Abstract: An aliphatic polyester polyether copolymer is provided having an aliphatic polyester moiety comprising 35 to 50 molar % of an aliphatic diol unit, 35 to 50 molar % of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid unit and 0 to 30 molar % of an aliphatic oxycarboxylic acid unit and a polyether moiety, wherein ?sp/C is not less than 1.40 and the ratio by weight of the polyether moiety to the aliphatic polyester polyether copolymer is 0.1 to 90% by weight.

Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked polymers, and methods for their preparation and use, are disclosed in which the biocompatible crosslinked polymers are formed from water soluble precursors having electrophilic and nucleophilic functional groups capable of reacting and crosslinking in situ. Methods for making the resulting biocompatible crosslinked polymers biodegradable or not are provided, as are methods for controlling the rate of degradation. The crosslinking reactions may be carried out in situ on organs or tissues or outside the body. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants. Visualization agents may be included with the crosslinked polymers.

Abstract: An agent and method for treating biodegradable synthetic yarns fabricated from a polymer comprising lactic acid as a main component, which enable improved lubricity, cohesion, etc. to be so imparted to the biodegradable synthetic yarns that the yarns can be prevented from fuzzing and breaking at every step from spinning to down-stream step, especially at a false twisting step and improved in terms of bulkiness, providing yarns having improved mechanical properties in a stable manner. The agent of the invention comprises 0.1 to 30 weight % of a specific functional agent, and a lubricant and a surfactant in the total amount of 70 weight % or greater, and has a friction coefficient in the range of 0.04 to 0.35.

Abstract: Disclosed are vinyl ethers and related compositions. The vinyl ethers are the conjugate addition reaction product of reactants comprising a vinyl ether group-containing acrylic ester and a nucleophile.

Abstract: Glycolide production through depolymerization of glycolic acid oligomer is stabilized by controlling impurities in the glycolic acid oligomer to allow economical and effective production of glycolide. More specifically, the depolymerization system is controlled to suppress an effective concentration (x+100y wt. %) of depolymerization-obstructing substances calculated as a total of a concentration calculated as diglycolic acid (of x wt. %) of hydroxyl group-free impurity carboxylic acids (A) and 100 times a concentration calculated as ammonia (of y wt. %) of nitrogen-containing substances (B), respectively with respect to the starting glycolic acid oligomer in the depolymerization system, to at most 15 wt. %.

Abstract: A composition comprises a condensation product of an amine-reactive fluorinated polyether and a polyamine. The compositions may be in dispersed in water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method of biodegradable plastic in which polylactic acid is directly synthesized from lactic acid without employing the conventional route of polylactic acid synthesis from lactic acid via lactide, and apparatus for use in production thereof. In this way, time required for the synthesis of polylactic acid is strikingly shortened and the production cost is reduced. In the production method of biodegradable plastic, polylactic acid, the main component of biodegradable plastic, is obtained by means of condensation polymerization by dehydration of the raw material, lactic acid, under high temperature and reduced pressure in the presence of a metal catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic hydroxy-functional polyesters. The polyesters have at least 10 sequential units, wherein the sequential units consist of units selected from units represented by the following formula (1) and units represented by the following formula (2); Wherein each of R1 independently represents hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; each of R2 independently represents hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; each of R3 independently represents hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; Each of R4 independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted homoalkyl or heteroalkyl group; and said moiety having no fewer than 1 unit represented by formula (1) and no fewer than 1 unit represented by formula (2).

Abstract: Fibrilliform crystal of an aromatic polyester can be obtained easily by the method comprising a step of polymerizing an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid in a solvent at a temperature in the range of from 200° C. to 400° C. under presence of an acid anhydride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tough and ductile biodegradable, aliphatic polyester blend compositions and methods for preparing such compositions. It relates to products made out of such blend compositions, including, but not limited to, films, fibers, nonwovens, sheets, coatings, binders, foams and molded products for packaging. The products exhibit a desirable combination of high strength, ductility and toughness, while maintaining flexibility, biodegradability and compostability. The products are useful for a variety of biodegradable articles, such as diaper topsheets, diaper backsheets, disposable wipes, shopping and lawn/leaf bags, agricultural films, disposable garments, medical disposables, paper coatings, biodegradable packaging, binders for cellulose fibers or synthetics, and the like.

Abstract: Described are polymers and copolymers containing sorbitol, citric acid, starch, aspartic acid, succinic anhydride, adipic acid mixtures thereof, methods of their synthesis and their uses.

Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, the system is compliant, in that it is capable of conforming to the three dimensional structure of a tissue surface as the tissue bends and deforms during healing processes. The barrier or drug delivery systems is formed as a polymeric coating on tissue surfaces by applied a polymerizable monomer to the surface, and then polymerizing the monomer. The polymerized compliant coating preferably is biodegradable and biocompatible, and can be designed with selected properties of compliancy and elasticity for different surgical and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Processes for the extraction of PHAs from biomass, said processes comprising: combining the biomass containing the PHAs with a single main solvent to form a biomass liquor; heating the biomass liquor to at least partially solubilize the PHAs from the biomass to form a PHA liquor; separating the biomass from the PHA liquor to form a PHA-enriched liquor; evaporating from 0% to about 50% of the single main solvent from the PHA-enriched liquor to form a solvent vapor and a concentrated PHA-enriched liquor; and cooling the concentrated PHA-enriched liquor to form precipitated PHAs and an impure solvent liquor. Optionally, further recovering the precipitated PHAs from the impure solvent liquor by filtration under pressure. A PHA-enriched liquor and a concentrated PHA-enriched liquor.

Abstract: A biodegradable resin composition comprising polylactic acid and nanosheeted layered titanic acid characterized in that the nonasheeted layered titanic acid is nanosheeted layered titanic acid obtained by a preparing process comprising the steps of: (1) treating layered titanate represented by the general formula: AxMy?zTi2?(y+z)O4??(1) [wherein A and M represent a different monovalent to trivalent metal, ? represents a part defective in Ti, x is a positive real number satisfying 0<x<1.0, and y and z are 0 or a positive real number satisfying 0<y+z<1.0, respectively] with an acid or warm water to replace an A ion and/or a M ion with hydrogen and/or a hydronium ion, and (2) reacting the resulting compound with a basic compound having interlayer swelling activity thereon, to swell or peel between layers.

Abstract: Proteinaceous gels having visualization agents and methods of use thereof are disclosed herein. Further, polymeric crosslinking agents are disclosed that have an inert water soluble polymeric component, biodegradable components, functional components reactive with chemical groups on a protein, for example, amine or thiol groups. The inert polymeric component may be flanked at each end with a biodegradable component which is flanked at each end with a protein reactive functional component. A polymeric crosslinking agent is disclosed having a biodegradable component, polyalkylene oxide, and at least three reactive functional groups that are each capable of forming a covalent bond in water with at least one functional group such as an amine, thiol, or carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A glycolic acid copolymer comprising (a) 80 to less than 95% by mole of glycolic acid monomer units, (b) 5.0 to 20.0% by mole of non-glycolic, hydroxycarboxylic acid monomer units, and (c) 0 to 0.10% by mole of diglycolic acid monomer units, the non-glycolic, hydroxycarboxylic acid monomer units (b) constituting a plurality of segments each independently consisting of at least one monomer unit (b), wherein the segments have an average chain length of from 1.00 to 1.50 in terms of the average number of monomer unit or units (b), the total of the components (a), (b) and (c) being 100% by mole, the glycolic acid copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of 50,000 or more.

Abstract: This invention relates to rapid curing coating compositions that are particularly useful for automotive OEM and refinish applications. The coating composition includes a binder component that contains a novel highly branched copolyester polyol, and a crosslinking component that contains conventional crosslinking agents, such as polyisocyanate and melamine. This invention is also directed to a process for producing coatings from the rapid curing coating compositions. These compositions are especially useful in providing for mar resistant and flexible coatings.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic thermoplastic copolyesters of the saturated-unsaturated type, utilizable for the production of several types of articles such as films, sheets, nets, expanded molded products, and the like, and process for their production.

Abstract: A new class of activated polyalkylene glycol acids and their active ester reagents for conjugation to biopharmaceuticals such as polypeptides, sugars, proteins and therapeutically active small molecules to produce biologically active conjugates of these pharmaceuticals and methods for producing these conjugates.

Abstract: A construct that comprises a base material and a polyhydroxyalkanoate, wherein at least a part of the base material is coated with the polyhydroxyalkanoate, and the polyhydroxyalkanoate comprises a 3-hydroxyalkanoic acid unit other than 3-hydroxypropionic acid unit, 3-hydroxy-n-butyric acid unit, and 3-hydroxy-n-valeric acid unit. In addition, an electrostatic charge image developing toner allows to design the toner characteristics such as chargeability, flowability, stability in time and environmental stability uniform among the toners of different colors. The toner has a small particle size enough for enabling uniform dispersion and being excellent in color saturation and transparency. The toner also shows higher contribution to the environmental security. The toner includes a coloring agent of which at least a part of the surface is covered with polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

Abstract: The present invention provides a block polymer that comprises a plurality of block segments, wherein at least one block segment comprises a repeating unit having an ester moiety bonded to a main chain in a forward direction through a connecting group of two or more atoms, and the block polymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 1.3 or less. Also provided is a polymer composition containing the above block polymer and a functional material.

