Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions including alginate microspheres capable of self-degradation upon rehydration, the alginate microspheres comprising alginate, alginate lyase, and divalent metal ions. The present disclosure also provides methods of making compositions including alginate microspheres capable of self-degradation upon rehydration, comprising alginate, alginate lyase, and divalent metal ions. The present disclosure also provides methods of inducing an embolism in a subject in thereof, and syringes containing the compositions of the present disclosure for use in the methods thereof.

Abstract: Thermally stable absorbable fiber populations, i.e. fiber populations that do not undergo thermally induced crystallization, can be intermixed with thermally unstable fibers to yield a stabilizing effect without altering morphological properties of a fiber system. Via this, one may minimize thermally induced shrinkage and maintain physical properties of electrospun materials in the as-formed state.

Abstract: A biodegradable composite material which is produced by polymerizing a mixture of an aqueous dispersion of a natural polymer nanofiber including any one or more of a chitin nanofiber and a cellulose nanofiber, a dicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, and a diol. The biodegradable composite material has excellent biodegradable and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biodegradable polyester composition, wherein the biodegradable polyester composition comprises the following components in parts by weight: i) 58 to 80 parts by weight of an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester; ii) 20 to 32 parts by weight of starch; and iii) 0 to 10 parts by weight of a processing agent. The present invention unexpectedly found by research that by using an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester in which an amount of aromatic carboxylic acid accounts for a total amount of diacid is 44 mol % to 48 mol % as a matrix resin, where the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester has a crystallization peak width D of 5° C. to 16° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed methods of making absorbable poly(p-dioxanone) pellets by melt polymerization of p-dioxanone conducted in a single reactor with a temperature regulator by charging a melt reactor with a mixture of p-dioxanone (PDO) monomer, initiator, catalyst, and optionally a dye; melt polymerizing the mixture in the melt reactor with sufficient agitation of the mixture to allow complete mixing of the monomer and for sufficient time to form a PDO polymer product having an unreacted PDO monomer content of at least 65 mole percent; placing the PDO polymer product under a vacuum to remove at least portion of unreacted PDO; discharging the PDO polymer product from the melt reactor directly into an in-line, underwater pelletizer to produce undried PDO pellets, collecting the undried PDO pellets, and storing the collected PDO pellets in the freezer or a vacuum chamber prior to drying.

Abstract: Novel processes of preparing block polyester copolymers while precisely controlling the stereoconfiguration (e.g., tacticity), chemical composition and/or length of each unit (block) are provided. Block polyester copolymers featuring desirable combinations of two or more blocks featuring different stereoconfiguration (e.g., tacticity), chemical composition and/or length, including triblock, tetrablock and higher block copolymers are also provided. A novel family of organometallic magnesium complexes and uses thereof in preparing polyesters and block polyester copolymers are also provided.

Abstract: Novel absorbable, semi-crystalline, polymer blend compositions are disclosed exhibiting enhanced crystallization and nucleation rates. Also disclosed are medical device constructs, such as fibers made from such blends. The blends have a first absorbable polymeric component having a first molecular weight distribution and a second absorbable polymeric component which has an ultrahigh molecular weight distribution. The first and second polymeric components may be the same polymer.

Abstract: A cement composition for use in an oil or gas well, the cement composition comprises: cement; water; and a polymer, wherein the polymer: (i) comprises a monomer or monomers capable of forming a polyester; and (ii) is capable of providing a thickening time of at least 2 hours at a temperature of 400° F. (204.4° C.) and a pressure of greater than about 500 psi (3.4 MPa) for a test composition consisting essentially of: the cement; the water; and the polymer, and in the same proportions as in the cement composition. A method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing the cement composition into the subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: Biomedical and tissue engineering devices, such as surgical sutures and microporous scaffolds, respectively, which undergo swelling and increase in dimensions when placed in aqueous environments such as living tissues, are produced by the melt-spinning or electrostatic spinning into strong monofilament and multifilament yarns or microfibrous fabrics, respectively. Such devices are formed from especially high molecular weight crystalline polyether-esters having a minimum inherent viscosity of 0.8 dL/g and heat of fusion of at least 5 J/g, wherein the polyether-esters are made by grafting to a polyester component a polyether glycol component having a minimum molecular weight of about 11 kDa with at least one cyclic monomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable polyester mixture, comprising i) from 5 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of at least one polyester based on aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and on aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, and ii) from 20 to 95% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of at least one biodegradable homo- or copolyester selected from the group consisting of polylactide, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and polyesters composed of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and of aliphatic diols, and iii) from 0.

