Abstract: A method of producing a stereocomplex polylactic acid having a high melting point and a high molecular weight, wherein only stereocomplex crystals are grown even when melting and crystallization are repeated. The method comprises the steps of: (1) obtaining a first polylactic acid by the ring-opening polymerization of a first lactide composed of lactic acid units of the same chirality; (2) obtaining a purified first polylactic acid by removing the lactide from the first polylactic acid in a molten state under reduced pressure; (3) obtaining a second polylactic acid by the ring-opening polymerization of a second lactide which differs from the first lactide in chirality in the presence of the purified first polylactic acid; and (4) obtaining a purified second polylactic acid by removing the lactide from the second polylactic acid in a molten state under reduced pressure.

Abstract: A pigment dispersing polymer comprising a backbone having one or more urea groups and having polymeric side chains extending therefrom. The dispersing polymer may be formed from the reaction of a compound having one or more carbodiimide groups with acid functional resins such as acid functional polyesters, acid functional acrylics, acid functional polyethers, and fatty acids.

Abstract: A polymer coating for implantable medical devices based on polyorthoesters and methods for fabricating the coating are disclosed. The implantable medical devices made of polyorthoesters and methods for fabricating thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions of biodegradable polymers and hyperbranched dendritic polymer (HBP) are described. The compositions can also include anhydride modified HBP. The resulting compositions have superior elongation at break and can be as cast or blown films for packaging, for example.

Abstract: A polyurethane obtained by reaction between (i) at least one homopolymer obtained by homopolymerisation of ?-caprolactone, and (ii) at least one dissocyanate, wherein said reaction between (i) and (ii) and said homopolymerisation are performed in presence of a catalyst selected from (a) a catalyst containing bismuth ethylhexanoate and ethylhexanoic acid, (b) a catalyst containing bismuth ethylhexanoate and bismuth neodecanoate, and (c) a catalyst containing zinc neodecanoate and zinc oxide.

Abstract: [Problems]To provide a material for producing a bioabsorbable material in which it is easy to remove a metal zinc catalyst from a bioabsorbable polymer such as a polymer of lactide or a polymer of lactide and caprolactone and it is easy to recycle the removed powdery metal zinc catalyst, and to provide a bioabsorbable material produced from the material for producing a bioabsorbable material. [Means for Solving Problems]A material for producing a bioabsorbable material including a three-dimensionally shaped metal zinc polymerization catalyst and a bioabsorbable polymer such as a polymer of lactide or a polymer of lactide and caprolactone; and a process for producing a material for producing a bioabsorbable material, characterized in that in the process for producing a bioabsorbable polymer by polymerization, a three-dimensionally shaped metal zinc catalyst is used as a polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: Method for preparing a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer by ring-opening polymerization of a lactone such as ?-butyrolactone, that is preferably racemic, in which the polymerization is carried out in the presence of an initiator of formula (II): in which: R3 represents a C1-15 alkyl group such as a methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl or tert-butyl group; or a benzyl group; R1 and R2, being identical or different, each represent a group chosen from C1-15 alkyl groups, such as methyl and tert-butyl groups; a cumyl group; an ?,?-dimethylbenzyl group; an adamantyl group; a trityl group; and a trialkylsilyl group; X represents O(R4), S(R4) or N(R4)(R5) where R4 and R5 each independently represent a C1-15 alkyl group such as a methyl or ethyl group; or a benzyl group; M is a metal from group 3 of the Periodic Table of the Elements such as Y, La or Nd. Polymers obtainable by this method, compositions using them and the use of these polymers and compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides a nanodisk, which can be formed of a wide variety of materials and has a high level of application, and a method for manufacturing the same. The nanodisk comprises fundamental units formed of two-molecule block copolymers arranged in series in a main chain direction, the fundamental units having been aggregated in a plane direction. The nanodisk has a thickness of 1 nm to 100 nm, a diameter of 10 nm to 5 ?m, and an aspect ratio of not less than 1. Since the thickness of the nanodisk is not more than 100 nm, the nanodisk is transparent to light in a visible region. Further, when a metal element is held on the crosslinked structure part, the nanodisk can be utilized as a nanodisk having magnetic properties and electroconductive properties, or a nanodisk having catalytic activity and a high refractive index. Thus, the nanodisk can be applied to a wide variety of fields such as fine particle/powder technology, colloid surface science, electronic materials, and optical materials.

