Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer mixtures including hydrogel-forming polymers capable of absorbing aqueous fluids and prepared by polymerization of olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof together with copolymers of C2–C8 olefins or styrenes with anhydrides and also their preparation, use and hygiene articles which include same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screen printable hydrogel composition comprising: (a) soluble or partially soluble polymer wherein said polymer is a copolymer, interpolymer or mixture thereof; (b) initiation system; (c) thickener; (d) water; and (e) solvent; with the proviso that the composition has a viscosity of greater than about 10 Pa·s.

Abstract: A composition providing electrically conductive adhesive hydrogels suitable for use as skin contact adhesives and, particularly, suitable for use as an electrical interface for disposable medical devices. The present hydrogels provide for reduced skin irritation and/or malodor properties, hydrate a subject's skin, readily wet around a subject's skin surface hair, and protect against burning of a subject upon or due to electrical stimulation through the hydrogel. These hydrogels generally include a monomer, a first initiator, a solubilizer, and a cross-linking agent. The present hydrogels also desirably include a buffer system to help prevent discoloration of the hydrogels and/or hydrolysis of the hydrogels as well as to improve shelf-life. Other additives such as conductivity enhancers, pharmaceuticals, humectants, plasticizers, skin health agents, etc. may be added to the present hydrogels either before or after curing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure comprising an acidic or basic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer, a basic or acidic second material, and, optionally, a buffering agent, wherein the absorbent structure exhibits desirable absorbent properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent structure having the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid while maintaining a substantially desired and balanced pH profile on or along the upper surface of the absorbent structure. The absorbent structure is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb body liquids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel which is superior in homogeneity, transparency, mechanical properties, and in swelling and shrinking properties, a manufacturing method therefor, and a dry body of the organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel which is obtained by removing water from said hydrogel. The organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel comprises a water soluble polymer (A), a water swelling clay mineral (B) which can be homogeneously dispersed in water, and water (C), and water (C) is included in a three-dimensional network formed by (A) and (B).

Abstract: Gel-forming macromers including at least four polymeric blocks, at least two of which are hydrophobic and at least one of which is hydrophilic, and including a crosslinkable group are provided. The macromers can be covalently crosslinked to form a gel on a tissue surface in vivo. The gels formed from the macromers have a combination of properties including thermosensitivity and lipophilicity, and are useful in a variety of medical applications including drug delivery and tissue coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides such a production process that a low-cost water-absorbent resin having excellent quality can be obtained by reasonable steps in aqueous solution polymerization. The production process for a water-absorbent resin comprises a polymerization setup that includes the steps of: supplying an aqueous solution of a water-soluble unsaturated monomer component including a major proportion of acrylic acid and/or its salt into a polymerization vessel causing shearing action; and then carrying out polymerization, involving crosslinking, of the water-soluble unsaturated monomer and at the same time carrying out fine division of the resultant hydrogel; with the production process being characterized in that the aqueous solution of the water-soluble unsaturated monomer component as supplied into the polymerization vessel has a temperature of not lower than 40° C.

Abstract: Irregularities in the pore structures of polyacrylamide gels that are formed in cassettes against plastic walls are reduced or eliminated by the inclusion of an oxygen scavenger in the gel-forming solution. Avoidance of the irregularities results in electropherograms with fewer distortions in the solute bands.

Abstract: A medium for use in electrophoresis comprising N-methylurea and a polyacrylamide gel. In particular, the medium is used in a system and method of electrophoretic separation comprising the introduction of a sample to the medium, and applying an electric field across the medium.

Abstract: A medium for use in electrophoresis comprising N-methylurea and a polyacrylamide gel. In particular, the medium is used in a system and method of electrophoretic separation comprising the introduction of a sample to the medium, and applying an electric field across the medium.

Abstract: A hydrogel composition and methods of preparing and using the same are disclosed. The hydrogel composition comprises an oxidized polysaccharide, and a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cross-linker reversibly cross-links the polysaccharide and is provided in an amount to provide dangling cross-linkers. The method of preparing a hydrogel comprises the steps of providing an oxidized polysaccharide, and providing a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cross-linker is mixed with the polysaccharide at a concentration of the cross-linker sufficient to form a hydrogel wherein the cross-linker reversibly cross-links the polysaccharide and has dangling cross-linkers. The hydrogels are useful, for example, for tissue engineering, cell transplantation and drug delivery applications.

