Abstract: The present invention discloses polymers of poly(p-dioxanone having an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, as determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C. This invention also describes improved surgical devices and filaments made from poly(p-dioxanone) with an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C. Additionally, disclosed are processes for manufacturing poly(p-dioxanone) with an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, as determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C., as well as, processes for molding surgical articles and extruding surgical filaments from these polymers.

Abstract: A degradable copolymer filament comprising an internal structure having the following separate phases: (a) a matrix phase comprised as a primary component of a polymer segment which exhibits a tensile Young's modulus of 2 GPa or less and a strength retention of 50% or more after two weeks in water at 37.degree. C., pH 7.3, and (b) a micro-dispersed phase comprised as a primary component of a polymer segment which exhibits a tensile strength of 200 MPa or more and a strength reduction greater than the matrix phase in water at 37.degree. C., pH 7.3. The weight ratio of each component in the matrix phase and dispersed phase is 50:50 to 95:5, respectively, and the dispersed phase a needle structure oriented by stretching in the fiber direction. A degradable monofilament having an excellent mechanical strength and flexibility, moderate hydrolyzability, high ligature stability and being suitable as a material of surgical absorbable suture can be obtained. A preparation process is also provided.

Abstract: A bioerodible polymeric semi-IPN alloy which comprises a first bioerodible polymer capable of producing acidic products upon hydrolytic degradation; a second bioerodible polymer, which provides a biopolymeric scaffolding or internal reinforcement; and optionally a buffering compound that buffers the acidic products within a desired pH range. In a preferred embodiment, the second bioerodible polymer comprises polypropylene fumarate (PPF), which is cross-linked, desirably by a vinyl monomer such as vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) to form the biopolymeric scaffolding which provides the semi-IPN with dimensional and geometric stability.

Abstract: A random-block copolymer having appropriate hydrolyzability, excellent flexibility and excellent mechanical strength, a monofilament thereof, and a process for producing the copolymer. The random-block copolymer comprises from 5 to 50 mol % of a random copolymer segment containing from 20 to 80 mol % of a lactide unit (A) and from 80 to 20 mol % of a caprolactone unit (B), and from 95 to 50 mol % of a block copolymer segment containing a glycolide unit (C).

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: 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 triblock terpolymer with a structure ABA formed from a biodegradable hard segment A and a biodegradable soft segment B has as the soft segment a statistical terpolymer with a completely amorphous structure. A process for its production comprises chemically reacting the hard segment monomer with hydroxy terminal groups of the soft segment B. The absorbable polymer is suitable for the production of a surgical suture material, which is wholly or partly formed from the polymer.

Abstract: Copolymers designed for use as particulate carriers containing functionalizable amino subunits for coupling with targeting ligand are described. The copolymers are polyesters composed of .alpha.-hydroxy acid subunits such as D, L-lactide and .alpha.-amino acid subunits such as serine or in the preferred embodiment, terpolymers of D,L-lactide and glycolide and .alpha.-amino acid subunits such as serine. Stable vaccine preparations useful as delayed release formulations containing antigen(s) or antigen(s) and co-adjuvants encapsulated within or physically mixed with ploymeric microparticles are described. The particulate carriers are useful for delivering agents to the immune system of a subject by mucosal or parenteral routes to produce immune responses, including antibody responses.

Abstract: Crosslinked compositions formed from a water-insoluble copolymer are disclosed. These compositions are copolymers having a bioresorbable region, a hydrophilic region and at least two crosslinkable functional groups per polymer chain. These compositions are able to form hydrogels in aqueous environments when crosslinked. These hydrogels are good sealants for implantable prostheses when in contact with an aqueous environment. In addition, such hydrogels can be used as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A surgical suture material of absorbable, synthetic polymer is formed from glycolide-trimethylene carbonate copolymer with a glycolide content higher than 76 wt. % and with a statistical distribution of the monomers. Within 9 to 21 days, the suture material has a complete breaking strength loss and is completely absorbed in vivo after 35 to 91 days.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of polylactide polymers from lactic acid which incorporates removal of water or a solvent carrier to concentrate the lactic acid feed followed by polymerization to a low-molecular-weight prepolymer. This prepolymer is fed to a reactor in which a catalyst is added to facilitate generation of lactide, the depolymerization product of polylactic acid. The lactide generated is continuously fed to a distillation system as a liquid or vapor wherein water and other impurities are removed. The resultant purified liquid lactide is fed directly to a polymerization process.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable polymers and copolymers having accelerated mass loss, and more particularly bioabsorbable polymers and/or copolymers blended with particles of bioabsorbable polymers as well as surgical articles made totally or in part therefrom, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures, are provided.

