Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising silicone adhesives and one or more absorbent fillers such as hydrocolloids is disclosed. The adhesive composition is particularly well suited for use in negative pressure wound therapies.

Abstract: A method and device for use in stress female urinary incontinence. A small, flexible adhesive patch is applied directly to the clitoris of a person suffering from stress female urinary incontinence. The adhesive is of a type sufficient to stimulate the mechanoreceptors located in the clitoris whereby to inhibit discharge from the bladder. The patch is formed of a backing sheet of an impervious material containing adhesive on one side. A release liner prevents the adhesive from drying out.

Abstract: An aliphatic polyester polymer for stent coating is described.

Abstract: Described is the use of polymers with a high refractive index for ophthalmic products and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: Articles with enhanced tensile strength and comfort are prepared from a latex comprising water and a styrenic block copolymer, wherein the styrenic block copolymer has 2 or more poly(vinyl aromatic) blocks and at least one block of polymerized conjugated diene wherein the styrenic block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 150,000 to 250,000, the poly(vinyl aromatic) blocks have a weight average molecular weight ranging from 9,000 to 15,000, and the content of poly(vinylaromatic) blocks in the styrenic block copolymer ranges from 8 to 15% wt, based on the total styrenic block copolymer, by a process which comprises coating a surface with the latex to obtain a film, wherein the latex comprises a vulcanising agent. The invention also provides a latex comprising such a styrenic block copolymer and a vulcanising agent, as well as a styrenic block copolymer that is particularly suitable for use in such a latex.

Abstract: Biodegradable materials are formed by mixing together two or more materials which have different resorption times and different mechanical characteristics. Devices formed of these materials can be used in mammals in numerous medical and surgical applications, including those for which the mechanical properties of the device, left in vivo, much change over time.

Abstract: Epilatory compositions may be formed from: 40 to 80 wt % water; 5 to 30 wt % of a mixture of at least one polyvinyl alcohol and at least one polyvinyl alcohol copolymer; 1 to 15 wt % plasticizer, where the plasticizer is a linear or branched composition having from 3 to 15 wt % OH; and up to 40 wt % of one or more additives. Pore strip, keratonic plug removal, and other cosmetic applications may be formed from a similar composition, where the plasticizer is a linear, cyclic, or branched composition having greater than 25 wt % OH; and up to 40 wt % of one or more additives. The adhesive properties of the formulations may be tailored, where a low OH content may result in increased adhesion relative to plasticizers having a high OH content.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polymerizable composition capable of providing antimicrobial properties to ophthalmic and medical devices relatively inexpensively with ease, and an antimicrobial composition obtained by polymerizing the polymerizable composition. A polymerizable composition for ophthalmic or medical use comprising an epsilon-polylysine having (meth)acryloyl group is provided. The content of the epsilon-polylysine having (meth)acryloyl group in the polymerizable composition is preferably about 0.1 to 99% by weight, based on the whole amount of the composition. A coating agent for ophthalmic or medical use comprising the above polymerizable composition, an antimicrobial composition for ophthalmic or medical use obtained by polymerizing the above polymerizable composition, an ophthalmic or medical device comprising the antimicrobial composition, and a contact lens comprising the antimicrobial composition are also provided.

Abstract: Processes for converting lignocellulose to feedstock and downstream products are disclosed. The processes may include acid treatment of lignocellulose to produce a fermentation feedstock. In various instances, the processes include recovery or recycling of acid, such as recovery of hydrochloric acid from concentrated and/or dilute streams. Downstream products may include acrylic acid-based products such as diapers, paper and paper-based products, ethanol, biofuels such as biodiesel and fuel additives, and detergents.

Abstract: The invention is directed to latent reactive and polymerizable derivatives of fluorescent stilbene-based compounds. The compounds can be used to provide articles with a fluorescence property, such as medical devices (e.g., catheters). The fluorescent compounds can be used in association with polymers, or can be incorporated into polymers, and the polymers used in a coating composition on the article surface. The compounds allow for visual or machine inspection of coating properties such as uniformity of coverage.

Abstract: The invention consists of a rapidly crosslinkable, two-component silicone elastomer together with a specially designed tray that serves as a form for the silicone resin and forms an integral portion of a dental appliance.