Abstract: A high strength hydrogel having a constant swelling pressure upon implantation and thereafter is formed by preparing a hydrogel solution and then injecting the solution into a mold and cause to gel. The molded gel is then washed in a saline solution from about one day to twelve weeks, after which the gel is irradiated for sterilization purposes, dehydrated and packaged. The pre-treatment with the use of a physiologic solution results in an implant which exhibits a constant swelling pressure profile after implantation.

Abstract: Medical devices having at least a portion thereof coated with a lubricious polymer are disclosed. The lubricious polymer can be, for instance, a hydrogel polymer, such as a quaternary amine acrylate polymer. To bond the lubricious polymer to the surface of the medical device, the medical device is first subjected to a solvent and a multi-functional monomer. The solvent causes the multi-functional monomer to become imbibed into the surface of the medical device. Thereafter, a polymer having lubricious properties is polymerized on the surface of the device. The multi-functional monomer reacts with the polymer coating securely affixing the polymer coating to the device.

Abstract: A blend of one or more crosslinked polymers or copolymers prepared from an olefinically unsaturated polymerizable carboxylic or anhydride monomer and at least one high molecular weight essentially linear polymer prepared from an olefinically unsaturated polymerizable carboxylic acid monomer. The blend is neutralized to typically a low pH, and generally contains a noncovalent, e.g. ionic, crosslinking agent, and a cure rate modifier. The hydrogel blend is capable of containing a large amount of water, has good tack, good adhesion, and can be utilized as an application vehicle having a backing thereon as well as containing various substances such as personal care compounds, pharmaceuticals, active ingredients, and the like. Conversely, the hydrogel blend can be dried and subsequently wetted without substantial loss of properties.

Abstract: In a production process for a water-absorbent resin, comprising the steps of: blending a liquid material and a water-absorbent resin; and heating the resultant mixture in order to produce a modified water-absorbent resin, the present invention is to provide: a method for uniformly and efficiently treating a water-absorbent resin favorably in view of industry, and as a result, a good-balanced water-absorbent resin having various excellent properties, such absorption capacity without a load, absorption capacity under a load, and single-layer absorption capacity under a load in contact with an aqueous liquid. The production process comprises the step of spray-blending a water-absorbent resin (A) and a liquid material (B) with a blending apparatus equipped with a spray nozzle (C), wherein the liquid material (B) is sprayed from the spray nozzle (C) and its spray pattern is a circular and hollow cone shape or a double-convex-lens and elliptic cone shape.

Abstract: A storage-stable aerated gel composition comprising 30 to 97% by weight of water, 0.2 to 5% by weight of a gelling agent selected from xanthan gum, sodium alginate and neutralized carboxyvinyl polymer and 2 to 5% by weight of a fine particulate hydrophobic silicone-treated silica having a surface area of from 80 to 300 m2/g. The composition is in the form of fine particles of an aqueous gel containing the water and the gelling agent, the surface of which particles are coated with a coating of the finely divided particulate hydrophobic silica. The gel composition is prepared by mixing, under high shear conditions, the water and the fine particulate silica, and then adding to the resulting mixture, the gelling agent and mixing under high shear conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel which is superior in homogeneity, transparency, mechanical properties, and in swelling and shrinking properties, a manufacturing method therefore, and a dry body of the organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel which is obtained by removing water from said hydrogel. The organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel comprises a water soluble polymer (A), a water swelling clay mineral (B) which can be homogeneously dispersed in water, and water (C), and water (C) is included in a three-dimensional network formed by (A) and (B).

Abstract: What is described is a polymeric hydrogel product of a stable, aqueous polymeric composition which composition forms a clear to translucent film upon application to a substrate, and includes, by weight, 5-75% of (a) a water-soluble polymer having (b) in situ-formed, substantially water-insoluble resinous particles of said polymer substantially uniformly dispersed therein, and (c) 25-95% of water, made by irradiating the composition with high energy electron beam or gamma-radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric structure comprising a multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide), such as a poly(ethylene glycol) derivative, covalently cross-linked to a polymer selected from the group consisting of chitosan and conjugates of chitosan and a monofunctional poly(alkylene oxide), such as methoxy poly(ethylene glycol). In aqueous media, the polymeric structure forms a hydrogel that is useful as a drug delivery device, a surgical sealant, or as a delivery system for a medical imaging agent.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogel based on (co)polymerized monomers or based on graft (co)polymers and prepared by a) free-radically (co)polymerizing one-or more hydrophilic monomers or graft (co)polymerizing one or more hydrophilic monomers onto a grafting base, the average degree of neutralization of the acid-functional monomers being from 0 to 40 mol %, b) comminuting the acidic hydrogel, c) neutralizing the acidic hydrogel to an ultimate degree of neutralization of 50-85 mol % by adding a neutralizing agent, d) drying, grinding and sieving the hydrogel particles characterized by a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum.value, coupled with an extractables content having a specified maximum value or a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum value and an extractables content having a specified maximum value.

