Abstract: A method of preparing a polymer-protein composite including polymerizing a monomer in the presence of a protein dissolved in an organic phase via the ion-pairing of the protein with a surfactant. The polymer-protein composites are useful, for example, as highly active and stable catalysts, in for example, paints and coatings, as well as in medical application.

Abstract: A hydrophilic oxygen permeable contact lens having a front surface which is not to be in contact with the cornea of a human eye when the contact lens is worn on the human eye, wherein at least the front surface of the contact lens is coated with a hydrophilicity rendering material which renders the front surface hydrophilic and which is selected from the group consisting of: (A) hydrophilic silicone oil which is represented by the formula given in the specification and whose viscosity at a temperature of 20.degree. C. is not higher than 5,000 centipoise; (B) polysaccharide or its derivative; and (C) denatured collagen whose average molecular weight is in a range of 400.about.100,000. Also disclosed is a method of producing the hydrophilic oxygen permeable contact lens.

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 collagen containing substrate comprising cattle basal membrane is conditioned by incubating the membranes in a mixture of pepsin, hyaluronidase and acetic acid and separating the collagen from the mixture. The mixture can include pepsin, hyaluronidase and a 0.5M solution of acetic acid in 1:1:10 proportions. The incubation is conducted for about 10 hours at about 45.degree. C. After incubation, collagen is separated from the mixture by centrifuging at a speed of 5000 to 30000 rpms for about 30 minutes. The collagen is mixed with polymerizable monomer and polymerized to form a gel that can be ground to form an intraocular or contact lens.

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: 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: 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: Water-soluble or water-dispersible graft polymers which are obtainable by free-radical-initiated polymerization of(A) a monomer or monomer mixture comprising(a) from 20 to 100% by weight of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid or a mixture thereof or alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium salts thereof,(b) from 0 to 80% by weight of other monoethylenically unsaturated monomers which can be copolymerized with the monomers (a), and(c) from 0 to 5% by weight of monomers containing at least 2 ethylenically unsaturated, non-conjugated double bonds in the molecule,in the presence of proteins (B)in an A:B weight ratio of from (95 to 10):(5 to 90), are used as tanning agents for self-tanning, pretanning and assist tanning of pelts and skin pelts and for the retanning of leather and skin.

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 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: A medical device has one or more polymeric substrates each treated with a chemically binding coating to make each polymeric substrate compatible for contact with blood. A modified natural and substantially hydrophilic blood protein bonds permanently to each substrate. The protein is functionalized with bonding sites so after application thereof to each substrate and if subject to sufficient radiation, free radicals created on each substrate and the functionalized protein chemically bind. A modifier added to the protein creates sites by functionalizing it before application to each substrate. The functionalized combination is applied to each substrate. The protein is human or animal albumin as bovine.The modifier are molecules having an epoxy function for attachment to the human or animal albumin. An unsaturated double bond forms or accepts free radicals at bonding sites. The modifier added to the protein is glycidyl acrylate.

Abstract: A biocompatible material which is the product of graft-copolymerization of a water-soluble vinyl and/or an acrylate monomer with a sorption complex of polysilicic acid and collagen that has been rid of pigments, glycoproteins and proteoglycans, or a product obtained by virtue of chemical destruction, with the aid of hydrofluoric acid, of the afore-mentioned product of graft-copolymerization, containing up to 25 mass percent of polysilicic acid (in terms of SiO.sub.2), up to 12 mass percent of protein, and maximum 1 10.sup.-6 mole/g of an anion of hydrofluoric and hydrofluoric acids, methods of making the same and products produced thereby.

Abstract: Water resistant films and coatings are prepared by treating films or coatings of water soluble or dispersible grafted proteins prepared with monoethylenically unsaturated monomers at above 40.degree. C. and/or with at least one compound which is a hardener for proteins, and are useful as compostable packaging materials or as outer layers of diapers.

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: Water-soluble or water-dispersible grafts of proteins with monoethylenically unsaturated monomers are used as sizing agents for staple fiber and filament yarns.

Abstract: A hydrophilic contact lens is disclsoed incorporating melanin that protects the eye from harmful radiation and superoxide.

Abstract: A hydrophilic contact lens is disclosed incorporating melanin that protects the eye from harmful radiation and superoxide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medium incorporating melanin for radiation protection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biologically compatible collagenous reaction product comprising ethylenically unsaturated or polymeric substituted collagen, the monomeric substituents being essentially free of nitrogen, e.g., methacrylate styrene, polyvinyl, ethylene. The collagenous reaction product can be polymerized, e.g., by exposure to UV irradiation, chemical agents or atmospheric oxygen, and molded to form useful medical implant articles. Methods of preparation are also provided.

