Abstract: The invention relates to methods for eliciting an immune response to an immunogen, and in particular, to such methods using polymersomes as carriers for immunogen.

Abstract: This invention refers to photo-crosslinked hydrogel materials based in gellan gum suitable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications or as drug delivery systems. Formulations of gellan gum with different degrees of acylation serve as precursor material for insertion of a polymerizable moiety. The materials are capable of free radical polymerization with a photo-initiator at mild temperatures and exposure to ultraviolet light, enabling control of reticulation and withstanding the encapsulation of human and animal cells and/or drugs, and any combination thereof. The physicochemical and biological properties can be adjusted by combining different formulations of gellan gum and reaction conditions.

Abstract: Provided are a polyrotaxane capable of using an aqueous solvent in a fabricating process although it has hydrophobicity, an aqueous composition having the polyrotaxane, a crosslinked body comprising the polyrotaxane, etc. The polyrotaxane comprises blocking groups located at both ends of a pseudo-polyrotaxane having cyclic molecules and a linear molecule which pierces the cavities of the cyclic molecules in a skewered manner to form a clathrate therewith so as not to detach the cyclic molecules, wherein the cyclic molecules have a group represented by Formula I, a group represented by Formula II and a group represented by Formula III. Incidentally, M represents, for example, a group derived from ring-opening polymerization of ?-caprolactone or the like, A represents a hydroxy group or the like, B represents a —COOH group or the like, and C represents A and/or B: -M-A??Formula I; -M-B??Formula II; and —C??Formula III.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

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: A refinish coating composition is provided comprising: a) at least one refinish coating resin; b) at least one solvent; c) at least one pigment; d) optionally, at least one crosslinking agent; e) at least one cellulose mixed ester having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) greater than 10,000 and f) at least one low molecular weight cellulose mixed ester. In addition, processes for coating the refinish coating composition on a substrate are also provided.

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: A method of preparing colored UV-curable artificial nail gel compositions comprising dispersing a pigment in an organic liquid to form a pigment concentrate and mixing the pigment concentrate with a polyfunctional acrylic monomer and/or a polyfunctional acrylic oligomer, and the resultant highly colored artificial nail gel are disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a polymerizable fluorine-containing compound useful for producing a treated substrate having a hydrophilic region and a water repellent region, of which the contrast is high on its surface, without requiring a special apparatus, high energy light, or irradiation with light for a long time. A polymerizable fluorine-containing compound, which is a derivative of a polyhydric alcohol and comprises at least one following structure (A) and at least one following structure (B) in its molecule: structure (A): a structure wherein a compound having a fluoroalkyl group and a carboxyl group is bonded to one hydroxyl group of a polyhydric alcohol by an ester linkage, structure (B): a structure wherein a compound having an ethylenic double bond and a carboxyl group is bonded to one hydroxyl group of a polyhydric alcohol by an ester linkage or a structure wherein a compound having an ethylenic double bond and an isocyanate group is bonded to one hydroxyl group of a polyhydric alcohol by a urethane bond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopolymer-modified nanocarrier in which chitosan is bound to a water-soluble biocompatible polymer that has been crosslinked via a photo-crosslinkable functional group; wherein the chitosan-modified nanocarrier has a diameter which changes in accordance with changes in temperature, has enhanced skin permeability or cellular uptake and selective delivery to cancer tissue as compared with a bare nanocarrier to which chitosan has not been bound, and exhibits characteristics that are advantageous in photothermal therapy. The chitosan-modified nanocarrier of the present invention exhibits highly superior efficacy as a transdermal carrier, since the skin permeability is enhanced to a significant level as compared with a bare nanocarrier that has no chitosan.

Abstract: This invention relates to biomaterial compositions, methods and kits for producing hydrogels with tunable physico-chemical properties. Specifically, the invention relates to producing cellulosic hydrogels having optimized physico-chemical properties enabling support of cell growth or as replacement or filler for tissue repair, reconstruction or augmentation.

