Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline cross-linked polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped highly crystalline cross-linked polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bioadhesive thermogelling hydrogel composition for repairing and/or augmenting an intervertebral disc. The bioadhesive thermogelling hydrogel composition can be cross linked with the surrounding tissue so as to potentially serve as a nucleus pulposus replacement or augmentation along with serving to repair annular tears or fissure. The bioadhesive thermogelling hydrogel composition may include three main components: a thermal responsive polymer, an amine-containing polymer and a crosslinking component. All three components can be modified and combined in numerous ways to serve the need of the system as long as the amine-containing component is kept separate from the crosslinking component until the components are injected. The incorporation of a two-part crosslinking thermal responsive hydrogel permits smaller amounts of the crosslinking component to be used and enables the crosslinking dialdehyde to be delivered locally into the tissue that will react with the hydrogel.

Abstract: Brush copolymers containing (a) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated-containing monomer containing one or more boronic acid moieties; and (b) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated-containing macromonomer having hydrophilic units and boronic acid units are disclosed.

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 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: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked and not cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making additive-doped highly crystalline polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical device, specifically a prosthesis which utilizes a novel class of blends between biodegradable polymers and bioceramics for medical device applications allowing one to capitalize on the biodegradable nature of these two distinct materials while enhancing the strength of these devices through the addition of various amounts of bioactive ceramic and glasses to biodegradable polymers. The blend may be fabricated into a medical device such as a stent or a distal protection device, and may incorporate various agents to enhance radioapacity and/or pharmacological function. In addition, the blend may be used as a coating to a medical device.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injection implant for filling up wrinkles, thin lines, skin cracks and scars, for reparative or plastic surgery, aesthetic dermatology, and for filling up gums in dental treatment. The invention concerns the use of biologically absorbable polymer microspheres or microparticles suspended in a gel. The suspension is produced either ready-for-use or freeze-dried. The biological absorbability of the microspheres is controlled and enables the production of implants having well defined persistence and deliberately limited to 3 years.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to methods of sealing a wound or tissue plane or filling a void space, or securing meshes, films or other devices within the body. In certain embodiments, the wound is an ophthalmic, pleural or dural wound, or a hernia repair mesh. Remarkably, disclosed herein is the discovery that the use of certain crosslinkers in combination with polyalkyleneimines at specific concentrations can result in hydrogels with tunable degradation properties.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inducing reversible chain cleavage of polymer chains in a crosslinked polymeric material. Reversible cleavage of the polymer backbone is capable of relieving stress in the polymeric material as the bonds reform in a less stressed state. The invention also provides methods for making polymeric materials capable of reversible chain cleavage, materials made by the methods of the invention, and linear monomers containing reversible chain cleavage groups which are useful in the materials and methods of the invention.

Abstract: Copolymers are manufactured to include a zwitterionic monomer (e.g., methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine monomer), a dihydroxyphenyl derivatized monomer, and optionally one or more additional monomers. The dihydroxyphenyl derivatized monomer gives the copolymers excellent adhesion properties. Optional monomers include a cationic amino monomer, a hydrocarbon monomer, and/or a hydrophilic monomer. The copolymers are biocompatible and can be used with medical devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layered wound dressing, particularly for the moist wound treatment, comprising a first layer as a wound contact layer, which contains an aqueous hydrogel matrix, and at least a second absorbing layer. The hydrogel matrix comprises 37 to 43% by weight of propylene glycol, a preprolymer with isophorone diisocyanate groups and a diamine on the basis of polyethylene oxide in an amount of a total of 12 to 16.5% by weight, 0 to 5% by weight of an inorganic chloride, and the remainder water, wherein the ratio of the reactive groups of isocyanate to the amine groups of the diamine should be 1.25 to 1.35.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental polymerizable composition which has excellent handling property by the brush-dip technique and the bulk-mix technique, particularly excellent handling property by the brush-dip technique, contains few air bubbles, is excellent in color tone, polishability, mechanical properties and the discoloration resistance of a cured product at the time of curing and is used for many purposes such as the repair of a denture base or artificial tooth, a tooth crown prosthetic restoration and a temporary prosthetic restoration which is used until a bridge is completed when it is a two-composition type self-curing resin. The dental polymerizable composition comprises three different types of (meth)acrylate polymer particles, each having specific particle size characteristics and specific molecular weight characteristics.