Abstract: The present invention includes photocurable, liquid polymers incorporating coumarin ester endgroups into their molecular structure, which polymers are crosslinked upon irradiation with ultraviolet light by photochemically allowed [2+2] cycloaddition reactions among the chain ends, and which crosslinked polymers are useful in the preparation of medical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and, in particular, in vivo preparation of implants in an open surgical procedure or laproscopically.

Abstract: The present invention allows the production of a polymerizable hyperbranched polyester by introducing polymerizable unsaturated double bonds into the molecular terminals of a hyperbranched polyester polyol (A), which is obtained by condensation polymerization a polyhydroxy monocarboxylic acid in which there are at least two hydroxyl groups, the carbon atom adjacent to the carboxy group is saturated carbon atom, and the hydrogen atoms on said carbon atom are all substituted, by reacting the hyperbranched polyester polyol (A) and an alkyl ester of a carboxylic acid having a polymerizable unsaturated double bond (B) by a transesterification in the presence of at least one type of transesterification catalyst (C) selected from the group consisting of a dialkyl tin oxide and a stanoxane, without causing side reactions such as nucleophilic addition reactions of terminal hydroxyl groups to polymerizable unsaturated double bonds of the hyperbranched polyester polyol (A), or thermal polymerization of the polymerizable

Abstract: A block copolymer is disclosed, which comprises a first block comprising polymerized units of an alkylene oxide and a second block comprising polymerized units of an alkylene oxide and a lactone, said copolymer being obtainable by polymerizing an alkylene oxide in the presence of an organic initiator to form said first block, and reacting the first block with a mixture of an alkylene oxide and a lactone. Such copolymers are found to have improved foam inhibition characteristics while maintaining their biodegradable properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a biodegradable polymer in the form of uniform powder or spherical particles by dispersion polymerization without a grinding step. The method for preparing a biodegradable polyester includes dispersing a monomer in the presence of a catalyst in a dispersion solvent to form a solid or liquid phase for dispersion polymerization and thereby to yield a biodegradable aliphatic polyester in the form of spherical particles or powder, the monomer comprising a mixture of a first compound (e.g., lactide or glycolide) and a second compound being selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerin, erythritol, penterythritol or dipentaerythritol) and carprolactone. The present invention readily prepares a biodegradable polymer having a high molecular weight in the form of uniform powder or spherical particles.

Abstract: Crosslinked compositions formed from water-insoluble copolymers are disclosed. These compositions are copolymers having a bioresorbable region, a hydrophilic region and at least two cross-linkable functional groups per polymer chain. Crosslinking of these polymers can be effected in solution in organic solvents or in solvent-free systems. If crosslinking occurs in a humid environment, a hydrogel will form. If crosslinking occurs in a non-humid environment, a xerogel will form which will form a hydrogel when exposed to a humid environment and the resulting crosslinked materials form hydrogels when exposed to humid environments. These hydrogels are useful as components in medical devices such as implantable prostheses. In addition, such hydrogels are useful as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents and as scaffolding for tissue engineering applications.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions including hot melt adhesive compositions, biodegradable wax compositions, and protective coating compositions are provided and include a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate, a terminally-modified polyhydroxyalkanoate, or both. The compositions are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Methods of protecting an article, such as a food product like cheese, are also provided and include coating or encapsulating the article with a composition containing a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate, a terminally-modified polyhydroxyalkanoate, or both.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel absorbable polyesters, produced by ring-opening polymerisation of hydroxycarboxylic acids in the presence of a polyol containing an electrolyte, in an extruder. In particular, the invention relates to novel polylactide glycolide polyesters which are essentially free of dextran sulphate and which are produced by ring-opening polymerisation of lactide and glycolide in the presence of dextran sulphate in the extruder; to the production of the same and to their use in depot medicaments.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyhydroxyalkanoate using a microorganism capable of substantially reducing unintended monomer units and obtaining the polyhydroxyalkanoate in a high yield. A microorganism capable of synthesizing a novel polyhydroxyalkanoate having 3-hydroxy-substituted benzoylalkanoic acid as a monomer unit, using a substituted benzoylalkanoic acid as a material, is cultured in a medium containing a substituted benzoylalkanoic acid. Then, the polyhydroxyalkanoate produced in the cultured bacteria is extracted and recovered.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

