Abstract: Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic device materials. The materials contain a copolymeric additive for glistening resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrogels containing water and polyethylene glycol-dimethacrylates in a polymerized form. The polymethacrylate blocks are so short that they form no proper phase. The invention further relates to methods for producing said hydrogels. The inventive hydrogels are provided with reduced haze and are used as materials for contact lenses, electrophoresis gels, membrane materials, and sound-absorbing materials.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: Lactam polymers has been modified with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to yield lactam polymers bearing hydroxyl functional groups. These functional groups are useful for the covalent attachment of reactive groups, fluorescent probes, antimicrobial agents, bioactive factors, and drugs. The resulting as components for medical devices, specifically ophthalmic devices and more specifically contact lenses. Hydrogels based on these polymers are also useful for biomedical applications in the areas of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and implantable devices.

Abstract: Hydrophilic, arylsiloxy-containing macromonomers have at least a terminal hydrophilic group attached to an arylsiloxy group. The aryl groups attached to siloxy groups can be substituted with other hydrophilic groups. Polymers comprising such hydrophilic, arylsiloxy-containing macromonomers avoid or reduce the risk of forming vacuoles of absorbed water. Furthermore, such polymers have high refractive index, and, thus, are advantageously used for making ophthalmic devices, such as intraocular lenses, contact lenses, corneal rings, corneal inlays, and keratoprostheses.

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: The present invention relates to polymer mixtures including hydrogel-forming polymers capable of absorbing aqueous fluids and prepared by polymerization of olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof together with copolymers of C2–C8 olefins or styrenes with anhydrides and also their preparation, use and hygiene articles which include same.

Abstract: The invention relates to primer coating compositions exhibiting very good adhesion properties on a large variety of substrates, in particular plastic substrates such as ophthalmic lenses made of organic glasses and which also impart good impact resistance properties to the thus coated substrates. The invention also concerns substrates coated with these primer coating compositions as well as a method for making such coated substrates.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens made from a crosslinkable polymer containing H-active groups bonded to the oligomer or polymer backbone, some or all of whose hydrogen atoms have been substituted by radicals of a N-hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylamide. The lens transmits at least 70% of visible light.

Abstract: A composition providing electrically conductive adhesive hydrogels suitable for use as skin contact adhesives and, particularly, suitable for use as an electrical interface for disposable medical devices. The present hydrogels provide for reduced skin irritation and/or malodor properties, hydrate a subject's skin, readily wet around a subject's skin surface hair, and protect against burning of a subject upon or due to electrical stimulation through the hydrogel. These hydrogels generally include a monomer, a first initiator, a solubilizer, and a cross-linking agent. The present hydrogels also desirably include a buffer system to help prevent discoloration of the hydrogels and/or hydrolysis of the hydrogels as well as to improve shelf-life. Other additives such as conductivity enhancers, pharmaceuticals, humectants, plasticizers, skin health agents, etc. may be added to the present hydrogels either before or after curing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reinforced, biocompatible, biodegradable compositions suitable for use in implantable medical devices and medical devices made at least in part from such compositions, where the compositions include a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer; a biocompatible, biodegradable wax; and greater than about 30 weight percent of an inorganic filler material.

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. Agent can be entrapped in the polymer network, e.g., drugs, macromolecules or synthetic or natural polymers, for controlled release therefrom.

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: A shape memory polyurethane or polyurethane-urea polymer including a reaction product of: (A) (a) silicon-based macrodiol, silicon-based macrodiamine and/or polyether of the formula (I): A—[(CH2)m—O]n—(CH2)m—A?, wherein A and A are endcapping groups; m is an integer of 6 or more; and n is an integer of 1 or greater; (b) a diisocyanate; and (c) a chain extender; or (B) (b) a diisocyanate: and (c) a chain extender, said polymer having a glass transition temperature which enables the polymer to be formed into a first shape at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and maintained in said first shape when the polymer is cooled to a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature, said polymer then being capable of resuming its original shape on heating to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: High refractive index, optically clear and soft hydrophobic acrylamide copolymers and ophthalmic lenses made therefrom are provided. The copolymers are comprised of a hydrophobic acrylamide monomer of N-Benzyl-N-isopropylacrylamide and at least one monomer of an alkyl acrylate and/or alkyl methacrylate. The copolymers and ophthalmic lenses of the present invention are hydrophobic and soft, with a low glass transition temperature (Tg) and a high refractive index.

Abstract: This invention is directed to ophthalmic materials and ophthalmic lenses that are a co-polymerization product of a (a) hydrophilic monomer with (b) a tris(siloxy)silyl group-containing monomer, (c) a wide variety of hydrophobic monomers (both aliphatic and aromatic) and usually a (d) polyfluorinated monomer, as well as optional monomers or monomer mixtures that can include a cationic monomer, a non-aromatic hydrophobic monomer and a poly(dimethylsiloxy)silyl group-containing monomer. A contact lens prepared from such a co-polymer exhibits enhanced water content, while maintaining exceptional oxygen permeability, thereby providing a lens that can be worn comfortably for prolonged periods of time. A process for the preparation of such lenses is also disclosed.