Abstract: A graft copolymer is made by grafting, by a free radical reaction mechanism in aqueous solution, water soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomeric material on to a water soluble substrate having hydroxyl groups, and the free radicals are formed on the substrate using an oxidizing metal capable of being reduced by the substrate to a lower valency state (for instance cerium) and persulphate or other peroxy compound capable of oxidizing the metal back to a higher valency state. The process is preferably conducted as a reverse phase polymerization process and the invention includes also a novel reverse phase emulsion comprising a dispersion of reverse phase polymer particles of a graft copolymer of carboxymethyl cellulose, dextran or starch with acrylamide and acrylic acid and/or AMPS.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medium incorporating melanin for radiation protection.

Abstract: Melanin is used as the absorbing pigment for radiation protective eyeware. Thus, a melanin-plastic copolymer was formed by adding a catalyst (benzoyl peroxide) to the liquid monomer, diethylene glycol bis allyl carbonate (CR-39), which contained dissolved catechol (a melanin precursor); the solution was heated for one day at 50 degrees celsius and an additional two days at 65 degrees celsius and yielded an optically transparent solid plastic with amber color and with an optical absorption spectrum very close to that associated with melanin.

Abstract: A method of biomolecule immobilization is described in which the biomolecule itself or, alternatively, a monomer-conjugated biomolecule, is grafted with free monomer onto a hydrophilic, solid-phase, polymeric substrate which has been pre-irradiated with ionizing radiation. The pre-irradiation step is carried out, preferably at -78.degree. C. in air, while the grafting step is carried out at 0.degree. C. in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere. The technique is applicable to immobilization of a wide variety of biomolecules, such as enzymes, catalysts, hormones, lectins, drugs, vitamins, antibodies, antigens, nucleic acids, DNA and RNA segments, pesticides, dyes and fertilizers. The products may be used for therapeutic or diagnostic applications or bioseparations.

Abstract: An improved process of cast coating and the coating composition used therein produces a paper coating which has exceptional brightness, gloss, smoothness, flexibility, resistance to drum adhesions and pick resistance. The paper coating is especially effective in cast coating where extremely high smoothness and gloss is essential. The paper coating composition utilizes soy protein binder which has been modified by copolymerization to add a synthetic component to modify the properties of the soy protein.

Abstract: A polymeric or plastic pigment, useful as a partial replacement for the inorganic pigment conventionally employed in paper coating compositions is disclosed. The pigment comprises a copolymer of an animal or vegetable protein and a monomer havingh a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than about 70.degree. C. polymerized in a surfactant free system. When employed in paper coating compositions the pigment provides a coating of improved gloss and ink holdout, as compared to a coating in which the pigment composition consists only of an inorganic material. Improved water resistance, improved water holding and a potential for reduction in the coating sticking to the calender during the paper finishing process are obtained as compared to conventional polymeric pigments.

Abstract: Microfluidization of latices of a graft copolymer of a conjugated diene monomer and a vinyl aryl monomer on a protein such as a soy protein reduces the viscosity of the graft copolymer latex.

Abstract: A coating binder additive is prepared comprising a blocked glyoxal resin mixed with a vinyl or acrylic water soluble polymer which is reactive with free glyoxal.

Abstract: A method of biomolecule immobilization is described in which the biomolecule itself or, alternatively, a monomer-conjugated biomolecule, is grafted with free monomer onto a hydrophilic, solid-phase, polymeric substrate which has been pre-irradiated with ionizing radiation. The pre-irradiation step is carried out, preferably at -78.degree. C. in air, while the grafting step is carried out at 0.degree. C. in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere. The technique is applicable to immobilization of a wide variety of biomolecules, such as enzymes, catalysts, hormones, lectins, drugs, vitamins, antibodies, antigens, nucleic acids, DNA and RNA segments, pesticides, dyes and fertilizers. The products may be used for therapeutic or diagnostic applications or bioseparations.

Abstract: A novel class of materials and processes used in their preparation are described. These materials are comprised of man-made polymers grafted onto protein backbone, specifically onto protein backbone, which has been selectively modified to be used as adhesives, coatings and construction materials. Man-made polymers can be selected from a group including condensation polymers such as phenolics, epoxides, polyamides, thiols, or addition polymers such as acrylics, vinyls and polyolefins. Grafting can be accomplished either stepwise or from already preformed polymers. Grafts can also be formed with more than one polymer either after the first graft is formed or simultaneously. Furthermore grafts can be formed onto a modified or unmodified protein whose backbone has been reduced to a polyamine.

