Abstract: Carboxyalkylcellulose esters are disclosed having relatively low degrees of polymerization. These new carboxyalkylcellulose esters include carboxymethylcellulose acetate, carboxymethylcellulose acetate propionate, and carboxymethylcellulose acetate butyrate. The inventive esters exhibit solubility in a range of organic solvents, and are useful in coatings and ink compositions as binder resins and rheology modifiers.

Abstract: Cellulose mixed esters are disclosed having low molecular weights and low degrees of polymerization. These new cellulose mixed esters include cellulose acetate propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate. The esters exhibit solubility in a wide range of organic solvents with minimal viscosity increase, are compatible with a wide variety of resins, and are useful in coatings and inks compositions as binder resins and rheology modifiers.

Abstract: The invention relates to polysaccharide graft polymers useful for incorporation as benefit agents in laundry detergent and fabric treatment compositions, and their preparation. The invention also relates to substituted polysaccharides useful as macroinitiator intermediates for the preparation of the polysaccharide graft polymers, and the preparation of the macroinitiators. The polysaccharide graft polymers may be used, for example, to impart soil release and/or fabric care benefits to laundry detergent or fabric treatment compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides multi-arm block copolymers useful as drug delivery vehicles comprising a central core molecule, such as a residue of a polyol, and at least three copolymer arms covalently attached to the central core molecule, each copolymer arm comprising an inner hydrophobic polymer segment covalently attached to the central core molecule and an outer hydrophilic polymer segment covalently attached to the hydrophobic polymer segment, wherein the central core molecule and the hydrophobic polymer segment define a hydrophobic core region. The solubility of hydrophobic biologically active agents can be improved by entrapment within the hydrophobic core region of the block copolymer. The invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions including such block copolymers, methods of making such copolymers and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the block copolymers as drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: A method for making a hydrophilic and lubricious coating, the coating so made and a medical device including such coating, wherein the coating includes a hydrophilic polymeric unit layer cross-linked with a plasma deposited double bond monomer. The hydrophilic polymeric unit can include ethylene oxide with one or more primary or secondary alcohol groups or glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid, and the double bond monomer includes monomers containing at least one double bond, preferably a C═C, C═N or C═O bond, including N-trimethylsilyl-allylamine, ethylene, propylene and allyl alcohol. The invention also provides products containing such coatings and their uses in medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polymers derivatized with at least one —NOx group per 1200 atomic mass unit of the polymer. X is one or two. In one embodiment, the polymer is an S-nitrosylated polymer and is prepared by reacting a polythiolated polymer with a nitrosylating agent under conditions suitable for nitrosylating free thiol groups. The polymers of the present invention can be used to coat medical devices to deliver nitric oxide in vivo to treatment sites.

Abstract: A hydrogel forming system which comprises a hydrophobic macromer with unsaturated group terminated ends and a hydrophilic polymer which is a polysaccharide (e.g., dextran) containing hydroxy groups which are reacted with unsaturated group introducing compound, is convertible by free radical polymerization to form a hydrogel containing a three dimensional crosslinked polymer network containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. Preferably, the hydrophobic polymer is prepared by reacting diol obtained by converting hydroxy of terminal carboxylic acid group of poly(lactic acid) to aminoethanol group and reacting the hydroxyls of the diol with an unsaturated group introducing compound which is acryloyl chloride or isocyanate having an unsaturated group at one end of the molecule.

Abstract: A biocompatible intermolecular polymer complex comprises an anionic component and a non protein cationic component. The anionic component comprises a linear or branched polysaccharide chain wherein at least 5% of the basic structural units are glucuronic acid. The cationic component comprises a linear or branched natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic oligomer or polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modifying cellulose ethers. The inventive method is characterised in that a cellulose ether having a humidity content of between 5 and 90 % is intensively mixed with between 0.1 and 5 wt. %—in relation to the dry cellulose ether—of an additive or an additive mixture in the form of an aqueous or organic suspension or solution, at temperatures of between 20 and 100 ° C. and the mixture obtained is then dried.

Abstract: Probes comprising a cardiolipin derivative covalently attached to a solid phase, other than through an allylic oxygen, are described. Methods of making the probes are also described. A cardiolipin analogue which is amino-derivatised at the end of one of the fatty acid side chains is reacted with an activated ester attached to a solid support. The probes are useful for diagnosis of anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), and for identifying and purifying cardiolipin binding proteins.