Abstract: A contact lens of high water content and extremely high water balance made of a homopolymer or copolymer of 2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate and methods of making such contact lenses, and polymers and hydrogels useful in such contact lenses.

Abstract: The invention discloses materials that adsorb readily to the surfaces of body tissues in situ and provide a steric barrier between such tissues, so that tissue adhesions, which typically form following surgical procedures, are minimized. These materials contain a polymer of hydrophilic molecules such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) bound to a polymer that spontaneously adsorbs to biological tissue such as phenylboronic acid (PBA). The PEG-PBA co-polymer can be formed in a variety of geometries. The materials can also be used to coat prosthetics and other implants.

Abstract: A device, and its production method, the device has a substrate and a coating composition, the coating composition being formed by the gas phase or plasma polymerization of a gas comprising at least one organic compound or monomer. The polymerization is carried out using a pulsed discharge having a duty cycle of less than about ⅕, in which the pulse-on time is less than about 100 msec and the pulse-off time is less than about 2000 msec. The duty cycle can also be varied, thus the coating composition can be gradient layered accordingly. The device has a coating composition which is uniform in thickness, pin-hole free, optically transparent in the visible region of the magnetic spectrum, permeable to oxygen, abrasive resistant, wettable and biologically non-fouling.

Abstract: A method for photopolymerizing a monomer mixture to form a lens involves charging to a mold a monomer mixture including lens-forming monomers, and exposing the monomer mixture in the mold to a light source including light in the visible region of the spectrum. The method is useful for monomer mixtures that include a UV-absorbing compound and/or a tinting agent. Preferably, the monomer mixtures include a polymerization initiator including a phosphine oxide moiety.

Abstract: A composition for delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided. The composition comprises: (a) a biocompatible block copolymer comprising one or more elastomeric blocks and one or more thermoplastic blocks and (b) a therapeutic agent, wherein the block copolymer is loaded with the therapeutic agent. The block copolymer is preferably of the formula X-(AB) n, where A is an elastomeric block, B is a thermoplastic block, n is a positive whole number and X is a seed molecule. The elastomeric blocks are preferably polyolefin blocks, and the thermoplastic blocks are preferably selected from vinyl aromatic blocks and methacrylate blocks. According to another aspect of the invention, a medical device is provided, at least a portion of which is insertable or implantable into the body of a patient. The medical device comprises (a) the above biocompatible block copolymer and (b) a therapeutic agent, wherein the block copolymer is loaded with the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising crosslinkable groups is crosslinked in solution, and also to mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable in accordance with that process. The present invention relates also to novel prepolymers that can be used in the process according to the invention, especially derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 that, based on the number of hydroxy groups of the polyvinyl alcohol, comprise from approximately 0.

Abstract: A medical implant made of polymeric material having an increased oxidation resistance is formed by a method including the steps of placing a resin powder in a sealed container. A substantial portion of the oxygen is removed from the sealed container by either a vacuum, an oxygen absorbent or by flushing with inert gas. The container is then repressurized with a gas such as nitrogen, argon, helium or neon so that long term storage may be possible. On use, the resin is transferred to a forming device which both melts and forms the resin in an oxygen reduced atmosphere to produce a polymeric raw material such as a rod or bar stock. The medical implant is then formed from this raw material annealed and sealed in an airtight package in an oxygen reduced atmosphere. The implant is then radiation sterilized and thereafter annealed in the package for a predetermined time and temperature sufficient to form cross-links between any free radicals in neighboring polymeric chains.

Abstract: A method for photopolymerizing a monomer mixture to form a lens involves charging to a mold a monomer mixture including lens-forming monomers, and exposing the monomer mixture in the mold to a light source including light in the visible region of the spectrum. The method is useful for monomer mixtures that include a UV-absorbing compound and/or a tinting agent. Preferably, the monomer mixtures include a polymerization initiator including a phosphine oxide moiety.

Abstract: Composite materials formed from biocompatible polymer fibers and biodegradable polymers are disclosed. The heat treatment conditions for the reinforcing fibers are described so that the mechanical properties of the fibers can be retained during composite consolidation process. The processing conditions and set-ups to consolidations are constrained to the temperatures lower than fiber heat treatment temperatures. The reinforcing fibers are restrained under tension so that the minimum relaxation occurs during consolidation process.

