Abstract: This invention provides a novel rapidly biodegradable polylactide resin composition while maintaining the good mechanical strength and physical properties of polylactide. This biodegradable polylactide resin composition comprises at least one protein selected from silk, gelatin, keratin, elastin, gluten, zein, or soybean. This composition further comprises degraded mannan, and furthermore, a filler.

Abstract: A non-irritating, non-allergenic and non-toxic bioadhesive composition can be obtained by providing a bioadhesive composition including a polyphenolic protein derived from byssus-forming mussels and, b) a polymer comprising carbohydrate groups. The bioadhesive composition does not contain any enzyme or chemical cross-linking agent. Optionally, the composition may contain an oxidising agent and/or a filler protein. Preferably, the composition is provided as a kit of at least two parts, namely the polyphenolic protein and the polymer comprising carbohydrate groups, respectively. The composition is especially suitable as an adhesive in ophthalmic therapy.

Abstract: Use of an aqueous composition, which has been prepared by dissolving (A) dihydroxypropylchitosan and (B) 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (B) in an aqueous medium, makes it possible to provide articles excellent in hydrophilicity, antibacterial and deodorant activities, touch feeling, antifogging property, paper strength, dyeability, waterproofness, antifouling property and/or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water based polymer composition comprising a biopolymer and a synthetic polymer resin. The biopolymer results from a mechanical thermoplastic processing of a polysaccharide and/or protein starting material using shear forces in the presence of a crosslinking agent. The synthetic polymer resin consists of a water based hydrophilic resin and/or hydrophilic/hydrophobic resin. These compositions have a good storage stability. They are intended for the production of coatings with fair properties.

Abstract: Recombinant fragments of Factor C are disclosed. These proteins and peptides show great potency in recognizing, binding to, neutralizing and removing endotoxin. These molecules can thus be used for anti-microbial, anti-endotoxin, and anti-sepsis therapy. SSCrFCES is a 38 kDa protein representing the LPS-binding domain of Factor C. The ability of SSCrFCES to bind lipid A was analyzed using an ELISA-based assay as well as surface plasmon resonance. Surface plasmon resonance similarly carried out for SSCrFC-sushi-1,2,3-GFP, SSCrFC-sushi-1GFP, and SSCrFC-sushi-3GFP confirmed their superior affinity for endotoxin. The 50% endotoxin-neutralizing concentration of SSCrFCES against 200 EU of endotoxin is 0.069 &mgr;M, suggesting that SSCrFCES is an effective inhibitor of LAL coagulation cascade.

Abstract: A regenerated collagen fiber which comprises 100 parts by weight of collagen and 1 to 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin and has such excellent heat resistance that it is less apt to be thermally damaged even in styling with a hair iron or dryer. The thermoplastic resin is one obtained by polymerizing at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkyl acrylate monomers, alkyl methacrylate monomers, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl cyanide monomers, aromatic vinyl monomers and halogenated vinyl monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a component (A) containing, an aqueous alkali silicate solution and a primary amino-alcohol as a catalyst, and a component (B) containing a polyisocyanate. The present invention further relates to organo-mineral products which can be obtained by the transformation of polyisocyanates and aqueous alkali silicate solutions in the presence of a primary amino-alcohol as a catalyst. The organo-mineral products can be used as building, coating, sealing or insulating materials, or as a cement or adhesive.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel rapidly biodegradable polylactide resin composition while maintaining the good mechanical strength and physical properties of polylactide. This biodegradable polylactide resin composition comprises at least one protein selected from silk, gelatin, keratin, elastin, gluten, zein, or soybean. This composition further comprises degraded mannan, and furthermore, a filler.

Abstract: New aerogels are disclosed which comprise silica, at least one organic polymer having polar functional groups, and at least one metal ion. Also disclosed are methods for making such aerogels. The present invention further concerns printable objects comprising these aerogels, specifically when the print media are imaged by the absorption of liquid and the spatial localization of pigments or dyes.

