTs, Ag/Au nanoparticles and Au surfaces and polymeric materials. The photosensitive aminoacid monomer linkers can react via chemically and biocompatible to a lot of different micro and nano-surface and then to the protein when they act as a single-step cross-linking reaction using irradiation.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for site-specific modification of proteins by incorporation of an aldehyde tag. Enzymatic modification at a sulfatase motif of the aldehyde tag through action of a formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE) generates a formylglycine (FGly) residue. The aldehyde moiety of FGly residue can be exploited as a chemical handle for site-specific attachment of a moiety of interest to a polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual crosslinked biodegradable polymer and methods of making and using the polymer. The dual crosslinked biodegradable polymer composition includes a multifunctional monomer; a diol; and an unsaturated di-acid at least partially polymerized to form a network and photocrosslinked into a dual crosslinked polymer network.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of: treating an organic polymer with an electron beam-generated plasma; exposing the treated polymer to air or an oxygen- and hydrogen-containing gas, generating hydroxyl groups on the surface of the polymer; reacting the surface with an organosilane compound having a chloro, fluoro, or alkoxy group and a functional or reactive group that is less reactive with the surface than the chloro, fluoro, or alkoxy group; and covalently immobilizing a biomolecule to the functional or reactive group or a reaction product thereof.

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 polymeric surfactant formed by the reaction of an oligomeric or polymeric substrate with at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, wherein the reaction is conducted in the presence of a type II photo initiator and by the action of actinic radiation. The polymeric surfactant is useful for stabilising the interface in emulsions or dispersions.

Abstract: A method of surface cross-linking superabsorbent polymer particles using UV irradiation is provided. The method is carried out in a so-called drum reactor, which comprises a hollow drum and an irradiation source. The drum has a longitudinal axis and a cross-section. Superabsorbent polymer particles are fed into the drum and are irradiated while they move within the drum, which is rotated around its longitudinal axis. The irradiation source is provided such that the radiation emitted by the irradiation source is able to reach superabsorbent polymer particles within said drum. The irradiation source for use in the method is able to emit UV radiation of a wavelength between about 100 nm and about 200 nm.

Abstract: A method of surface cross-linking superabsorbent polymer particles using UV irradiation is provided. The method is carried out in a so-called drum reactor, which comprises a hollow drum and an irradiation source. The drum has a longitudinal axis and a cross-section. Radical former molecules are applied on the surface of superabsorbent polymer particles. These superabsorbent polymer particles are fed into the drum and are irradiated while they move within the drum, which is rotated around its longitudinal axis. The irradiation source is provided such that the radiation emitted by the irradiation source is able to reach superabsorbent polymer particles within said drum. The irradiation source for use in the method is able to emit UV radiation of a wavelength between about 201 nm and about 400 nm.

Abstract: Plasma treated cyclic polyolefin copolymer surfaces having enhanced binding density for binding biologically active agents and cells are provided. These plasma treated cyclic polyolefin copolymer surfaces may be further enhanced for binding biologically active agents or cells by the application of conjugates. Methods of making and characterizing treated polymer surfaces are also provided.

Abstract: Chemically cross-linked polymeric particles are formed using mechanical rather than chemical processes, facilitating production of small-diameter particles in a manner largely independent of the viscosity or density of the polymer. For example, an uncross-linked resin may be provided in particulate form, agglomerated, and compressed into a mass of a desired shape with a desired diameter, and subsequently cross-linked.

Abstract: Polymer particles are irradiated with radiation from a high energy source to increase the water or other fluid absorbency of the particles. Products manufactured using the activated particles include protective undergarments, bandages, kitty litter, and spill clean up materials.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species, which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric nanoparticles and nanogels, which can contain, deliver, and/or release one or more active agents, such as biologically active molecules or fragrance molecules, and methods of preparing the polymeric nanoparticles and nanogels. The nanoparticles are crosslinked utilizing radiation (g-radiation) as the catalyst for free radical polymerization (see FIG. 1) rather than by toxic chemical means. The nanoparticles and nanogels can be modified, without limitation, with hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or ionic groups or moieties. or with enzymes. Methods of preparing nanoparticles and nanogels containing or encapsulating a variety of molecules, including biologically active molecules and fragrance molecules, are provided.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of using the compositions, and solid freeform fabrication (SFF) systems for producing three-dimensional objects are disclosed. One exemplary composition, among others, includes a basic component, an acidic component, at least one monoacrylate component, a light sensitive initiator, and a polar binder. A polymerization reaction between the at least one monoacrylate component and the light sensitive initiator occurs upon exposure to optical energy. The polar binder includes a viscosity modifier and a surface tension modifier. The polar binder is capable of stimulating a crosslinking reaction between the basic component and the acidic component.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species, which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition for dental, orthopedic and drug delivery purpose. Specifically, it relates to composition comprising an admixture of a resorbable bone substitute and a crosslinkable prepolymer. It also relates to the composition formed by crosslinking the admixture.