Abstract: A theraputic lens for removable placement onto a surface of a cornea of an eye, and methods for making and using the same. The lens has a first surface adapted for exposure to light and a second surface adapted to contact the surface of the cornea. The first and second surfaces define a portion which is adapted to allow visible light to pass and includes living cells forming at least part of the portion. In addition, the curvature of the lens can be modified by positioning the contact lens onto the surface of the cornea of the eye, and directing a beam of radiant energy onto the second surface in a predetermined pattern to ablate a section of the portion to form a lens of a desired shape.

Abstract: A position-retaining device comprises a mixture containing a predetermined amount of elastic granules and a water-curable resin having a preselected elasticity after curing sufficient for bonding the elastic granules after curing of the water-curable resin. The mixture forms a mass before curing of the water-curable resin which permits the elastic granules to move one another to shape the mass into a configuration corresponding to the shape of the persons's body or body part when pressure is applied on the mass by the person's body or body part.

Abstract: A contact lens of high water content and extremely high water balance made of a homopolymer or copolymer of 2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate and methods of making such contact lenses, and polymers and hydrogels useful in such contact lenses.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: Compositions for tissue engineering and drug delivery have been developed based on solutions of two or more polymers which form semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks upon exposure to active species following injection at a site in a patient in need thereof. The polymers crosslink to themselves but not to each other; semi-interpenetrating networks are formed when only one of the polymers crosslink. The resulting viscous solutions retain the biologically active molecules or cells at the site of injection until release or tissue formation, respectfully, occurs. As a result of studies conducted with polymer-cell suspensions forming interpenetrating polymer networks, it has been determined that polymer solutions can be formulated wherein the active species is provided by exposure of the polymer solution to an exogenous souce of active species, typically electromagnetic radiation, preferably light.

Abstract: A medical implant made of polymeric material having an increased oxidation resistance is formed by a method including the step of placing a resin powder in a sealed container. A substantial portion of the oxygen is removed from the sealed container by either a vacuum, an oxygen absorbent or by flushing with inert gas. The container is then repressurized with a gas such as nitrogen, argon, helium or neon so that long term storage may be possible. On use, the resin is transferred to a forming device which both melts and forms the resin in an oxygen reduced atmosphere to produce a polymeric raw material such as a rod or bar stock. The medical implant is then formed from this raw material annealed and sealed in an airtight package in an oxygen reduced atmosphere. The implant is then radiation sterilized and thereafter annealed in the package for a predetermined time and temperature sufficient to form cross-links between any free radicals in neighboring polymeric chains.

Abstract: A method of incorporating radiation-absorbing agents (i.e., dyes) into polymeric materials. A preferred method involves crosslinking or polymerizing a polymerizable or crosslinkable material in the presence of a polymeric dye. A preferred product is a tinted contact lens comprising poly(vinyl alcohol). The methods offer advantages in reduced fabrication cycles, reduced extractables, elimination of post-polymerization activation steps, elimination of post-polymerization extraction steps and reduced scrap and costs associated with lens handling.

Abstract: Composite materials formed from biocompatible polymer fibers and biodegradable polymers are disclosed. The heat treatment conditions for the reinforcing fibers are described so that the mechanical properties of the fibers can be retained during composite consolidation process. The processing conditions and set-ups to consolidations are constrained to the temperatures lower than fiber heat treatment temperatures. The reinforcing fibers are restrained under tension so that the minimum relaxation occurs during consolidation process.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric compositions are provided, wherein biodegradable polyphosphazenes are combined with at least one other polymer, either in the form of a blend, a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN), or an interpenetrating network IPN. The side groups and composition of the polyphosphazenes are used to determine the properties of the compositions, for example, the rate and extent of degradation, and mechanical properties. These are useful in biomedical applications, including controlled drug delivery and tissue regeneration, and environmental applications. In the most preferred embodiment, as demonstrated by the examples, the polyphosphazenes contain hydrophobic side groups, such as p-methylphenoxy and other aromatic groups, and groups which impart hydrolytic instability, such as amino acid alkyl esters, and degrade by surface erosion. A preferred example is ethyl glycinato-substituted polyphosphazene (PPHOS) with p-methylphenoxy as co-substituent.

Abstract: Triblock polymers comprised of polysaccharide, such as heparin or dextran, and a hydrocarbon chain, have been prepared. The triblock polymer adsorbs strongly on the surface of hydrophobic polymer substrates such as polyethylene, through hydrophobic interaction between the polymer and the hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain of the triblock polymer. The surface adsorbed with triblock polymer is resistant to protein deposition, which renders the surface nonthrombogenic.