Abstract: Polyester resins formed by recurring units X=[O—(CH2)n—OCO—(CH2)m—CO] and/or Y=[O—(CH2)k—CO], where the half-sum of n+m is equal to or greater than 6 and k is a number equal to or greater than 6, or by copolymers comprising units and/or sequences having the formula xi[O—(CH2)ni—OCO—(CH2)mi—CO]; yj[O—(CH2)kj—CO] where: i,j=1-5; ni=2-22; mi=0-20; kj=1=21; (Formula (1)) and xi and yj vary between 0 and 1 and are molar fractions of the various units such that (Formula (2)), are used for the preparation of products in which a permeability to water vapour of less than 350 g×30 &mgr;m/m2 per day, measured at 38° C. and 90% RH and good biodegradability are required.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, strength, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer-grafted natural fiber used for the preparation of composite materials. The invention relates in particular to a process for making such polymer-grafted natural fibers.

Abstract: A thermal insulating packer fluid contains at least one water superabsorbent polymer and optionally water and/or brine, and a viscosifying polymer. The composition is capable of inhibiting unwanted heat loss from production tubing or uncontrolled heat transfer to outer annuli. The viscosity of the composition is sufficient to reduce the convection flow velocity within the annulus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition, which contains particles of a superabsorbent material having angle-lacking shapes. Said composition is particularly suitable to be used in absorbent articles for personal hygiene, specifically in disposable absorbent articles, which preferably comprise one or more regions in which they are transparent. In particular, the absorbent core of such transparent absorbent articles can be made from the liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing proteinaceous shaped articles from globular proteins according to the NMMO method, and to proteinaceous shaped articles themselves that are made from globular proteins according to the NMMO method. According to the invention, a suspension consisting of aqueous NMMO and of these precrosslinked proteins is transferred into a spinning solution, whereby the suspension contains a polysaccharide and/or a polysaccharide is added to the extrusion solution. The spinning solution is extruded into a precipitation bath through a form tool and through an air gap. Afterwards, the shaped article is washed with an aqueous liquid without the use of solvents and is subsequently hardened using known crosslinking reactions. The produced solutions are processed for a diverse product-oriented processing, preferably on the basis of known wet and dry/wet spinning techniques, optionally in conjunction with multi-constituent spinning techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a securing system for sealing at least one body, and/or maintaining the equilibrium state of at least one body, and/or stabilizing the position of at least one body. The invention employs at least one swelling agent that is in an operational connection with the body and can swell by absorbing substances.

Abstract: Disclosed are an organic-inorganic hybrid film comprising a cellulose derivative and a polycondensation product of a condensation polymerizable reactive metal compound, wherein the film contains a plasticizer in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight and its manufacturing method.

Abstract: A polymeric composition that generates nitric oxide and a process for rendering the surface of a substrate nonthrombogenic by applying a coating of the polymeric composition to the substrate are disclosed. The composition comprises: (1) a crosslinked chemical combination of (i) a polymer having amino group-containing side chains along a backbone forming the polymer, and (ii) a crosslinking agent containing functional groups capable of reacting with the amino groups; and (2) a plurality of nitric oxide generating functional groups associated with the crosslinked chemical combination. Once exposed to a physiological environment, the coating generates nitric oxide thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation. In one embodiment, the nitric oxide generating functional groups are provided by a nitrated compound (e.g., nitrocellulose) imbedded in the polymeric composition. In another embodiment, the nitric oxide generating functional groups comprise N2O2− groups covalently bonded to amino groups on the polymer.

Abstract: A denture adhesive liner in the form of an extruded film or sheet comprising (a) a denture adhesive effective amount of a mixed partial salt of a copolymer of maleic acid and an alkyl vinyl ether and at least one cation, wherein all of said cations are selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, calcium, strontium, magnesium, zinc and zirconium oxy cations; (b) between about 30 and 90 wt. % of a thermoplastic polymer component; and (c) a plasticizer; wherein said composition is extrudable into a film that is capable of adhering to a wet mucous surface and/or acrylic plastic.