Abstract: A material which comprises a polyrotaxane and a polymer and is crosslinked by irradiation with light. In the material, which comprises a first polyrotaxane and a polymer, the first polyrotaxane comprises a first cyclic molecules, a first linear molecule with which the first cyclic molecules are clathrated in a splitted state, and first blocking groups disposed respectively at both ends of the first linear molecule so as to prevent the first cyclic molecules from being released from the first linear molecule. The first polyrotaxane combines with at least part of the polymer through the first cyclic molecules by photocrosslinking reaction.

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: A transparent flexible film is provided, formed by curing a composition, comprising: about 40-75 parts by weight of a clay; about 15-45 parts by weight of a water-soluble polymer; about 1-10 parts by weight of a mono-functional acrylic oligomer of formula (I), wherein n1 is an integer 2-25, R1 is C1-10 alkyl or H, and R2 is H or CH3; and about 10-45 parts by weight of a bi-functional acrylic oligomer of formula (II), wherein n2 is an integer 3-50, R3 and R4 are H or CH3.

Abstract: This invention relates to a durable layer for in-mold decoration. The durable layer is formed from a composition comprising (i) a thermally crosslinkable and photochemically or radically graftable polymer, (ii) a non-ethylenical thermal crosslinker, and (iii) a radiation curable multifunctional monomer or oligomer. The durable layer of the present invention has excellent surface quality with a wider geometric tolerance and can be formed at low cost.

Abstract: This invention provides a water-soluble macromonomer having terminal unsaturation obtained by polymerization of monomers in the presence of inclusion complex of chain transfer agent in aqueous system. Hydrophobic chain transfer agent AMSD forms an inclusion complex with methylated cyclodextrin. The complexation enhances its solubility in water and enables the polymerization of water-soluble monomers in aqueous medium. After polymerization cyclodextrin is removed and the macromer with terminal unsaturation obtained can be used further for copolymerization with any vinyl monomer.

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: The present invention is directed to methods and materials for producing complements and reproductions of a master, including such preparation in a high throughput setting, using, inter-alia, liquid supramolecular nanostamping (LiSuNS).

Abstract: Coating compositions are disclosed that include a film-forming resin, a colorant, a long chain alkyl group containing polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated compound, and a diluent. Also disclosed are substrates at least partially coated with such compositions, substrates at least partially coated with a multi-layer composite coating comprising at least one coating layer deposited from such compositions, and methods for improving the adhesion of a multi-layer composite coating system to a porous substrate.

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: The present invention is directed to phosphorus containing (or “halogen free”) flame retardant photoimagable compositions useful as a coverlay material in a flexible electronic circuitry package. These compositions are generally photosensitive and comprise phosphorus containing acrylates and phosphorus-containing photo-initiators mixed with a polymer binder. The compositions of the present invention typically comprise elemental phosphorus in an amount between, and including, any two of the following numbers 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.8 and 6.0 weight percent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to superabsorbent polymer particles with improved surface cross-linking and their use in absorbent articles. The superabsorbent polymer particles of the present invention comprise polymer chain segments, wherein at least a part of the polymer chain segments are covalently cross-linked to each other and wherein at least a part of the cross-links comprise the reaction product of cross-linking molecules having at least two C?C double bonds and further comprise the reaction product of radical former molecules. These cross-links are present at surfaces of the superabsorbent polymer particles. Moreover, the invention relates a method for making these superabsorbent polymer particles.

Abstract: A material which comprises a polyrotaxane and a polymer and is crosslinked by irradiation with light. In the material, which comprises a first polyrotaxane and a polymer, the first polyrotaxane comprises a first cyclic molecules, a first linear molecule with which the first cyclic molecules are clathrated in a splitted state, and first blocking groups disposed respectively at both ends of the first linear molecule so as to prevent the first cyclic molecules from being released from the first linear molecule. The first polyrotaxane combines with at least part of the polymer through the first cyclic molecules by photocrosslinking reaction.

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: A method for forming a cured product includes applying a photocurable composition to a base and irradiating the photocurable composition with light from a light source to cure the photocurable composition. The light source is at least one of a fluorescent lamp and a light-emitting diode. The photocurable composition contains a dendritic polymer, a polymerizable compound containing active hydrogen, a photopolymerization initiator, and a hindered amine light stabilizer.

