Abstract: The present invention is biocompatible polymer containing the copolymerization product of a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic and/or allelic monomers, graft-polymerized with telo-collagen. 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 present invention is biocompatible polymer containing the copolymerization product of a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic and/or allelic monomers, graft-polymerized with telo-collagen. 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 present invention is biocompatible polymer containing the copolymerization product of a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic and/or allelic monomers, graft-polymerized with telo-collagen. 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 present invention is biocompatible polymer containing the copolymerization product of a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic and/or allelic monomers, graft-polymerized with telo-collagen. 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: Pharmaceutically acceptable, non-immunogenic compositions are formed by covalently binding atelopeptide collagen to pharmaceutically pure, synthetic, hydrophilic polymers via specific types of chemical bonds to provide collagen/polymer conjugates. The atelopeptide collagen can be type I, type II or type III and may be fibrillar or non-fibrillar. The synthetic hydrophilic polymer may be polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof having a weight average molecular weight over a range of from about 100 to about 20,000. The compositions may include other components such as liquid, pharmaceutically acceptable, carriers to form injectable formulations, and/or biologically active proteins such as growth factors. The collagen-polymer conjugates of the invention generally contain large amounts of water when formed. The conjugates can be dehydrated to form a relatively solid object.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyurethane blends containing at least one thermoplastic polyurethane and at least one copolymer, the copolymer derived from at least 5 weight percent of an N-vinyl lactam monomer unit. Blends of the invention generally are compatible or miscible, and many exhibit clarity and other physical properties, such as tensile modulus, distortion resistance and impact resistance, which are improved over the properties of the thermoplastic polyurethane component of the blend or of thermoplastic polyurethanes blends in the art.

Abstract: Collagen, particularly atelopeptide collagen, exhibits improved handling characteristics when chemically conjugated and/or crosslinked with a synthetic hydrophilic polymer.

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: Internal polymeric surfaces of medical devices are provided that have enhanced biocompatibility properties. The internal polymeric surface presents an anti-thrombogenic, fibrinolytic or thrombolytic interface with body fluids such as blood flowing through medical device tubing during implantation for medical procedures. The biocompatibility enhancing agent is secured to the polymeric substrate by a spacer molecule which is covalently bound to the internal polymeric surface which had been subjected to radiofrequency plasma treatment with a low pressure plasma medium of water vapor, oxygen or combination of water vapor and oxygen gas.

Abstract: A soft hydrogel contact lens, is disclosed. The lens is derived from a crosslinked polymer comprising the reaction product of a monomer mixture comprising:(A) a monounsaturated polyoxyethylene monomer;(B) a diunsaturated polyoxyethylene monomer of relatively high molecular weight;(C) a diunsaturated polyoxyethylene monomer of relatively low molecular weight; and(D) a hydrophilic monomer selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, N,N-dimethylacryiamide, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, glycerol monomethacrylate, itaconic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically acceptable, nonimmunogenic compositions are formed by covalently binding glycosaminoglycans or derivatives thereof, to hydrophilic synthetic polymers via specific types of chemical bonds to provide biocompatible conjugates. Useful glycosaminoglycans include hyaluronic acid, the chondroitin sulfates, keratan sulfate, chitin and heparin, each of which is chemically derivatized to react with a hydrophilic synthetic polymer. The conjugate comprising a glycosaminoglycan covalently bound to a hydrophilic synthetic polymer may be further bound to collagen to form a three component conjugate having different properties. The hydrophilic synthetic polymer may be polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof having an average molecular weight over a range of from about 100 to about 100,000. The compositions may include other components such as fluid, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to form injectable formulations, and/or biologically active proteins such as growth factors or cytokines.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically acceptable, nonimmunogenic compositions are formed by covalently binding glycosaminoglycans or derivatives thereof, to hydrophilic synthetic polymers via specific types of chemical bonds to provide biocompatible conjugates. Useful glycosaminoglycans include hyaluronic acid, the chondroitin sulfates, keratan sulfate, chitin and heparin, each of which is chemically derivatized to react with a hydrophilic synthetic polymer. The conjugate comprising a glycosaminoglycan covalently bound to a hydrophilic synthetic polymer may be further bound to collagen to form a three component conjugate having different properties. The hydrophilic synthetic polymer may be polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof having an average molecular weight over a range of from about 100 to about 100,000. The compositions may include other components such as fluid, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to form injectable formulations, and/or biologically active proteins such as growth factors or cytokines.

