Abstract: An adhesive composition made by reacting a soy protein with at least one compound under conditions sufficient for introducing additional phenolic hydroxyl functional groups, amine functional groups, and/or thiol functional groups into the soy protein structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides solid supports (e.g., glass) and polymer hydrogels (particularly polymer hydrogel arrays present on a solid support) comprising one or more reactive sites for the attachment of biomolecules, as well as biomolecules comprising one or more reactive sites for attachment to solid supports and polymer hydrogels. The invention further provides novel compositions and methods for the preparation of biomolecules, solid supports, and polymer hydrogels comprising reactive sites. The invention also provides for preparation of crosslinked solid supports, polymer hydrogels, and hydrogel arrays, wherein one or more biomolecules is attached by means of the reactive sites in a photocycloaddition reaction. Advantageously, according to the invention, crosslinking of the hydrogel and attachment of biomolecules can be done in a single step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of a biodegradable, water absorbable resin, by directly cross-linking of a culture broth with a cross-linker. The cross-linker contains two or more functional groups in the same molecule which can react with the functional groups in the culture broth. The present invention further relates to a biodegradable, water absorbable resin and its uses.

Abstract: Materials, methods, and compositions for making crosslinked albumin hydrogels are included in the application. Embodiments include a biocompatible material of albumin crosslinked with an n-functional crosslinking agent wherein n is at least 3. Other embodiments include a cross-linking agent having a polyalkylene oxide member. Other embodiments include a system for administering an albumin material, the system having albumin and a crosslinking agent that reacts with the albumin to form a crosslinked material made of crosslinked albumin. Another embodiment is a method of making a biocompatible material that includes a step of mixing albumin with an n-functional crosslinking agent wherein n is at least 3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein-silane and/or protein-siloxane copolymer obtainable by reacting a protein and a silane compound, the relative amounts of the protein and the silane compound being such that in the range of from 0.1 to 0.4 silane molecule is present for each reactive amino group of the protein. The copolymer is suitable for use in hair treatment compositions and is useful in reducing damage to hair caused by flexure and/or abrasion thereof.

Abstract: Networks, hydrogels, and methods for networks and hydrogels comprising proteinaceous material consisting essentially of water soluble proteins and covalent interprotein crosslinks other than disulfide crosslinks.

Abstract: Methods for producing biocompatible heterogeneous proteinaceous networks crosslinked with a heterogeneous crosslinking agent, and the novel crosslinked networks.

Abstract: Methods for producing biocompatible heterogeneous pertinacious networks crosslinked with a heterogeneous crosslinking agent, and novel heterogeneous crosslinked networks. Preferred heterogeneous crosslinking agents are silicone-based.

Abstract: Vegetable protein-based adhesive compositions and methods for preparing them are provided. The adhesives are prepared by copolymerizing hydrolyzed vegetable protein that has been functionalized with methylol groups and one or more co-monomers also having methylol functional groups. Preferred hydrolyzed vegetable proteins include hydrolyzed soy protein obtained from soy meal.

Abstract: Disclosed are hyaluronate-containing hydrogels having angiogenic and vascularizing activity and pre-gel blends for preparing the hydrogels. The hydrogels contain a cross-linked matrix of a non-angiogenic hyaluronate and a derivatized polysaccharide material, in which cross-linking is effected by free-radical polymerization. Kits for preparing the hydrogels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of modulation of synthesis capacity on and cleavage properties of synthetic oligomers from solid support is described. The method utilizes linker molecules attached to a solid surface and co-coupling agents that have similar reactivities to the coupling compounds with the surface functional groups. The preferred linker molecules provide an increased density of polymers and more resistance to cleavage from the support surface. The method is particularly useful for synthesis of oligonucleotides, oligonucleotides microarrays, peptides, and peptide microarrays. The stable linkers are also coupled to anchor molecules for synthesis of DNA oligonucleotides using on support purification, eliminating time-consuming chromatography and metal cation presence. Oligonucleotides thus obtained can be directly used for mass analysis, DNA amplification and ligation, hybridization, and many other applications.