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: The thermosetting composition of the present invention includes an unsaturated polyester, an addition polymerizable monomer, a low shrink agent other than an aliphatic polyester, and an aliphatic polyester decomposed in a decomposing solution containing a base and at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of water, methanol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol at a temperature lower than a boiling point of the decomposing solution after being cured.

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 nonwoven fabric formed from filaments made from a polymer derived from L- and D-lactic acid. The nonwoven fabric is biodegradable and especially suitable for use in disposable hygiene products.

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: Biodegradable polymeric therapeutic implant materials incorporating bioactive ceramics such as Bioglass.RTM. ceramic are provided. These implants provide increased mechanical properties and pH control, enabling the use of these materials to design porous and nonporous therapeutic implants used as cell scaffolds for healing of tissue defects or fixation devices, having desired degradation times, mechanical properties, elasticity and biocompatibility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition for PVC sections, based on a polymeric vehicle, a crosslinking agent, and a thermoplastic resin powder. The coating composition is particularly useful for coating PVC sections for windows, shutters, and doors. PVC joinery coated with the composition of the invention has exceptional impact strength and resistance to abrasion, friction, and inclement weather.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention comprises a biopolymer nanoparticle for drug delivery wherein the nanoparticle comprises a homogeneous blend of an aliphatic polyester polymer blended with a polyether, a lipophilic or polypeptide drug and a biocompatible cholesterol interacting agent for preserving the activity of the drug administered to the patient while at the same time controlling the release of the drug. Methods for making the homogeneous drug delivery nanoparticles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of hydrolytically modifying a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto polylactides and modified polylactide compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles.

Abstract: The present invention is a water-responsive fiber. More particularly, the present invention is a fiber comprising a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polylactide and a method of making such fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a fiber comprising a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and modified polylactide and a method of making such fibers. The fibers are useful as a component in flushable and degradable articles.

Abstract: An improved method or process and device for treating and healing a bone void is disclosed, and in particular a method employing a surfactant for efficiently incorporating a biologically active agent into the interstices (voids or pares) of a porous hydrophobic biodegradable material wherein the biologically active agent is deposited on the internal surfaces defining the voids or pores of the biodegradable material. The biodegradable body or device, now containing surfactant and a biologically active agent in the body itself as well as on the external surfaces and the internal surfaces defining the voids or pores, is than applied into the bone void or cavity.

Abstract: Blends of polymers having properties distinct from the individual polymer components and that are suitable for use as carriers of pharmaceutically active agents, are prepared from two or more polyanhydrides, polyesters or mixtures of polyanhydrides and polyesters. The blends have different properties than the polymers used to prepare the blends, providing a means for altering the characteristics of a polymeric matrix without altering the chemical structure of the component polymers. Blends of various polyanhydrides, polyesters, and polyanhydrides and polyesters, containing pharmaceutically active agents, are prepared using solvent mixing or melt mixing procedures.

Abstract: Degradable polyesteramide suitable for use in biomedical applications is obtained by reacting diamino alkyl ester with alpha hydroxy acid to form diamide-diol which is reacted with acyl halide or dicarboxylic acid to yield polyesteramide.

Abstract: Phosphoric esters obtained bya) reacting a mono-, oligo- or polyamine with an alkylene oxide or alkylene carbonate to give an amino alcohol or amino mono-, oligo-, or polyether alcohol, from 50 to 100% of the alkoxylatable NH groups of the amine being alkoxylated,b) reacting the resulting amino (ether) alcohol with a hydroxycarboxylic acid or a dicarboxylic acid and a diol to give a mono-, oligo- or polyester, or reacting it with a diisocyanate and a diol to give a di-, oligo- or polyurethane, from 50 to 100% of the terminal hydroxyl groups in the amino (ether) alcohol being esterified or converted into urethane groups, andc) reacting the resulting amino (ether) ester or urethane with a phosphorus compound which forms phosphoric esters, from 5 to 100% of the terminal hydroxyl groups in the amino (ether) ester or urethane being converted into phosphoric ester groups, and the phosphorus atoms being mono- and/or di- and, if appropriate, tri-esterified,preparation of the phosphoric esters, and their use as disper

Abstract: Polyesteramides having amino acid-derived groups alternating with hydroxy acid-derived groups are useful in making shaped articles, particularly, shaped articles suitable for use as surgical devices.