Abstract: A highly hydrous soft contact lens comprising a copolymer which contains as an ingredient a monomer having constitution similar to that of phospholipid represented by the following general formula: ##STR1## n is an integer of 1-20, and, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different groups and alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1-8 carbon atoms.Further, a treating solution for contact lenses which comprises a polymer containing as an ingredient the above monomer and a solvent which can dissolve the polymer.

Abstract: Abrasion resistant, radiation curable compositions are provided for forming coatings over plastic substrates. Such compositions are particularly provided for forming an abrasion resistant, tintable coating over polycarbonate ophthalmic lenses. Generally, the radiation-curable coating comprises 10 to 50 parts of polyacryloylated alkane polyols containing up to about 20 carbon atoms and an average of at least three O-acryloyl groups; and 20 to 80 parts of polyacryloylated alkoxylated polyols containing up to about 20 carbon atoms and an average of at least three O-[acryloyl-(polyalkylene oxide)] chains, wherein each of the polyalkylene oxide chains comprises from one to 20 alkylene oxide groups.

Abstract: There is provided copolymer particles wherein the particles are derived from chemically fixed micelles that comprise a copolymer. The copolymer is an amphiphilic block or graft copolymer comprising a water soluble component and an oleophilic component that can be crosslinked in an aqueous environment; and the oleophilic component is crosslinked. The particles can be dispersed in an aqueous continuous phase. The particles can contain other materials associated with the oleophilic component such as biochemical agents or other materials such as photographic materials such as couplers and dyes.

Abstract: The present invention related to a drug release controlling material responsive to changes in temperature comprising the polyester gel which is obtained by polymerization of a polyfunctional macromonomer represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, X.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a phenyl group, A represents an aliphatic polyester chain, m is 0 or 1, and p, which may be the same or different in each branched chain, represents an integer of from 0 to 6, optionally with a polyethylene glycol derivative which contains polymerizable group(s) at the end(s). The drug release controlling material has an on-off control function of drug release responsive to changes in temperature depending upon the gel transition of the aliphatic polyester gel.

Abstract: Polymeric surfaces of medical devices or components of medical devices are provided that have enhanced biocompatibility properties. The polymeric surface presents an anti-thrombogenic, fibrinolytic or thrombolytic interface with body fluids such as blood during implant ation or medical procedures. The biocompatibility enhancing agent is secured to the polymeric substrate by a spacer molecule which is covalently bound to the polymeric substrate which had been subjected to radiofrequency plasma treatment with a water vapor medium.

Abstract: New compositions useful as the optics of intraocular lenses, in particular injectable intraocular lenses, are disclosed. In one embodiment, such compositions comprise polymer mixtures derived from the polymerization, for example, cross-linking, of curable components in precursor mixtures. These precursor mixtures comprise curable component comprising: (A) an unsaturation functional (vinyl group-containing) polyorganosiloxane component, (B) an organosilicon component including silicon-bonded hydride groups which react with the unsaturation functional groups included in (A) during the polymerization, and (C) an effective amount of a platinum group metal-containing catalyst component; and a polymer component which is substantially non-functional. The viscosity of the polymer component is greater than the viscosity of the curable component.