Abstract: The present invention involves laser machining polymer substrates to form a stent with laser parameters that minimize damage to the substrate in a surface region adjacent to the machined edge surface. The wavelength and pulse width are selected for this unique application and they can be controlled to minimize the surface modifications (such as voids, cracks which are induced by the laser-material interaction) which contribute to the variation in mechanical properties with distance from the edge surface, bulk mechanical properties, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel quaternary ammonium salt compound that is excellent in atomization of a pigment dispersion and storage stability, a dispersant containing the quaternary ammonium salt compound, a use of the quaternary ammonium salt compound, and a process for producing the quaternary ammonium salt compound. The present invention relates to [1] a quaternary ammonium salt compound represented by the general formula (I); [2] a dispersant containing the compound of the above [1]; [3] a use of the compound of the above [1] for dispersing a pigment; and [4] a process for producing a quaternary ammonium salt compound represented by the general formula (I), including a step of reacting a halogenated alkyl ester compound represented by the general formula (II) with a polyamine compound represented by the general formula (III).

Abstract: Novel absorbable polymeric blends having bimodal molecular weight distribution are disclosed. The bimodal blends have a first component that is a polylactide polymer or a copolymer of lactide and glycolide having a bimodal molecular weight distribution, and a second component that is a poly(p-dioxanone) polymer of unimodal or bimodal molecular weight distribution. Alternately, the bimodal blends have a first component that is a polylactide polymer or a copolymer of lactide and glycolide having a unimodal molecular weight distribution, and a second component that is a poly(p-dioxanone) polymer of bimodal molecular weight distribution. The novel polymeric bimodal molecular weight blends provide medical devices having improved dimensional stability. Also disclosed are novel absorbable medical devices made from these novel bimodal polymer blends, as well as novel methods of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to absorbable polyether esters that have been found to reduce bacterial adhesion to materials such as medical devices and implants. More specifically, the invention is directed to novel amorphous co-polymers comprising polyethylene diglycolate (PEDG) copolymerized with lactide-rich monomers.

Abstract: Novel absorbable polymeric blends are disclosed. The blends have a first absorbable polymer type that is a polylactide polymer or a copolymer of lactide and glycolide and a second absorbable polymer type that is poly(p-dioxanone), wherein the first absorbable polymer type or the second absorbable polymer type or the first absorbable polymer type and the second absorbable polymer type additionally comprise a first polymeric component and a second polymeric component. The first polymeric component has a higher weight average molecular weight than the second polymeric component and at least one of said components is at least partially end-capped by a carboxylic acid. The novel polymeric blends are useful for manufacturing medical devices having dimensional stability, having engineered degradation and breaking strength retention in vivo. Also disclosed are novel absorbable medical devices made from these novel polymer blends, as well as novel methods of manufacture.

Abstract: A hydroxy ester resin composition such as a vinyl ester resin including the reaction product of (a) divinylarene dioxide resin; and (b) at least one ring opening reactant such as at least one monocarboxylic acid for example (meth)acrylic acid, in the presence of (c) at least one non-gelling catalyst such as a Lewis acid catalyst; a process for making the hydroxy ester resin composition; a curable hydroxy ester resin composition such as a curable resin composition made from the hydroxy ester resin composition; a process for curing the curable hydroxy ester resin composition; and a cured product made from the curable hydroxy ester resin composition. The cured product made from the above hydroxy ester resin composition is thermally stable and offers improved properties such as a lower viscosity and a high heat resistance compared to known cured products prepared from known epoxy resins.