Abstract: A coating material contains at least one substance selected from the group consisting of water-soluble resin such as water-soluble acryl resin, resin emulsion such as acryl emulsion and solvent resin such as solution of urethane resin into a solvent (A); resin beads such as polyethylene beads (B); and at least one substance selected from the group consisting of soluble protein such as collagen and resin emulsion incompatible with the (A) such as ethylene-acryl copolymer (C). (A) improves adhesion with a base member, (B) improves heat sealability and (C) improves surface lubricity and anti-blocking properties. Further, water-soluble amine additive (D) may be added to improve adhesion with olefin base member.

Abstract: A non-irritating, non-allergenic and non-toxic bioadhesive composition can be obtained by providing a bioadhesive composition comprising a) a polyphenolic protein derived from byssus-forming mussels b) a polymer comprising carbohydrate groups. The bioadhesive composition does not contain any enzyme or chemical cross-linking agent. Optionally, the composition may contain an oxidising agent and/or a filler protein. Preferably, the composition is provided as a kit of at least two parts, namely the polyphenolic protein and the polymer comprising carbohydrate groups, respectively. The composition is especially suitable as an adhesive in ophthalmic therapy.

Abstract: A resin composition contains a thermoplastic elastomer, natural organic, and silicone. As the thermoplastic elastomer, an olefin thermoplastic elastomer, such as a ethylene-propylene copolymer or the like, can be used. As the thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene thermoplastic elastomer, such as a styrene-butadiene copolymer or the like, can be used. As the natural organic, silk, cellulose, collagen or the like can be used. It is advisable that the content of the natural organic is 5-30 wt %, and the content of silicone is 0.3-10 wt %. Where the natural organic is a fine powder state, it is preferable that the particle size is less than 300 &mgr;m. Moldings are sheets or the like, formed by using the aforementioned resin composition.

Abstract: Novel adhesive compositions are described that include an epoxyamine and, preferably, a curing agent. The adhesive composition can be used in surgical settings such as implanting bioprostheses and/or in manufacturing of bioprostheses. Biocompatible substrates can be adhered together by an adhesive bond formed by curing of the epoxyamine adhesive composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible collagenous material which is non-toxic and biodegradable in less than one month, preferably in less than one week. This material comprises collagen and at least one hydrophilic macromolecular additive which is chemically non-reactive towards the collagen, with the collagen having at least partially lost its helical structure and being crosslinked. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining such a material. The collagenous material according to the invention is used, in particular, for preventing post-operative adhesions.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions of matter are disclosed comprising complexes for treating a population of ore or more aquatic organisms in a column of water. The complexes comprise a least one system wherein the system comprises at least one bioactive agent as a component selected for treating a population of aquatic organisms, at least one carrier component, and at least one coating component for regulating the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water or at least one bioactive agent and one joint-function component that can serve as both a carrier and coating to regulate the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water, with or without optional binder components and/or additional formulation materials. The components are selected to sink or float so that the complexes will permeate and/or remain in any planar or volumetric segment of a water column for a period of time that is sufficient to effectively treat a population of aquatic organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer particles being capable of stably maintaining a hydrophobic protecting agent for skin and/or hair and a method of treating fibers by the polymer particles. It is polymer particles having a volume average particle diameter of 0.001 to 30 &mgr;m, which comprises an organic high-molecular polymer (a) as the wall membrane and a hydrophobic -protecting agent for skin and/or hair (b) as the core material, or chitosan and a polymer of an organic acid having reactive vinyl group and/or a salt thereof as the membrane wall and the protecting agent (b) as the core material; a fiber-treating agent comprising said polymer particles; fiber having said polymer particles present continuously or discontinuously on the surface thereof; or a fiber-treating method which comprises bringing said polymer particles or said fiber-treating agent into contact with fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lyophilization process for forming biocompatible foam structures. The process allows the foam structures to be tailored for specific end uses. The foams formed by this process are well suited to be used in medical applications such as tissue engineering.

