Crosslinked polymer compositions and methods for their use

A method for effecting the nonsurgical attachment of a first surface to a second surface, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first synthetic polymer containing nucleophilic groups and a second synthetic polymer containing electrophilic groups;
• mixing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to initiate crosslinking;
• applying the mixture to a first surface before substantial crosslinking has occurred;
• and
• contacting the first surface with a second surface to effect adhesion between the first surface and the second surface.

A method for introducing a crosslinked synthetic polymer composition into a tissue within a body of a mammalian subject, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first synthetic polymer containing nucleophilic groups and a second synthetic polymer containing electrophilic groups;
• administering the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer simultaneously to the tissue;
• and
• allowing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to crosslink in situ.

A method for preventing the adhesion of a first tissue and a second tissue, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first synthetic polymer containing nucleophilic groups and a second synthetic polymer containing electrophilic groups;
• forming a mixture by mixing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to initiate crosslinking;
• applying the mixture to the first tissue before substantial crosslinking has occurred;
• and
• allowing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to continue crosslinking in situ.

A method for coating a surface of a synthetic implant, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first synthetic polymer containing nucleophilic groups and a second synthetic polymer containing electrophilic groups;
• forming a mixture by mixing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to initiate crosslinking;
• applying the mixture to a surface of a synthetic implant;
• and
• allowing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to crosslink with each other on the surface of the synthetic implant.

A method for preparing a negatively charged compound-containing matrix useful for delivery of a negatively charged compound to a mammalian subject, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first synthetic polymer containing nucleophilic groups and a second synthetic polymer containing electrophilic groups;
• forming a mixture by mixing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to initiate crosslinking, wherein the first synthetic polymer is present in the mixture in molar excess compared to the second synthetic polymer,
• allowing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to continue crosslinking to form a positively charged crosslinked synthetic polymer matrix;
• and
• reacting the matrix with the negatively charged compound.

A method for preparing a positively charged compound-containing matrix useful for delivery of a positively charged compound to a mammalian subject, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first synthetic polymer containing nucleophilic groups and a second synthetic polymer containing electrophilic groups;
• forming a mixture by mixing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to initiate crosslinking, wherein the second synthetic polymer is present in the mixture in molar excess compared to the second synthetic polymer;
• allowing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to continue crosslinking to form a negatively charged crosslinked synthetic polymer matrix;
• and
• reacting the matrix with the positively charged compound.

A method for making a synthetic lenticule, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first synthetic polymer containing nucleophilic groups and a second synthetic polymer containing electrophilic groups;
• forming a mixture by mixing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to initiate crosslinking;
• placing said mixture into a lenticular shaped mold or onto a surface of an eye;
• and
• allowing the first synthetic polymer and the second synthetic polymer to continue crosslinking to form a clear lenticule.