Abstract: A polymer comprising a phosphoryl choline moiety(ies), a composition comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, an implantable device such as a DES or a non-implantable device such as an angioplasty balloon comprising thereon a coating comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, and a method of using the device for the treatment of a disorder in a human being are provided.

Abstract: An elastomeric article comprising at least one elastomer and precipitated calcium carbonate particles, wherein the sphere equivalent particle size of said precipitated calcium carbonate particles is less than 1.0 ?m. The elastomeric article is preferably produced using a latex dipping process, and is particularly suitable for use as a glove, a condom, or a balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a new class of hydrolysable isocyanates, hydrolysable branched polyols and branched absorbable polyesters and polyurethanes prepared therefrom. The resultant absorbable polymers are useful for drug delivery, stents, highly porous foam, reticulated foam, tissue engineering, tissue adhesives, adhesion prevention, bone wax formulations, medical device coatings, surface modifying agents and other implantable medical devices. In addition, these absorbable polymers can have a controlled hydrolytic degradation profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible polymer composition for use in biomedical applications comprising a base molecule, a linker molecule and at least one initiator compound, said base molecule having at least two differing functionalities, and said linker molecule having a functionality reactive with at least one functionality of said base molecule, the first of said at least two functionalities of said base molecule enabling a first curing stage of said polymer composition by reaction with said linker molecule, and the second and any further functionality of said base molecule enabling second and further curing stages of said polymer composition, said first, second and any further curing stages being capable of activation simultaneously or independently of each other as required.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical, health care and non-medical devices comprising a rubbery or elastomeric polymer material taking up more than 5% by weight of water and at most 500% by weight of water after immersion in demineralized water at room temperature for a sufficient time to reach saturation. The material may be in the form of a foam, or in the form of a coating adapted for adhesion to a substrate, or in the form of a sheet, or in the form of a fiber, and may comprise: —repeating units from one or more hydrophobic organic monomers, and —repeating units from one or more monomers (a) being modified with one or more hydrophilic side groups.

Abstract: A method of improving the mechanical properties of polymers is described. The method involves heat treating the polymer at a temperature below the glass transition temperature in a wet or in a dry environment. Polymer articles capable of moisture uptake in humid environments, as well as polymer articles less susceptible to moisture uptake, have improved mechanical properties, particularly improved stress relaxation behavior and set properties, when treated in accord with the heat treatment method.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a protective layer for protecting skin and tissues in a vicinity of the skin includes the steps of: forming a mixture comprising approximately 15% of dimethyl-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity greater than 20,000 mPa·s, approximately 25% of dimethyl-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity between 200 and 20,000 mPa·s, approximately 45% of trimethyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, approximately 12% of trimethylsiloxy-treated pyrogenic silica, and approximately 3% of dimethyl-hydrogen-terminated co-polydimethylsiloxane-polymethyl-hydrogen-siloxane; polymerizing at least partially the mixture to obtain a polymer gel; and forming the protective layer using the polymer gel. The polymer gel has, at a temperature of 35° C.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions are described comprising a biocompatible polymer including a biodegradable linkage to a visualization agent and a non-physiological pH solution; wherein the biocompatible polymer is soluble in the non-physiological pH solution and insoluble at a physiological pH. Methods of forming the solutions and polymers are disclosed as well as methods of therapeutic use.

Abstract: A transparent lacquer composition that can be used as a protective and gloss lacquer for surface coating is described. The lacquer composition can be a dental material and a method for preparing a lacquer composition is also described. Also described are novel polymerizable monomers comprising at least one polyalicyclic structure element and certain ethylenic structure elements that are particularly suitable for use in a lacquer composition.

Abstract: Certain novel polymerizable phosphoric acid derivatives (hereinafter referred to as monomers) comprising a polyalicyclic structure element, mixtures comprising one or a plurality of these compounds and corresponding curable blends and products as well as their respective use as a dental material or for the preparation of a dental material are described. The compounds are eminently suitable as bonding agents, in particular in dental adhesive materials. A process for preparing these compounds or mixtures and a method for preparing a product, preferably a product suitable for dentistry, are also described.

Abstract: High radiopacity is achieved in a polymeric marker by combining a polymeric resin, a powdered radiopaque agent having uniformly shaped particles of a specific particle size distribution and a wetting agent. The method to produce the marker calls for the blending and pelletization of these materials followed by extrusion onto support beading. The resulting supported tubing is subsequently cut to length with the beading still in place. After ejection of the beading remnant the marker is slipped into place on the device to be marked and attached by melt bonding. Marking of a guidewire allows lesions to be measured while the marking of balloon catheters allow the balloon to be properly positioned relative to a lesion.