Abstract: Coatings, devices and methods are provided, wherein the contacting surface of a medical device with at least one contacting surface for contacting a bodily fluid or tissue, wherein long-lasting and durable bioactive agents or functional groups are deposited on the contacting surface through a unique two-step plasma coating process with deposition of a thin layer of plasma coating using a silicon-containing monomer in the first step and plasma surface modification using a mixture of nitrogen-containing molecules and oxygen-containing molecules in the second step. The two-step plasma coating process enables the implantable medical device to prevent both restenosis and thrombosis under clinical conditions. The invention also relates to surface treatment of metallic and polymeric biomaterials used for making of medical devices with significantly improved clinical performance and durability.

Abstract: A composite material for occluding a body lumen comprising at least two different components that differ from each other by their value of elastic modulus is disclosed. One component has a value of elastic modulus of less than 4 GPa, and another component has a value of elastic modulus of above 4 GPa. The component that has a higher value of elastic modulus is embedded in the component that has a lower value of elastic modulus. The composite material comprises at least one portion that is free of the component that has the higher value of elastic modulus, wherein said portion is capable of expanding in at least one direction upon application of pressure perpendicular to the expanding direction, or upon application of heat, light or a chemical or biological impact. The composite material is particular suited for manufacturing implantable contraceptive devices.

Abstract: Methods relating to polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer based material comprising a water binding agent, whereas the water binding agent is present in an amount sufficient to chemically and/or physically absorb and/or adsorb water to prevent degradation of the polymer. It also relates to a polymer based material which comprises a plasticizer or organic solvent as well as a multi-component material or composite including materials encompassing a second polymer and/or an active agent. Furthermore it relates to a method for manufacturing the polymer comprising material and use of the material for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition to be used for treatment of bone, cartilage and/or periodontal defects. The invention also encompasses a kit using the polymeric material.

Abstract: Dental adhesive composition having a pH of at least 5, which comprises an aqueous solution containing (a) a polymerizable N-substituted alkyl acrylic or acrylic acid amide monomer; (b) a water-soluble polymerizable carboxylic acid; and (c) a water-soluble organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrated, biocompatible tissue-augmentation compound and methodology for its implantation into mammalian tissue. The tissue-augmentation compound is comprised of: living tissue, optionally body derived fluids, and at least one NCO-terminated hydrophilic urethane prepolymer derived from an organic polyisocyanate, and oxyethylene-containing diols or polyols in which essentially all of hydroxyl groups are capped with polyisocyanate.

Abstract: To provide a dual curing type composite resin for core build-up having improved curing property by chemical polymerization with improved mechanical strength of a cured body under the condition of no light irradiation and with a shortened setting time, the composite resin is composed of a first component including a (meth)acrylate polymerizable resin and an organic peroxide, and a second component including (meth)acrylate polymerizable resin and a reducing agent, a photopolymerizaton initiator and a filler are included in the first component and/or the second component, and oxide powder of a Group II element in the periodic table having an average particle diameter of 1 ?m or less is blended in the first component and/or the second component.

Abstract: A transparent polymeric nanocomposite hydrogel is provided, wherein the polymeric nanocomposite hydrogel is made from a water insoluble polymer, i.e. poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) or/and crosslinked PHEMA and a water insoluble nanofiber, i.e., bacterial cellulose (BC). Disclosed is a synthetic route for polymeric nanocomposites hydrogels. The preferred polymeric nanocompositions are produced through free radical polymerization of HEMA monomer in the presence of bacterial cellulose with an assistance of ultrasound to enhance the mixing of bacterial cellulose, initiator, and the monomers. The polymeric nanocomposite hydrogel is then formed by immersion of the dry polymeric nanocomposite in water. Disclosed is a high transmittance polymer nanocomposite hydrogel with a preferred BC loading less than 0.1%, water content of about 40% in weight, good mechanical integrity and strength.

Abstract: An injectable hydrogel composition comprising: water; and poly(vinyl alcohol) chemically cross-linked with a second polymer to form a cross-linked resin, wherein the second polymer is selected from the group consisting of: a polyhydric alcohol compound, a polyvalent epoxy compound, a polyvalent amine compound, a dialdehyde compound, a diisocyanate compound, and mixtures thereof, wherein the cross-linked resin has a degree of cross-linking of from about 0.0001 mol/mL to about 0.002 mol/mL, and wherein the hydrogel is flowable when heated above its melting point.

Abstract: The invention provides for a biodegradable synthetic bone composition comprising a biodegradable hydrogel polymer scaffold comprising a plurality of hydrolytically unstable linkages, and an inorganic component; such as a biodegradable poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate)/hydroxyapatite (pHEMA/HA) hydrogel composite possessing mineral content approximately that of human bone.

