Hydrogels that undergo volumetric expansion in response to changes in their environment and their methods of manufacture and use
US8465779B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L31/145
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Generally, hydrogels are prepared by forming a liquid reaction mixture that contains a) monomer(s) and/or polymer(s) at least portion(s) of which are sensitive to environmental changes (e.g., changes in pH or temperature), b) a crosslinker and c) a polymerization initiator. If desired, a porosigen may be incorporated into the liquid reaction mixture to create pores. After the hydrogel is formed, the porosigen is removed to create pores in the hydrogel. These hydrogels may be prepared in many forms including pellets, filaments, and particles. Biomedical uses of these hydrogels include applications wherein the hydrogel is implanted in the body of a patient and an environmental condition at the implantation site causes the hydrogel to expand in situ.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.