Abstract: Hardenable and hardened dental compositions, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. In some embodiments, the hardenable dental compositions include an acid-generating component and an acid-reactive component including one or more acid-reactive groups. Upon irradiating, and optionally heating, the hardened compositions are useful, for example, for reducing the bond strength of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel antimicrobial polyurethane compositions having excellent mechanical and biocompatibility properties, and methods to prepare them. The antimicrobial polyurethane compositions include a homogenous distribution of silver ions by incorporating this antimicrobial agent into the composition prior to the complete polymerization of the polyurethane. In preferred embodiments, the silver ion is associated with a carrier, such as zirconium phosphate or soluble glass powder. The present invention also includes components made from the antimicrobial polyurethane compositions, such as medical devices.

Abstract: A component for sealing a body opening and for use in combination with a body waste collecting device, said component comprises a soft adhesive composition wherein the soft adhesive composition comprises a liquid impermeable, moisture permeable adhesive composition.

Abstract: An external breast prosthesis includes an elastomeric skin in the form of a human breast surrounding an inner material such as a silicone gel or hydrogel. The inner material may be of a defined shape or may be amorphous and conform to the shape of the elastomeric skin. The elastomeric skin can be formed from a front skin and a rear skin, and the skins can be made of a soft styrenic elastomer having attributes similar to a gel. The elastomeric skin can be substantially soft to the touch and have an elastic memory that tends to maintain the skin in a pliable yet pre-defined shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curable dental retraction composition for reacting gingiva from a prepared tooth structure. The composition comprises an alginate, a di- and/or trivalent ion source, water, a retarder and a filler.

Abstract: Lactam polymers has been modified with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to yield lactam polymers bearing hydroxyl functional groups. These functional groups are useful for the covalent attachment of reactive groups, fluorescent probes, antimicrobial agents, bioactive factors, and drugs. The resulting as components for medical devices, specifically ophthalmic devices and more specifically contact lenses. Hydrogels based on these polymers are also useful for biomedical applications in the areas of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and implantable devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blend composition of a polycarbonate resin and a vinyl-based copolymer that includes (A) a mixed resin including (A-1) a polycarbonate resin and (A-2) a vinyl-based copolymer and (B) an acrylic-based copolymer including at least one acrylic-based monomer, and a molded product made using the same.

Abstract: Provided are an artificial dura mater having a laminated constitution of at least two layers of in vivo degradable polymers, at least one layer of them being a substrate layer, the substrate layer being formed of a lactic acid/glycolic acid/?-caprolactone copolymer, the copolymer having a component molar ratio of 60-85:3-15:10-30 mol % and the copolymer having an average chain length that satisfies the following expressions (1) to (3) and a process for the production thereof, and when this artificial dura mater is used, no liquid leakage is caused since the bloating of suture holes is small, and the period of time for which it retains its strength is suitably a little longer than the period of time required for the regeneration of an autodura mater, 2<L(LA)<[LA%/(LA%+GA%+CL%)]×X×0.058??(1) 1<L(GA)<[GA%/(LA%+GA%+CL%)]×X×0.58??(2) 1<L(CL)<[CL%/(LA%+GA%+CL%)]×X×0.

Abstract: A method for preparing a colloidal solution of non-aggregated zirconia particles, comprising the following steps: a) providing a zirconium hydroxide sol, b) adding to said sol an inorganic acid according to an [inorganic acid]/[Zr] molar ratio of <0.5, c) performing the hydrothermal treatment of said sol, and d) recovering the colloidal solution of zirconia particles.

Abstract: Functional gel particle formed from a crosslinked polymeric network including a fraction of stable crosslinks and a second fraction of cleavable crosslinks are disclosed. Functional compounds may be chemically or physically encapsulated within and/or released from the gel particle by selective cleavage of the cleavable crosslinks. The functional compounds may be delivered and released to a pre-selected target site. Peripheral or other accessible functionality on the surface of the gel particle allows attachment of a surface reactive agent, thereby modifying one or more surface properties of the gel particle. Processes of preparing the gel particles and processes of delivering the functional compounds to a target site are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions for embolization are disclosed herein. The compositions disclosed can have a matrix-forming component, a solid-aggregate material, and a rheology modifying agent, wherein the matrix-forming component includes at least alkyl cyanoacrylate monomers, a stabilizer, and a plasticizer, and the solid-aggregate material includes at least a radiopacifier. The composition and a method of administering the composition are useful for treating vasculature abnormalities, particularly when the composition solidifies upon contact with an ionic environment, such as blood.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system comprising: an Acetoxy curable silicone Binder; and an active agent blended with the silicone binder, effective for one or more of radiopacification, lubricity, elution of a secondary compound such as a drug, echogenic properties, thermal or electrically insulative properties or chemical indicators wherein the silicone binder effectiveness is not substantially changed by the active agent.