Abstract: 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (DOPA) is an unusual amino acid found in mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) that form tenacious bonds to various substrates under water. DOPA is believed to be responsible for the adhesive characteristics of MAPs. This invention relates to a route for the conjugation of DOPA moieties to various polymeric systems, including but not limited to poly(ethylene glycol) or poly(alkylene oxide) systems such as poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) block copolymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a hydroxyalkyl starch. In accordance with the disclosed invention, the method comprises reacting the starch with a starch hydroxylating agent in the presence of an alcohol and an alcohol-soluble alkali metal, at a temperature effective to provide a cold water soluble starch, preferably at a temperature of between about 90° and about 110° C. The starch thus produced will be granular and cold water soluble.

Abstract: Dry cross-linked gelatin compositions are prepared that rapidly re-hydrate to produce gelatin hydrogels suitable as hemostatic sealants. Gelatin is cross-linked in the presence of certain re-hydration aids, such as polyethylene glycol, polyvinylprovidone, and dextran, in order to produce a dry cross-linked gelatin powder. The use of the re-hydration aids has been found to substantially increase the re-hydration rate in the presence of an aqueous re-hydration medium, typically thrombin-containing saline.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hybrid polymer material or system that combines naturally occurring building blocks with synthetic building blocks. The sets of naturally occurring and synthetic building blocks are mixed and joined on a molecular or nanoscopic level to give homogeneous or microphase-separated morphologies to the resulting mixed polymer system. These hybrid polymers combine the comfort attributes of natural materials with the robustness and design properties of synthetic materials.

Abstract: The invention includes a medical hydrogel made from polymerized polysaccharide macromers. The macromers are preferably polysaccharides decorated with polymerizable groups, for example, methacrylates. The macromers may also be made into polymers of at least two macromers polymerized together. These polymers are preferably multi-armed or high-molecular weight and used for medical uses, for example, making coatings on medical devices. Macromers of N-vinylpyrrolidone are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for preparing protein concentrates from protein comprising aqueous compositions. In the subject methods, an initial protein comprising aqueous compositions, such as whole blood or a derivative thereof, is contacted with a non-protein denaturant hydrogel under conditions sufficient for a substantial amount of water present in the composition to be absorbed by the hydrogel, resulting in the production of a protein concentrate, such as a fibrinogen rich composition. Of particularl interest is the use of the subject methods to prepare fibrinogen rich compositions, where such compositions produced according to the subject invention are useful in fibrin sealants, drug delivery vehicles and in a number of other diverse applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible collagenous material which is non-toxic and biodegradable in less than one month, preferably in less than one week. This material comprises collagen and at least one hydrophilic macromolecular additive which is chemically non-reactive towards the collagen, with the collagen having at least partially lost its helical structure and being crosslinked. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining such a material. The collagenous material according to the invention is used, in particular, for preventing post-operative adhesions.

Abstract: The present invention provides solid supports (e.g., glass) and polymer hydrogels (particularly polymer hydrogel arrays present on a solid support) comprising one or more reactive sites for the attachment of biomolecules, as well as biomolecules comprising one or more reactive sites for attachment to solid supports and polymer hydrogels. The invention further provides novel compositions and methods for the preparation of biomolecules, solid supports, and polymer hydrogels comprising reactive sites. The invention also provides for preparation of crosslinked solid supports, polymer hydrogels, and hydrogel arrays, wherein one or more biomolecules is attached by means of the reactive sites in a photocycloaddition reaction. Advantageously, according to the invention, crosslinking of the hydrogel and attachment of biomolecules can be done in a single step.

