Abstract: An actuator device that includes a first fiber, a conducting material, and a coating. The coating coats the first fiber or the conducting material. The coating may also provide moisture protection, UV protection, thermal insulation and thermal conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for delivery of therapeutic agents across an barrier. The compositions include a therapeutic agent (e.g., antimicrobial agent, antibiotic, or anesthetic agent), a permeation enhancer which increases the flux of the therapeutic agent across the barrier, and a matrix forming agent. The matrix forming agent forms a gel at a suitable gelation temperature and rheological properties for use in drug delivery, and in some cases, the gelation temperature and rheological properties are not significantly changed from those of the composition without the permeation enhancer. The invention also provides a matrix forming agent and compositions thereof. Such compositions are particularly useful in the treatment of otitis media. Methods of treatment, methods of delivery, and kits for the compositions described herein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to superabsorbent polymer and a method for preparing the same. According to the method for preparing superabsorbent polymer of the present invention, superabsorbent polymer having improved rewet property and absorption speed can be provided.

Abstract: Hydrogels are blended with water to produce a hydrogel solution. Viscosity of the hydrogel solution is controlled by adjusting the ratio of hydrogel to water and/or by adjusting the blending conditions. The hydrogel solutions may be used to modify the rheology of agricultural compositions. The hydrogel may include lactose, which may be provided by a milk permeate waste stream from the dairy or food processing industry.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to subterranean formation operations and, more particularly, to embedded treatment fluid additives for use in subterranean formation operations. The embedded treatment additives may comprise an aqueous-soluble downhole reactive material embedded in a crosslinked polymeric solution to delay the reactivity of the aqueous-soluble downhole reactive material, thereby forming the embedded treatment additive, wherein the aqueous-soluble downhole reactive material is a solid.

Abstract: Cationic cyclic amine containing polymers and copolymers as well as novel lipids have been designed and synthesized for efficient delivery of nucleic acids to cells in biological systems, specifically for in vitro cell transfection research.

Abstract: Described is a silicone hydrogel contact lens having non-uniform morphology. The contact lens may be made from a reactive mixture comprising: a silicone-containing component; a hydrophilic component; a non-reactive polymeric internal wetting agent; and a polymerization initiator, the contact lens having an oxygen permeability of at least about 60 barrers, and wherein the molar ratio in the lens of the polymeric non-reactive internal wetting agent to silicone, without a surface treatment, is greater in the lens's surface than in its bulk.

Abstract: Methods of coating a substrate are disclosed. The methods comprise applying shear force to a coating composition either before or during application of the coating composition to the substrate. The coating composition comprises a water-borne or solvent-borne film-forming resin and a catalyst associated with a carrier, wherein at least some of the catalyst can be released from the carrier upon application of the shear force. Also provided are coated articles prepared by the methods.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel matrix serves as an effective acellular scaffold for axonal regeneration and facilitates functional nerve recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-soluble polymer composition which comprises a water-soluble poly(meth)acrylic polymer and a gelation rate retarding agent, and a composition for forming a plaster layer of a skin patch which is obtainable by adding a polyvalent metal compound to the water-soluble polymer composition. When a polyvalent metal compound is added, the aforesaid water-soluble polymer composition shows an appropriate induction period before the start of the hardening of the gel. When the water-soluble polymer composition is used for forming a plaster layer of a skin patch, therefore, additive ingredients can be uniformly mixed and the procedure for coating to a support can be facilitated.