Abstract: The Invention relates to a stereo photo hydrogel formed by stereo complexed and photo cross-linked polymers, which polymers comprise at least two types of polymers having at least one hydrophilic component, at least one hydrophobic mutually stereo complexing component, and at least one of the types comprises at least one photo cross-linkable component, to a process of making stereo photo hydrogel comprising the steps of a. providing a mixture of at least two types of polymers having at least one hydrophilic component, at least one hydrophobic mutually stereo complexing component and at least one of the types comprises at least one photo cross-linkable component; b. stereo complexing the two types of polymers, thereby forming a stereo complexed hydrogel; and c. photo cross-linking the stereo complexed hydrogel using visible or UV irradiation, thereby forming the stereo photo hydrogel, to such polymers for use in such hydrogel, and to a pharmaceutical kit comprising same.

Abstract: This invention pertains to neutralized silicone elastomer dispersions and methods for making neutralized silicone elastomer dispersions. This invention also pertains to compositions comprising the neutralized silicone elastomer and an acid reactive compound. The silicone elastomer dispersion are neutralized typically by blending the silicone elastomer dispersion with a base such as sodium bicarbonate or by adding a basic neutralizing agent to one or more of the raw materials used to make the silicone elastomer dispersion and removing the basic neutralizing agent by filtration or any other suitable means.

Abstract: A novel environmentally responsive polymeric system is provided for biomedical applications, comprising silicon-containing reactive groups which undergo a hydrolysis-condensation reaction at a predetermined body site and thereby change rheological and mechanical properties of the polymeric system. The polymeric system is useful, for example, as a sealant, as a matrix for drug delivery, in the prevention of post-surgical adhesions, and in gene therapy.

Abstract: Chromophores that absorb both UV and short wavelength visible light are disclosed. The chromophores are particularly suitable for use in intraocular lens materials.

Abstract: A pigment with modified properties because of the powder size being below 100 nanometers. Blue, yellow and brown pigments are illustrated. Nanoscale coated, un-coated, whisker inorganic fillers are included. Stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric composition are disclosed. The pigment nanopowders taught comprise one or more elements from the group actinium, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, calcium, cerium, cesium, cobalt, copper, chalcogenide, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, gallium, gold, hafnium, hydrogen, indium, iridium, iron, lanthanum, lithium, magnesium, manganese, mendelevium, mercury, molybdenum, neodymium, neptunium, nickel niobium, nitrogen, oxygen, osmium, palladium, platinum, potassium, praseodymium, promethium, protactinium, rhenium, rubidium, scandium, silver, sodium, strontium, tantalum, terbium, thallium, thorium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, ytterbium, yttrium, zinc and zirconium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for postcrosslinking water-absorbing polymeric particles in the absence of oxidizing gases, to the water-absorbing polymers preparable by the process and to their use in hygiene articles and packaging materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing an aqueous suspension of carbon nanotubes, that comprises: contacting in an aqueous medium said nanotubes with at least one dispersant comprising a copolymer including at least one anionic hydrophile monomer and at least one monomer containing at least one aromatic group substituted by at least one chain containing one or more oxygen atoms, said chain linking the aromatic group to the unsaturated or cyclic chain of the monomer capable of opening during the formation of the copolymer, the weight ratio between the dispersant and the carbon nanotubes ranging from 0.6:1 to 1.9:1; and mechanically processing the mixture thus obtained using ultrasounds or a rotor-stator system or by passing it in a bead or ball grinder, the invention also relates to the suspension thus obtained and to the uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article comprising a coating, which coating comprises at least two layers, of which the inner layer is a primer layer, comprising a supporting network comprising a supporting polymer, and the outer layer is a functional layer comprising a multifunctional polymerizable compound.

Abstract: The invention provides epoxy and oxetane compositions including the novel acyloxy and N-acyl curing agents described herein. Use of invention curing agents result in cured adhesive compositions with remarkably increased adhesion and reduced hydrophilicity when compared to resins cured with other types of curing agents. Furthermore, the curatives of this invention do not interfere with free-radical cure and are thus suited for use in hybrid cure thermoset compositions.

Abstract: Absorbable radiation or radiochemically sterilized medical devices, including sutures, whose breaking strength and absorption profile can be modulated by controlling the total dose received during sterilization are disclosed.

Abstract: A low melting binder composition for preparation of pharmaceutical tablets and/or granules which comprises a polymer and a hydrophobic meltable binder.

Abstract: A medical article having neutralized sulfonic acid groups on its surface, is disclosed. The article has reduced interaction with biological fluids such as insulin, human growth hormone and human serum albumin.

