Tunable, semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (sIPNS) for medicine and biotechnology
AssigneesThe Regents of the University of California, Northwest University
InventorsKevin E. Healy, Ranee A. Stile
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Abstract
The present invention provides a class of semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks that include a linear polymer molecule functionalized with a bioactive moiety. The linear polymer is physically entangled within a matrix based upon a thermo-responsive polymer. The bioactive moiety is, e.g., a therapeutic moiety or a moiety that enhances the interaction of a cell with the polymer network. The polymer networks of the invention are flowable at room temperature, becoming solid or semi-solid at elevated temperatures (e.g., body temperature). The polymer networks are of use as drug delivery vehicles and as matrices for tissue engineering.
Claims21
A semi-interpenetrating polymer network comprising:
- (a) a cross-linked thermo-responsive polymer;
- and
- (b) a linear polymer entangled within said cross-linked thermo-responsive polymer, said linear polymer derivatized with a bioactive molecule.
A method of preparing a semi-interpenetrating polymer network comprising a thermo-responsive polymer cross-linked with a cross-linking moiety;
- and a linear polymer entangled within said thermo-responsive polymer, said linear polymer derivatized with a biomolecule, said method comprising:
- (a) contacting said linear polymer with a monomeric precursor of said thermo- responsive polymer and a cross-linking agent;
- and
- (b) initiating polymerization of said monomeric precursor and formation of said cross-linking moiety, thereby forming said semi-interpenetrating network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.