Cellulose-based hydrogels and methods of making thereof

US8871016B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · US

Inventors

• Morgana M. Trexler · Baltimore, US
• Jenna L. Graham · Columbia, US
• Jennifer L. Breidenich · Atlanta, US
• Jeffrey P. Maranchi · Clarksburg, US
• Julia B. Patrone · Laurel, US
• Marcia W. Patchan · Columbia, US
• Jennifer H. Elisseeff · Baltimore, US
• Xiomara Calderon-Colon · Laurel, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 3, 2011
• Grant date: Oct 28, 2014
• Expiry date: Dec 2, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08L2205/16
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention provides cellulose hydrogels having one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and an optimal thickness. The present invention further provides a process for preparing a cellulose hydrogel comprising: (i) contacting cellulose with a solvent to activate the cellulose; (ii) optionally removing the solvent from the activated cellulose; (iii) substantially dissolving the activated cellulose to form a solution; (iv) allowing the solution to gel; and optionally (v) drying the gel and rehydrating the gel. The cellulose hydrogel can have many uses, including uses as contact lenses.