Abstract: A dental coloring material composition comprising containing: (a) a polymerizable monomer and/or an oligomer, (b) a polymerization catalyst, and (c) a pigment and/or a dye, wherein a color tone thereof is a cyan color based on three subtractive primary colors, or a color tone thereof is a magenta color based on three subtractive primary colors, or a color tone thereof is a yellow color based on three subtractive primary colors, and a dental color material set using the dental coloring material compositions in combination.

Abstract: A coating with antimicrobial agents for use with medical devices. In one approach, a related method involves coating high temperature vulcanized silicone material with a room temperature vulcanized dispersion.

Abstract: A bolus that is intended to be irradiated during radiotherapy. Advantageously, the bolus is made from a polyurethane gel.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is described that is particularly useful for application to the plastic nonwoven materials found in personal hygienic articles. The composition includes first and second ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers. The first copolymer has a high molecular weight characterized by a melt viscosity at 150° C., of 100 Pascals per second or more. The second copolymer has a low molecular weight characterized by a melt viscosity at 150° C. of 50 Pascals per second or less. The second copolymer is present in an amount by weight percent less than or equal to the amount by weight percent of the first ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. The composition also includes at least one tackifier resin, a hydrocarbon wax present in an amount from 0.5% to 10% by weight of the composition; and, a liquid plasticizer present in an amount up to 20% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer particles having superior absorption capacity and permeability are disclosed. A method of producing the superabsorbent polymer particles by applying a polyamine coating to the particles also is disclosed.

Abstract: Alternative coating compositions and/or methods of coating a medical device. Some examples include coating compositions comprising a polyester urethane and a polyether in a substantially aqueous carrier. The coating composition may be provided as a one or two part system and may be applied by a variety of coating methods, in some cases without a requirement for special equipment or undue industrial hygiene concerns. Additionally, methods of coating medical devices with substantially aqueous coating compositions and the resulting coated medical devices. The composition may be applied to all or part of a medical device by spraying, dipping, brushing, extruding, or the like. After the coating composition has been applied, the substantially aqueous carrier, including any attendant cosolvents or other volatile species, may be removed, typically by heating with optional enhanced air flow although simple evaporation at ambient conditions may also be used.

Abstract: Surgical instruments may be lubricated by contacting them with a lubricious, water-soluble lubricating composition containing a blend of glycerin and polyethylene glycol. The composition can provide excellent lubrication while still allowing steam to contact the instrument surface. The composition may be provided as substantially surfactant-free blend at least 50 wt. % of which is glycerin and polyethylene glycol. The blend may be placed in a suitable dispenser and exposed to water to form the lubricating composition.

Abstract: Solid particulate film-coating compositions consisting of a) 40-90% by weight, preferably 40 to 70% by weight, of a polyvinyl alcohol-polyether graft copolymer (component A), b) 10 to 60% by weight, preferably 20 to 45% by weight, of a chromatic or achromatic colorant (component B) c) 0 to 30% by weight of further conventional auxiliaries (component C) where the amount of components A to C adds up to 100% by weight, which are obtained by extrusion of a melt of components A) to C) and subsequent shaping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stabilized thermoplastic molding composition comprising an aromatic polycarbonate resin and from about 0.1 to about 40 percent, based on the weight of the composition, of a silver sodium zirconium phosphate antimicrobial compound of the formula (I) NaxHyAgzZr2(PO4)3 ??(I) wherein the composition has a melt volume rate according to ASTM 1238 within about 40% of the melt volume rate of a comparable composition not containing the antimicrobial compound. The composition of the present invention may find use in preparing useful articles, such as medical articles, by any method of thermoplastic processing including injection molding and extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic systems and methods for the production of particles (e.g., nanoparticles) for drug delivery. The present invention provides microfluidic devices useful for production of particles by nanoprecipitation. The present invention provides highly homogenous compositions of particles produced by inventive microfluidic devices.

Abstract: Provided are biocompatible viscoelastic solid materials derived from polymerization of fluid water-in-oil emulsions, along with methods of their preparation and methods for their use for tissue engineering applications, including for reforming diseased, damaged or degenerated intervertebral discs by acceptably non-invasive means.

Abstract: Provided are biocompatible viscoelastic solid materials derived from polymerization of fluid water-in-oil emulsions, along with methods of their preparation and methods for their use for tissue engineering applications, including for reforming diseased, damaged or degenerated intervertebral discs by acceptably non-invasive means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are gustatory and/or olfactory aversion compositions comprising one or more bitterants and appropriate adhesives or tackifiers, and the like, which provide a long-lasting effect. The compositions are useful for behavior modification, especially in animals, such as pets or livestock.

