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: A graft prostheses (11), materials and method for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient. The graft prosthesis includes a purified, collagen-based matrix structure removed from a submucosa tissue source. The submucosa tissue source is purified by disinfection and removal steps to deactivate and remove contaminants, thereby making the purified structure biocompatible and suitable for grafting on and/or in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an implant with a molecularly imprinted polymer coating, a process for its synthesis, a molecularly imprinted polymer, as well as a process for its synthesis and its use as well as a process for the treatment or prophylaxis of certain disease conditions by implantation of an implant in accordance with the invention according to the respective independent claims.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises (i) a macromer prepared by reacting an unsaturated diacid having a carbon-carbon double bond and a saturated diacid, and (ii) a bioactive ceramic grafted to the macromer. In one embodiment, the unsaturated diacid having a carbon-carbon double bond is fumaric acid, the saturated diacid is compatible with fumaric acid and poly(propylene fumarate) such as succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid and mixtures thereof, and the bioactive ceramic is hydroxyapatite. In another embodiment, hydroxyapatite is grafted with a biodegradable and crosslinkable macromer comprising silane units alternating with furnarate and adipate units.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical technology and could be used in manufacturing artificial cardiac valves having one or more cusps made of a polymer composite. The method for manufacturing a cusp of an artificial cardiac valve, includes the steps of: manufacturing a casting mold, and molding a cusp from a polymer composite comprising 78 to 92% by weight of polyamide and 8 to 22% by weight of radiographic contrast medium dispersed therein. The polymer composite can comprise additionally fine acetylene black in amount of 1 to 2% by weight. The preferred radiographic contrast medium is barium sulphate. In one embodiment of the method, the casting mold is manufactured for the molding size 1 to 5% less than necessary, and the cusp is placed after molding into an anticoagulant solution and matured therein until expanding by 1 to 5%.

Abstract: The current invention relates to poly(amide) and poly(ester-amide) polymers, coatings including the polymers, and narrow polydispersity drug delivery particles including the polymers.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention include implantable medical devices such as stents manufactured from polymers, and more particularly, biodegradable polymers including biodegradable polyesters. Other embodiments include methods of fabricating implantable medical devices from polymers. The devices and methods utilize one or more stabilizers, where each stabilizer may be chosen from the following categories: free radical scavengers, peroxide decomposers, catalyst deactivators, water scavengers, and metal scavengers.

Abstract: Calcium-phosphate nanofiber matrices comprising randomly dispersed crystalline calcium-phosphate nanofibers are provided. The nanofibers are synthesized using sol-gel methods combined with electrospinning. The nanofibers may be hollow, solid or may comprise a calcium-phosphate shell surrounding a polymer containing inner core to which biologically functional additives may be added. The nanofiber matrices may be used to culture bone and dental cells, and as implants to treat bone, dental or periodontal diseases and defects.

Abstract: Nanocomposites of repeat sequence protein polymers and phyllosilicates demonstrated improved material properties, for example, improved elasticity, and are useful as suture, tissue scaffolding, and biodegradable composite materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a bioresorbable composition comprising a mixture of at least one polymer and capsules, which capsules comprise an inner part which is encapsulated by a shell which shell is at least partly decomposable by application of an external stimulation source. The invention also relates to a medical device comprising said composition.

Abstract: A low shrinkage, polymerizable oligomer comprises units of the structure: AB??(I) wherein A is an organic radical comprising 1 to about 6 (meth)acrylate groups and 0 to about 5 hydroxy groups; B is an organic radical comprising 1 to about 5 epoxide groups, and wherein A and B are linked through the reaction of an epoxide and a hydroxy group. In one embodiment, a dental restorative material comprises the low shrinkage, polymerizable dental oligomer, a filler system, and a curing system. These polymerizable dental resins may be used for a variety of dental materials, treatments, and restorative functions, including crown and bridge materials, fillings, adhesives, sealants, luting agents or cements, denture base materials, orthodontic materials and sealants, and other dental restorative materials.