Abstract: An acrylic resin composition comprises an organic silicon based compound that can be copolymerised with or mixed with acryl monomer or methacryl monomer in the acrylic resin. The acrylic resin composition may contain inorganic fine grains of which the hydroxyl group or the methyl group is bonded to their surface. A painted-film molded resin plate and a coating member for a solar cell panel use the above acrylic resin composition.

Abstract: Water-swellable hydrophilic polymers are prepared by neutralization of the acidic hydrogel having a degree of neutralization of 0-40 mol % to an ultimate degree of neutralization of 60-85 mol % by mixing with a neutralizing agent in a mincer comprising a system of screw, rotating blade, restricted flow zone and breaker plate, wherein the mincer has a power output of from 1000 to 6000 Wh/m3 the hydrogel passes through a zone having-an energy dissipation density of from 400 to 800 W/1 of mixing volume the average residence time of the hydrogel in the mincer is from 5 to 30 seconds the breaker plate has an open area of from 20 to 40%.

Abstract: Forming graft copolymers in water using labeling of water soluble polymers with photoinitiators. Water soluble polymers can form environmentally responsive hydrophobically stimulated cages. The cages, which contain initiating radicals after irradiation, may be “opened” or “closed” by changes in environmental conditions. When the cage is closed, the radicals are trapped inside and thus do not cause substantial polymerization of water soluble monomers in the same solution. When the cage is closed, the radicals escape and cause polymerization. In another variation, hydrogels and graft copolymers are formed by covalently linking phototoinitiator groups to water soluble polymers that do not form cages. Thus, monomers may form grafts to the polymer, allowing formation of physical hydrogels.

Abstract: Novel biomimetic hydrogel materials and methods for their preparation. Hydrogels containing acrylamide-functionalized carbohydrate, sulfoxide, sulfide or sulfone copolymerized with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic copolymerizing material selected from the group consisting of an acrylamide, methacrylamide, acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl and a derivative thereof present in concentration from about 1 to about 99 wt %. and methods for their preparation. The method of use of the new hydrogels for fabrication of soft contact lenses and biomedical implants.

Abstract: The invention contains a process for the surface postcrosslinking of water-absorbing polymers in which the polymers are treated with a surface postcrosslinking solution and during or after the treatment are postcrosslinked by means of an increase in temperature and are dried, wherein the crossiinker comprises a bis-2-oxazolidinone or a poly-2-oxazolidinone comprising structural units of the formula in which R1 is branched or unbranched C1-C18-alkylene, branched or unbranched C2-C18-alkenylene, C5-C18-cycloalkylene, phenylene, naphthylene, anthracenylene, hydrocarbon-substituted phenylene, naphthylene or anthracenylene or another substituted or unsubstituted C6-C18-arylene radical, R2 is branched or unbranched C1-C18-alkylene and n is an integer from 1 to 50 or a mixture of bis-2-oxazolidinones and poly-2-oxazolidinones dissolved in an inert solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the gel or surface postcrosslinking of water-absorbing polymers in which the polymers are treated with a surface postcrosslinking solution and during or after the treatment are postcrosslinked and dried by means of an increase in temperature, the crosslinker being a compound of the formula in which R1 and R2 independently of one another are H, hydroxyl, phenyl or C1-C6-alkyl, R3 is hydrogen, C1-C12-alkyl, C1-C12-alkenyl or C6-C12-aryl and R4 and R5 independently of one another are C1-C12-alkyl, C1-C12-alkenyl, C6-C12-aryl, hydroxyl, C1-C12-alkoxy or hydrogen, dissolved in an inert solvent, to water-absorbing polymers which can be obtained by said process, and to their use in hygiene articles, packaging materials and nonwovens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a thermoplastic component and at least one superabsorbent polymer, methods of use for such composition, and articles comprising such composition. The composition may be formed into a film layer or applied to an article with various hot melt adhesive application techniques. The composition is useful for a variety of end-uses, particularly for use in disposable absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, feminine napkins and medical dressings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition which comprises a polymer or polymer solution that forms a gel under controlled parameters and a ceramic matrix, the composition being fluid under non-physiological conditions and non fluid under physiological conditions. Polymers may be resorbable or non-resorbable, natural or synthetic and the solution aqueous or non-aqueous. Preferred polymers are poly saccharides, polyamides or polyamino acids, however any polymer or polymer solution that is biologically compatible and that is fluid under nonphysiological conditions and increases in viscosity under physiological conditions is suitable.