Abstract: An optical copolymer comprising: a constituent derived from a sulfated lens monomer of general formula I [PG-R1—NHC(Y)S—R2]n—R3??I PG is a polymerizable group selected from the group consisting of vinyl, acryloyl, acryoyloxy, methacryoyl and methacryoyloxy; acrylamido and methacrylamido; Y is oxygen or sulfur; and n is 2, 3 or 4. Also, R1 is an organic group of one to eight carbon atoms and optionally with one or more oxygen atoms or an aromatic ring. R2 is a bond or an organic group of one to six carbon atoms. R3 is a bond, an organic group of one to ten carbons atoms, carbon, oxygen, sulfur or a disulfide; and a lens monomer. The sulfated lens monomer is derived from a first component of formula, PG-R1—NC(Y), and a polythiol of formula, R3—[R2—SH]n.

Abstract: Biocompatible hydrogels made from cross-linked catechol-borate ester polymers are disclosed, along with methods of synthesizing and using such hydrogels. The hydrogels of the present invention are prepared by boronic acid-catechol complexation between catechol-containing macromonomers and boronic acid-containing cross-linkers. The resulting hydrogels are pH-responsive and self-healing, and can be used in a number of different biomedical applications, including in surgical implants, in surgical adhesives, and in drug delivery systems is data provides further evidence of the viability of using the disclosed hydrogels for in vivo in biomedical applications.

Abstract: This invention is directed to implantable medical device comprising a polymeric composition comprising poly[L-lactide-co-(3,6-dialkyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione)], alone or as a blend with one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of poly(L-lactide) and poly(3,6-dialkyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione).

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 medically acceptable formulation comprising a diisocyanate terminated macromer or mixture thereof, and an oxidized cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention provides optic portions, intraocular lenses, and polymers for use in manufacturing optic portions and intraocular lenses. The optic portions include a polymer that comprises (a) one or more alkoxyalkyl methacrylate monomers and/or one or more alkoxyalkyl acrylate monomers that are incorporated in the polymer; (b) one or more hydroxyalkyl methacrylate monomers and/or one or more hydroxyalkyl acrylate monomers that are incorporated in the polymer; and (c) optionally, one or more crosslinking agents that are incorporated in the polymer.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, compositions, systems and associated methods to occlude structures and malformations of the vasculature with radiopaque hydrogel filaments with delayed controlled rates of expansion. Further described is a device for implantation in an animal comprising a difunctional, low molecular weight ethylenically unsaturated shapeable macromer; an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and a radiopaque element, wherein said device contains no support members. Methods of forming such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an epoxy nanocomposite material for dental therapy, which can be applied to direct or indirect clinical restoration, dental core-post system, and dental brace etc. The epoxy nanocomposite filling material provided by the invention can be polymerized with various curing agents to form the polymer with low shrinkage.

Abstract: The disclosed is a biodegradable copolymer, an amphiphilic diblock copolymer, composed of a hydrophilic segment and a hydrophobic segment. The hydrophilic segment is an endcapped PEG or derivatives thereof. The hydrophilic segment is a random polymer polymerized of lactone or cyclic C3-C6 molecule and lactic acid/glycolic acid. There is no coupling agent between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments, and the biodegradable copolymer is formed by one-pot ring-opening polymerization. The biodegradable copolymer can be dissolved in water to form a thermosensitive material having a phase transfer temperature of 25 to 50° C., thereby being applied to biological activity factor delivery, tissue engineering, cell culture and biological glue.

Abstract: The invention provides a bone material having a specific surface area of at least 80 m2/g and a protein content of less than 1800 ppm.

Abstract: Methods for an antioxidant doped polymer in the form of an implant bearing component. The process includes: (a) contacting a crosslinked polymer with a liquid composition comprising an antioxidant, to provide an intermediate polymer with the antioxidant on its surface; and (b) homogenizing the intermediate polymer by raising the pressure to increase the onset melting temperature of the polymer, and then heating above the ambient onset temperature but below the raised onset melting point of the polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer composite comprising a thermoplastic host polymer having solid particulate material dispersed therethrough, the host polymer having at least one phase nanodomain, wherein the solid particulate material comprises particles having height, length and width dimensions of which at least one is substantially less than one or both of the other dimensions, and wherein the composite exhibits an increase in modulus of no more than 15% and a higher tensile strength, relative to said host polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making cross-linked oxidation-resistant polymeric materials and preventing or minimizing in vivo elution of antioxidant from the antioxidant-containing polymeric materials. The invention also provides methods of doping polymeric materials with a spatial control of cross-linking and antioxidant distribution, for example, vitamin E (?-Tocopherol), and methods for extraction/elution of antioxidants, for example, vitamin E (?-tocopherol), from surface regions of antioxidant-containing polymeric materials, and materials used therewith also are provided.