Abstract: Shaped hydrogel articles such as soft contact lenses are prepared by the steps of:(1) molding or casting a polymerization mixture comprising:(a) a monomer mixture comprising a major proportion of one or more hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and one or more cross-linking monomers; and(b) an inert, displaceable diluent selected from the group consisting of:(i) ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(ii) ethoxylated bisphenol A;(iii) polyethylene glycol;(iv) mixture of propoxylated and ethoxylated alkyl glucoside;(v) single phase mixture of ethoxylated or propoxylated alkyl glucoside and C.sub.2-12 dihydric alcohol;(vi) adduct of .epsilon.-caprolactone and C.sub.2-6 alkanediols and triols;(vii) ethoxylated C.sub.3-6 alkanetriol; and(viii) mixtures of one or more of (i) through (vii),under conditions to polymerize said monomer mixture to produce a shaped gel of a copolymer of said monomers and said diluent; and(2) thereafter replacing said diluent with water.

Abstract: A polyesteramide suitable for use in the fabrication of absorbable surgical devices such as monofilament and multifilament sutures, films, sheets, plates, clips, staples, pins, screws, and the like, is obtained by reacting a monoalkanolamine such as ethanolamine with a diacid halide such as succinic acidchloride to provide a diamidediol and thereafter reacting the diamidediol with the same or different diacid halide under polymerization conditions to form the polyesteramide.

Abstract: Cyclic monomers prepared by novel methods are useful in making polyesteramides which can be made into shaped articles, particularly, shaped articles suitable for use as surgical devices.

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: The present invention discloses polymers of poly(p-dioxanone having an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, as determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C. This invention also describes improved surgical devices and filaments made from poly(p-dioxanone) with an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C. Additionally, disclosed are processes for manufacturing poly(p-dioxanone) with an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, as determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C., as well as, processes for molding surgical articles and extruding surgical filaments from these polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diblock copolymer comprising: (a) a first block of polyester wherein said first block is made from aromatic polyester having: (i) an intrinsic viscosity which is measured in a 60/40 by weight mixture of phenol and tetrachloroethane and is at least about 0.6 deciliter/gram and (ii) a Newtonian melt viscosity which is measured by capillary rheometer and is at least about 7,000 poise at 280.degree. C.; and (b) a second block of polyester wherein said second block is made from lactone monomer. The diblock copolymer is useful in engineered materials, films, and in spinning fibers for industrial applications such as seat belts. A process for making the diblock copolymer uses a twin screw extruder for melting the aromatic polyester and mixing it with monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel biodegradable polymer compositions effecting superiority in elongation at break, Izod impact strength and mold releasability which has not been obtained before the past and provides a biodegradable shrink film exceling in transparency, strength, flexibility, mold releasability and shrinkability by applying the biodegradable polymer composition to the shrink film. Thus, the biodegradable polymer compositions are provided which comprise as a main component a mixture of two or more of polylactic acids, glycol/aliphatic dicarboxylic acid copolymers and polycaprolactones and these biodegradable polymer compositions are applied to shrink films.

Abstract: A process for forming biocompatible porous matrices of bioabsorbable materials comprising:a) providing a bioabsorbable polymer;b) dissolving the bioabsorbable polymer in a volumetric orientation aid to yield a molten solution;c) solidifying the molten solution to yield an orientation matrix comprising first and second phases, the first phase being the bioabsorbable polymer and the second phase being the volumetric orientation aid; andd) removing the volumetric orientation aid while the solution is solid; to yield a biocompatible matrix of bioabsorbable polymer. Also matrices formed by the process and devices made with such matrices.

Abstract: Crosslinked compositions formed from a water-insoluble copolymer are disclosed. These compositions are copolymers having a bioresorbable region, a hydrophilic region and at least two crosslinkable functional groups per polymer chain. These compositions are able to form hydrogels in aqueous environments when crosslinked. These hydrogels are good sealants for implantable prostheses when in contact with an aqueous environment. In addition, such hydrogels can be used as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents.

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: The present invention provides a process for producing absorbable segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters with a uniform sequence distribution comprising copolymerizing at least two aliphatic polyester monomers wherein one of the monomers will transesterify under copolymerization conditions to form a segmented block copolymer; then quenching the copolymerization by cooling the segmented block copolymer below the temperature at which transesterification will occur in less than 60 minutes.

Abstract: An optically active block polyester copolymer formed of structural units represented by the following general formulas (I) and (II): ##STR1## wherein represents for an asymmetric carbon atom and m and n each represents a natural number in the range of from 300 to 5000 is obtained by subjecting an optically active butyrolactone and a species of lactone other than the optically active butyrolactone to sequential ringopening copolymerization in the presence of a catalyst. This optically active block polyester copolymer possesses a high molecular weight and a high melting point (not less than 130.degree. C.) and forms a biodegradable and hydrolyzable material of high strength capable of tolerating the impacts of actual use.