Abstract: Compositions of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are disclosed that are generally in the form of an elastic, hydrophilic, water-insoluble viscous cohesive mass of material that has many important medical uses including uses as a filler for implants. The present invention also involves a process for producing such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions for tissue engineering and drug delivery have been developed based on solutions of two or more polymers which form semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks upon exposure to active species following injection at a site in a patient in need thereof. The polymers crosslink to themselves but not to each other; semi-interpenetrating networks are formed when only one of the polymers crosslink. The resulting viscous solutions retain the biologically active molecules or cells at the site of injection until release or tissue formation, respectfully, occurs. As a result of studies conducted with polymer-cell suspensions forming interpenetrating polymer networks, it has been determined that polymer solutions can be formulated wherein the active species is provided by exposure of the polymer solution to an exogenous source of active species, typically electromagnetic radiation, preferably light.

Abstract: Biocompatible material, in particular prosthetic material with improved resistance to oxidation, comprising UHMWPE and one or more antioxidants selected from the group consisting of lipoic acid, its analogs and derivatives, Vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, glutathione. It is also disclosed a process to prepare such material.

Abstract: A hydrophobic acidic group-containing polymeric monomer (a); a water-soluble polymeric monomer (b); water (c); a photopolymerization initiator (d); an aromatic tertiary amine (e) having an electron-withdrawing group; a cross-linkable polymeric monomer (f); and a basic compound (g) for producing a water-soluble salt through a reaction with a part of the hydrophobic acidic group-containing polymeric monomer (a) are included as essential compounding ingredients. A one-part dental adhesive composition that exhibits high adhesive strength and high storage stability in adhesion between a teeth, and more particularly enamel or dentine, and a dental repairing material, and more particularly a resin material, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrogels wherein a polymer matrix is modified to contain a bifunctional poly(alkylene glycol) molecule covalently bonded to the polymer matrix. The hydrogels can be cross-linked using, for example, glutaraldehyde. The hydrogels may also be crosslinked via an interpenetrating network of a photopolymerizable acrylates. The hydrogels may also be modified to have pharmacologically-active agents covalently bonded to the poly(alkylene glycol) molecules or entrained within the hydrogel. Living cells may also be entrained within the hydrogels.

Abstract: An oriented implantable biodegradable multimodal device is disclosed. The orientated implantable biodegradable multimodal device includes a blend of a first polymer component having a first molecular weight (mwt) together with at least a second polymer component having a mwt which is less than that of the first component. The polymer within the blend may be in a uniaxial, biaxial or triaxial orientation. Also disclosed is a composite thereof with matrix polymer, processes for the preparation thereof and the use thereof as an implantable biodegradable device such as a high strength trauma fixation device suitable for implantation into the human or animal body. As examples the high strength trauma device may take the form of plates, screws, pins, rods, anchors or scaffolds.

Abstract: Composition with at least one polymerizable binder and at least one polymerization initiator, which contains at least one acylgermanium compound according to general Formula (I), in which R0 is a substituted or unsubstituted C1-18-alkyl radical or an acyl group; R1 and R2 are H, an acyl group or have one of the meanings given for R3; R3 is a branched or linear C1-18-alkyl radical which can be unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by —O—, —NH—, —NR—, —S— or interrupted by other groups, trimethylsilyl, hal-(CH3)2Si—[OSi(CH3)2]r?, (CH3)3Si—[OSi(CH3)2]r—, —COOH, —COO—R10, —CO—NR11R12, —CO-vinyl, —CO-phenyl, phenyl-C1-4-alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl or biphenyl, C5-12 cycloalkyl, a 5 or 6-membered O, S or N-containing heterocyclic ring, halogen, OH, an aromatic C6-30 radical which can be substituted or unsubstituted and/or interrupted by O, S or —NR—, or a branched, cyclic or linear C1-20 alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkoxy or -alkenoxy radical; m is 1, 2 or 3; n is 0 or 1 and p is 0 or 1; wherein in each case two of

