Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is provided for use in providing syringeable, in-situ forming, solid biodegradable implants for animals. The polymer is placed into the animal in liquid form and cures to form the implant in-situ. A thermoplastic system to form said implant comprises the steps of dissolving a non-reactive polymer in biocompatible solvent to form a liquid, placing the liquid within the animal, and allowing the solvent to dissipate to produce the implant. An alternative, thermosetting system comprises mixing together effective amounts of a liquid acrylic ester terminated, biodegradable prepolymer and a curing agent, placing the liquid mixture within an animal and allowing the prepolymer to cure to form the implant. Both systems provide a syringeable, solid biodegradable delivery system by the addition of an effective level of biologically active agent to the liquid before injection into the body.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is provided for use in providing syringeable, in-situ forming, solid biodegradable implants for animals. The polymer is placed into the animal in liquid form and cures to form the implant in-situ. A thermoplastic system to form said implant comprises the steps of dissolving a non-reactive polymer in biocompatible solvent to form a liquid, placing the liquid within the animal, and allowing the solvent to dissipate to produce the implant. An alternative, thermosetting system comprises mixing together effective amounts of a liquid acrylic ester terminated, biodegradable prepolymer and a curing agent, placing the liquid mixture within an animal and allowing the prepolymer to cure to form the implant. Both systems provide a syringeable, solid biodegradable delivery system by the addition of an effective level of biologically active agent to the liquid before injection into the body.

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers lactide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and long elongations. This unique elastomeric behavior makes the copolymers of the present invention useful in a varity of medical device applications, especially adhesion prevention barriers and hemostatic devices.

Abstract: A polymer having a blocked terminal group according to the present invention, represented by the following Formula (I): ##STR1## where R is an alkylene group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms; X.sub.1 is an acyl group containing 2 to 50 carbon atoms; Y is H, an alkyl group containing 1 to 50 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group containing 1 to 50 carbon atoms; m is a positive integer; and n.sub.1 is 0 or a positive integer.

Abstract: Preventive as well as therapeutic treatment to alleviate cosmetic conditions and symptoms of dermatologic disorders with amphoteric compositions containing alpha hydroxyacids, alpha ketoacids, related compounds or polymeric forms of hydroxyacids is disclosed. The cosmetic conditions and the dermatologic disorders in which the amphoteric compositions and the polymeric compounds may be useful include dry skin, dandruff, ache, keratoses, psoriasis, eczema, pruritus, age spots, lentigines, melasmas, wrinkles, warts, blemished skin, hyperpigmented skin, kyperkeratotic skin, inflammatory dermatoses, skin changes associated with aging, and skin requiring cleansers.

Abstract: Absorbable polymers and blends of acrylated poly(alkylene diglycolate)s and aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers such as lactide, glycolide, e-caprolactone, p-dioxanone, and trimethylene carbonate are described. The polymers and blends exhibit a broad range of properties, useful in a variety of medical devices.

Abstract: A preparation process of heat-resistant molded articles of a lactic acid-based polymer comprising mixing the lactic acid-based polymer and poly-.epsilon.-caprolactone so as to obtain a L-lactic acid ratio of 75% by weight or more, adding to the polymer mixture a crystalline inorganic powder containing 50% by weight or more of SiO.sub.2, melt-kneading the resultant composition, filling the same into a mold which is set at 85.degree..about.125.degree. C. and forming a shape while promoting crystallization. The molded articles have excellent heat resistance and impact strength, are suitably used for food trays and beverage cups, and can be degraded, in the case of waste, into nontoxic water and carbon dioxide like natural products within a relatively short period in the natural environment.

Abstract: A lactide polymer coating resulting in a strong, repulpable, high gloss, paper coating. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for coating paper with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbable polymers and blends of poly(alkylene diglycolate)s and aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers such as lactide, glycolide, e-caprolactone, p-dioxanone, and trimethylene carbonate are described. The polymers and blends exhibit a broad range of properties, useful in a variety of medical devices.

Abstract: Absorbable biocompatible polymer blends useful to manufacture medical devices. The blends have a first major phase including polymers such as poly(lactide homopolymers and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) copolymers and combination thereof. The blends have a second minor phase include copolymers of poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-p-dioxanone).

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers lactide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and long elongations. This unique elastomeric behavior makes the copolymers of the present invention useful in a variety of medical device applications, especially adhesion prevention barriers and hemostatic devices.