Abstract: Continuous ultrasonic irradiation during the free radical aqueous graft or over copolymerization of an unsaturated monomer on a protein provides a latex of reduced viscosity and increased solids content.

Abstract: Continuous homogenization during the free radical aqueous graft or over copolymerization of an unsaturated monomer on a protein provides a latex of reduced viscosity.

Abstract: A modified vegetable protein adhesive binder and a process for producing the same is disclosed wherein an alkaline protein dispersion is formed of a vegetable protein material and said dispersion is treated with a cationic monomer, preferably a cationic monomer selected from the group consisting of cationic epoxide monomers and cationic acrylate monomers, in an amount sufficient to modify the protein material. The modified vegetable protein adhesive binder has a greater affinity for pigments in a paper coating composition. This greater pigment affinity results in an improvement in the porosity of the final coating, thereby improving ink receptivity and printability on the coating surface.

Abstract: A modified vegetable protein adhesive binder and a process for producing the same is disclosed wherein an alkaline protein dispersion is treated with hydroxy alkyl acrylate in an amount sufficient to modify the protein material. The modified vegetable protein adhesive binder provides greater binder strength when employed in paper coating compositions containing pigment and other materials such as latex. The modified binder also results in coatings with an improved degree of water retention.

Abstract: Microspheres of acrolein homopolymers and copolymer with hydrophillic comonomers such as methacrylic acid and/or hydroxyethylmethacrylate are prepared by cobalt gamma irradiation of dilute aqueous solutions of the monomers in presence of suspending agents, especially alkyl sulfates such as sodium dodecyl sulfate. Amine or hydroxyl modification is achieved by forming adducts with diamines or alkanol amines. Carboxyl modification is effected by oxidation with peroxides. Pharmaceuticals or other aldehyde reactive materials can be coupled to the microspheres. The microspheres directly form antibody adducts without agglomeration.

Abstract: A conjugated diene such as butadiene-1,3 and a vinyl aryl monomer such as styrene are graft or over copolymerized on a dissolved or finely divided anionic fully caustic treated soy protein in aqueous alkaline media using minor effective amounts of an oil soluble azo catalyst, a chelating agent and a chain transfer agent to form a latex which can be used in paper coating compositions.

Abstract: A modified vegetable protein adhesive binder and a process for producing the same is disclosed wherein an alkaline protein dispersion is formed of a vegetable protein material and said dispersion is treated with an alkyl acrylamidoglycolate alkyl ether in an amount sufficient to modify the protein material. The modified vegetable protein adhesive binder provides greater binder strength when employed in paper coating compositions containing pigment and other materials such as latex. The modified binder also results in coatings with good ink receptivity.

Abstract: The invention describes a protein derivative which has a molecular weight of 500 to 50,000 and has been chemically modified by grafting onto the protein chain radicals which absorb ultraviolet radiation. Also described are a process for the preparation of this protein derivative and compositions, containing this derivative as the active substance, for treating and protecting the skin and hair against photochemical degradation.

Abstract: A biologically active protein which is bonded to a water-insoluble porous copolymer based on N-vinylimidazole and/or substituted N-vinylimidazoles and monomers which can be copolymerized therewith, its preparation and its use for carrying out enzymatic reactions.

Abstract: Hydrogels are prepared by subjecting to poymerization conditions an aqueous admixture comprising a major amount of an organic monomer which is characterized by a polymerizable ethylenic group ##STR1## as illustrated by N,N-dimethylacrylamide, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate or methoxytriethylene glycol methacrylate, and a minor amount of solubilized collagen. The reactants employed are at least partially soluble in the aqueous reaction medium. The hydrogels thus prepared are novel shaped articles having utility in the medical and cosmetic fields. Contact lenses of such hydrogels exhibit high water content, high oxygen permeability and good mechanical strength characteristics.

Abstract: Aminopolysaccharides and copolymers thereof, primarily those of N-acetyl-D-glucosamines and derivatives and various monomers, is described.

Abstract: Aminopolysaccharides and copolymers thereof, primarily those of N-acetyl-D-glucosamines and derivatives and various monomers, is described.

Abstract: Hydrogels are prepared by subjecting to poymerization conditions an aqueous admixture comprising a major amount of an organic monomer which is characterized by a polymerizable ethylenic group ##STR1## as illustrated by N,N-dimethylacrylamide, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate or methoxytriethylene glycol methacrylate, and a minor amount of solubilized collagen. The reactants employed are at least partially soluble in the aqueous reaction medium. The hydrogels thus prepared are novel shaped articles having utility in the medical and cosmetic fields. Contact lenses of such hydrogels exhibit high water content, high oxygen permeability and good mechanical strength characteristics.