Abstract: Acylphosphine initiators used in making ophthalmic lenses are stabilized by the addition of an acid to the monomer mix used to make the lenses.

Abstract: Dry particulate polymeric products, generally spray dried granules, are made by reverse phase polymerization in a partially water miscible continuous phase in the presence of an ionizable stabilizer which is water soluble when ionized and water insoluble when unionized, with the result that all the contamination in the products can be water soluble or miscible. The products are of value as flocculants and viscosifiers, for instance for cosmetic or pharmaceutical clear gels.

Abstract: In a production process for a water-absorbent resin, comprising the steps of: blending a liquid material and a water-absorbent resin; and heating the resultant mixture in order to produce a modified water-absorbent resin, the present invention is to provide: a method for uniformly and efficiently treating a water-absorbent resin favorably in view of industry, and as a result, a good-balanced water-absorbent resin having various excellent properties, such absorption capacity without a load, absorption capacity under a load, and single-layer absorption capacity under a load in contact with an aqueous liquid. The production process comprises the step of spray-blending a water-absorbent resin (A) and a liquid material (B) with a blending apparatus equipped with a spray nozzle (C), wherein the liquid material (B) is sprayed from the spray nozzle (C) and its spray pattern is a circular and hollow cone shape or a double-convex-lens and elliptic cone shape.

Abstract: Shaped-medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: Materials and methods for reducing the incidence of preterm birth involving the use of polymeric compositions are provided.

Abstract: A soft hydrogel containing a triblock copolymer and water is disclosed. The copolymer has formula (I): X-G-Y, wherein G is a non-hydroxylated hydrophilic linear polymer block containing p repetitive units, where p is a number from 10 to 150, each of X and Y is a polyester block containing m and n repetitive units, respectively, and the ratio (m+n)/p is high enough for said copolymer to be water-insoluble, said ratio (m+n)/p being selected in such a way that adding water to a solution of the copolymer in a water-miscible organic solvent leads to the formation of a soft hydrogel capable of retaining an amount of water at least as great as the weight of said copolymer. Said hydrogel is suitable for retaining and gradually releasing hydrophobic substance and/or hydrophilic macromolecules, including drugs.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a microbe culture medium which can be activated with a liquid sample or water. Covalently crosslinked cellulose ethers are used as a gelling agent. The gel into which nutrients have been mixed is dried on a water-impermeable support. The culture medium according to the invention may be utilized for detecting bacteria and fungi both in the hygiene control of industry and in medical diagnostics. The same method principle may be used within different sensitivity ranges as the absorption capacity of the gel may be regulated according to the hydrophilicity of cellulose ethers.

Abstract: Locally deposited polymer depots are used as a vehicle for the immobilization and local delivery of a radionuclide or radiopharmaceutical. Radionuclides are incorporated in their elemental forms, as inorganic compounds, or are attached to a larger molecule or incorporated into the polymer, by physical or chemical methods. Ancillary structure may be employed to control the rate of release. Standard radionuclides which have been used for local radiotherapy may be used, such as radionuclides of iodine, iridium, radium, cesium, yttrium or other elements.

Abstract: A gelcasting composition has improved drying behavior, machinability and shelf life in the dried and unfired state. The composition includes an inorganic powder, solvent, monomer system soluble in the solvent, an initiator system for polymerizing the monomer system, and a plasticizer soluble in the solvent. Dispersants and other processing aides to control slurry properties can be added. The plasticizer imparts an ability to dry thick section parts, to store samples in the dried state without cracking under conditions of varying relative humidity, and to machine dry gelcast parts without cracking or chipping. A method of making gelcast parts is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel cross-linked polyesters of pyromellitic anhydride and a polyhydroxy compound containing more than two hydroxyl groups are highly water absorbent, and biodegradable, water swellable. The polyesters may be employed for the manufacture of medical devices such as prosthetic implants, supports for cell cultures or as wound dressings e.g. as a debriding agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating endoleaks arising from endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The disclosed methods involve the in situ sealing of endoleaks after placement of an endovascular prostheses in the abdominal aorta. Sealing of endoleaks is achieved by injection of either a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer fluid composition into the endoleak which composition in situ solidifies to seal the leak. Preferably, the biocompatible fluid composition comprises a contrast agent to allow the clinician to visualize the sealing process.