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers glycolide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and stiffness, and fast absorption rates and breaking strength retention (BSR) profiles, useful in a variety of medical devices. Most importantly, for suture applications where Vicryl.RTM.-like polyglcolide-polylactide sutures with excellent tensile properties, but shorter BSR profiles than Vicryl.RTM. are needed. The copolymers of the present invention have such properties, making them useful in plastic surgery where faster absorption times would lead to less tissue scarring.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: A polymer having a blocked terminal group according to the present invention, represented by the following Formula (I): ##STR1## where R is an alkylene group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms; X.sub.1 is an acyl group containing 2 to 50 carbon atoms; Y is H, an alkyl group containing 1 to 50 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group containing 1 to 50 carbon atoms; m is a positive integer; and n.sub.1 is 0 or a positive integer.

Abstract: Graft polymers with reactive groups for linking to peptides for use in tissue engineering and to drugs to provide drug delivery systems and useful per se to release amino acids and useful, for example, for wound closure devices, pins, screws, anastomosis rings, and surgical implants, consist essentially of biodegradable homopolymer or copolymer backbone joined at carbon alpha to carbon of backbone carbonyl group, to side chain amino acid pendant group at a carbonyl moiety of said pendant group wherein said side chain contains reactive amino acid group. The graft polymers are prepared by reacting amino acid halide having other reactive groups protected, with biodegradable polymer containing carbanion on carbon alpha to carbon of carbonyl group, and then deprotecting the protected groups. Biodegradable polymer containing carbanion on carbon alpha to carbon of carbonyl group, for use in preparing the graft polymers herein or for otherwise reacting, e.g.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polylactide polymer with improved extensional viscosity and methods of making the same are disclosed. The polylactide polymer composition is prepared by providing in the composition polylactide polymer molecules which have been modified, relative to linear non-substituted polylactide, to provide increased molecular interaction among polylactide backbone chains in the composition. The preferred polylactide polymer composition has a number average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 (preferably at least 50,000) and a polydispersity of at least about 2.5. In addition, the polylactide polymer composition should have a neck-in ratio of less than about 0.8.

Abstract: An amorphous film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing an amorphous film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of copolymers of racemic lactide and .epsilon.-caprolactone, .delta.-valerolactone, gamma-decalactone or .beta.-hydroxybutyric acid, prepared by the reaction of the monomers in the molar ratio of lactide to reaction partner of approximately 95-70 to 5-30, with the addition of metal carboxylates, known per se, as initiators at temperatures of approximately 150.degree. C. over a period of time of approximately 16 to 18 hours, for the topical treatment of human or animal skin.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: Use of a glyceryl tri(.alpha.-hydroxyacylate) in a cosmetic and/or dermatological composition as the sole precursor of glycerol and of hydroxy acid, which is capable of releasing the glycerol and the hydroxy acid onto the skin via an enzymatic reaction, in order to moisturize and soften the skin. Useful especially for moisturizing and/or treating dry skin.

Abstract: Block copolymers wherein one of the blocks is made from hard phase forming monomers and another of the blocks is made from soft phase forming monomers copolymerized with randomly intermingled units of other soft phase forming monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: A lactide polymer composition combining compositional and purity limitations and catalyst optimization or addition of stabilizing agents resulting in a melt-stable polymer is disclosed. The melt-stable lactide polymer comprises a plurality of polylactide polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than 2 percent and water in concentration of less than 1000 parts-per-million. A stabilizing agent in an amount sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the lactide polymer during melt-processing or alternatively, control of catalyst level at a molar ratio of monomer to catalyst greater than 3000:1 is also included in the melt-stable composition. A process for manufacture of a melt-stable lactide polymer composition includes polymerizing a lactide mixture and adding stabilizing agents sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the polylactide during melt-processing, followed by devolatilizing the polylactide to remove monomer and water.

Abstract: A semi-crystalline film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing a semi-crystalline film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Block copolymers have one of the block made from hard phase forming monomers and another block made from soft phase forming monomers copolymerized with randomly intermingled units of other soft phase forming monomers. Particularly useful copolymers are initiated with a polyalkylene oxide initiator. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: The invention described novel compounds of formula ##STR1## wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1, as stabilisers for protecting organic materials, in particular polymers and lubricants, against thermal, oxidative or light-induced degradation.