Abstract: Polyhydroxycarhoxylic acids are provided, which are controlled in terms of the rate of biodegradability, and give molded or otherwise formed articles that are of uniform quality with neither premature strength drop nor premature deterioration of retention of outside shape, and their production process is provided as well. The poly-hydroxycarboxylic acids are obtained by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters. The polyhydroxy-carboxylic acids have a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 10,000 to 1,000,000, a molecular weight distribution in the range of 1.0 to 2.5 as represented by the weight-average molecular weight-to-number-average molecular weight ratio (Mw/Mn) and a yellowness index (YI) of 40 or less, and have a precisely controlled rate of biodegradability.

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: A polyhydroxyalkanoate characterized by having in the molecule a unit represented by Chemical Formula (1): wherein n may assume any one integral value within the range of from 1 to 8. Also disclosed are a process for producing the polyhydroxyalkanoate by the use of a microorganism having the ability to produce the polyhydroxyalkanoate and accumulate it in the bacterial body; a charge control agent, a toner binder and a toner which contain this polyhydroxyalkanoate; and an image-forming method and an image-forming apparatus which make use of the toner.

Abstract: A benzobisazole polymer having repeating units of the formula: wherein Q is and wherein Z is —O—, —S— or —NH—. A new method for preparing 1,5-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid from 1,5-diaminonaphthalene under relatively mild conditions in good yields is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid sulphur-containing antioxidants and to compositions comprising them. The novel lubricant compositions comprise the reaction product of a selected group of 5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methyl(or tert-butyl)phenyl substituted carboxylic acid esters with thiodiethylene glycol and a mono-hydroxy alcohol with a carbon chain length higher than 4 C-atoms. The novel lubricant compositions are highly resistant to oxidative degradation and are capable of reducing the negative effects of deposits, such as black sludge, in motor combustion engines, particularly spark ignition internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A process for producing a lactic acid polymer of 15,000 to 50,000 in weight-average molecular weight, the content of polymeric materials having not more than about 5,000 in weight-average molecular weight therein being not more than about 5% by weight, characterized by hydrolyzing a high molecular weight lactic acid polymer, placing the resultant solution comprising the hydrolyzed product under a condition capable of precipitating the objective lactic acid polymer, separating the precipitated lactic acid polymer and collecting them. The lactic acid polymer is useful as a matrix for sustained-release preparations. The sustained-release microcapsule preparation encapsulating a physiologically active substance can fully prevent the initial excessive release of the physiologically active substance from the microcapsules and keep a stable release rate over a long period of time.

Abstract: Methods of forming intermediates from PHAs are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to rapid curing coating compositions that are particularly useful for automotive OEM and refinish applications. The coating composition includes a binder component that contains a novel highly branched copolyester polyol, and a crosslinking component that contains conventional crosslinking agents, such as polyisocyanate and melamine. This invention is also directed to a process for producing coatings from the rapid curing coating compositions. These compositions are especially useful in providing for mar resistant and flexible coatings.

Abstract: Crosslinked compositions formed from water-insoluble copolymers are disclosed. These compositions are copolymers having a bioresorbable region, a hydrophilic region and at least two cross-linkable functional groups per polymer chain. Crosslinking of these polymers can be effected in solution in organic solvents or in solvent-free systems. If crosslinking occurs in a humid environment, a hydrogel will form. If crosslinking occurs in a non-humid environment, a xerogel will form which will form a hydrogel when exposed to a humid environment and the resulting crosslinked materials form hydrogels when exposed to humid environments. These hydrogels are useful as components in medical devices such as implantable prostheses. In addition, such hydrogels are useful as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents and as scaffolding for tissue engineering applications.

Abstract: An enzymatic synthesis and composition of oligomers and co-oligomers comprised of ?-hydroxy carboxylic acids and ?-amino acids or peptides is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a ?-hydroxy carboxylic acid with a specific chiral configuration is linked by an amide linkage to a ?-amino acid specific with a specific chiral configuration or linked by an amide linkage to a peptide made up of ?-amino acid monomers having identical chiral configurations. Proteolytic enzymes catalyze oligomerization of the ?-hydroxy carboxylic acid and ?-amino acid. The degree and distribution of oligomerization varies upon the type and concentrations of different reaction mixtures utilized and upon the length of allowed reaction time. The resultant oligomers may be provided to animals such as ruminants as bioavailable amino acid supplements that are resistant to degradation in the rumen and other animals such as swine, poultry and aquatic animals.