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

Abstract: A microfiber showing improved mechanical strength, which comprises a micro gel fiber consisting of collagen gel or the like covered with high strength hydrogel such as alginate gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel crosslinkable copolymers which are obtainable by (a) copolymerizing at least two different hydrophilic monomers selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), acrylic acid (AA) and a C1-C4-alkoxy polyethylene glycol(meth)acrylate having a weight average molecular weight of from 200 to 1500, and at least one crosslinker comprising two or more ethylenically unsaturated double bonds in the presence of a chain transfer agent having a functional group; and (b) reacting one or more functional groups of the resulting copolymer with an organic compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of promoting the revascularization and/or reenervation of central nervous system lesions using an in-situ crosslinkable hydrogel. The present invention also provides methods of treating a spinal cord injury by topically delivering to the spinal cord injury site a vehicle comprising a neurotrophic factor and/or anti-inflammatory agent. Also provided are methods of treating a spinal cord injury by topically administering or delivering a hydrogel to the injury site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a polymer hydrogel, comprising cross-linking a precursor comprising a hydrophilic polymer optionally in combination with a second hydrophilic polymer, using a polycarboxylic acid as the cross-linking agent. The invention further concerns the polymer hydrogel obtainable by the method of the invention and the use thereof in a number of different applications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of making hydrolyzed cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels by polymerizing vinyl acetate (VAc) monomers to polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) polymer network by chemical-crosslinking and hydrolysis. The invention also provides methods for including pendant chains in the hydrogel during the polymerization process. Materials produced and use of the cross-linked hydrolyzed PVA hydrogels also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrogels capable of absorbing aqueous fluids, which hydrogels are produced by polymerization of olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids or their derivatives. The hydrogels are characterized in that before, during or after the polymerization reaction and before drying a silicic acid alkali salt of the general formula (I) M2O×nSiO2 is added to the polymerization reaction mixture. In said formula M is an alkali metal and n is a number between 0.5 and 4. The hydrogel obtained in this way is then dried at an elevated temperature. The invention also relates to a method for producing said hydrogels and to their use for absorbing aqueous fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a polymeric substrate comprising at least one volume excluding polymer. In one embodiment, the present invention provides polymeric articles that are capable of acting as osmotic drivers. The articles are capable of maintaining a desired water balance by moving water in or out of a substrate to maintain cation concentration equilibrium between the substrate and its environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an N-vinylamide polymer in an efficient manner by an aqueous solution polymerization method in which a gel-like polymer having an excellent handling property can be produced, and a polymerization time can be shortened. The process for producing an N-vinylamide polymer by subjecting a monomer component comprising N-vinylamide to aqueous solution polymerization according to the present invention comprises the step of polymerizing the monomer component comprising N-vinylamide in the presence of an inorganic salt, which inorganic salt is present in an amount of not less than 7% by mass based on water in a uniform aqueous solution comprising the monomer component at a concentration not more than a saturated solution concentration thereof as measured at a polymerization initiation temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel crosslinkable copolymers which are obtainable by (a) copolymerizing at least two different hydrophilic monomers selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), acrylic acid (AA) and a C1-C4-alkoxy polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate having a weight average molecular weight of from 200 to 1500, and at least one crosslinker comprising two or more ethylenically unsaturated double bonds in the presence of a chain transfer agent having a functional group; and (b) reacting one or more functional groups of the resulting copolymer with an organic compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrogels containing water and polyethylene glycol-dimethacrylates in a polymerized form. The polymethacrylate blocks are so short that they form no proper phase. The invention further relates to methods for producing said hydrogels. The inventive hydrogels are provided with reduced haze and are used as materials for contact lenses, electrophoresis gels, membrane materials, and sound-absorbing materials.

Abstract: A fiber, film or foam includes a plasticizer and a charged claylinked gel (A). The charged claylinked gel (A) includes clay nanoparticles (C) which are crosslinked by a charged polymer (A?) such that any particular clay nanoparticle is linked to at least one other clay nanoparticle by the charged polymer (A?). Methods for producing the fibers, film and foam are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are sterile hydrogel compositions comprising polyvinyl alcohol (“PVA”), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (“PVP”), and a polysaccharide, wherein the combined amount of PVA and PVP present in the hydrogel compositions is from about 2% to about 12% weight by volume, based on the total volume of the composition, and wherein the hydrogel compositions has a gel fraction greater than or equal to 97%. Sterile hydrogel products including such sterile hydrogel compositions, and methods of making such sterile hydrogel compositions and sterile hydrogel products.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to a biocompatible, biodegradable, and moldable plastic carrier for a fish attractant or stimulant suitable for use as a component of an artificial fish bait. The carrier comprises one or more grades of poly(vinyl alcohol), a plasticizer, a humectant, and water. It may additionally contain one or more of the following additives: fish olfactory/gustatory stimulants, visually stimulating colorants, preservatives, scrim, and biodegradation enhancers. The present subject matter additionally relates to a method for the production of such carriers and fish bait or lures incorporating the carrier.

Abstract: Biomedical devices are provided herein which are formed from a polymerization product of a mixture comprising (a) a copolymer which is the reaction product of one or more polymerizable polyhydric alcohols and one or more polymerizable fluorine-containing monomers; and (b) a biomedical device-forming comonomer.