Abstract: A method for producing a polymer, by continuously supplying and bringing at least a ring-opening polymerizable monomer and a compressive fluid into contact with each other, to thereby allow the ring-opening polymerizable monomer to carry out ring-opening polymerization to continuously generate a polymer.

Abstract: Compositions of P4HB (poly-4-hydroxybutyrate) and copolymers thereof, have been developed for pultrusion, as well as processes to produce profiles from these compositions by pultrusion. These pultrusion processes provide profiles without causing structural damage to the surface of the profile. The profiles may be used in medical applications. These compositions include P4HB, and copolymers thereof, having intrinsic viscosities less than 3.2 dl/g but greater than 0.8 dl/g. The profile may be formed using conditions such as: pull rate of 0.1 to 100 mm/min, die temperature of up to 95° C., rod stock temperature up to 95° C., draw ratio of up to 100×, pulling force of greater than 10 MPa, and clamping pressure at least 10% higher than the pulling force. Preferably, the profile is formed by pulling the rod stock through a series of dies placed at intervals with the hole sizes decreasing in diameter by 0.1 to 10 mm.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, and related compounds and methods, of conjugates of immunomodulatory agents and polymers or unit(s) thereof. The conjugates may be contained within synthetic nanocarriers, and the immunomodulatory agents may be released from the synthetic nanocarriers in a pH sensitive manner.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a neat, one-pot scheme for reacting a hydroxyl propagating end of a polymer with a cyclic acid anhydride to form a free acid terminus.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: The instant disclosure describes polyester synthesis processes, including processes for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic organic monomer components and components comprising a functional group using an organocatalyst system to effect ROP-based block copolymer preparation.

Abstract: A hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition including the reaction product of (a) a divinylarene dioxide, and (b) at least one dicarboxylic acid; a process for making the hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition; and a curable hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition made therefrom. The cured product made from the above curable hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition is thermally stable and offers improved properties such as a lower viscosity and a high heat resistance compared to known cured products prepared from known epoxy resins.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to coated biodegradable materials having a reduced amount of residual catalysts and methods thereof.

Abstract: A curable resin composition contains (a) a matrix resin component containing a benzoxazine compound (a1), (b) a radically polymerizable component containing a radically polymerizable monomer having solubility parameter (SP) value that is different by 1.0 to 4.1 from the SP of the matrix resin component, and (c) a radical polymerization initiator. The composition has a low viscosity, and its cured product has an improved toughness and excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polymer mixtures comprising i) 40% to 95% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of at least one polyester based on aliphatic or aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and aliphatic dihydroxy compounds; ii) 5% to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of said components i to ii, of polyalkylene carbonate, particularly polypropylene carbonate; iii) 0% to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of said components i to iii, of at least one biodegradable homo- or copolyester selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, polycaprolactone and polyhydroxyalkanoate, and/or of an inorganic or organic filler; iv) 0% to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of said components i to ii, of an epoxy-containing copolymer based on styrene, acrylic ester and/or methacrylic ester, and v) 0% to 15% by weight of an additive selected from the group consisting of lubricant, antiblocking agent, antistat, UV absorber, UV stabilizer, thermal stabil

Abstract: The present application provides salen indium catalysts of the following general structure and the corresponding dimers. The salen indium catalysts are particularly useful in catalyzing ring-opening polymerizations of cyclic ester monomers, such as lactides. Also provided herein are methods of using the salen indium complexes to catalyze polymerization of cyclic ester monomers. Of particular interest is the successful polymerization of lactides using the present salen indium catalysts to produce poly(lactic acid) having high isotacticity.

Abstract: This invention relates to blends of high, optionally medium, and low molecular weight polyesters where at least the low molecular weight polyester is substituted with an acidic moiety, the biodegradation of the blends being controllable by selection of the mean molecular weigh of each fraction, the quantity of each fraction in the blend and the amount and pKa of the acidic moiety(ies).

Abstract: A method for producing a crystallized polyester comprises the crystallization step of applying a shear and/or a pressure to a polyester selected from an aliphatic polyester and a polyalkylene terephthalate at a temperature of (Tm?70° C.) to (Tm+20° C.), where Tm is a melting point of the polyester, thereby converting the polyester into a state having a crystallinity of 10% or more and fluidity.