Abstract: Chiral separations can be enhanced through the use of polymerized dipeptide-surfactant or oligopeptide-surfactant chiral micelles. Because polymerized micelles eliminate much of the complex dynamic behavior associated with conventional micelles, polymerized chiral micelles have stronger chiral recognition properties than do otherwise-identical, “conventional” or non-polymerized chiral micelles. Recovery of chiral ligands from polymerized chiral micelles is often easier, as the chiral ligands may typically be recovered by simple extraction with an appropriate organic solvent. By contrast, recovering the solute from a conventional, non-polymerized micellar medium by extraction with an organic solvent frequently results in the formation of troublesome emulsion systems. Polymerized chiral micelle systems are therefore beneficial in both preparative-scale and process-scale separations.

Abstract: Disclosed are water soluble compositions of paclitaxel and docetaxel formed by conjugating the paclitaxel or docetaxel to a water soluble polymer such as poly-glutamic acid, poly-aspartic acid or poly-lysine. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions for treatment of tumors, auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Other embodiments include the coating of implantable stents for prevention of restenosis.

Abstract: The design and synthesis of novel aminimide-based molecular modules and the use of the modules in the construction of new molecules and fabricated materials is disclosed. The new molecules and fabricated materials are molecular recognition agents useful in the design and synthesis of drugs, and have applications in separations and materials science.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible collagenous material which is non-toxic and biodegradable in less than one month, preferably in less than one week. This material comprises collagen and at least one hydrophilic macromolecular additive which is chemically non-reactive towards the collagen, with the collagen having at least partially lost its helical structure and being crosslinked.

Abstract: After a photoresist (2) is used to fix a biological sample, in order to obtain a particular biological substance, for example, a certain cell or biopolymer, from the biological sample embedded in the photoresist (2), properties of the photoresist are changed by exposing the portion of the photoresist (2) that covers the biological substance to light L which has an appropriate wavelength. The biological substance embedded in the changed photoresist is collected.

Abstract: A carrier for delivering a foreign substance to a target organ which comprises a graft copolymer in which hyaluronic acid is grafted on a polymer composing main chain, wherein the main chain has a part capable of binding to the foreign substance electrostatically, and contains one or more monomer unit having side chain with amino or imino group capable of coupling to hyarulonic acid, which is useful for delivering a foreign substance to a target organ, especially liver.

Abstract: The present invention is a water-dispersible polyurethane composed of a polyurethane containing carboxylate groups covalently bonded to gelatin through a grafting agent. The polyurethane is formed by providing a polyurethane dispersion containing carboxylate groups wherein the polyurethane dispersion has an acid number of at least 5. The polyurethane dispersion is contacted with a grafting agent. The polyurethane dispersion with the grafting agent is contacted with gelatin to form a polyurethane covalently bonded to gelatin wherein a ratio of gelatin to polyurethane is from 1:10 to 2:1.

Abstract: Novel biodegradable amphiphilic polymers are described. Preferred polymers have a lipophilic binding moiety coupled covalently to a hydrophilic tissue adhesion moiety through a divalent linker comprising a natural metabolite or a polymer biodegradable into a natural metabolite. In one embodiment the biodegradable polymers of the invention exhibit the property of self-assembly characteristic of liquid crystals. The present amphiphilic biodegradable polymers can be used alone or in combination with other biocompatible polymers, with cells, growth factors, hormones, and/or other pharmaceutical agents in fabrication of implantable matrices for tissue repair. The polymers are biodegradable into art-recognized biocompatible components, preferably natural metabolites.

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: A solution containing a nonpolymeric epoxy compound for cross linking biological tissues and bioprosthetic materials prepared thereby. The nonpolymeric epoxy compound has the general structural formula:R.sub.1 --CH.sub.2 --O--X--O--CH.sub.2 --R.sub.2wherein, X is a straight chain aliphatic hydrocarbon having at least four (4) and no more than five (5) carbon atoms bonded directly to one another, said straight chain aliphatic hydrocarbon being devoid of side branches and having terminal carbon atoms at either end thereof, the terminal carbon atoms at the ends of said straight chain aliphatic hydrocarbon being bonded to the oxygen atoms shown in the foregoing general formula, wherein at least one of the terminal groups R.sub.1, or R.sub.2 is an epoxy group and the other of said terminal groups R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 is either a) an epoxy group, or b) an aldehyde group. One preferred crosslinking agent of the above general formula is 1,4, butanediol diglycidyl ether.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods to render cells non-adhesive and/or non-immunogenic with respect to macromolecules typically encountered in culture media or in physiological media.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of triazene or/and pentazadiene polymers as photoresists and in particular as positive photoresists in order to cover biochemical reagents. In addition the invention concerns a new process for the production of triazene or/and pentazadiene polymers.