Abstract: A coating material contains at least one substance selected from the group consisting of water-soluble resin such as water-soluble acryl resin, resin emulsion such as acryl emulsion and solvent resin such as solution of urethane resin into a solvent (A); resin beads such as polyethylene beads (B); and at least one substance selected from the group consisting of soluble protein such as collagen and resin emulsion incompatible with the (A) such as ethylene-acryl copolymer (C). (A) improves adhesion with a base member, (B) improves heat sealability and (C) improves surface lubricity and anti-blocking properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (1) a deproteinizing agent for natural rubber latex, comprising a protease and one or more water-soluble polymers as an active component; (2) a deproteinized natural rubber latex, which is prepared by subjecting to a deprotenization treatment using the deproteinizing agent, and a method of producing the same; (3) a method of producing a rubber product, which comprises incorporating at least a vulcanizing agent into the latex (2), dipping a mold in the resulting compound latex, and vulcanizing and drying a rubber film formed on the mold; and (4) a method of producing a rubber product, which comprises incorporating at least a heat sensitizer and a vulcanizing agent into the latex (2), dipping a mold in the resulting heat-sensitive coagulable compound latex, and vulcanizing and drying a rubber film formed on the mold.

Abstract: The present invention offers biomaterials exhibiting excellent sustained-release property and degradation property such as that polypeptides or the like having a biological activity can be continuously released for a prescribed life span in vivo. The said biomaterials consist of a copolymer prepared by the reaction of lactic acid and/or glycolic acid and p-dioxanone with polyethylene glycol as main components.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of manufacturing implantable biocompatible cell encapsulation devices, wherein the cell encapsulation devices have a jacket made of a permeable, biocompatible material that is loaded with a core made of a reticulate foam scaffold having interconnected pores, with cells that are dispersed in the interconnected pores.

Abstract: A biocompatible cell device having an internal foam scaffold to provide a growth surface for encapsulated cells which produce a biologically active molecule.

Abstract: A composite surgical material comprising a collagen matrix reinforced by a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material such as polylactide/polyglycolide or oxidised regenerated cellulose, and wherein oil droplets are dispersed in the collagen matrix. The oil droplets comprise 1% to 75% of the weight of the composite and result in improved leak-proofing of the composite. The composite, in the form of a sheet or a tube, is especially useful as a temporary, fully bioabsorbable prosthesis, for membranes or blood vessels where a highly leak-proof prosthesis is required. The invention also provides a method of making a composite surgical material comprising the steps of: providing a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; providing a dispersion of collagen in an oil-in-water emulsion; coating at least one face of the layer of synthetic bioabsorbable material with the said dispersion; and drying the composite material thus obtained.

Abstract: Novel latex or emulsion compositions containing internally plasticizing and crosslinkable long-chain alkenol ester monomers are disclosed and claimed. Preferred embodiments include latex formed from acrylate or methacrylate esters of long-chain alkenols. A process for the synthesis of the latex composition is also disclosed, which involves (a) esterification of a long-chain alkenol with an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; (b) polymerization of the ethylenically unsaturated ester in an aqueous phase with at least one other copolymerizable monomer; and (b) blending of so formed polymer with at least one drier and a surfactant to form the novel latex or emulsion compositions. These compositions form films at low minimum film forming temperatures (MFT) ranging from -5 to 10.degree. C. and cure to above ambient glass transition (T.sub.g) polymers without the use of traditional organic cosolvents which contribute to environmental pollution via volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions.