Abstract: Chemically cross-linked polymeric particles are formed using mechanical rather than chemical processes, facilitating production of small-diameter particles in a manner largely independent of the viscosity or density of the polymer. For example, an uncross-linked resin may be provided in particulate form, agglomerated, and compressed into a mass of a desired shape with a desired diameter, and subsequently cross-linked.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to compositions and systems for forming biomaterials containing a transient colorant for visualizing tissue or surgical materials coated with such biomaterials, to methods of using such compositions as bioadhesives, for tissue augmentation, in the prevention of surgical adhesions, for coating surfaces of synthetic implants, as drug delivery matrices, for ophthalmic applications, and in other applications.

Abstract: Polymer particles are irradiated with radiation from a high energy source to increase the water or other fluid absorbency of the particles. Products manufactured using the activated particles include protective undergarments, bandages, kitty litter, and spill clean up materials.

Abstract: Chemically cross-linked polymeric particles are formed using mechanical rather than chemical processes, facilitating production of small-diameter particles in a manner largely independent of the viscosity or density of the polymer. For example, an uncross-linked resin may be provided in particulate form, agglomerated, and compressed into a mass of a desired shape with a desired diameter, and subsequently cross-linked.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens made from a crosslinkable polymer containing H-active groups bonded to the oligomer or polymer backbone, some or all of whose hydrogen atoms have been substituted by radicals of a N-hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylamide. The lens transmits at least 70% of visible light.

Abstract: A composition providing electrically conductive adhesive hydrogels suitable for use as skin contact adhesives and, particularly, suitable for use as an electrical interface for disposable medical devices. The present hydrogels provide for reduced skin irritation and/or malodor properties, hydrate a subject's skin, readily wet around a subject's skin surface hair, and protect against burning of a subject upon or due to electrical stimulation through the hydrogel. These hydrogels generally include a monomer, a first initiator, a solubilizer, and a cross-linking agent. The present hydrogels also desirably include a buffer system to help prevent discoloration of the hydrogels and/or hydrolysis of the hydrogels as well as to improve shelf-life. Other additives such as conductivity enhancers, pharmaceuticals, humectants, plasticizers, skin health agents, etc. may be added to the present hydrogels either before or after curing.

Abstract: The invention provides a decomposable resin composition, which is stable at the time of use and which quickly decomposes when discarded. According to the present invention, there is provided a resin composition comprising an agent generating an acid or a base upon response to light or heat together with a hydrolyzable and biodegradable resin. The decomposable resin composition can promote decomposition of the polymer by generating an acid or a base in the resin by carrying out light irradiation and/or a heat treatment at a desired time and can control the decomposition speed of the polymer by controlling the generation amount of an acid or a base.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species, which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of molded particles for enzyme- or microbial cell-immobilization which is characterized in that: an aqueous liquid composition which comprises: (A) an unsaturated group-containing urethane resin which is obtained by making a compound (a) having one hydroxyl group and one epoxy group in a molecule react with a compound (b) having one carboxyl group and one ethylenically unsaturated group in a molecule, and further making thus obtained unsaturated group-containing diol (c) react with polyisocyanate compound (d); (B) a polymerization initiator; and (C) water-soluble macromolecular polysaccharides which are capable of gelation by contact with metal ion; is gelatinized, in an aqueous medium which contains metal ion, to be particulate gel, which is then subjected to photopolymerization and/or thermopolymerization by which to cause the crosslinking reaction of ethylenically unsaturated group in said particulate gel.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified naturally occurring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin made by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical properties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: Aqueous storage-stable, non-sedimenting photoinitiator suspensions comprising (a) a mono- or bis-acylphosphine oxide of formula (I), wherein R1 is C1-C20alkyl; C2-C20alkyl interrupted by one or more O atoms; C1-C12alkoxy; phenyl-C1-C4alkyl; or phenyl that is unsubstituted or substituted by C1C20alkyl, C1-C12alkoxy, halogen, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, C2-C12alkenyl, C2-C18alkyl interrupted by one or more O atoms, and/or by phenyl-C1-C4alkyl; or R1 is biphenylyl; R2 is an aromatic radical or has one of the meanings give for R1; R3 and R4 are each independently of the other C1-C12alkyl, C1-C12alkoxy or halogen; and R5 is hydrogen, C1-C12alkyl, C1-C12alkoxy or halogen; (b) a dispersant; and (c) water are suitable especially in the photopolymerisation of aqueous formulations comprising ethylenically unsaturated monomers.