Abstract: Methods of making a biodegradable polymeric stent made from poly(L-lactide) and a low concentration of L-lactide monomer is disclosed. The concentration of L-lactide is adjusted to provide a degradation behavior that is suitable for different treatment applications including coronary, peripheral, and nasal. Methods include making a poly(L-lactide) material for a stent with uniformly distributed L-lactide monomer through control of polymerization conditions during PLLA synthesis, control of post-processing conditions, or both.

Abstract: A biodegradable particle including a block copolymer produced by copolymerization of a biodegradable copolymer having a structure composed of hydroxycarboxylic acid a1, whose homopolymer produced by homopolymerization has a glass transition point of not less than 40° C., and hydroxycarboxylic acid a2, whose homopolymer produced by homopolymerization has a glass transition point of not more than ?40° C.; a water-soluble polymer comprising a functional group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, amino group and carboxylic acid group at each of both ends; and a polyvalent compound comprising 2 or more functional groups each selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, amino group and carboxylic acid group; wherein a ratio of mass of said structure composed of hydroxycarboxylic acid a2 to mass of said biodegradable copolymer is 30 to 90% by mass.

Abstract: Ethylene-based interpolymers, e.g., ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, are made by a process comprising the steps of: A. Injecting a first feed comprising a chain transfer agent system (CTA system) and ethylene into a first autoclave reactor zone to produce a first zone reaction product, the CTA system of the first reactor zone having a transfer activity Z1; and B. (1) Transferring at least part of the first zone reaction product to a second reactor zone selected from a second autoclave reactor zone or a tubular reactor zone, and (2) at least one of transferring or freshly injecting a feed comprising a CTA system into the second reactor zone to produce a second zone reaction product, the CTA system of the second reactor zone having a transfer activity of Z2; and with the proviso that the ratio of Z1:Z2 is greater than 1. The comonomer comprises at least one carboxylic acid group or an anhydride group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable composite and its preparation process, which composite is prepared by mixing feed stocks comprising a polylactic acid, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester A, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester B and an organic peroxide at a temperature between about 100 and about 200° C. The present invention also relates to a disposable article, which is prepared from said biodegradable composite.

Abstract: Polymer compositions based on polyaniline and carbonyl-functionalized polysilicones, and methods for making these polymer compositions are disclosed in the present application. The polymer compositions have, for example, good solubility, processability, mechanical performance and conductivity.

Abstract: To pvodie a method for producing a polymer, which contains continuously supplying and bringing at least a ring-opening polymerizable monomer and a compressive fluid into contact with each other, to thereby allow the ring-opening polymerizable monomer to carry out ring-opening polymerization to continuously generate a polymer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing polymer mixtures having low residual monomer content. The methods comprise mixing the at least two polymers in a solvent to form a polymeric mixture, the polymeric mixture comprising at least one residual monomer; and adding an antisolvent to the polymeric mixture so as to separate the at least two polymers from the polymeric mixture, where the residual monomer is soluble in the antisolvent. In some embodiments, methods are provided for preparing at least two polymers having low residual monomer content, the methods comprise adding an antisolvent to a mixture of at least two polymers dissolved in a solvent so as to precipitate the at least two polymers from the solvent and anti-solvent. The methods provided avoid steps in dry blending of polymers and produces polymer blends that have low residual monomer content.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming fibers. First and second precursors, each possessing a core and at least one functional group known to have click reactivity, are mixed in a hopper. The mixed precursors are then extruded through an extrusion die to crosslink and produce a filament. Polymerization of the first and second precursors is catalyzed by transition metal ions.

Abstract: The invention provides a piezoelectric polymer material comprising a helical chiral polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000 and optical activity, the piezoelectric polymer material having: crystallinity as obtained by a DSC method of from 20% to 80%; a transmission haze with respect to visible light of 50% or less; and a product of the crystallinity and a standardized molecular orientation MORc, which is measured with a microwave transmission-type molecular orientation meter at a reference thickness of 50 ?m, of from 40 to 700.