Abstract: A composite surgical material comprising a collagen matrix reinforced by a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material such as polylactide/polyglycolide or oxidized regenerated cellulose, and wherein oil droplets are dispersed in the collagen matrix. The oil droplets comprise 1% to 75% of the weight of the composite and result in improved leak-proofing of the composite. The composite, in the form of a sheet or a tube, is especially useful as a temporary, fully bioabsorbable prosthesis, for membranes or blood vessels where a highly leak-proof prosthesis is required. The invention also provides a method of making a composite surgical material comprising the steps of: providing a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; providing a dispersion of collagen in an oil-in-water emulsion; coating at least one face of the layer of synthetic bioabsorbable material with the said dispersion; and drying the composite material thus obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a thermoplastic, structurally crosslinked elastomeric or thermosetting polymer, which comprises(a) a polar, adsorptive inorganic or organic material in the form of fibres or particles which are in mutual contact, onto which is adsorptively bound(b) a polar antistatic agent comprising a mixture ofb1) at least one polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms, andb2) the salt of an inorganic protic acid, which is solvated or complexed in the polar organic compound. The invention also relates to a second composition comprising b) a polar inorganic or organic material, b1) a polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms and b2) an inorganic salt, to the use of this second composition for the antistatic treatment of polymers, and to a process for preparing antistatically treated polymers.

Abstract: A hydrophilic oxygen permeable contact lens having a front surface which is not to be in contact with the cornea of a human eye when the contact lens is worn on the human eye, wherein at least the front surface of the contact lens is coated with a hydrophilicity rendering material which renders the front surface hydrophilic and which is selected from the group consisting of: (A) hydrophilic silicone oil which is represented by the formula given in the specification and whose viscosity at a temperature of 20.degree. C. is not higher than 5,000 centipoise; (B) polysaccharide or its derivative; and (C) denatured collagen whose average molecular weight is in a range of 400.about.100,000. Also disclosed is a method of producing the hydrophilic oxygen permeable contact lens.

Abstract: Methods of forming solid pharmaceutical compositions comprise solubilizing water-soluble polymers and amino acid-based components having molecular weights ranging from about 100 daltons to about 200,000 daltons or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in solvents; and separating the solvents from the water-soluble polymers and the amino acid-based components or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof to form solid pharmaceutical compositions comprising the water-soluble polymers and the amino acid-based components or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a thermoplastic, structurally crosslinked elastomeric or thermosetting polymer, which comprises(a) a polar, adsorptive inorganic or organic material in the form of fibers or particles which are in mutual contact, onto which is adsorptively bound(b) a polar antistatic agent comprising a mixture ofb1) at least one polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms, andb2) the salt of an inorganic protic acid, which is solvated or complexed in the polar organic compound. The invention also relates to a second composition comprising b1) a polar inorganic or organic material, b) a polar organic compound having at least 5 carbon atoms and at least 3 heteroatoms and b2) an inorganic salt, to the use of this second composition for the antistatic treatment of polymers, and to a process for preparing antistatically treated polymers.

Abstract: Materials containing fine natural organic material particles are disclosed. As the fine particles, superfine silk fibroin particles are produced by a process comprising a first step of comminuting silk fibroin into coarse particles with dry mechanical comminuting means, a second step of comminuting the coarse silk fibroin particles into fine particles with dry mechanical comminuting means, and a third step of comminuting the fine silk fibroin particles into superfine particles with an average particle diameter of 10 .mu.m or below with dry mechanical comminuting means, the silk fibroin particles being beta-treated during or after at least one of the first to third comminuting steps. Specific examples of the material are films, sheets, paints, fiber treating materials, etc.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition includes from about 30 weight percent to about 70 weight percent solids in an aqueous medium. The solids include an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of from about -25.degree. C. to about -85.degree. C. and having an acid number of from about 3 to about 30 and from about 0.75 parts by weight to about 5 parts by weight of a humectant per 100 parts polymer.

Abstract: A water-soluble, biodegradable, repulpable, waterbearing colloidal hydrogel material manufactured from a mixture of natural organic materials, water and additives which is capable of being heated and applied with hot melt glue application equipment for use in paper bag sealing, corrugated and paperboard carton closure, and fishing lures.

Abstract: This invention presents a rubber composition wherein a determined amount of protein is mixed with unvulcanized rubber. Rubber products made of this rubber composition have sufficient strength for practical use and are harmless to human bodies. The rubber composition of the invention not requiring vulcanizing process is advantageous in eliminating the need of large-scale vulcanizing equipment. Combined use of a curing agent and protein will increase modulus higher than using the curing agent alone.