Abstract: Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, the coatings including block-polymers comprising at least one poly(hydroxyacid) or poly(hydroxy-alkanoate) block, at least one block of a biologically compatible polymer and at least one type of linking moiety.

Abstract: Polycondensate, composition containing it, especially a nail varnish composition, and process for preparation. The polycondensate may be obtained by reacting: a polyol comprising 3 to 6 hydroxyl groups; a saturated or unsaturated non-aromatic monocarboxylic acid; an aromatic monocarboxylic acid containing 7 to 11 carbon atoms; and a saturated or unsaturated, or even aromatic, linear, branched and/or cyclic polycarboxylic acid, comprising at least two carboxylic groups COOH; and/or a cyclic anhydride of such a polycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: There is provided a mono-(meth)acrylate functionalized hydrophilic silicone monomers containing a polyether with branched linking group, useful in making water absorbing silicone-hydrogel films for contact lens applications. This invention also provides homo-polymers and copolymers made from the mono-(meth)acrylate functionalized hydrophilic silicone monomers described herein. Also provided is a process for producing the monomers and polymers described herein and contact lenses produced from the same.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to crosslinkable and crosslinked polyisobutylene-based polymers, to compositions that contain such polymers, and to medical devices that are formed using such polymers. According to one aspect, the present invention pertains to crosslinkable and crosslinked compositions that comprise a copolymer that comprises a polyisobutylene segment and two or more reactive groups. According to another aspect, the present invention pertains to medical devices that contain such compositions. According to another aspect, the present invention pertains to methods of making medical devices using such compositions.

Abstract: Novel bioabsorbable polymeric blends are disclosed. The blends have a first component that is a polylactide polymers or a copolymer of lactide and glycolide and a second component that is poly(p-dioxanone) polymer. The novel polymeric blends provide medical devices having dimensional stability. Also disclosed are novel bioabsorbable medical devices made from these novel polymer blends, as well as novel methods of manufacture.

Abstract: A prosthetic device made of a first specific type of polyarylene, taken alone or in combination with a second specific type of polyarylene, featuring some unexpected advantages such as a very high strength and stiffness, good elongation properties, high chemical resistance, good biocompatibility as well as an outstanding impact resistance.

Abstract: A material or biomaterial comprising silicic acid condensates with a low degree of crosslinking and methods of producing the same are subject matter of the present invention. A method of producing silicic acid structures having a low degree of crosslinking is disclosed, in which a sol is prepared, with further condensation being prevented if certain cross-linkages of the silicic acid are achieved, and wherein, preferably, structures with a size of 0.5-1000 nm are produced, e.g., polyhedral structures or aggregates of the same. Further condensation can be prevented by a chemical reaction of OH groups of the silicic acid condensates, e.g., by esterification or silylation. In one embodiment, the material primarily includes silicon dioxide (SiO2), in particular silicon dioxide that, because of its modification, e.g., by esterification, is nanostructured and has a low degree of crosslinking.

Abstract: The present application teaches a coating having a biologically compatible compound conjugated to, or blended with, a polymer, wherein the polymer includes at least one olefin-derived unit and at least one unit derived from a vinyl alcohol, an allyl alcohol, or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A thiol-ene polymeric material is disclosed. The material is produced by the photopolymerization of reactants having thiol and olefin moieties. The material can incorporate encapsulated components, including cells. Additionally, the material can be derivatized by reacting the polymeric material with components such as proteins.

Abstract: A method for making particles containing carboxyalkyl cellulose, comprising blending a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a starch in water to provide an aqueous gel; treating the aqueous gel with a crosslinking agent to provide a crosslinked gel; drying the crosslinked gel to provide a solid; comminuting the solid to provide a plurality of particles.