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: A porous bioabsorbable surgical implant material is prepared by coating particles of bioabsorbable polymer with a tissue ingrowth promoter. Typical polymers include polymers of glycolide, lactide, caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, dioxanone and physical and chemical combinations thereof. The tissue ingrowth promoter can include calcium hydroxide and/or a hydrophillic coating material. The hydrophillic coating material can be bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable. A typical non-bioabsorbable hydrophillic coating material is polyhydroxymethylmethacrylate (PHEMA). The bioabsorbable implant material may also contain a therapeutic agent. Typical therapeutic agents include an antimicrobial agent, dye, growth factor and combinations thereof. Typically, the particles are prepared by rotary atomization and coated by spraying.

Abstract: Tissue adhesive compositions are disclosed which comprise at least one 2-noacrylate ester of the general formula (I) ##STR1## in admixture with from about 2 percent to about 25 percent of at least one oxalic acid polymer of the general formula (II) ##STR2##

Abstract: Copolymers useful as contact lens materials are the polymerization product of a mixture comprising:(a) an itaconate;(b) a compound represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: each A is independently an activated unsaturated radical;each R is independently selected from the group consisting of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 monovalent hydrocarbon radical, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 monovalent hydrocarbon radical containing ether linkages, a halogen-substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 monovalent hydrocarbon radical, and a halogen-substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 monovalent hydrocarbon radical containing ether linkages;each R' is independently a C.sub.1 -C.sub.22 divalent hydrocarbon radical; andn averages about 15 to about 50;(c) an ethylenically unsaturated organosiloxane monomer; and(d) a hydrophilic monomer.

Abstract: A prosthetic device comprising a prosthesis coated with substantially pure osteogenic protein is disclosed. A method for biologically fixing prosthetic devices in vivo is also disclosed. In this method, a prosthesis is implanted in an individual in contact with a substantially pure osteogenic protein, enhancing the strength of the bond between the prosthesis and the existing bone at the joining site.

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 is provided for manufacturing nonwoven, nonbiodegradable tissue ingrowth-inducing, tissue-interfacing substrates with predetermined oriented uniform pore diameter, pore density and pore depth. Pins are inserted to a predetermined depth into a softened thermoplastic substrate or, heated pins are inserted into the substrate, then removed to form the predetermined pore pattern.

Abstract: A method for treating hydrophilic and rigid gas permeable contact lenses, as well as the manufacture of protein adhesion resistant and gas permeable enhanced lenses, is obtained through purging the hydrated contact lens, formed from polymer comprising hydrogen atoms, substantially all water and oxygen, and thereafter exposing the purged contact lens to a fluorine-containing gas in non-plasma conditions for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to replace hydrogen atoms in the polymer in order to inhibit protein deposits on the contact lens. The conditions of fluorine exposure can be controlled in order to provide a gas permeable enhanced contact lens.

Abstract: A method for modifying the plastic surface of an article adapted for contacting living tissue by the gamma or electron beam irradiation induced chemical graft coating thereon of:(1) a neutral or ionic water-soluble, hydrophilic vinylic monomer or salt thereof;(2) a mixture of at least two of said monomers, or(3) a mixture of (1) or (2) with up to about 50%, by weight, based on the total monomer weight, of a member selected from the group consisting of N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate, and mixtures thereof; so as to form a hydrophilic graft polymer coating on the surface.

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

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

Abstract: A method for immobilizing polyethylene oxide (PEO) star molecules in the form of hydrogel layers and a product thereof are disclosed. The PEO star molecules are biocompatible and demonstrate non-thrombogenic properties. As such, the PEO star molecule layers have numerous biomedical applications, such as on contact lenses. The hydrogel layers contain a high percentage of terminal hydroxyl groups for attachment of affinity ligands and can be used for separating and purifying therapeutic proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nylon composition having increased hydrolyzability which is obtained by physically mixing 100 parts by weight of a nylon with 1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid and a copolymer containing 50 mol % or more of a lactic acid unit or a glycolic acid unit as a repeating unit in its chain; and a method for increasing the hydrolyzability of a nylon by preparing such a composition. High hydrolyzability can be imparted to the nylon inherently having extremely low hydrolyzability without impairing its original mechanical strength. Therefore, various molded articles made from the nylon can be hydrolyzed under natural circumstances, and thus the wastes are not stored.