Abstract: Membranes made from amphiphilic copolymers are disclosed. The amphiphilic copolymers can be ABA copolymers, where one of A and B is hydrophilic and the other is hydrophobic. The copolymers may be crosslinked to form more stable structures. Crosslinking can be accomplished using a variety of methods, including end to end polymerization of copolymers having terminal unsaturated groups. Molecules such as membrane proteins can be incorporated into the membrane to allow the transport there through of selected components.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of molded particles for microbial cell-immobilization which is characterized in that: an aqueous liquid composition which comprises: (a) an ethylenically unsaturated group-containing urethane resin which is obtained by making a tertiary amino group-containing diol react with a polyisocyanate compound, and by further introducing an ethylenically unsaturated group; (b) a polymerization initiator; and (c) water-soluble macromolecular polysaccharides; is gelatinized, in an aqueous medium which contains metal ion, to be particulate gel which is then subjected to photopolymerization and/or thermopolymerization by which to cause the crosslinking reaction of ethylenically unsaturated group in said particulate gel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying naturally occuring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical propserties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: Novel multifunctional unsaturated polyester polyols, UV-curable top coat formulations including these polyols, and a one-step process for preparing these polyols, are disclosed. Surface coverings and surface covering components including these top coat formulations are also disclosed. The polyols are generally formed by the ring opening polymerization of a lactone with a compound of the formula (R1)aR(OH)b, where a+b>2. R1 is a double bond-containing moiety such as allyl, vinyl, vinylidene, vinyl ether, acrylate, and the like. R is generally an alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, ether or ester group, including substituted versions thereof. R can be a polymer, including polymers with a plurality of functional groups. Examples of lactone groups which can be used include caprolactone, lactide and glycolide.

Abstract: Disclosed are hyaluronate-containing hydrogels having angiogenic and vascularizing activity and pre-gel blends for preparing the hydrogels. The hydrogels contain a cross-linked matrix of a non-angiogenic hyaluronate and a derivatized polysaccharide material, in which cross-linking is effected by free-radical polymerization. Kits for preparing the hydrogels are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying naturally occuring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical propserties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the parallel and combinatory synthesis of compounds bound to a continuous polymeric solid phase supporting material. According to the method, a continuous polymeric solid phase supporting material is prepared, the material comprising a matrix of a supporting polymeric material and graft copolymer chains covalently bound to the supporting matrix, the graft copolymer chains having reactive groups being able to react with organic compounds, thereby forming spatially defined reaction sites. The method then comprises the sequential spotting of synthesis building blocks or reagents at the various reaction sites on the continuous solid phase supporting material to yield a substrate library of compounds bound to the solid phase supporting material, whereby each reaction site on the continuous solid phase supporting material determines the composition of the synthesized compound, which is bound directly on the supporting matrix via the reactive groups of the graft polymer chain.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: Methods of forming polymer particles in situ from polymer precursors such as monomers or oligomers, comprising exposing a composition comprising at least one polymer precursor, a solvent or solvent mixture, and an antisolvent or antisolvent mixture to photoradiation under conditions whereby particles are formed are provided. The polymer precursor may be photosensitive, or a separate polymerization initiator may be used. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer precursor is insoluble in the antisolvent or antisolvent mixture and the solvent or solvent mixture is soluble in the antisolvent or antisolvent mixture at the concentrations used. Polymer particles comprising a polymer and a bioactive material are also provided. The polymer may be erodable, and the polymer particles formed may be used in a variety of applications, including controlled release of bioactive materials such as drugs.