Abstract: An adhesive composition for use in surgical therapy includes at least the following components a) and b): a) a liquid mixture including cyanoactrylate monomers and at least one plasticizer, where the proportion of the at least one plasticizer in component a) is greater than 10% by weight based on the total weight of component a), and b) an aqueous liquid including at least one compound from the group of borate salt, basic amino acid, gelatin and gelatin derivative.

Abstract: It is provided an implantable device including a polymer blend that contains a polymer formed of fluorinated monomers and hydrocarbon monomers and another biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers, to methods of making such copolymers and to medical devices that contain such polymers. According to certain aspects of the invention, polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers are provided, which comprise a polyisobutylene segment, an additional polymeric segment that is not a polyisobutylene segment, and a segment comprising a residue of a diisocyanate. According to other aspects of the invention, polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers are provided, which comprise a polyisobutylene segment and end groups that comprise alkyl-, alkenyl- or alkynyl-chain-containing end groups.

Abstract: A mixed polymer composite fiber including a carboxyalkyl cellulose, a starch, and a plurality of non-permanent intra-fiber metal crosslinks. The non-permanent intra-fiber metal crosslinks include multi-valent metal ion crosslinks formed with one or more metal ions selected from aluminum, boron, bismuth, titanium, and zirconium ions.

Abstract: An adherent coating composition is described having a reservoir of medication or other substance and capable of intimate contact with a target area of exposed tissue, rapid conveyance of the medication onto or into the target area. Mixtures of polyvinylpyrrolidone and glycerin have been found to dissolve a large number of medications while producing an adherent film. Application of the present composition to provide anti-cancer medication to exposed tissue resulting from tumor resection is also described.

Abstract: A stable and sterile adhesive composition with a controlled level of high viscosity is disclosed in the present invention. Adhesive compositions with different ranges of viscosity could be prepared by heating the adhesive monomer composition at mild temperature in the presence of pluronic polymer. The viscosity of the adhesive composition is able to be controlled to any desired level. A method of stabilizing the adhesive composition with a desired level of high viscosity is provided by using the combination of free radical and acid stabilizers. Methods for packaging, sterilizing and applying the adhesive in the medical field are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of aliphatic compounds, alicyclic compounds and antioxidants for protecting a wetted hydrophilic coating which is sterilised by irridiation—in particular with ? radiation or E-beam radiation—in the presence of water, from loss of lubricity and/or loss of dry-out time as a result of a reaction between the coating and a radical and/or another reactive moiety formed by irriadiating the water.

Abstract: A novel class of polymers obtainable by copolymerising a monomer mixture comprising (i) hydrophilic monomer of general formula (I) Y—B—X; (ii) styrene or a substituted styrene, a monomer or mixture of monomers which when polymerised form a polymer with a Tg lower than the Tg of a homopolymer of monomer (I) and lower than the Tg of a homopolymer of monomer (ii); and a monomer having a crosslinkable group is described. The invention also relates to a method for producing such polymers, implants coated with the polymers and methods for forming the same.

Abstract: A method and kit for providing a tack-free artificial nail surface. The tack-free artificial nail surface may include an acrylic layer and a barrier layer. The acrylic layer may comprise an odorless monomer. The barrier layer may be of any material impervious to oxygen. The tack-free nail surface may be formed by application of the acrylic layer to a fingernail nail bed. The barrier layer may then be applied over the acrylic layer. The barrier layer blocks oxygen from the acrylic layer so that the acrylic layer may polymerize in the absence of oxygen.

Abstract: Absorbent products for feminine protection, for example sanitary pads, pantiliners or tampons, comprising a cationic modified starch. The starch is modified by a cationizing agent comprising an ammonium group, wherein the degree of substitution of the cationizing agent is from about 0.070 to less than 0.50.

Abstract: We describe the medical, dental, and surgical uses of modified poly(alkylene) materials which are fully resorbable after implantation into the body, and compositions formulated with such modified poly(alkylene) materials.

Abstract: High refractive index copolymers suitable for use in ophthalmic devices are disclosed. The copolymers comprise a single aryl hydrophobic monomer as a device forming monomer. In addition, the copolymers comprise a non-polymerizable block copolymer surfactant. The copolymers have a reduced tendency to form glistenings when stored in water at physiological temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to “grafting to” methods of modifying materials surfaces with high-density polymer brushes. A method of the present invention comprises contacting in succession or simultaneously an activated material surface, a solution of a polymeric material having a polymeric backbone with pendant reactive moieties, and a melt of brush-forming terminally-functionalized polymer chains, in order to allow a covalent bonding reaction to occur between surface and polymers, wherein upon completion of the reaction, the polymeric material forms a layer between the material surface and the brush polymer chains.