Abstract: A thermoplastic cellulose derivative composition of the present invention contains, as a main component, a cellulose ester having an aliphatic polyester side chain having a repeat unit having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, wherein a rate of heating loss at 200° C. is 5 wt % or less, a melt viscosity at 200° C. and 1000 sec−1 is 50 to 300 Pa·sec, and a melt tension at the time of take-up at 200° C. and 100 m/min is 0.1 to 40 mN. The present invention can provide excellent fiber products by melt spinning of the composition.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for using biopolymers as templates for the polymerization of monomeric silicic acids. A method is provided wherein a biological polymer is used as a template. An inorganic polymer backbone forms a shell encasing the biopolymer template. The organic portion may be removed to leave inorganic nanotubes or other micro- or nano-scale structures which are the approximate size and shape of the template. The surface macrostructure of the biological template is duplicated in a silica shell—even molecular level imprinting is possible. The resulting silica structures have many uses, especially where micro- or nano-scale morphology should be controlled. Catalysts, semiconductors or metals may be deposited on the inside surface of the inorganic shell support. In another example, micro- or nano-particles that mimic the size and shape of the biopolymer template may be synthesized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the solvent-free, continuous preparation of urethane (meth)acrylates in an extruder, intensive kneader, intensive mixer or static mixer. These urethane acrylates can be used for the preparation of radiation-curable transparent or pigmented coating compositions, in particular powder coating compositions.

Abstract: A member comprising a complex profile made of a composite comprising a polypropylene polymer, and a wood fiber. The composite is useful in construction applications. The profile can be used in residential and commercial structures. The member is used in fenestration components such as windows and doors. The members possess strength, thermal stability and weatherability. The member comprises a complex cross-section with at least one structural web or one fastener web. The exterior can contain a cap-stock and is shaped for use in a fenestration unit such as a window, sash or movable door unit. The members can be assembled in thermal welding processes.

Abstract: What is described is a polymeric hydrogel of a polymeric anhydride or acid, e.g. maleic anhydride or maleic acid polymer, or copolymer thereof, crosslinked with a crosslinking agent containing at least 2 crosslinkable groups, particularly, —OH or —NH2, or both. The reaction product is a crosslinked polymeric ester or amide/imide, or both, suitably having a mole ratio of —OH, or —NH2, to —COOH, of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 2:10 to 7:1. The hydrogel is particularly swellable in water, e.g. >100% in 1 hour in aqueous media; and forms a thin, tacky layer on a substrate, which property is useful in bioadhesive products.

Abstract: Hydrogels having improved elasticity and mechanical strength properties are obtained by subjecting a hydrogel formulation containing a strengthening agent to chemical or physical crosslinking conditions subsequent to initial gel formation. Superporous hydrogels having improved elasticity and mechanical strength properties are similarly obtained whenever the hydrogel formulation is provided with a foaming agent. Interpenetrating networks of polymer chains comprised of primary polymer(s) and strengthening polymer(s) are thereby formed. The primary polymer affords capillary-based water sorption properties while the strengthening polymer imparts significantly enhanced mechanical strength and elasticity to the hydrogel or superporous hydrogel. Suitable strengthening agents can be natural or synthetic polymers, polyelectrolytes, or neutral, hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of producing a highly homogeneous cellulose solution, in which a mixture of powdered cellulose with polyvinyl alcohol powder is fed in conjunction with concentrated liquid NMMO into a kneader or an extruder to produce the highly homogeneous cellulose solution, or into the kneader to produce a swollen cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol paste and the paste thus produced is moved into the extruder to produce the highly homogeneous cellulose solution. The cellulose solution is extruded through a nozzle into a cellulose fiber. The process is advantageous in that the highly homogeneous cellulose solution can be rapidly and inexpensively produced because the cellulose solution is produced without a vacuum distillation step or separate swelling step, and formation of fibrils is prevented, thereby cellulose fibers with excellent flexibility and strength are produced from the cellulose solution.

Abstract: A water absorbent material, comprising, as a main component, a water absorbent resin which has a structure in which a anhydropolyamino acid having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond is grafted with polysaccharides, wherein at least a portion of the anhydropolyamino acid is hydrolyzed and crosslinked, has high water absorbency and high biodegradability even if the anhydropolyamino acid has a low molecular weight.

Abstract: Compositions for sustained delivery of a biomolecule including an anionic polymer and a cationic polymer which ironically interact with each other and, optionally, with the biomolecule. Methods for making the compositions, including the step of combining the negatively charged polymer with the positively charged polymer to form an ionic complex are also provided. The biomolecule may be complexed with one of the polymers before it is complexed with the oppositely charged polymer. The complex is exposed to conditions that cause the formation of precipitated microcarriers, such as a change in pH or the addition of a complexing molecule. The compositions are preferably formulated into microcarriers.