Abstract: A fiber treatment composition containing a synthetic resin such as a silicon resin emulsion, a polyurethane resin emulsion and the like and a pulverized hydrophilic organic group natural material such as collagen. A fiber treated by using the treatment composition. A method of treating the fiber by stirring the fiber treatment composition in a ball mill or the like, soaking a fiber in the composition by the pad method, and drying the fiber under a temperature from 80 to 160 degrees.

Abstract: The hydrogel of the invention contains polyvinyl alcohol (a hydrogel support), and a high water-absorbent resin and/or a hydrophilic high molecular compound, which are capable of containing a large amount of water. The rate of evaporation of water from this hydrogel is slow. The hydrogel retains water for a long time and releases an active ingredient gradually. The hydrogel containing a pharmacologically active substance is useful as a pharmaceutical preparation.

Abstract: Particleboard is produced by coating the particles of wood furnish with an adhesive comprising a foamed mixture of 96-98 percent by weight urea formaldehyde and 2-4 percent by weight dried animal blood, the mixture being foamed to about 5-15 times the volume of the liquid resin to provide a urea formaldehyde resin solids content of 45-70 percent by weight. The foamed adhesive mixture is coated onto the wood particles of the furnish, as by means of a blender, to provide the finished particleboard with a resin solids content of 5-10 percent by weight.

Abstract: A water reaction synthesis with polyoxyethylene diol, diisocyanate and dibutyltin bis lauryl mercaptide produces a high molecular weight thermoplastic polyurethane-urea linear polymer with surface resistivity 10.sup.11 -10.sup.6 ohm/sq. Thermoplastic and/or elastomeric antistatic compositions containing other melt processable polymers and/or filler, and the polymer exhibit permanent protection. Antistatic protection can be increased when the polymer complexes with a metal salt such as lithium chloride, or lithium acetate. The composition is useful in the manufacture of antistatic floor coverings and textile texturing and drafting elements such as cots and aprons.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for reducing the carboxylester content of an emulsion-polymerized addition polymer by contacting the aqueous emulsion polymer with a carboxylesterase enzyme and a reduced carboxylester content emulsion-polymerized addition polymer so prepared.

Abstract: It is the object of this invention to provide a method for the preparation of an antiblocking agent which is effective in its antiblocking activity but is considerable less visible in photographic enlargements made from the film containing the antiblock of this invention.There is described a process for the preparation of monodispersed polymer particles between 5 and 10 microns in diameter which comprises preparing a dispersion of monosized seed polymer particles and then adding to this dispersion an ethylenically unsaturated monomer which is different from the monomer used to prepare the seed polymer particles, together with a polymerization initiator and completing the polymerization, the refractive index of one of the polymers produced being greater than 1.54 and the refractive index of the other polymer being less than 1.54.The refractive index of gelatin is 1.54. There is produced by the process of the present invention a particle which comprises two polymers.

Abstract: The invention is a solution of highly advanced phenolic resin with improved inherent foamability that is made from the reaction of phenol, aldehyde, water and alkali the improved foamability being brought about by the incorporation of up to 1.0% by weight, anhydrous basis, lime (calcium hydroxide) into the early stages of the reaction mix. In another embodiment, the invention is a plywood glue composition comprising a solution of lime-containing highly advanced phenolic resin, dried animal blood and preferably an aldehyde glue viscosity-lowering agent.

Abstract: An adhesive or coating formulation useful in biomedical application and particularly well suited for use in aqueous environments is provided comprising:(1) a bioadhesive polyphenolic protein component having from about 5 to about 99 weight percent of a proteinaceous substance comprising from about 10 to about 400 of the following repeating decapeptide unit: ##STR1## in which each X is hydrogen or hydroxyl and each R is hydrogen or methyl; (2) from about 1.0 to about 40 weight percent of a cross-linking agent which promotes cross-linking of the decapeptide;(3) one or more additives which promote the desired properties of the formulation, said additives comprising at least one surfactant and being present in an amount of from 0% to about 90% by weight, and(4) a filler compatible with the intended use of the formulation, said filler being present in an amount of from 0% to about 50% by weight.