Abstract: Swellable hydrogel-forming polymers having high permeability Swellable hydrogel-forming polymer comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer of dendritic structure and at least one water-insoluble phosphate, a process for preparing the swellable hydrogel-forming polymer and also its use in hygiene articles.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a substrate having a surface with a volume-tunable-material on the surface and fluid-support-structures over the surface and partially embedded in the volume-tunable-material. Each of said fluid-support-structures has at least one dimension of about 1 millimeter or less, and the fluid-support-structures are moveable in response to a volume transition of the volume-tunable-material.

Abstract: This invention provides methods to form modified hydrogel materials using reactive compounding. The method includes mixing a hydrogel material with a plasticizer in a compounding apparatus. During mixing, a reactive chemical compound is added to the mixture that reacts with the hydrogel material to form a modified hydrogel material.

Abstract: This invention describes an electrically driven mechanochemical actuator comprising an electroactive material capable of converting electrical to mechanical energy in communication with a first electrode and a second electrode, the electroactive material immersed in an electrolyte, the electroactive material and electrolyte surrounded by a flexible encapsulating coating, wherein a portion of the first electrode and a portion of the second electrode penetrate there through.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogel composition comprising a mixture of a hydrophilic polymer and a polymer chain modifying agent, wherein the polymer chain modifying agent is selected from the group consisting of an aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydride, a titanate, and a polyetherimide. The present invention also provides a method for producing a phase separated, branched, copolymer hydrogel comprising a mixture of a hydrophilic polymer and a polymer chain modifying agent. The present invention also provides an implantable medical device comprising a phase separated, branched, copolymer hydrogel wherein the phase separated, branched, copolymer hydrogel is formed of a hydrophilic polymer and a polymer chain modifying agent.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel matrix serves as an effective acellular scaffold for axonal regeneration and facilitates functional nerve recovery.

Abstract: A method for surface crosslinking water-absorbing resin of the present invention includes a step (1) of obtaining a wet mixture, a step (2) of obtaining a dried particulate composition, and a step (3) of carrying out a surface crosslinking reaction. With this, since a processing time of each step becomes short, it is possible to mass produce the water-absorbing resin having excellent physical properties. Moreover, a method for manufacturing the water-absorbing resin of the present invention includes a modifying step and a cooling step. The modifying step and/or the cooling step are/is carried out by using stirring means including a rotation axis having a plurality of stirring boards, and the stirring means includes the stirring board having a specific thickness and/or a scraping blade having a specific shape. With this, it is possible to suppress the generation of the fine powder in the modifying step and/or the cooling step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block copolymer formed by coupling the following components with each other, as well as a hydrogel composition comprising the block copolymer and a hydrogel formed from the composition: (a) a copolymer of a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based compound with a biodegradable polymer; and (b) a sulfonamide-based oligomer. The inventive block copolymer shows the sol-gel transition behavior sensitive to changes in not only temperature but also pH. Thus, the inventive block copolymer overcomes the shortcomings of temperature-sensitive copolymers, form a more strong and stable hydrogel, and is stable in vivo. Accordingly, the inventive block copolymer can be used in various applications in the medical and drug delivery fields.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods of controllably making a vinyl polymer hydrogel having desired physical properties without chemical cross links or radiation. The gelation process is modulated by controlling, for example, the temperature of a resultant vinyl polymer mixture having a gellant or using active ingredients provided in an inactive gellant complex.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel (meth)acrylic esters of monoalkoxylated polyols, a process for their preparation and their use for preparing crosslinked swellable hydrogel-forming polymers and crosslinked swellable hydrogel-forming polymers.

Abstract: The present invention features dual network hydrogels that possess the structural, mechanical, and biological properties required of load bearing three-dimensional support structures.

Abstract: The invention features polymeric biomaterials formed by nucleophilic addition reactions to conjugated unsaturated groups. These biomaterials may be used for medical treatments.

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: A biodegradable container includes a body structure made of a foamed hydrocolloid gelling matrix system having a fibrous material and a firming agent embedded therein and a water-resistant coating disposed on a surface of the body structure.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods of controllably making a vinyl polymer hydrogel having desired physical properties without chemical cross links or radiation. The gelation process is modulated by controlling, for example, the temperature of a resultant vinyl polymer mixture having a gellant or using active ingredients provided in an inactive gellant complex.