Abstract: An amorphous film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing an amorphous film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a triblock(ABA) copolymer used for medical application essentially consisting of: PLA, PGA, or PLA/PGA as hydrophobic block(A), biodegradable PEO derivatives synthesized by PEOs less than 4,000 molecular weight by the ester linkage among them as hydrophilic block (B). The present invention also provides a triblock copolymer easily degradable to the compounds less than M.W. 4,000 in order to excrete through the human kidney, which enables its medical application. Furthermore, using the triblock copolymer of the present invention, the improved hydrogel materials with broad biochemical applications can be provided due to its biodegradable and thermoplastic properties.

Abstract: Polymer blends of glycolide and/or lactide homopolymer and/or glycolide/lactide copolymer and polycaprolactone and/or polytrimethylene carbonate homopolymer or copolymers thereof and absorbable surgical devices manufactured therefrom having improved mechanical properties, such as improved impact resistance and improved cyclic flex, are disclosed. The blends may be prepared by polymerizing a glycolide or lactide containing polymer in the presence of a polymer derived from trimethylene carbonate or .epsilon.-caprolactone.

Abstract: A lactide polymer coating resulting in a strong, repulpable, high gloss, paper coating. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for coating paper with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising predetermined amounts of a specific polyamide resin (A), a modified polyphenylene ether resin (B), a fibrous inorganic filler (C) having an average fiber-diameter of 10 .mu.m or less, a powdery inorganic filler (D) having an average particle diameter of 10 .mu.m or less, an epoxy resin (E) and a copper compound (F-1) and/or a powdery phenolic resin (F-2); a molded article formed from the resin composition; and a lamp reflector formed from the molded article. The molded article formed from the above resin composition can give an automotive lamp reflector excellent in resistance to heat generated when a lamp is on, rigidity at high temperatures, clear reflection performance on a mold article surface, adhesion to deposited aluminum and adhesion to a primer coating composition.

Abstract: A lactide polymer composition combining compositional and purity limitations and catalyst optimization or addition of stabilizing agents resulting in a melt-stable polymer is disclosed. The melt-stable lactide polymer comprises a plurality of polylactide polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than 2 percent and water in concentration of less than 1000 parts-per-million. A stabilizing agent in an amount sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the lactide polymer during melt-processing or alternatively, control of catalyst level at a molar ratio of monomer to catalyst greater than 3000:1 is also included in the melt-stable composition. A process for manufacture of a melt-stable lactide polymer composition includes polymerizing a lactide mixture and adding stabilizing agents sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the polylactide during melt-processing, followed by devolatilizing the polylactide to remove monomer and water.

Abstract: High molecular weight, biodegradable polymers of substituted-poly(.beta.-propioesters), wherein the repeat unit sequences have a predominantly syndiotactic arrangement and a method of forming such polymers are disclosed. The method includes exposing a substituted-.beta.-propiolactone to a tin-based organometallic catalyst for a sufficient combination of time and temperature to form the predominantly syndiotactic substituted-poly(.beta.-propioester).

Abstract: Block copolymers wherein one of the blocks is made from hard phase forming monomers and another of the blocks is made from soft phase forming monomers copolymerized with randomly intermingled units of other soft phase forming monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical devices formed totally or in part from homopolymers or copolymers comprising recurring carbonate moieties.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: Block copolymers wherein one of the blocks is made from hard phase forming monomers and another of the blocks is made from soft phase forming monomers copolymerized with randomly intermingled units of other soft phase forming monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures. The block copolymer preferably comprising:a) a proportion of glycolic acid ester units as end blocks, andb) a center block comprising 1,4 dioxan-2-one randomly polymerized with 1,3 dioxane-2-one.

Abstract: Star-block copolymers containing polycaprolactone and polylactide blocks of limited molecular weight are tough, easily degradable polymers. Such copolymers, which are noncrystalline and have glass transition temperatures near or below room temperature, are useful in many packaging and other applications.

Abstract: Resorbable materials and their preparation based on gelling a solution of a single polylactide enantiomer. The gel may be dried to produce solid materials, or may be extracted with a nonsolvent prior to drying to make microporous materials. Physical and mechanical properties of the material may be varied by varying the molecular weight of the gelling polymer, or by blending the gelling solution with other polymers or fillers. The resorbable materials can be used to make biodegradable implantation devices.