Abstract: A material or biomaterial comprising silicic acid condensates having a low degree of cross-linking, and methods for its production are subject-matter of the invention. A method for the production of silicic acid structures having a low degree of cross-linking is disclosed, wherein a sol is produced, wherein further condensation is prevented when specific cross-linking of the silicic acid is reached, wherein, preferably, structures having a size of 0.5-1000 nm are produced, e.g. polyhedral structures or aggregates of the same. Further condensation can be prevented by means of mixing with a polymer. In one embodiment, this comprises nano-structured, silicon dioxide (SiO2) having a low degree of cross-linking that is embedded in a polymer matrix. The material can be used in medicine for therapeutic purposes, and can enter into direct contact with biological tissue of the body in this connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer composites prepared from a host polymer and particles. Specifically, this invention is concerned with the organic modification of the particles. More specifically, the particles are organically modified with at least two organic modifiers that are different and have specific chemical and physical properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a silicone rubber-based curable composition with which a silicone rubber having excellent tensile strength and tear strength is obtained, a method for producing a silicone rubber using the silicone rubber-based curable composition, a silicone rubber, a molded article using the silicone rubber, and a tube for medical use formed from the molded article. The silicone rubber-based curable composition of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A), an organohydrogen polysiloxane (B), silica particles (C), a silane coupling agent (D), and platinum or a platinum compound (E).

Abstract: An adhesion inhibiting surgical barrier. The surgical barrier includes a wound-facing polymeric coating comprising an enteric polymer; and at least one flexible substrate, the at least one flexible substrate having at least one exterior surface, wherein the polymeric coating is applied to the at least one flexible substrate to substantially cover the at least one exterior surface thereof. A method of inhibiting the formation of adhesions in a patient who has undergone a surgical procedure and a method of repairing a gastric or duodenal perforation are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved hydrogel materials using water gellants that are comprised of polymer backbones P to which hydrogen bonding 4H-units are covalently attached via a hydrophobic linker L. Optionally, the hydrogel contains additional ingredients or additives. These new reversible hydrogels can easily be fine-tuned in their mechanical performance and function and are especially suitable for biomedical applications.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a biocompatible, covalently cross-linked, polymer that is obtained by reacting an electrophilically activated polyoxazoline (EL-POX) with a nucleophilic cross-linking agent, said electrophilically activated POX comprising m electrophilic groups; and said nucleophilic cross-linking agent comprising n nucleophilic groups, wherein the m electrophilic groups are capable of reaction with the n nucleophilic groups to form covalent bonds; wherein m?2, n?2 and m+n?5; wherein at least one of the m electrophilic groups is a pendant electrophilic group and/or wherein m?3; and wherein the EL-POX comprises an excess amount of electrophilic groups relative to the amount of nucleophilic groups contained in the nucleophilic cross-linking agent. The invention further relates to biocompatible medical products comprising such a cross-linked POX-polymer. Also provided is a kit for producing a biocompatible, cross-linked POX-polymer.

Abstract: The adhesive composition for soft tissues, the adhesive composition for wound dressing or the wound dressing agent composition of the present invention is an adhesive composition for soft tissues, an adhesive composition for wound dressing or a wound dressing agent composition, comprising a monomer (A), a polymer (B) and a polymerization initiator composition (C) containing an organoboron compound, and is characterized by having a viscosity of 0.4 to 75,000 cp within 30 seconds after mixing of the components (A), (B) and (C). The composition of the present invention not only has low toxicity, low harmfulness and high adhesive strength but also is excellent in workability during application and is capable of forming films of excellent properties.

Abstract: Dental compositions are described comprising an addition-fragmentation agent comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated terminal group and a backbone unit comprising an ?,?-unsaturated carbonyl; at least one monomer comprising at least two ethylenically unsaturated group; and inorganic oxide filler. The addition-fragmentation agent is preferably free-radically cleavable. The addition-fragmentation agent preferably comprises at least two ethylenically unsaturated terminal groups, such as (meth)acTylate groups. In some embodiments, the addition-fragmentation agent has the formula: wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently Zm, -Q-, a (hetero)alkyl group or a (hetero)aryl group with the proviso that at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is Zm-Q-; Q is a linking group have a valence of m+1; Z is an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group; m is 1 to 6; each X1 is independently —O— or —NR4—, where R4 is H or C1-C4 alkyl; and n is 0 or 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental composition having a) compound (A) with the following features: only one backbone unit (U) with 6 to 20 carbon atoms, at least 6 carbon atoms thereof forming an aromatic or an aliphatic cyclic moiety, the remaining carbon atoms either being part of substituents pending from the cyclic moiety or being part of bridging groups to spacer units, wherein one or more of the remaining carbon atoms can be replaced by an oxygen atom, the backbone unit not comprising a bisphenol structure, one or two spacer unit(s) (S) being connected to the backbone unit (U) via an ether linkage, at least one spacer unit (S) having a —CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-O—CH2-CH(Q)-OG chain or a —CH2-CH(OG)-CH2-OM residue or a mixture of these two types of spacers within one spacer unit, with G having at least one group selected from acroyl, methacroyl, acetyl, benzoyl, and combinations thereof, M having at least one aryl group, and combinations thereof, Q having at least one group selected from hydrogen, methyl, phenyl,