Abstract: Photocurable glycosaminoglycan (GAG) derivatives and crosslinked glycosaminoglycans, which are highly safe and biocompatible, a method of preparing such photocurable GAG derivatives readily moldable by casting using a solvent when desired, by which method unreacted substances causative of adverse effects can be readily eliminated, and a method of producing the crosslinked GAGs and medical materials based on the photocurable GAG derivatives or crosslinked GAGs are provided. The photocurable GAG derivatives comprise a glycosaminoglycan and a photoreactive compound bound thereto and can be produced, for example, by subjecting hydroxyl or carboxyl groups of the glycosaminoglycan to esterification reaction or amidation reaction, respectively, with the photoreactive compound. The crosslinked GAGs are derived from the photocurable GAG derivatives by intermolecular crosslinking of the photoreactive compound bound thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemical bonding of a polymer/or polymers onto non-metallic substrates such as cellophane by ultrasonic techniques. The cellophane film is preactivated by contacting with silver nitrate solution followed by treatment with potassium hydroxide solution whereby particles of silver and silver oxide are uniformly distributed, in situ, over the surface of cellophane film. The pretreated cellophane film when contacted with grafting solution, that contains monomers, prepolymers, catalyst, graft initiator and other ingredients of the composition, which is being agitated with ultrasonic energy results in polymerization of monomer/prepolymer onto the surface of the cellophane film.

Abstract: A hemocompatible surface-modifying additive is provided for modifying polyurethane or polyurethane urea substrates. The additive has a polyurethane or polyurethane urea hard block or an alternative block which is miscible with the poly(urethane) or poly(urethane-urea) base polymer, a polysiloxane hydrophobic soft block, an optional hydrophilic spacer and a peptide selected from the group consisting of Arg-Gly-Asp, X-Arg-Gly-Asp, Arg-Gly-Asp-X and X-Arg-Gly-Asp-X', wherein X and X' are amino acids.

Abstract: The design and synthesis of novel aminimide-based molecular modules and the use of the same in the construction of new molecules and fabricated materials is disclosed. The new molecules and fabricated materials are molecular recognition agents useful in the design and synthesis of drugs and have applications in separations and material science.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new form of biocompatible materials (e.g., lipids, polycations, polysaccharides) which are capable of undergoing free radical polymerization, e.g., by using certain sources of light; methods of modifying certain synthetic and naturally occurring biocompatible materials to make polymerizable microcapsules containing biological material coated with said polymerizable materials, composites of said polymerizable materials, methods of making microcapsules and encapsulating biological materials therein, and apparatus for making microcapsules containing biological cells (particularly islets of Langerhans) coated with polymerizable alginate or with a composite thereof (e.g., alginate and PEG). The present invention also relates to drug delivery systems relating to the foregoing, as well as bioadhesives and wound dressings made utilizing the foregoing technology.

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: A polymer composition comprising a crystallisable polymer stabilised in an amorphous or incompletely crystalline state by forming particles at least partly coated with a surfactant or phospholipid and to processes for preparing a such a polymer composition.