Abstract: A deformable surgical repair device is manufactured from a block or graft copolymer. The copolymer comprises a plurality of first linkages selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid ester and lactic acid ester linkages, and mixtures thereof, and a plurality of second linkages selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dioxan-2-one; 1,4-dioxan-2-one and .epsilon.-caprolactone linkages. The plurality of first linkages comprises at least about 50 up to about 90 mole percent of the copolymer. In an alternative Claim, the deformable surgical repair device is manufactured from a blend of a first and a second absorbable polymer. The first absorbable polymer comprises a plurality of linkages selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid ester and lactic acid ester linkages, and mixtures thereof. The second absorbable polymer comprises a plurality of linkages selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dioxan-2-one; 1,4-dioxan-2-one and .epsilon.-caprolactone linkages.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer mixtures which comprise an aromatic polycarbonate, a polybutylene terephthalate and a polyalkylene glycol. Due to the presence of the polyalkylene glycol a good lacquer bonding is obtained when lacquer systems on the basis of water are used.

Abstract: Linear stereo block copolymers are disclosed. The polymers comprise a plurality of alternating polymeric blocks of amorphous copolymers of L-lactide and D-lactide with semicrystalline blocks of either L-lactide homopolymer or D-lactide homopolymer. The molecular weight can be built up by either of two techniques. The first technique is to use a chain extending agent such as a diacyl chloride or a diisocyanate to link a plurality of the preformed block copolymers. The second technique is to polymerize additional alternating amorphous and semicrystalline segments or blocks onto the original alternating block copolymers.

Abstract: A lactide polymer composition combining compositional and purity limitations and catalyst optimization or addition of stabilizing agents resulting in a melt-stable polymer is disclosed. The melt-stable lactide polymer comprises a plurality of polylactide polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than 2 percent and water in concentration of less than 1000 parts-per-million. A stabilizing agent in an amount sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the lactide polymer during melt-processing or alternatively, control of catalyst level at a molar ratio of monomer to catalyst greater than 3000:1 is also included in the melt-stable composition. A process for manufacture of a melt-stable lactide polymer composition includes polymerizing a lactide mixture and adding stabilizing agents sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the polylactide during melt-processing, followed by devolatilizing the polylactide to remove monomer and water.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyurethane base resins, and polyurethane composites and adhesive compositions formed using the base resins. The polyurethane base resins are formed by reacting a polycarbodiimide-modified 4, 4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate with a mixture of the following polyols: (a) a hydroxyl-terminated, linear, saturated liquid copolyester diol having a glass transition temperature of at most -10.degree. C. and at least -60.degree. C.; and (b) a homopolyester polyol that is a ring-opened polymer of a cyclic ester. The polyurethane composites include typical active hydrogen-containing species that will react with isocyanates and promote curing, in addition to the polyurethane base resin. The polyurethane adhesive compositions, which are thermosetting, include the cured polyurethane base resin, cured by exposure to moisture or any other applicable curing mechanism. The adhesive compositions have improved performance (e.g.

Abstract: Polymer blends of glycolide and/or lactide homopolymer and/or glycolide/lactide copolymer and polycaprolactone and/or polytrimethylene carbonate homopolymer or copolymers thereof and absorbable surgical devices manufactured therefrom having improved mechanical properties, such as improved impact resistance and improved cyclic flex, are disclosed.

Abstract: Polylactide stereocomplex is formed by mixing poly-D-lactide and L-lactide or poly-L-lactide and D-lactide and a lactide polymerization catalyst, and heating to polymerize the monomeric lactide, preferably under pressure. The parts are useful in medical devices such as bone screws.

Abstract: A polyamide composition comprising an aromatic ring-containing polyamide resin and a specific amount of an aliphatic polyester. The composition has improved molding properties, such as mold release characteristics, and exhibits excellent physical properties, such as stiffness, which will not be lowered upon contact with moisture. The polyamide composition may contain additional components which have been used to improve properties other than molding properties, such as Izod impact strength and hinge effect properties, so that the effects of the components are also exerted in the present composition without sacrificing the main effect aimed at by the present invention, i.e., excellent molding properties. Therefore, the polyamide composition of the present invention is useful as a molding material in various fields, e.g., automobile, electrical and electronic industries.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical devices formed totally or in part from homopolymers or copolymers comprising recurring carbonate moieties.

Abstract: A composition comprising (a) at least one oxidized polycationic polyheteroaromatic compound and (b) at least one polyanion of a film-forming thermoplastic polymer containing sulfated alcohol groups ##STR1## in repeating structural units. The composition has high electrical conductivity and good mechanical properties, especially after drawing at temperatures below the melt/decomposition temperature. The material may be used as electrodes, electrically conductive filaments or components for electromagnetic screening.