Abstract: A shape memory resin of the present invention contains a network polymer and a thermoplastic polymer, and the thermoplastic polymer is dissolved in the network polymer. The shape memory resin of the present invention can be produced by a simple process of simply dissolving the thermoplastic polymer in a network polymer precursor and cross-linking this network polymer precursor. In the present invention, an epoxy compound is preferably used as the network polymer precursor.

Abstract: Disclosed are terpolymer compositions of lactide, glycolide, and caprolactone and methods of making such polymers with an initiator. Methods of using the terpolymers as a drug delivery platform are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a polymer blend composition used for coating a medical device that exhibits improved thermal stability. The invention also encompasses implantable medical devices coated the aforementioned coating.

Abstract: Curable polyurethane/polyurea hybrid compositions that are particularly useful, when cured, as the outer layer and/or at least one inner layer of golf balls, are disclosed. Cured compositions are also disclosed. In addition, methods of increasing the ultraviolet light resistance of a golf ball layer using the curable polyurethane/polyurea hybrid compositions are disclosed. In addition, processes of making the polymer compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition.

Abstract: Provided herein is a copolymer that includes a soft block (A) and a hard block (B) comprising a tyrosine di-peptide. The copolymer can be any of AB, ABA or BAB type block copolymers. The soft block can include a PEA polymer.

Abstract: The present application discloses biodegradable polymers, to porous and other materials comprising such polymers, and to various medical uses of such materials, including use as a scaffold for supporting cell adhesion or the in-growth for regeneration of tissue. The polymer is of the formula A—O—(CHR1CHR2O)n-B wherein A is a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) residue, the molar ratio of (i) lactide units [—CH(CH3)—COO—] and (ii) glycolide units [—CH2—COO—] in the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) residue being in the range of 80:20 to 10:90, B is either a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) residue or hydrogen, C1-6-alkyl or hydroxy protecting groups, one of R1 and R2 is hydrogen or methyl, and the other is hydrogen, n is 10-1000, the molar ratio of (iii) polyalkylene glycol units [-(CHR1CHR2O)—] to the combined amount of (i) lactide units and (ii) glycolide units in the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) residue(s) is at the most 14:86, and the molecular weight of the copolymer is at least 20,000 g/mol.

Abstract: A process for the production of polylactide, the stages of which for the production and purification of lactide, starting from an aqueous solution of lactic acid or of its derivatives, includes evaporation of water with formation of oligomers, depolymerization to give lactide, condensation and then crystallization of the crude lactide product to give purified lactide, aqueous treatment of the residual fractions from the crystallization and polymerization of purified and/or prepurified lactide to give polylactide in an extruder and in the presence of catalysts. An alternative process includes carrying out the aqueous treatment before the crystallization.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a two-step polymerization process for preparing amphiphilic poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), (PVP)-block-polyester copolymers and other diblock and triblock copolymers consisting of PVP as one block. The block copolymers of the invention can be used as vehicles for drug delivery.

Abstract: A thermosetting resin composition of the present invention includes (A) a polyimide resin, and as thermosetting components, at least one of (B) a multifunctional cynate ester and (C) an epoxy resin. The (A) polyimide resin is soluble polyimide obtained by reacting, with diamines, acid dianhydride including an ether bond. As (B) the multifunctional cynate esters, a compound having a specific structure, and/or an oligomer thereof is used. As (C) the epoxy resin, an epoxy resin having a dicyclopentadiene bone structure and/or an alkoxy-group-including silane denatured epoxy resin (suitable epoxy resin) is preferably used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for compounding polycondensates selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester and polycarbonate, in the presence of an epoxy-containing styrene and/or (meth)acrylic monomer, of a bisphenol A epoxide or of an epoxy-containing natural oil or fatty acid ester, which comprises carrying out the compounding at temperatures less than/equal to 220° C. and in the presence of an activator selected from the group consisting of: zinc, titanium compound and C1-C12-alkyltriphenylphosphonium halide.

Abstract: Various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein related to photochromic materials comprising the reaction product of (a) at least one ring-opening cyclic monomer, and (b) a photochromic initiator. Other non-limiting embodiments related to photochromic materials represented by: wherein S? comprises the at least one ring-opened cyclic monomer as set forth herein. Other non-limiting embodiments related to photochromic compositions, optical elements, and methods of inhibiting migration of a photochromic material in a polymeric material using the photochromic materials disclosed herein. Methods of making such photochromic materials, compositions, and optical elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing an environmentally degradable polymeric compound as well as to such a compound per se and to its use. A compound of the present invention includes a polycondensated lactic acid containing polymer, having a molecular weight (Mw) of from 500 to 50,000 g/mol, to which a flexibilizing aliphatic polyester having a molecular weight of from 500 to 50,000 g/mol is coupled. The amount of lactic acid including groups in the polymeric compound ranges from 50 to 99% and the amount of flexibilizing polyester groups ranges from 1 to 50%.