Abstract: A process is described for the dimerization of a substituted aromatic compound of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X represents --OH, --SH or --NHR where R is H, an alkyl group or an aryl group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an alicyclic group, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a hydroxy group, or an amino group; and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 can have the same definition as R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 and may additionally represent a hydrogen atom; which comprises reacting the substituted aromatic compound in the presence of a peroxidase enzyme, a peroxide and a radical transfer agent in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: This invention describes novel sensors for ions that are based on the combination of xanthylium-based dyes with metal-binding N,N'-diaryldiaza crown ethers. These sensors are primarily useful for detection and quantitation of alkali-metal ions in aqueous solution. Binding of the ion results in a change in the fluorescence properties of the indicating dye that can be correlated with the ion concentration. Methods are provided for attaching reactive groups on these sensors for conjugation to dyes, lipids and polymers and for enhancing entry of the indicators into living cells.

Abstract: A method for producing an ester of a protein by an esterification reaction of an aqueous solution, fine powder or suspension of a protein having free carboxyl groups with an excess amount of polyfunctional alcohol to esterify the protein; a method for producing a protein-synthetic polymer conjugate from said ester by utilizing a hydroxyl or unsaturated group of a polyfunctional alcohol present in the esterified portion of the protein; and a protein-synthetic polymer conjugate produced thereby.

Abstract: To form a binder from naturally occurring products without extraction or purification steps, the binder utilizes proteins from the germ or endosperm of cereal grasses or from the seed of buckwheat, oil seed plants, Amaranthus or leguminous plants or from leaves. The protein has a thermoplastic microstructure with linear polymers of molecular weight of at least 2000 linked with peptide linkages of at least 50 in number. The naturally occurring product is ground or milled without further processing and thus includes carbohydrates, particularly as cellulose, and possibly fats, yeast or materials yielding ash upon burning, with the carbohydrates being at least 5% of the proteins by weight. The binder may include some initiators or catalysts to polymerize fats or other initiators or catalysts to polymerize proteins.

Abstract: A multi-purpose resin synthesized from a mixture of a protein and a carbohydrate by ammoniation instead of hydrolysis is described. Any primary product of photosynthesis (glucose, starch or lignocellulose) is qualified for use as the carbohydrate component of the resin, which is an expedient, low-cost and benign substitute for conventional thermosetting resins in the manufacture of numerous industrial products.

Abstract: Collagen-based compositions as adhesives and sealants for medical use and preparation thereof are described. Prior to polymerization, soluble or partially fibrillar collagen monomers in solution are chemically modified with an acylating agent, sulfonating agent or a combination of the foregoing. The collagen compositions prepared accordingly can be used as medical adhesives for bonding soft tissues or be made in to a sealant film for a variety of medical uses such as wound closures and tendon wraps for preventing adhesion formation following surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a number of synthetic polypeptides which correspond to a part of the sequences of the Shiga B peptide chain. More specifically, the invention relates to polypeptides corresponding to the residues 5 to 18, 7 to 26, 13 to 26, and 19 to 29 of said B chain. The invention further relates to the conjugates of each of these with a suitable carrier and to polymers of each or these obtained by polymerization with a suitable polymerization agent: these can be used as effective vaccines which afford protection against Shiga toxin. Anti-peptide anti-sera are effective in neutralizing to a large extent the biological activity of Shiga toxin.

Abstract: Biocatalytic oxidative processes wherein oxidizable substrates are reacted with peroxides in the presence of a peroxidase such as soybean peroxidase or another legume peroxidase; an oxidative coupling reaction for producing phenolic resins; a method for the purification of peroxidase enzyme-containing extracts generally also are described.

Abstract: A water soluble cationic peptide-containing graft copolymer exhibiting a number average molecular weight of from about 30,000 to about 500,000 are provided comprising:(a) a polymeric backbone containing or capable of modification to include free primary or secondary amine functional groups for reaction with an amino acid or peptide graft and exhibiting a number average molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 250,000; and(b) an amino acid or peptide graft reacted with from at least about 5% to about 100% of the primary or secondary amine functional groups of the polymeric backbone, wherein said amino acid or peptide graft comprises at least one 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalaine (Dopa) amino acid or a precursor thereof capable of hydroxylation to the Dopa form.