Abstract: A simultaneous two-photon absorption three-dimensional recording material includes at least one kind of dye having at least one polymerizable group.

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: 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: The problem of misting in printing inks may be cured by using as the oligomer in an energy-curable printing ink a radiation-curable acrylate-modified aminoamide resin which is the Michael addition product of a polyol ester having at least two (meth)acrylate ester groups with an aminoamide thermoplastic polymer, the aminoamide thermoplastic polymer being the reaction product of a polyamine with an acid component which comprises a polymerised unsaturated fatty acid and a C2-C22 fatty acid, from 1 to 25% of the acid functionality forming the aminoamide polymer being said C2-C22 fatty acid, the resin being liquid at 25° C.

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 siloxane monomer containing a trifluorovinylether group and a sol-gel hybrid polymer prepared using the monomer, more particularly to siloxane monomer with novel structure prepared by reacting alkoxychlorosilane with a Grignard reagent containing a trifluorovinylether (—OC2F3) group, a method of preparing the same and a sol-gel hybrid polymer containing a perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB) group prepared from sol-gel reaction using said siloxane monomer containing a trifluorovinylether group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymeric compositions that exhibit Reverse Thermal Gelation (RTG) properties for use as Support Materials (SM) in the manufacture of three-dimensional objects. These polymers are Temperature Sensitive Polymers that respond with a significant change of properties to a small change in temperature. Temperature Sensitive Polymers exhibit cloud point (CP) or lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in aqueous solutions. Water-soluble Temperature Sensitive Polymers are chosen to give low viscosity liquid at low temperature when dissolved in water and by that to permit easy dispensing at low temperature. Raising the temperature above their gelation temperature (Tgel) will result in solidification of the composition. At its gel position the material has favorable characteristics as a support and building material. The gel layers have the appropriate toughness and dimensional stability to support the model layers during the building process.

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: A method of depolymerizing galactomannan-type polysaccharide polymers and xanthan, preferably galactomannans, to a pre-selected lower molecular weight by irradiation with high energy electron beams. The preferred galactomannans for treatment according to this method are guar gum, guar splits and hydroxypropyl guar. In a preferred embodiment the guar gum is depolymerized preferably to a molecular weight of about 150,000 Daltons to about 200,000 Daltons. The depolymerized guar has a polydispersity of less than about 3.0 and is useful in oil well fracturing to enhance oil production.

Abstract: Anti-glare film including anti-glare layer. The anti-glare film is obtained by coating or casting a liquid compositions containing a polymer, a curable resin precursor, and a solvent on a transparent plastic film, evaporating the solvent, forming a phase separation structure by spinodal decomposition, and curing the curable resin precursor by irradiation with light. The disclosed anti-glare film prevents reflection of surrounding scenery and dazzle in a display surface.

Abstract: A method for the production of a cross-linked support matrix that in form of a bed will permit liquid flow velocities above 5 cm/h, preferably above 50 cm/h, to pass through the bed. The method is characterized in that it comprises the steps: (a) providing a starting support matrix that has pendent unsaturated groups, and (b) subjecting said starting support matrix to electron beam or gamma-ray irradiation. The use of a cross-linked support matrix produced by a method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starting support matrix that has pendent unsaturated groups, and (b) subjecting said starting support matrix to electron beam or gamma-ray irradiation as a support matrix in liquid chromatography, cell culturing, step-wise solid phase synthesis of organic compounds, running catalytic reactions by the use of a solid phase bound catalyst.

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: The present invention relates to water soluble radiation activatable polymer resin formulations which are suitable to modify the absorption properties of fibrous materials and the polymer obtained by such radiation activatable polymer resins and the method of preparing such polymer. Fibrous materials made with radiation activatable resin formulations according to this invention are especially suitable for use in disposable absorbent articles.

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: New polymers and new anti-reflective compositions containing such polymers are provided. The compositions comprise a polymer (e.g., epoxy cresol novolac resins) bonded with a chromophore (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, trimellitic anhydride). The inventive compositions can be applied to substrates (e.g., silicon wafers) to form anti-reflective coating layers having high etch rates which minimize or prevent reflection during subsequent photoresist exposure and developing.