Abstract: An acid end-capped inherently electrostatic dissipating block copolymer (acid end-capped IDP) composition has from about 95 to about 99.99 weight percent of an inherently electrostatic dissipating block copolymer (IDP) and from about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent of an acid end-capping reagent having an acid functionality of at least two. The IDP has from about 5 to about 85 weight percent of a soft segment of a polyalkylene glycol and from about 15 to about 95 weight percent of a hard segment. The hard segment is derived from a polymer having a glass transition temperature or crystalline melting temperature greater than ambient temperature and being reactive with a hydroxyl functionality. After formation of the IDP, the IDP is subsequently modified with the acid end-capping reagent to form the acid end-capped IDP composition. The acid end-capped IDP compositions may be added to thermoplastic base materials to form an alloy.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive material made of an elastic mixture comprising a continuous phase formed from a physically cross-linked solid rubber such as a styrene-olefin-styrene block copolymer, for example a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, and a compatible liquid rubber, such as a liquid styrene-isoprene, and a discontinuous phase substantially comprised of one or more “swellable polymers”, absorbents that are swellable in water. Additives such as polybutenes, polyisobutylene, mineral oil, stabilizers and other rubbers, may be present. Water soluble polymers may be added to the swellable absorbents to form part of the discontinuous phase. The pressure-sensitive adhesives the advantage over the prior are that they avoid the need to include materials known to irritate skin and mucous membranes. In particular, prior art compositions have needed to include substantial quantities of tackifying resins, which could cause problems particularly in wound dressings.

Abstract: The present invention is a thereapeutic agent carrier having a thermally reversible gel or geling copolymer that is a linear random copolymer of an [meth-]acrylamide derivative and a hydrophilic comonomer, wherein the linear random copolymer is in the form of a plurality of linear chains having a plurality of molecular weights greater than or equal to a minimum geling molecular weight cutoff and a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group that has been capped with a trifunctional olefinic compound. The polymer can be made by contacting a base polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group with a trifunctional olefinic compound under conditions effective to react at least one of the terminal or pendant functional groups with the trifunctional olefinic compound. The capped polymers are particularly suitable as crosslinking toughening agents in multi-components compositions such as adhesives, coatings and matrices for composites.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric material which comprises the steps of activation-treatment and a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, or comprises the steps of activation-treatment, a hydrophilic polymer-treatment, and monomer grafting in this order, or comprises the step of a solvent-treatment followed by these steps. Thus, the polymeric material, e.g., polyolefin, is improved in hydrophilicity, adhesion, etc. without lowering the practical strength thereof The polymeric material thus improved in adhesion and other properties can be used in many applications where water absorption and adhesion are required, such as an absorption material, e.g., a wiping/cleansing material, a water retention material, a material for microorganism culture media, a separator for batteries (or cells), a synthetic paper, a filter medium, a textile product for clothing, a medical/sanitary/cosmetic supply, and reinforcing fibers for composite materials.

Abstract: Compositions for coating biological and non-biological surfaces, which minimize or prevent cell-cell contact and tissue adhesion, and methods of preparation and use thereof, are disclosed. Embodiments include polyethylene glycol/polylysine (PEG/PLL) block or comb-type copolymers with high molecular weight PLL (greater than 1000, more preferably greater than 100,000); PEG/PLL copolymers in which the PLL is a dendrimer which is attached to one end of the PEG; and multilayer compositions including alternating layers of polycationic and polyanionic materials. The multi-layer polymeric material is formed by the ionic interactions of a polycation and a polyanion. The molecular weights of the individual materials are selected such that the PEG portion of the copolymer inhibits cellular interactions, and the PLL portion adheres well to tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: Cyclodextrin polymers are nitrated to provide novel nitrate esters of cyclodextrin polymers which are useful for encapsulating explosives to provides energetic compositions of reduced sensitivity; a new method for the preparation of cyclodextrin polymers is provided.

Abstract: A polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group that has been capped with a trifunctional olefinic compound. The polymer can be made by contacting a base polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group with a trifunctional olefinic compound under conditions effective to react at least one of the terminal or pendant functional groups with the trifunctional olefinic compound. The capped polymers are particularly suitable as crosslinking toughening agents in multi-components compositions such as adhesives, coatings and matrices for composites.