Abstract: A clinically-acceptable hydrophilic silicone-based soft gas permeable contact lens produced by subjecting the lens material to extraction with a hydrophilic, polar group-containing, organic solvent followed by replacement of the organic solvent with a physiological saline solution.

Abstract: A macromolecular mitomycin derivative excellent in antitumor ability is produced by causing a specific divinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer to react with a specific aminocarboxylic acid and causing mitomycin C to react on the resultant reaction product. The derivative is optionally converted into a pharmacologically acceptable salt.

Abstract: Internal polymeric surfaces of medical devices are provided that have enhanced biocompatibility properties. The internal polymeric surface presents an anti-thrombogenic, fibrinolytic or thrombolytic interface with body fluids such as blood flowing through medical device tubing during implantation for medical procedures. The biocompatibility enhancing agent is secured to the polymeric substrate by a spacer molecule which is covalently bound to the internal polymeric surface which had been subjected to radiofrequency plasma treatment with a low pressure plasma medium of water vapor, oxygen or combination of water vapor and oxygen gas.

Abstract: A hydrophilic substituent of a bicontinuous cubic phase in equilibrium is polymerized and the unpolyermized components subsequently removed and replaced with water, creating a hydrogel which is locally highly cross-linked but of high water content because of the presence of a periodic network of water-filled macropores superposed on the hydrogel matrix. The diameter of these "macropores" can be preselected between 20 Angstroms and several hundred Angstroms or even higher, and in general will be much larger than the "micropores" within the hydrogel portions of the final material. The material has high water content, good mechanical integrity and notch strength, high permeability to oxygen, and the pore size can be chosen to allow passage of molecules of pre-selected size. The material is useful as a cell culture substrate and in a contact lens and other biological and medical applications.

Abstract: A two phase adhesive matrix for use in an electrically powered iontophoretic delivery device is provided. The adhesive matrix comprises an adhesive hydrophobic polymer phase and about 15 to 60 wt % on a dry weight basis of a hydrophilic polymer phase distributed through the hydrophobic polymer phase. The hydrophilic phase forms upon hydration an interconnecting network of aqueous pathways for passage of the agent through the adhesive. The adhesive can be used to adhere an electrode assembly of an iontophoretic delivery device to a body surface such as skin or a mucosal membrane. Alternatively, the adhesive can be used to adhere together two or more elements of an iontophoretic delivery device.

Abstract: An adhesive composition suitable for use as an in-line contact adhesive for electrotransport drug delivery systems.

Abstract: A compound of formula: ##STR1## in which X.sup.1 is a reactive group that can react to form a covalent bond with a reactive group on the surface of a material to be rendered biocompatible, X.sup.2 is a group -O.sup..crclbar. or a precursor of such a group, n is 2, 3 or 4, Y is a group --N.sup..sym. R.sub.3 A.sup..crclbar. wherein each R, which may be the same or different, is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group and A.sup..crclbar. is an anion present when X.sup.2 is an electrically neutral group or Y is ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 together with X.sup.2 forms a direct bond between the nitrogen and the phosphorus atoms.

Abstract: An antibacterial contact lens material comprising a hydrogel lens material and an antibacterial ceramic containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ag, Cu and Zn. The lens material contains from 0.001-10.0% by weight of the antibacterial ceramic and the ceramic from 0.0001 to 10.0% by weight of the metal based on the weight of the ceramic.