Abstract: Novel multifunctional unsaturated polyester polyols, UV-curable top coat formulations including these polyols, and a one-step process for preparing these polyols, are disclosed. Surface coverings and surface covering components including these top coat formulations are also disclosed. The polyols are generally formed by the ring opening polymerization of a lactone with a compound of the formula (R1)aR(OH)b, where a+b>2. R1 is a double bond-containing moiety such as allyl, vinyl, vinylidene, vinyl ether, acrylate, and the like. R is generally an alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, ether or ester group, including substituted versions thereof. R can be a polymer, including polymers with a plurality of functional groups. Examples of lactone groups which can be used include caprolactone, lactide and glycolide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel PHA comprising a unit containing thioether with high reactivity, and its production method. The present invention also provides polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) comprising units having defined chemical formulas (1) and (2), and at least one of four units having defined chemical formulas (3), (4), (5) and (6); its production method; a charge control agent containing the PHA; a toner binder containing the charge control agent; an electrostatic latent image developing toner; and an image forming method and an image forming apparatus using the electrostatic latent image developing toner.

Abstract: Polymeric crosslinking agents are disclosed that have an inert water soluble polymeric component, biodegradable components, functional components reactive with chemical groups on a protein, for example, amine or thiol groups. The inert polymeric component may be flanked at each end with a biodegradable component which is flanked at each end with a protein reactive functional component. A polymeric crosslinking agent is disclosed having a biodegradable component, polyalkylene oxide, and at least three reactive functional groups that are each capable of forming a covalent bond in water with at least one functional group such as an amine, thiol, or carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A method for controlling and modifying biopolymer synthesis by manipulation of the genetics and enzymology of synthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyesters at the molecular level in procaryotic and eukaryotic cells, especially plants. Examples demonstrate the isolation, characterization, and expression of the genes involved in the production of PHB and PHA polymers. Genes encoding the enzymes in the PHB and PHA synthetic pathway (beta-ketothiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase and PHB polymerise or PHA polymerase) from Zooloea ramigera strain I-16-M, Alcaligenes eutrophus, Nocardia salmonicolur, and Psuedomnas olevarans were identified or isolated and expressed in a non-PHB producing organism, E. coli. Specific modifications to the polymers include variation in the chain length of the polymers and incorporation of different monomers into the polymers to produce co-polymers with different physical properties.

Abstract: A method is provided which biosynthesizes a PHA having an epoxy group on a side chain with improved physicochemical properties. Specifically, a method of producing a polyester containing an epoxy group in a side chain thereof using alkene as a raw material is provided which comprises the steps of bringing alkene into contact with a microorganism having an ability to uptake alkene and convert it to a polyester and allowing the microorganism to convert the alkene into a polyester containing an epoxy group in a side chain thereof. Further, a method of producing a crosslinked polymer is provided which comprises reacting the polyester obtained by the above mentioned method with a diamine compound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to medical devices or pharmaceutical composition, each containing a synthetic, biodegradable, biocompatible polymer that is the reaction product of a polybasic acid or derivative thereof, a monoglyceride, and a cationic polyol.

Abstract: A method of spherifying a sustained release ionic conjugate which contains a free carboxyl group-containing polymer and a free amino group-containing drug which are ionically bonded to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific glyceryl alkoxylated citrate esters and their use in lipsticks. These polymers not only do not have a mal taste, but also have a very pleasant taste. This coupled with their use to prevent syneresis in lipsticks, make these products very desirable in lipstick applications.

Abstract: A binder resin which forms a resin powdery product such as a toner for developing electrostatic latent images. The binder resin comprises a biodegradable resin comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate produced by culturing a microorganism and having as a specific monomer unit a 3-hydroxyalkanoic acid such as 3-hydroxy-5-phenylvaleric acid. This binder resin has very good properties as a binder resin and also has a high safety to human bodies and environment. Also disclosed are a toner for developing electrostatic latent images which contains such a binder resin, and an image-forming method and an image-forming apparatus which make use of the toner.

Abstract: Water-soluble macromers including at least one hydrolysable linkage formed from carbonate or dioxanone groups, at least one water-soluble polymeric block, and at least one polymerizable group, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The macromers are preferably polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light or visible light excitation. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. The macromers can be used to encapsulate cells, deliver prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic agents in a controlled manner, plug leaks in tissue, prevent adhesion formation after surgical procedures, temporarily protect or separate tissue surfaces, and adhere or seal tissues together.