Abstract: Synthesis methods for creating polymeric compounds comprising dihydroxyphenyl derivatives (DHPD), or DHPp i.e. polymers modified with DHPD, with desired surface active effects are described. The polymer backbone of DHPp has structural or performance features that can be tailored to control physical properties of DHPp, allowing it to be useful for different applications i.e. tissue adhesives or sealants, adhesion promoting coatings, and antifouling coatings.

Abstract: A composition for an adhesive hydrogel, comprising at least: a polymeric matrix former; water; and a polyhydric alcohol; the polymeric matrix former comprising at least: (a) (meth)acrylic acid, a (meth)acrylic acid derivative or a vinyl derivative having 2 carboxyl groups and 4 or 5 carbon atoms; (b) (meth)acrylamide or a (meth)acrylamide derivative; (c) N-vinyl-2-caprolactam and/or N-vinyl-2-valerolactam; and (d) a cross-linkable monomer, wherein the content percentage of the (b) in the composition for an adhesive hydrogel is 2 to 20% by weight.

Abstract: Hydrogels are described that expand volumetrically in response to a change in their environment and as well as their methods of manufacture and use.

Abstract: A hydrogel plug is placed under stress during its curing stage, in one embodiment, by application of an externally applied force. The stress may also be induced during or after the dehydration process. The direction of the externally applied force increases the length, width, depth, or radial extent of the plug. The elastic limit of the plug is exceeded when the external force is applied so that the plug substantially retains its stressed size and shape when the externally applied force is removed. When the stretched or otherwise deformed dehydrated plug is hydrated, it substantially returns to the configuration it had prior to its dehydration and prior to the application of the externally applied force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polymers (e.g., polyesters and polyester amides) derived from functionalized biologically active compounds that can provide site specific delivery of bioactive compounds upon biodegradation in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The invention is directed to medical device coatings, such as coated guidewires and catheters, containing a visualization moiety providing color to the coating in ambient or applied light. The coating allows for visual or machine inspection of coating properties such as uniformity of coverage. In some embodiments the coatings include the visualization moiety and an activated UV photogroup, which is used to provide covalent bonding in the coating. The visualization moiety can be in particulate form and entrained in the coating, or can be covalently bonded to the hydrophilic polymer backbone. In other embodiments the visualization moiety includes a stilbene chemical group. Exemplary coatings include a hydrophilic vinyl pyrrolidone polymer, which can provide lubricity to the device surface, along with the colored properties.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is disclosed that comprises acrylic adhesive particles having an average diameter of 10 to 100 micrometers obtained by suspension polymerization of an acrylic monomer mixture which comprises a branched C 14-22 alkyl group containing (meth)acrylate and a polar monomer. The adhesive composition may be applied to an adhesive dressing or patch. The adhesive has excellent water vapor permeability, excellent adhesion to skin with low skin irritation when applied, less adhesive residue after peeling, and less keratin damage. The adhesive does not cause wetness or peeling from sweat while being worn.

Abstract: The present invention provides transparent silicone hydrogels with high acrylamide monomer content and an excellent balance between moisture content. The silicone hydrogels may be obtained by polymerizing a monomer mix containing a plurality of monomers, wherein the monomer mix comprises about 30 to about 98% by weight of at least one type of silicone monomer which is, and about 1 to about 50% by weight of at least one type of non-silicone type (meth)acrylamide monomer containing two or more hydroxyl groups within a molecule; wherein the weight percents are based upon the total amount of monomer components and polymer components in the monomer mix.

Abstract: The invention provides stable controlled release monolithic coating compositions for use in coating pharmaceutical oral dosage forms comprising a polyglycol having a melting point greater than 55° C. and an aqueous dispersion of a neutral ester copolymer lacking functional groups.