Composite gels and methods of use thereof

US12083246B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services · US

Inventors

• Ferenc Horkay · Rockville, US
• Peter J. Basser · Washington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 6, 2020
• Grant date: Sep 10, 2024
• Expiry date: Dec 17, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08J2483/04
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A self-reinforcing composite gel includes a solvent, and a plurality of swellable crosslinked polymer particles dispersed in a crosslinked polymer matrix, wherein the crosslinked polymer matrix and the plurality of swellable crosslinked polymer particles are immersed in the solvent, wherein the swellable crosslinked polymer particles absorb more solvent at equilibrium than the matrix polymer, and wherein the plurality of swellable crosslinked polymer particles swell in the solvent and are present in an amount sufficient to maintain or increase the elastic modulus and/or load-bearing ability of the self-reinforcing composite gel, i.e., compared to that of the crosslinked matrix polymer alone, upon swelling in the solvent.