Abstract: A graft copolymer produced by polymerizing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, or monomer mixture containing the monomer, by using initiator produced by copolymerizing (A) N-vinyllactam or styrene and (B) peroxy-fumarate or combination of the peroxy-fumarate and diester of fumaric acid, the peroxy-fumarate being represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R1 is a linear alkyl, branched alkyl or cycloalkyl group containing not more than 18 carbon atoms, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group containing 6 to carbon atoms; and R2 is a linear alkyl, branched alkyl or cycloalkyl group containing not more than 13 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group.A solution for treating a contact lens, including the above graft copolymer and a solvent dissolving the copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental composition comprising a (meth)acrylic ester compound as the principal component and containing a polymerization initiator, which is characterized by having incorporated therein a grafted rubber obtained by polymerizing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of a rubber. This dental composition can be cured to yield a cured product having excellent strength properties and, therefore, is particularly useful in applications such as a molar restoration material and a denture base resin.

Abstract: A flexible, lubricious organic polymeric coating is formed by applying a mixture of an isocyanate, a polyol, poly(ethylene oxide), and carrier liquid to a surface to be coated. The carrier liquid is removed and the mixture reacted to form a polyurethane coating with associated poly(ethylene oxide) giving a highly lubricious, abrasion resistant, flexible coating particularly suitable for use as a protective lubricious coating on devices introduced into the body.

Abstract: An oxygen-permeable transparent polymer composition for contact lenses of the rigid type comprises at least a first constituent having ethylene double bonds of the type which is polymerizable in a rigid matrix, and a second constituent formed by a silane monomer containing at least two silyl -SiH groups per molecule. The composition can include a third constituent of the polyorganosiloxysilane type.

Abstract: Polymeric surfaces of medical devices or components of medical devices are provided that have enhanced biocompatibility properties. The polymeric surface presents an anti-thrombogenic, fibrinolytic or thrombolytic interface with body fluids such as blood during implantation or medical procedures. The biocompatibility enhancing agent is secured to the polymeric substrate by a spacer molecule which is covalently bound to the polymeric substrate which had been subjected to radiofrequency plasma treatment with a water vapor medium.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to vinylic macromers containing perfluoropolyalkylether and polyalklether segments, polymers and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular implants and contact lenses and particularly soft hydrogel contact lenses made therefrom.

Abstract: Hydrophilic gelled crosslinked polymers comprising as an essential constituent monomer component a (meth)acrylate ester monomer having a fluorine-substituted hydrocarbon group containing at least three fluorine atoms grafted thereto. The fluorine-containing polymers have excellent oxygen permeability, water swellability, wearing comfort and contamination resistance.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to crosslinked copolymers of (a) vinylic macromers containing perfluoropolyalkylether and polyalkylether segments with (b) minor amounts of vinylic comonomers and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular implants and contact lenses and particularly soft hydrogel contact lenses made therefrom.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to vinylic macromers containing perfluoropolyalkylether and polyalkylether segments, polymers and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular implants and contact lenses and particularly soft hydrogel contact lenses made therefrom.

Abstract: A hard introcular lens having shape memory consisting of a copolymer having a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) from 40.degree. C. to 60.degree. C. that is deformable into the shape of a straight or bent rod with a diameter of 1 to 4 mm at a temperature above its T.sub.g temperature and cooled to fix the deformation for insertion into the human eye through a small incision. After insertion into the eye the deformed lens will soften and relax to its original undeformed shape by elevating its temperature with a rinsing solution above 40.degree. C. and will maintain its final shape after a subsequent temperature reduction at normal body temperature of about 37.degree. C. whereby the lens becomes a hardened lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nylon composition having increased hydrolyzability which is obtained by physically mixing 100 parts by weight of a nylon with 1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid and a copolymer containing 50 mol % or more of a lactic acid unit or a glycolic acid unit as a repeating unit in its chain; and a method for increasing the hydrolyzability of a nylon by preparing such a composition. High hydrolyzability can be imparted to the nylon inherently having extremely low hydrolyzability without impairing its original mechanical strength. Therefore, various molded articles made from the nylon can be hydrolyzed under natural circumstances, and thus the wastes are not stored.