Semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks for drug delivery and tissue engineering
US7625580B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2430/06
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Compositions for tissue engineering and drug delivery have been developed based on solutions of two or more polymers which form semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks upon exposure to active species following injection at a site in a patient in need thereof. The polymers crosslink to themselves but not to each other; semi-interpenetrating networks are formed when only one of the polymers crosslink. The resulting viscous solutions retain the biologically active molecules or cells at the site of injection until release or tissue formation, respectfully, occurs.As a result of studies conducted with polymer-cell suspensions forming interpenetrating polymer networks, it has been determined that polymer solutions can be formulated wherein the active species is provided by exposure of the polymer solution to an exogenous source of active species, typically electromagnetic radiation, preferably light. Studies demonstrate that light will penetrate through skin, body fluids (such as synovial fluid) and membranes and polymerize the polymer solutions. The polymer solutions can be crosslinked ionically or covalently, to form a hydrogel, semi-interpenetrating polymer network …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.