Abstract: A polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group that has been capped with a trifunctional olefinic compound. The polymer can be made by contacting a base polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group with a trifunctional olefinic compound under conditions effective to react at least one of the terminal or pendant functional groups with the trifunctional olefinic compound. The capped polymers are particularly suitable as crosslinking toughening agents in multi-components compositions such as adhesives, coatings and matrices for composites.

Abstract: A polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group that has been capped with a trifunctional olefinic compound. The polymer can be made by contacting a base polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group with a trifunctional olefinic compound under conditions effective to react at least one of the terminal or pendant functional groups with the trifunctional olefinic compound. The capped polymers are particularly suitable as crosslinking toughening agents in multi-components compositions such as adhesives, coatings and matrices for composites.

Abstract: A hydrogel forming system which comprises a hydrophobic macromer with unsaturated group terminated ends and a hydrophilic polymer which is a polysaccharide containing hydroxy groups which are reacted with unsaturated group introducing compound, is convertible by free radical polymerization to form a hydrogel containing a three dimensional crosslinked polymer network containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. Agent can be entrapped in the polymer network, e.g., drugs, macromolecules or synthetic or natural polymers, for controlled release therefrom In one embodiment, a vascular stent is coated with hydrogel with therapeutic agent entrapped therein.

Abstract: Derivatized oligonucleotides (ODNs) are coupled to a solid support in improved yield resulting in a high density of coupled oligonucleotide per surface unit of the support, through a Schiff base type bond formed between an NH2 group attached either to the solid support or to the ODN and an aromatic aldehyde attached to the other of the solid support and the ODN. The preferred solid support-ODN conjugate is formed between semicarbazide groups attached to a glass surface and an aromatic aldehyde attached at either 3′, or 5′ end of an ODN or to an intermediate nucleotide of the ODN.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of making a hydrolytically modifiable a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto biodegradable polymers and modified biodegradable polymer compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles. Water-sensitive polymer blends and method of making those polymer blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group that has been capped with a trifunctional olefinic compound. The polymer can be made by contacting a base polymer having at least one reactive terminal or pendant functional group with a trifunctional olefinic compound under conditions effective to react at least one of the terminal or pendant functional groups with the trifunctional olefinic compound. The capped polymers are particularly suitable as crosslinking toughening agents in multi-components compositions such as adhesives, coatings and matrices for composites.

Abstract: Synthetic comb copolymers which elicit controlled cellular response, methods of applying these polymers to various surfaces, and methods of using the polymers for modifying biomaterial surfaces, in tissue engineering applications and as drug delivery devices are provided. The comb copolymers are comprised of hydrophobic polymer backbones and hydrophilic, non-cell binding side chains which can be end-capped with cell-signaling ligands that guide cellular response. By mixing non-cell binding combs with ligand-bearing combs, the surface concentration and spatial distribution of one or more types of ligands, including adhesion peptides and growth factors, can be tuned on a surface to achieve desired cellular response. In one embodiment, the combs are used as stabilizing agents for dispersion polymerization of latexes. The comb-stabilized latexes can be applied to substrates by standard coating operations to create a bioregulating surface, or used as drug delivery agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives cross-linked with another polymer, in particular multiple e.g. double cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivatives. The invention also provides novel cross-linked derivatives, products containing them and their uses in cosmetic, medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: A composition is provided including: (a) a nucleic acid or an oligonucleotide; and (b) a block copolymer containing a hydrophilic block that carries functional groups that provide the block with a positive charge. These compositions may be used to deliver a nucleic acid or an oligonucleotide to a cell.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polymers having nucleobases as side groups by means of multicomponent reactions, especially the Ugi reaction, is described. Because of the multicomponent nature of preparation, the properties of the polymers can be varied substantially better than has hitherto been possible and can be adapted to requirements for use as an antisense or antigen therapeutic agent or as a diagnostic agent.

Abstract: A super absorbent polymer composition comprising a chelating compound (A) which has a site capable of forming a chelate with a copper ion and whose copper salt has a solubility in physiological saline at 25° C. of 0.01% by weight or less and a super absorbent polymer (B), wherein the chelating compound (A) is present in an amount of from 0.0001 to 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said super absorbent polymer (B).

Abstract: A superabsorbent resin composition comprising the following components