Abstract: A method of reducing unreacted monomer in a water-soluble or water swellable polymer comprising the steps, i) applying an ultraviolet initiator to the surface of the polymer and ii) irradiating the polymer with ultraviolet light, wherein the ultraviolet initiator is dissolved or dispersed in a liquid medium and in which the liquid medium comprises an organic compound. The method is useful for reducing in the amount of unreacted acrylamide in polyacrylamide. Also claimed is a liquid initiator composition comprising, i) an ultraviolet initiator, and ii) a liquid medium comprising an organic compound. The initiator system is useful for applying to the surface of a polymer, such as polyacrylamide, in the removal of unreacted monomer, such as acrylamide.

Abstract: A method of making a microarray by coating a flat substrate with a polymerizable hydrogel layer which contains anchoring moieties dispersed uniformly therethroughout. Following curing, a continuous layer of uniform thickness is securely attached to the upper surface of the substrate through an array region thereof. A plurality of different probes are then attached to create microspots at distinct spatial locations on the surface of this slab layer by linking the probes to the anchoring moieties in the cured hydrogel. Such anchoring moieties may employ linking systems such as organic chelators, that are activated by copper or some other metal, and complementary pairs such as avidin-biotin.

Abstract: A novel hydrogel copolymer, a substrate coated with the copolymer, a method of producing a microarray using the copolymer, and a microarray produced by the method are provided. The use of the hydrogel copolymer makes efficient removal of protein and high integration of nucleic acid and protein on a substrate for a microarray possible.

Abstract: Swellable hydrogel-forming polymer comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer of dendritic structure, a process for preparing the swellable hydrogel-forming polymer and also its use in hygiene articles.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods of controllably making a vinyl polymer hydrogel having desired physical properties without chemical cross links or radiation. The gelation process is modulated by controlling, for example, the temperature of a resultant vinyl polymer mixture having a gellant or using active ingredients provided in an inactive gellant complex.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel composition and methods of its preparation and uses. The composition comprises as main components serum and a gelling agent and is useful in various medical applications. The composition may be used to coat a medical device, as a biological glue, or as dressings, membranes, scaffolding or hydrogel useful in bioengineering applications. One or more therapeutic products may be added to the composition and the composition is also a vehicle for delivery of therapeutic products.

Abstract: The inventive polyfunctional biocompatible hydrogel comprises 1.3–15 mass % of acrylamide, 0.004–0.975 mass % of cross-linking agents—N,N?-methylen-bis-acrylamide, 0.004–5.1 mass % of N,N?-ethylen-bis-acrylamide, 0.002–0.45 mass % of poviargol and water up to 100 mass %. Said hydrogel is produced by sopolymerising acrylamide with the cross-linking agents in an aqueous medium in the presence of peroxide polymerisation initiator, the incubation of reaction mixture being carried out in two stages. The first stage is carried out at a temperature ranging from 20 to 90° C. during a time of 2 to 24 hours, the second stage being carried out at a temperature ranging from 107 to 130° C. during a time equal to or less than 2 hours.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogels having advantageous physical properties, and covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogel compositions made by such methods, as well as articles of manufacture comprising such covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogel compositions. The physical properties of the produced hydrogels can be adjusted by varying controlled parameters such as the proportion of physical associations, the concentration of polymer and the amount of radiation applied. Such covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogels can be made translucent, preferably transparent, or opaque depending on the processing conditions. The stability of the physical properties of the produced vinyl polymer hydrogel can be enhanced by controlling the amount of covalent crosslinks.

Abstract: Reactive polymeric surfactants are disclosed, and their use in processes for preparation of microcapsules, and in stabilising emulsions. The surfactants are random graft polymers or block copolymers which contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic units and in which the hydrophobic unit includes a hydrophilic cross-linking unit which reacts with (a) a wall forming ingredient in a microencapsulation process, or (b) an ingredient in the disperse phase of an emulsion.

Abstract: A water-absorbent resin composition excelling in an absorption capacity under pressure, a first transition of initial absorption, and the small amount of rewet is provided. It comprises a water-absorbent resin obtained by aqueous solution polymerization and by reversed-phase suspension or reversed-phase emulsion polymerization and shows a CSF of not less than 20 g/g or an AAP of not less than 20 g/g or an SFC of not less than 10 (unit: 10?7×cm3×s×g?1). The gaps among resin particles owing to the difference in shape form optimum gap widths for the sake of capillarity. The resin composition consequently formed, therefore, manifests such excellent properties without the influences of a surfactant or an emulsifier.