Abstract: Disclosed are a biodegradable copolymer and a biodegradable article molded therefrom, said copolymer having a number average molecular weight ranging from 1,000 to 1,000,000 consisting essentially of (A) from 5 to 99% by mol of epsilon-caprolactone or delta-valerolactone structural units and (B) from 95 to 1% by mol of oxetane structural units, said structural units being combined in the state of a block, and containing an organic aluminum-based Lewis acid represented by general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl group having a carbon number ranging from 1 to 4, Y is independently selected from a substituted group, and p is any one of 1, 2 and 3. Also disclosed are block polymers of lactone and dimethyltrimethylene carbonate and blends of polylactone with polyoxetane.

Abstract: Water soluble macromers are modified by addition of free radical polymerizable groups, such as those containing a carbon-carbon double or triple bond, which can be polymerized under mild conditions to encapsulate tissues, cells, or biologically active materials. The polymeric materials are particularly useful as tissue adhesives, coatings for tissue lumens including blood vessels, coatings for cells such as islets of Langerhans, coatings, plugs, supports or substrates for contact with biological materials such as the body, and as drug delivery devices for biologically active molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides injectable, bioabsorbable liquid copolymers suitable for use as a soft tissue repair or augmentation material in animals comprising a liquid polymer selected from the group consisting of liquid polymers of a plurality of at least two different first lactone repeating units and liquid polymers of a plurality of first lactone and second lactone repeating units; wherein the first lactone repeating units are selected from the group consisting of .epsilon.-caprolactone repeating units, trimethylene carbonate repeating units, ether lactone repeating units (which for the purpose of this invention shall mean 1,4-dioxepan-2-one and 1,5-dioxepan-2-one) and combinations thereof and the second lactone repeating units are selected from the group consisting of glycolide repeating units, lactide repeating units (which for the purpose of this invention are defined to be L-lactide, D-lactide, or D,L-lactide repeating units), p-dioxanone repeating units and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The biodegradable composition comprises at least poly(beta-hydroxybutyric acid) or a biodegradable copolymer thereof and a stereospecifically regular block copolymer having the structure units of formula (I): ##STR1## where R1 is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, optionally including double bonds, oxygen atoms or both of them; and m and n are respectively an integer ranging from 300 to 5,000, or having the structure units of formula (II): ##STR2## where R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and m and n are respectively an integer ranging from 300 to 5,000.

Abstract: The thermosetting composition of the present invention includes an unsaturated polyester, an addition polymerizable monomer, a low shrink agent other than an aliphatic polyester, and an aliphatic polyester decomposed in a decomposing solution containing from about 0.1 to about 50% by weight of at least one base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkali metal oxides, alkaline earth metal oxides, alkali metal alkoxides and alkaline earth metal alkoxides, and at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of water, methanol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol at a temperature lower than a boiling point of the decomposing solution after being cured.

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: 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: A curable coating composition is described comprising(A) a compound comprising carbamate or urea and hydroxyl functional groups that is the reaction product of(1) a compound comprising a carbamate or urea group or a group that can be converted to a carbamate or urea group, and an active hydrogen group that is reactive with a lactone or a hydroxy carboxylic acid, and(2) a lactone or a hydroxy carboxylic acid,(B) a compound comprising at least one group that is reactive with carbamate and at least one group that is reactive with hydroxyl, or a plurality of groups that are reactive with both carbamate and hydroxyl.

Abstract: Crystane, low melting .epsilon.-Caprolactone polymers which undergo accelerated hydrolysis, and their use as lubricant coatings and/or as coatings containing bioactive agents, as carriers of viable cells, and as coatings for open-cell microporous template or constucts for tissue regeneration; the polymers bearing basic functionalities can be linked ionically or covalently to the ester chain which induces autocatalyzed hydrolysis.

Abstract: A coating composition for preventing corrosion of a substrate including corrodable material, the coating composition comprising: a cycloaliphatic epoxy compound; a polyester compound; and a catalyst.

Abstract: A curable coating composition is described comprising (A) a compound comprising a plurality of functional crosslinking groups, at least one of which is a carbamate or urea functional group, which compound also includes at least one ester or amide group derived from a reaction of an active hydrogen group with a lactone ring or a hydroxy carboxylic acid, and (B) a curing agent comprising a plurality of groups that are reactive with the functional groups on compound (A).