Abstract: Biodegradable polyanhydrides or polyester compositions based on amino acids. The compositions may be used as carriers for drugs or the like or as the drug source itself. The polymers are prepared from amino acids which are modified to include an additional carboxylic acid group.

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially dry particulate composition comprising a polyacrylamide and an amidase. An aqueous composition made by dispersing this into water will then have a satisfactorily low content of residual acrylamide even if the initial polymer was contaminated with monomer. The composition is made by blending dry polyacrylamide particles with the amidase.

Abstract: Collagen in tactoid form obtained by forming an aqueous solution containing dissolved collagen and a water soluble or miscible polymer adapted to precipitate collagen out of solution in the form of tactoids.

Abstract: A composition and formulation for use in covering and healing of wounds to the body, the formulation consisting of a mixture of a tissue compatible, water-based acrylic adhesive and collagen. The formulation comprises from between about 0.1% and 10% of collagen (dry basis), with the adhesive component preferably containing about 50% solids, balance water.

Abstract: A novel hydrophobic polymeric matrix is provided which is suitable for use after implantation in vivo in a subject for the controlled release and delivery of biologically active substances such as drugs, antibiotics, steroids and the like. Alternatively, the matrix can be used outside the body for release of fragrances, pesticides and the like. The implantable matrix comprises a polymeric polyanhydride formulation whose internal anhydride linkages are hydrolytic in nature in varying degrees in accordance with the chemical composition of the backbone, pH and temperature of the environment. As the individual anhydride linkages become hydrolyzed, the matrix erodes predominantly by surface erosion into non-toxic biocompatible degradation products with concomitant release of the biologically active substance.

Abstract: A novel series of articles useful as implants and prostheses and methods for their preparation and use are provided which utilize polyanhydride polymeric matrices as a general class of materials. These articles are biocompatible, non-inflammatory and degrade predictably into non-toxic residues after introduction in-vivo. The articles may be formed in any desired dimensions and configuration and may take specific shape as vascular or skin grafts, as biodegradable sutures or as orthopedic appliances such as bone plates and the like.

Abstract: Collagen-based compositions for augmenting soft tissue, wound dressings, implants, injectable formulations or other drug delivery systems, comprising resorbable collagen matrix beads, the beads having an average pore size of from 50 to 350 microns, and the collagen comprising from 1 to 30% by volume of the beads, the collagen matrix being sufficiently open to stimulate cellular ingrowth therethrough and yet sufficiently stiff and non-compressible to fill and protect a wound, and the formulation being sufficiently moisture and gas permeable to prevent liquid pooling on a wound and to permit sufficient oxygen diffusion for promoting wound healing.

Abstract: This invention relates to formaldehyde-free, aqueous glue dispersions which contain polyisocyanates. These systems are particularly suitable for gluing veneers and surface materials on wood and wood products. The systems are prepared from polyisocyanates in combination with extenders based on flours and cold water-soluble of hydrolyzed natural starch. In this process, polyisocyanates or aqueous dispersions thereof are added while stirring to aqueous solutions or mixtures of starch and flour.The extender-containing adhesive systems are aqueous glue dispersions having increased service life which in their preferred embodiment contain about 15 to 30% by weight of polyisocyanates, preferably polyphenyl-polymethylene polyisocyanate (PMDI), 10 to 15% by weight of starch which is soluble in cold water and 14 to 25% by weight of (cereal) flour and optionally, other additives and the appropriate quantity of water adding up to 100% by weight.

Abstract: An aqueous silicone emulsion coating material has been developed with can be used to form a membrane with a decorative, uneven surface. The decorative surface is durable and waterproof. The coating material consists essentially of aqueous silicone emulsion which gives an elastomer upon removal of the water component, inorganic filler, and short, hydrophilic, organic fibers.