Abstract: A drug conjugate is provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -LD-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by LP. Each occurrence of D is independently a therapeutic agent having a molecular weight ?5 kDa. LD and LP are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions.

Abstract: A drug conjugate is provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -LD-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by LP. Each occurrence of D is independently a therapeutic agent having a molecular weight ?5 kDa. LD and LP are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to degradable polymers, including degradable polymers that may be responsive to ionic strength. The invention also relates generally to methods of making degradable polymers and methods of using such polymers.

Abstract: Auristatin compounds and conjugates thereof are provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -LD-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by LP. Each occurrence of D is independently an Auristatin compound. LD and LP are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions.

Abstract: Novel semi-crystalline, segmented copolymers of lactide and epsilon-caprolactone exhibiting long term absorption characteristics are disclosed. The novel polymer compositions are useful for long term absorbable meshes, surgical sutures, especially monofilament sutures, and other medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous production of polymer mixtures comprising: a) from 10 to 80% by weight of a biodegradable polyester (Q) composed of aliphatic or aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and of aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, and b) from 20 to 90% by weight of one or more polymers (T) selected from the group consisting of: polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polypropylene carbonate, polyglycolide, aliphatic polyester, cellulose acetate, and polyhydroxyalkanoate, where i) a mixture composed of the aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, of the aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and, if appropriate, of further comonomers (component C) is mixed, without addition of any catalyst, to give a paste or, as an alternative, the liquid esters of the dicarboxylic acids are fed into the system, as also are the dihydroxy compound and, if appropriate, further comonomers, without addition of any catalyst, and in a first stage this mixture, together with the entire amount or with a

Abstract: Blends comprising 65-95 wt % poly(trimethylene terephthalate-co-sebacate), 5 to 35 wt % polylactic acid and a chain extender are provided that exhibit greatly increased melt strength compared to that of poly(trimethylene terephthalate-co-sebacate) alone. Such improvements allow these compositions to be processed readily by melt-blowing, which is useful for packaging and for preparing items such as biodegradable garbage bags.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing polymer mixtures having low residual monomer content. The methods comprise mixing the at least two polymers in a solvent to form a polymeric mixture, the polymeric mixture comprising at least one residual monomer; and adding an antisolvent to the polymeric mixture so as to separate the at least two polymers from the polymeric mixture, where the residual monomer is soluble in the antisolvent. In some embodiments, methods are provided for preparing at least two polymers having low residual monomer content, the methods comprise adding an antisolvent to a mixture of at least two polymers dissolved in a solvent so as to precipitate the at least two polymers from the solvent and anti-solvent. The methods provided avoid steps in dry blending of polymers and produces polymer blends that have low residual monomer content.

Abstract: The present invention provides water-soluble, polymer derivatives having a thiol-selective terminus suitable for selective coupling to thiol groups, such as those contained in the cysteine residues of proteins, as well as methods for preparing the water-soluble, polymer derivatives having a thiol-selective terminus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable thermoplastic elastomer having the general formula A-B-A wherein each A is an amorphous polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg)>40° C. or a semi-crystalline polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) and/or melting temperature (Tm)>40° C.; B is a copolymer of -caprolactone (CL) and at least one additional monomer selected from the group consisting of L-lactic acid (LLA), trimethyl carbonate (TMC), and glycolic acid (GA), or B is different to A and is lactic-co-glycolic acid (LGA); and wherein the molar ratio of CL to the at least one additional monomer in the copolymer B is in the range between about 1:0.09 to about 1:1.

Abstract: A process for producing an aliphatic polyester, comprising: subjecting at least two serial stages of bulk-phase ring-opening polymerization and a solid-phase polymerization step, wherein a cyclic ester held in a dry air atmosphere is supplied to a first reactor to perform a first stage polymerization, thereby obtaining a partially polymerized molten product, and the resultant partially polymerized molten product is supplied to a second reactor held under a dry inert gas atmosphere to perform a second stage polymerization. As a result, the production efficiency can be improved, while maintaining excellent properties of the aliphatic polyester product.