Abstract: Polyester/polysiloxane copolymers are prepared by ring-opening synthesis of hydroxyalkyl- or aminoalkyl functional organopolysiloxanes from a cyclic silazane and an Si—OH functional polysiloxane, followed by reaction with a cyclic lactone such as a caprolactone. The process tolerates functional groups on the polysiloxane segments which are not possible in other synthetic methods.

Abstract: Cyclic esters are polymerized in the presence of a catalytic amount of a Group 4 transition metal hydride. The method is capable of producing high molecular weight polyesters with low polydispersities. These high molecular weight polyesters exhibit improved mechanical properties and are useful in a variety of product applications.

Abstract: The invention provides heat-curable thixotropic mixtures containing carbamate and/or allophanate groups, including at least one oligomer and/or polymer containing at least one of carbamate and allophanate groups, and at least one thixotropic agent that is a urea derivative preparable by reacting at least one amine and/or water with at least one isocyanate in the presence of at least one amino resin. The invention further provides processes for preparing the mixtures and coating materials, adhesives and sealing compounds prepared from the mixtures.

Abstract: A producing method of resin particles, which comprises at least an emulsification step of emulsifying a composition containing at least a polymerizable monomer and a polymerization step to form droplets of the composition, and a polymerization step of polymerizing the polymerizable monomer in the droplets to synthesize resin particles, wherein the composition is one selected from Composition A, Composition B, or Composition C: (Composition A): a composition containing a vinyl-based monomer, lactone, a vinyl-based monomer polymerization catalyst for polymerizing the vinyl-based monomer, and a lactone polymerization catalyst for polymerizing the lactone (Composition B): a composition containing a polyester resin, lactone, and a lactone catalyst for polymerizing the lactone (Composition C): a composition containing a vinyl-based monomer, a cyclic keteneacetal compound represented by the following general formula (1), and a radical polymerization initiator (in the general formula (1), R represents a ch

Abstract: Polylactic acid blends having a relatively high heat distortion temperature can be prepared by simple blending of PLA polymers of opposite stereoforms, followed by processing, e.g. by injection moulding, under specific conditions of temperature and pressure, so as to produce a blend which, on differential scanning calorimetry, exhibits two peaks within the melting range of the stereocomplex. Moreover, by careful selection of these conditions of temperature and pressure, it is possible to use PLA polymers of significantly higher molecular weights than previously thought possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers functionalized by an aminooxy group or a derivative thereof, conjugates, wherein the functionalized polymers are covalently coupled with a protein by an oxime linking group, a process for preparing the functionalized polymers, a process for preparing the conjugates, functionalize polymers as obtainable by the process of the present invention, conjugates as obtainable by the process of the present invention, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one conjugate of the present invention and the use of said conjugates and compositions for the prophylaxis or therapy of the human or animal body.

Abstract: An amphiphilic block copolymer is disclosed. The amphiphilic block copolymer includes one or more hydrophilic polymers, one or more hydrophobic polymer, and one or more zwitterions. The invention also provides a nanoparticle and carrier including the amphiphilic block copolymer for delivery of water insoluble drugs, growth factors, genes, or water insoluble cosmetic substances.

Abstract: Provided herein is a PEA polymer blend and coatings or implantable devices formed therefrom. The PEA polymer blend is formed of a PEA polymer and a material capable of hydrogen bonding with the PEA. The PEA polymer blend can form a coating on an implantable device, one example of which is a stent. The coating can optionally include a biobeneficial material and/or optionally with a bioactive agent. The implantable device can be used to treat or prevent a disorder such as one of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A medical device is constructed from a polymeric composition having properties such as increased visibility of the device and the ability to deliver therapeutic and other agents. The device is constructed with additives incorporated into the polymeric structure, such as a material that increases visibility of the device, while still maintaining desired mechanical characteristics such as high radial stiffness, minimized recoil values, and improved flexibility. The device can assume a wide range of geometries that are adaptable to various loading conditions In order to include performance-enhancing additives to the medical device without affecting mechanical performance, the additives are localized in discrete regions of a polymer structure from which a medical device will be formed. For example, a medical device can be prepared from a polymer form such as a tube containing radiopaque agent localized at its ends or in a desired pattern along the device.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer blends suitable for laminate coatings, wraps and other packaging materials are manufactured from at least one “hard” biopolymer and at least one “soft” biopolymer. “Hard” biopolymers tend to be more brittle and rigid and typically have a glass transition temperature greater than about 10° C. “Soft” biopolymers tend to be more flexible and pliable and typically have a glass transition temperature less than about 0° C. While hard and soft polymers each possess certain intrinsic benefits, certain blends of hard and soft polymers have been discovered which possess synergistic properties superior to those of either hard or soft polymers by themselves. Biodegradable polymers include polyesters, polyesteramides, polyesterurethanes, thermoplastic starch, and other natural polymers. The polymer blends may optionally include an inorganic filler. Films and sheets made from the polymer blends may be textured so as to increase the bulk hand feel.

Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, the system is compliant, in that it is capable of conforming to the three dimensional structure of a tissue surface as the tissue bends and deforms during healing processes. The barrier or drug delivery systems is formed as a polymeric coating on tissue surfaces by applied a polymerizable monomer to the surface, and then polymerizing the monomer. The polymerized compliant coating preferably is biodegradable and biocompatible, and can be designed with selected properties of compliancy and elasticity for different surgical and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A biodegradable resin composition comprising polylactic acid and nanosheeted layered titanic acid characterized in that the nonasheeted layered titanic acid is nanosheeted layered titanic acid obtained by a preparing process comprising the steps of: (1) treating layered titanate represented by the general formula: AxMy?zTi2?(y+z)O4??(1) [wherein A and M represent a different monovalent to trivalent metal, ? represents a part defective in Ti, x is a positive real number satisfying 0<x<1.0, and y and z are 0 or a positive real number satisfying 0<y+z<1.0, respectively] with an acid or warm water to replace an A ion and/or a M ion with hydrogen and/or a hydronium ion, and (2) reacting the resulting compound with a basic compound having interlayer swelling activity thereon, to swell or peel between layers.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer blends suitable for laminate coatings, wraps and other packaging materials are manufactured from a blend of suitable biodegradable polymers, such as at least one “hard” biopolymer and at least one “soft” biopolymer. “Hard” biopolymers tend to be more brittle and rigid and typically have a glass transition temperature greater than about 10° C. “Soft” biopolymers tend to be more flexible and pliable and typically have a glass transition temperature less than about 0° C. While hard and soft polymers each possess certain intrinsic benefits, certain blends of hard and soft polymers have been discovered which possess synergistic properties superior to those of either hard or soft polymers by themselves. Biodegradable polymers include polyesters, polyesteramides, polyesterurethanes, thermoplastic starch, and other natural polymers. The polymer blends may optionally include an inorganic filler. Films and sheets made from the polymer blends may be textured so as to increase the bulk hand feel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to crystalline copolymers of l-lactide and a minor portion of a cyclic monomer, preferably ?-caprolactone or trimethylene carbonate or both. The present copolymers have a melting temperature of at least 150° C. and a crystallinity of at least 20%. Preferred are high molecular weight copolymers having an inherent viscosity of at least 1.1 dl/g. A variety of surgical constructs may be formed from the present copolymers. Surgical sutures made of mono- or multifilament yams of the present copolymers will bioabsorb in less than three years and will maintain at least 50% of their initial strength three weeks post-operatively.

Abstract: A thermo-sensitve copolymer of following formula; is disclosed; wherein R1 is hydrogen, or —C(?O)—R2; R2 is C7-30 alkyl substituted or unsubstituted with functional groups; R3 is hydrogen, or C1-6 alkyl; and x, y or z individually is an integer greater than 0. The thermo-sensitive copolymers disclosed here are easy to be implanted into a human body through injection. The biodegradability is greatly improved and the cytotoxicity of the copolymers is low.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted aliphatic polyester represented by Formula 1: wherein X is an aliphatic ester, R is hydrogen or C1-5 alkyl, Z is the binding moiety of an initiator or a chain transfer agent, m/l is from 0.1 to 50, n is from 2 to 50, w is 1 or greater, and y is from 1 to 200. Further disclosed is a method for preparing the poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted aliphatic polyester of the present invention.

Abstract: Monomer addition methodology is provided to adjust monomer addition rates to a polymerization reactor. Advantages of the invention include control of bioabsorbable copolymer structure, improvement of monomer conversion, control of reaction temperature, and reduced reaction time. The overall result is an improved process and enhanced product performance. The technology is particularly useful in the copolymerization of monomers with different reactivity ratios, such as glycolide/lactide copolymers and glycolide/caprolactone copolymers. Monomer reactivity ratios and reaction kinetics are utilized to adjust monomer addition rates.