Abstract: Gel-forming macromers including at least four polymeric blocks, at least two of which are hydrophobic and at least one of which is hydrophilic, and including a crosslinkable group are provided. The macromers can be covalently crosslinked to form a gel on a tissue surface in vivo. The gels formed from the macromers have a combination of properties including thermosensitivity and lipophilicity, and are useful in a variety of medical applications including drug delivery and tissue coating.

Abstract: Shaped medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: Fish lures and compositions and processes for making fish lures are described. The fish lures are soft and biodegradable, and they release fish attractant efficiently. Compositions for making the fishing lures comprise at least one water-soluble long-chain polyhydroxy polymer and, optionally, a water-soluble polymeric gum and/or a hydrogen-bonding accelerator. The lures may be cured after molding by subjecting the lure to freezing temperatures for various intervals of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a plant capable of growing in the presence of at least water and light, a nonionic water-absorptive polymer, and water, and a method of use of the composition as well as a method of fabricating a revegetation material.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid polymer containing a carboxylic group and having at least one kind of bond selected from the group consisting of an amino bond, an ether bond, and a thioether bond in a side chain is prepared by polymerizing a monomer component containing a carboxylic acid monomer represented by General Formula (3): ##STR1## where Y.sub.4 is a hydrogen atom, an allyl group, or a --(CHR.sub.4).sub.c --W.sub.2 --(CHR.sub.5).sub.d --COOR.sub.6 group, each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.6, independent of the others, is either a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of a carbon number from 1 to 6, each of W.sub.1 and W.sub.2, independent of the other, is either an --NH-- group, an --S-- group, or an --O-- group, and each of a, b, c, and d, independent of the others, is an integer from 0 to 6. The carboxylic acid polymer has a superior metal-scavenging ability (chelating ability) and can be suitably used, for example, as a chelating agent.

Abstract: Cross-linked copolymers possessing high thickening and suspending properties obtainable by polymerization of monomeric systems comprising a) 10-97% of at least one unsaturated carboxylic acid, b) 0-80% of at least one alkyl ester of an unsaturated acid, c) 0.5-80% of an associative monomer, d) 0-20% of an unsaturated amide, e) 0.2-20% of a suitable cross-linking agent and f) 0-20% of an unsaturated sulfonic acid; processes for their preparation, which comprise polymerization by precipitation, suspension and solution polymerizations or emulsion polymerization; latexes comprising up to 50% or more of said copolymers; said cross-linked copolymers and said latexes whenever prepared by the above polymerization processes; their use as thickening agents of aqueous, or substantially aqueous systems; and the new cross-linking agents.

Abstract: The materials include non-polyampholite crosslinked polymers and gels based on a polymer which in uncrosslinked form is substantially soluble in ionic fluids and substantially insoluble in water. The materials change their state of hydration in response to an environmental trigger. The disclosed materials are useful as drilling, completion or workover fluids in wells such as hydrocarbon producing wells. According to the disclosed method, crosslinked polymers or gels are introduced into a stratum, blocking or bridging the pores of the stratum. Thereafter, an environmental condition is changed to cause the hydrated material to become less hydrated to unblock the pores allowing production from the well.

Abstract: Novel biomimetic hydrogel materials and methods for their preparation. Hydrogels containing acrylamide-functionalized carbohydrate, sulfoxide, sulfide or sulfone copolymerized with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic copolymerizing material selected from the group consisting of an acrylamide, methacrylamide, acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl and a derivative thereof present in concentration from about 1 to about 99 wt %. and methods for their preparation. The method of use of the new hydrogels for fabrication of soft contact lenses and biomedical implants.

Abstract: Cross-linked hydrogels comprise a variety of biologic and non-biologic polymers, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and synthetic polymers. Such hydrogels preferably have no free aqueous phase and may be applied to target sites in a patient's body by extruding the hydrogel through an orifice at the target site. Alternatively, the hydrogels may be mechanically disrupted and used in implantable articles, such as breast implants. When used in vivo, the compositions are useful for controlled release drug delivery, for inhibiting post-surgical spinal and other tissue adhesions, for filling tissue divots, tissue tracts, body cavities, surgical defects, and the like.

Abstract: Shaped medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a preferred composition for use in preparation of flexible cold packs which are useful for medicinal, research and other uses where cooling to low temperatures is required.