Abstract: The present invention is ultraviolet light absorbing biocompatible polymer containing the copolymerization product of a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic and/or allelic monomers, graft-polymerized with telo-collagen, where the hydrophobic monomers includes at least one ultraviolet light absorbing hydrophobic acrylic or allelic monomer. The present material is useful in the production of deformable lenses, for example, intraocular lenses, refractive intraocular contact lenses, and standard contact lenses useful, for example, for correcting aphekia, myopia and hypermetropia.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising crosslinkable groups is crosslinked in solution, and also to mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable in accordance with that process. The present invention relates also to novel prepolymers that can be used in the process according to the invention, especially derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 that, based on the number of hydroxy groups of the polyvinyl alcohol, comprise from approximately 0.5 to approximately 80% of units of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is lower alkylene having up to 8 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl andR.sup.

Abstract: Balanced pH, thermo-irreversible gels comprising a polyoxyalkylene compound and an ionic polysaccharide are ideal materials for the formation of a protective contact lens over the cornea of the eye of a mammal.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is an amphiphilic, segmented copolymer of controlled morphology comprising at least one segment having high oxygen permeability, at least one segment having high ion and water permeability, the segments being linked together through a non-hydrolizable bond, and at least one polymerizable unsaturated group; a process for the preparation of the copolymer; to polymeric products obtainable by further polymerizing and optionally cross-linking the amphiphilic segmented copolymer, and to mouldings, especially contact lenses and other ophthalmic devices comprising a polymeric product of the invention. In a specifically preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a contact lens comprising a polymeric product of the invention which is suited for extended periods of wear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for modifying the surface characteristics of a preformed polymer substrate to impart altered properties thereto by graft polymerization on the substrate which includes: placing the polymer substrate in a plasma to form free radicals on the substrate; contacting the substrate having free radicals with oxygen to form hydroperoxy groups on the surface of the substrate; and graft polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer onto the surface of the polymer substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising crosslinkable groups is crosslinked in solution, and also to mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable in accordance with that process. The present invention relates also to novel prepolymers that can be used in the process according to the invention, especially derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 that, based on the number of hydroxy groups of the polyvinyl alcohol, comprise from approximately 0.5 to approximately 80% of units of formula I ##STR1## wherein R is lower alkylene having up to 8 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl andR.sup.

Abstract: Improved biocompatible liquid delivery compositions, which are useful for the formation of sustained release delivery systems for active agents, are provided. The compositions include liquid formulations of a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer in combination with a controlled release component. The controlled release component includes an active agent. These compositions may be introduced into the body of a subject in liquid form which then solidify or cure in situ to form a controlled release implant or a film dressing. The liquid delivery compositions may also be employed ex situ to produce a controlled release implant. Methods of forming a controlled release implant and employing the liquid formulations in the treatment of a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Improved biocompatible liquid delivery compositions, which are useful for the formation of sustained release delivery systems for active agents, are provided. The compositions include liquid formulations of a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer in combination with a controlled release component. The controlled release component includes an active agent. These compositions may be introduced into the body of a subject in liquid form which then solidify or cure in situ to form a controlled release implant or a film dressing. The liquid delivery compositions may also be employed ex situ to produce a controlled release implant. Methods of forming a controlled release implant and employing the liquid formulations in the treatment of a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Triblock polymers comprised of polysaccharide, such as heparin or dextran, and a hydrocarbon chain, have been prepared. The triblock polymer adsorbs strongly on the surface of hydrophobic polymer substrates such as polyethylene, through hydrophobic interaction between the polymer and the hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain of the triblock polymer. The surface adsorbed with triblock polymer is resistant to protein deposition, which renders the surface nonthrombogenic.

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 process for producing an electrically driven mechanochemical actuator comprising:(a) immersing a mixture of poly(2-hydroxethyl methacrylate) and poly(methacrylic acid) crosslinked with 1,1,1-trimethylol propane trimethacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate into an aqueous polyelectrolyte solution to form a hydrogel;(b) applying an electrical field to the hydrogel sufficient to provide buckling, rippling, and contraction of the hydrogel;(c) terminating application of the electrical field and allowing the hydrogel to relax and return to its original shape;(d) reapplying the electrical field to the hydrogel sufficient to provide buckling, rippling, and contraction of the hydrogel.

Abstract: Contact lenses are made from the polymerization product of a monomer mixture comprising a polybutadiene-based compound as represented by formula (I)E--B(AB).sub.a --E (I)wherein:A is selected from the group consisting of a chemical bond, --OCO--, --COO--, --CONH--, --NHCO--, --OCOO--, --NHCOO-- and --OCONH--,a is zero or an integer of at least 1;each B is independently represented by the formula (II) ##STR1## where each of m, n, and p is independently 0 or greater, provided that m+n+p is at least 10;R is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl;each E is independently a polymerizable terminal ethylenically unsaturated organic group.

Abstract: Acidic polysaccharides crosslinked by reaction with di- or polyanhydrides. The use of anhydride-crosslinked hyaluronic acid as a treatment for arthritis, as a drug delivery vehicle, to reduce the incidence of post-operative adhesion formation, to promote the healing of chronic wounds and ulcers, and as a component of cosmetic formulations.