Abstract: The present invention includes photocurable, liquid polymers incorporating coumarin ester endgroups into their molecular structure, which polymers are crosslinked upon irradiation with ultraviolet light by photochemically allowed [2+2] cycloaddition reactions among the chain ends, and which crosslinked polymers are useful in the preparation of medical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and, in particular, in vivo preparation of implants in an open surgical procedure or laproscopically.

Abstract: A block copolymer is disclosed, which comprises a first block comprising polymerized units of an alkylene oxide and a second block comprising polymerized units of an alkylene oxide and a lactone, said copolymer being obtainable by polymerizing an alkylene oxide in the presence of an organic initiator to form said first block, and reacting the first block with a mixture of an alkylene oxide and a lactone. Such copolymers are found to have improved foam inhibition characteristics while maintaining their biodegradable properties.

Abstract: A method for making a series of nanoscale microstructures, including helical microstructures and cylindrical microstrustures. This method includes the steps of: (1) forming a chiral block copolymer containing a plurality of chiral first polymer blocks and a second polymer blocks wherein the chiral first polymer blocks have a volume fraction ranging from 20 to 49%; (2) causing a phase separation in the chiral block copolymer. In a preferred embodiment, the chiral block copolymer is poly(styrene)-poly(L-lactide) (PS-PLLA) chiral block copolymer, and the copolymerization process is a living copolymerization process which includes the following steps: (a) mixing styrene with BPO and 4-OH-TEMPO to form 4-hydroxy-TEMPO-terminated polystyrene; and (2) mixing the 4-hydroxy-TEMPO-terminated polystyrene with [?3-EDBP)Li2]2[(?3-nBu)Li(0.5Et2O)]2 and L-lactide in an organic solvent preferably CH2Cl2 to form the poly(styrene)-poly(L-lactide) chiral block copolymer.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention includes photocurable, liquid polymers incorporating coumarin ester endgroups into their molecular structure, which polymers are crosslinked upon irradiation with ultraviolet light by photochemically allowed [2+2] cycloaddition reactions among the chain ends, and which crosslinked polymers are useful in the preparation of medical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and, in particular, in vivo preparation of implants in an open surgical procedure or laproscopically.

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 present invention uses a reactor that combines devices having a special portion structure to solve the difficulty of uniform blending due to the reactants becoming highly viscous, the difficulty of heat removal, and the increase in pressure loss, thus leading to continuous production of a polyester-based polymer stably having excellent quality.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process for producing lactide-based polymers and the polymers produced by this process. The polymers of the present invention are terpolymers formed by the copolymerization of a lactide monomer, a linking monomer and an epoxy-terminated monomer. In one embodiment of the invention, the polymers may be formed from fluorine-containing monomers or aromatic ring-containing monomers. The disclosed materials may display improved hydrolytic and thermal characteristics as compared to previously known lactide-based materials. For example, the lactide based terpolymers may have a glass transition temperature over 60° C. For instance, lactide-based thermoplastic terpolymers of the present invention can have a glass transition temperatures of about 80° C. or higher. Lactide-based thermoset networks of the invention can have glass transition temperatures of up to about 200° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture of biodegradable polyesters which includes an aromatic-aliphatic polyester (A), an aliphatic polyester (B) and a polylactic acid polymer (C) in which the concentration of A varies, with respect to (A+B) in the range between 40 and 70% by weight, and the concentration of C with respect of (A+B+C) is of between 6 and 30% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to crystalline copolymers of l-lactide and a minor portion of a cyclic monomer, preferably ?-caprolactone or trimethylene carbonate or both. The present copolymers have a melting temperature of at least 150° C. and a crystallinity of at least 20%. Preferred are high molecular weight copolymers having an inherent viscosity of at least 1.1 dl/g. A variety of surgical constructs may be formed from the present copolymers. Disclosed are coated surgical constructs including sutures made of multifilament yarns of the present copolymers and coated with nitrogenous copolyesters which will bioabsorb in less than three years and will maintain at least 50% of their initial strength three weeks post-operatively.

Abstract: Water-soluble macromers including at least one hydrolysable linkage formed from carbonate or dioxanone groups, at least one water-soluble polymeric block, and at least one polymerizable group, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The macromers are preferably polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light or visible light excitation. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. The macromers can be used to encapsulate cells, deliver prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic agents in a controlled manner, plug leaks in tissue, prevent adhesion formation after surgical procedures, temporarily protect or separate tissue surfaces, and adhere or seal tissues together.