Abstract: A solidifying prepolymeric implant composition comprising a biocompatible prepolymer and an optional filler. One such implant composition is a polyurethane implant composition comprising an isocyanate, such as hydroxymethylenediisocyanate (HMDI) and an alcohol, such as polycaprolactonediol (PCL diol). The compositions of the invention are useful for improving bone structure in patients by applying the solidifying implant composition to bone, reinforcing bone structure, improving load bearing capacity and/or aiding healing of microfractures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dephenolic compounds, an example of which is shown below, which are functionalized, and polymers formed from the same. Polymers formed from the functionalized diphenolics are expected to have controllable degradation profiles, enabling them to release an active component over a desired time range. The polymers are also expected to be useful in a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: Conjugates are provided herein which comprise a protein attached to at least two polymeric moieties, at least one of which exhibits reverse thermal gelation. The conjugates are suitable for being cross-linked by non-covalent and/or covalent cross-linking. Compositions-of-matter comprising cross-linked conjugates are provided herein, as well as processes for producing same. Methods of controlling a physical property of compositions-of-matter are also provided herein. The conjugates and compositions-of-matter may be used for various applications, such as cell growth, tissue formation, and treatment of disorders characterized by tissue damage or loss, as described herein.

Abstract: A stent scaffolding including a polymer formulation comprising PLLA and polymandelide is disclosed. The polymandelide reduces the molecular weight drop during processing, particularly during sterilization. The stent scaffolding can further include one or more additional stabilizing agents that additionally reduce the molecular weight drop during processing.

Abstract: The invention features a dental composition containing a polycyclic aromatic compound, such as 2-ethyl 9,10-dimethoxy anthracene (EDMOA), in an amount that provides the composition with fluorescence mimicking that of natural teeth.

Abstract: Disclosed are soft, high refractive index device materials having improved strength. The materials contain a polystyrene macromer.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and processes to attach or bond hydrogels to suitable surfaces using irradiation techniques and also provides methods and processes to create crosslinked regions in hydrogel articles using these irradiation techniques. Specifically, lasers at wavelengths tuned to the irradiation absorption bands of hydroxyl groups, carboxylic acid groups or water may be used to attach or bond hydrogels to surfaces such as soft tissue and hydrogel surfaces or to crosslink regions in hydrogel articles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel poly (diol citrates)-based bioceramic composite materials created using completely biodegradable and a bioceramic material polymers that may be used in implantable devices. More specifically, the specification describes methods and compositions for making and using bioceramic composites comprised of citric acid copolymers and a bioceramic material.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing a methacrylate-derivatized type-I collagen in which methacrylic acid is reacted with a carboxylic acid activating reagent in the presence of a carbodiimide to form a methacrylic acid with an activated carboxylic acid group, which is then reacted with free amino groups on type-I collagen to form a collagen methacrylamide. Methacrylate-derivatized collagen, cross-linked collagens formed therefrom and products containing the cross-linked collagen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Orthopedic implants having a bone interface member and a water swellable IPN or semi-IPN with a stiffness, hydration, and/or compositional gradient from one side to the other and physically attached to the bone interface member. The invention also includes an orthopedic implant system including an implant that may conform to a bone surface and a joint capsule. The invention also includes orthopedic implants with water swellable IPN or semi-IPNs including a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer first network and an ionic polymer second network, joint capsules, labral components, and bone interface members. The invention also includes a method of inserting an orthopedic implant having a metal portion and a flexible polymer portion into a joint, including inserting the implant in a joint in a first shape and changing the implant from a first shape to a second shape to conform to a shape of a bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to silicone-urethane copolymers and methods for making the copolymers. The silicone-urethane copolymers can have many physical properties usually associated with polyurethanes but also the feel and characteristics of silicones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to embolization material for therapeutic use, wherein said material is visible via more than one imaging technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of composites which can be used in the dental field, in which a) mono-or polyfunctional monomers dissolved in a solvent are polymerized to give a polymer gel thoroughly swollen with the solvent, b) the polymer gel produced is subjected to preliminary size reduction, c) a reactive gel is subsequently prepared by the polymer gel, subjected to preliminary size reduction, incorporating a polymerizable monomer or a mixture of polymerizable monomers in the polymer gel while simultaneously removing the solvent, and d) a dental composite is prepared from the reactive gel thus obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silicon-containing biostable gels and processes for their preparation. The gels possess properties which make them useful in the manufacture and repair of biomaterials and medical devices, articles or implants, in particular the manufacture of soft tissue implants such as breast implants and the repair of orthopaedic joints such as spinal discs.