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed ophthalmic device materials and, more particularly to an intraocular lens (IOL) formed of a hydrogel material. The hydrogel material includes an acrylate polymer and a radiation resistant compound. The material typically has a relatively high refractive index and/or exhibits a desired degree of radiation protection.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a prosthetic sheet with improved tissue healing characteristics useful in reinforcing tissue defects is disclosed. Generally the prosthetic may be comprised of any material that does not promote fibrosis and inflammation. In particular, the prosthetic may be comprised of non-absorbable hydrogel reinforced with fiber, so that the fiber reinforcement is encapsulated and shielded from interaction with tissue. The prosthetic may contain pores that pass through it to encourage tissue through-growth. These pores may be made by removing material from a sheet of reinforced hydrogel or the reinforcement means may contain a porosity around which the hydrogel is formed and the porosity is maintained.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprising a polysulfone polymer and an elastomeric polymer for use as a coating composition for coating an implantable device, such as a DES, and methods of making and using the implantable device are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical devices comprising nanocomposite materials. By utilizing nanocomposites in the production thereof, the inventive medical devices can be produced with various advantageous properties. Methods of producing the inventive medical devices are also provided. Inasmuch as the inventive devices are expected to provide certain advantages in their use, there is also provide a method of medical care including methods of treatment or diagnosis, wherein the inventive devices are brought into therapeutic contact with a body to be treated or diagnosed thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymerizable biocompatible materials stabilized by amino acids or reducing salts to improve shelf life. Methods of stabilizing a polymerizable biocompatible material that inhibit auto polymerization of the material over time are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to block polymers, for example, arborescent copolymer compounds, and to methods of making and purifying such compounds. In one embodiment, the invention relates to arborescent polymer compounds that contain one or more styrene polymeric blocks in combination with one or more isobutylene polymeric blocks. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods for purifying arborescent polymer compounds that contain at least one styrene polymeric block in combination with at least one isobutylene polymeric block.

Abstract: Compositions of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are disclosed that are generally in the form of an elastic, hydrophilic, water-insoluble viscous cohesive mass of material that has many important medical uses including uses as a filler for implants. The present invention also involves a process for producing such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Low viscosity biodegradable polymer solutions of a liquid biodegradable polymer and biocompatible solvent and methods of using the compositions to form a liquid polymer implant are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula I, which are functionalized phenolic compounds, and polymers formed from the same. Ar—[O—(X)p—R?]q??I Polymers formed from the functionalized phenolics 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: An improved non-toxic soft tissue filler is provided. The soft non-toxic tissue filler consists of textured surfaced spherically shaped solid particles of a size range of between about 32 and 90 microns (depending on the concentration that is desired) that are suspended evenly in a gel as a carrier. The solid particles are preferably a non-ceramic cured polymer such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The gel is a combination of a cellulose polysaccharide such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and an alcohol such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) dissolved in water or some other solvent. The filler is used by injection in order to augment a patient's soft tissue as well as to correct soft tissue defects.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to providing enhanced application tissue graft materials in regenerative medicine through improved cellular interactions. Biocompatible implant materials, methods for preparing biocompatible implant materials, methods for using same, and methods for treating tissue injury are disclosed. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Biodegradable coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel moldable and/or flowable composition for application to a bone defect site to promote new bone growth at the site. The composition includes a therapeutic material and a carrier comprising means for achieving reverse phase characteristics. In one embodiment, the therapeutic material can be a resorbable alloplastic material and the carrier can be a poloxamer. In a specific embodiment, the resorbable alloplastic material is a biphasic material composed of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate (HA-TCP), and the carrier is poloxamer 407 (Pluronic® F127). The invention further includes methods for using the novel composition.

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: The present invention generally provides implantable articles and methods of forming implantable articles from a crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”) blend stabilized with Vitamin E. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be prepared by combining the UHMWPE material and vitamin E prior to irradiating the UHMWPE blend with electron beam radiation at a sufficient radiation dose rate to induce crosslinking.

Abstract: The rate of degradation of polymers and polymer blends containing (poly) lactic acid can be increased and controlled by the inclusion of up to 10% (typically less than 1%) by weight of specific additives such as lauric acid or a derivative thereof such as the anhydride.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for the engineering, formation, and post-formation handling of absorbent polymeric materials. Devices intended for use in a fluid environment that include an absorbent polymeric material can be formed and processed to ensure that upon installation of the device, the polymeric material can not only have the desired physical characteristics for the intended use, but can also be pre-equilibrated for the environment in which the device will be utilized. In particular, the polymeric materials can be formed with particular characteristics such that, upon absorption of a fluid, the characteristics will alter in a predetermined way to provide the materials within target specifications during use. In addition, the materials can be stored in a fluid so as to exhibit the desired operating characteristics immediately upon installation. In one particular embodiment, the invention is directed to biocompatible, implantable devices designed for use in vivo.

Abstract: A method of making a new type of biomaterials, biodegrable crosslinked urethane-containing polyester (CUPE) elastomers and a scaffold-sheet engineering method for tissue engineering applications is provided. CUPEs can be synthesized by forming a linear pre-polymer, which is a polyester, introducing the urethane bonds into polyester using a diisocyanate as a linker, and crosslinking the resulting urethane containing linear polymers to form CUPEs via post-polymerization. This family of polymers, CUPEs, exhibit excellent biocompatibility with desired degradation. Tissue engineering scaffolds made of CUPEs are soft and elastic, and have good mechanical strength. Complex tissue grafts can be constructed by a novel layer-by-layer (LBL) scaffold-sheet engineering design using CUPE sheets. CUPE scaffolds can provide openings for cell to cell communication across scaffold layers and angiogenesis into the depth of the construct.

Abstract: A biodegradable polyacrylamide gel that is obtained from acrylamide monomers that are connected to one another by at least one amino acid includes at least one acryloylated amine or acryloylated amide group, or by at least one amino acid oligopeptide that comprises at least one acryloylated amine or acryloylated amide group. The process for synthesis of this gel and its uses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An intraocular lens comprising a polymer that is prepared from a monomer mixture comprising a monomer of formula G-D-Ar??(I) wherein Ar is a C6-C24 aromatic group having a hydrophilic substituent, D is a divalent linking group, and G is a reactive functional group selected from the group consisting of acryloyl, acryloyloxy, methacryloyl, methacryloyloxy and mercapto. The polymer has an equilibrium water content of greater than 4.5 percent by weight.

Abstract: Polymer containing calcium sulfate particles as an implant material are provided. The polymer containing calcium sulfate particles include a calcium sulfate compound coated with a therapeutic polymer containing salicylate, with a coating thickness from about 2 ?m to about 50 ?m. The therapeutic polymer in the particles is in a range from about 0.1% to about 22% (w/w). The resorption of the particles in vivo is from about four weeks to about twenty weeks. The polymer containing calcium sulfate particles can be used as an implant material for bone repairing and bone augmentation.

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: 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 dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, particularly to provide a synthetic macromolecular network for a wide variety of tissue types. In particular, artificial or synthetic cartilage, vocal cord material, vitreous material, soft tissue material and mitral valve material are described. In an embodiment, the network is composed of tyramine-substituted and cross-linked hyaluronan molecules, wherein cross-linking is achieved via peroxidase-mediated dityramine-linkages that can be performed in vivo. The dityramine bonds provide a stable, coherent hyaluronan-based hydrogel with desired physical properties.

Abstract: A self-orienting biocompatible polymer system incorporating a hydrophilic surface and a hydrophobic core are disclosed. The hydrophilic surface aids in biocompatibility while the hydrophobic core allows the polymer system to accommodate a hydrophobic drug. Medical devices coated with the polymer system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric compositions comprising a biodegradable copolymer that possesses shape-memory properties and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) formed of materials (e.g., a coating) containing such compositions. The polymeric compositions can also contain at least one non-fouling moiety, at least additional biocompatible polymer, at least one biobeneficial material, at least one bioactive agent, or a combination thereof. The polymeric compositions are formulated to possess good mechanical, physical and biological properties. Moreover, implantable devices formed of materials comprising such compositions can be delivered to the treatment site in a conveniently compressed size and then can expand to dimensions appropriate for their medical functions.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-polymer hydrogel article having a first polymeric, water-swellable material and a second polymeric material, organized such that a first region substantially comprises the first polymeric, water-swellable material, a second region adjacent the first region comprises a mixture of the first polymeric, water-swellable material and the second polymeric material, and a third region adjacent the second region substantially comprises the second polymeric material. The article exhibits an increasing concentration gradient of the second polymeric material moving from the first region, through the second region, to the third region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of preparing a three-dimensional matrix of micron sized electrospun fibers, wherein the electrospun fibers are formed from a electrospun composite comprising a bioactive ceramic component and a polymer component. The matrix provides an osteoconductive and osteoinductive scaffold supporting osteogenesis and thereby facilitates bone repair.