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AssigneeCambridge Polymer Group, Inc.
InventorsJeffrey W. Ruberti, Gavin J. C. Braithwaite
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In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods of controllably making a vinyl polymer hydrogel having desired physical properties without chemical cross links or radiation. The gelation process is modulated by controlling, for example, the temperature of a resultant vinyl polymer mixture having a gellant or using active ingredients provided in an inactive gellant complex. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the method of manufacturing a vinyl polymer hyrodgel includes the steps of providing a vinyl polymer solution comprising a vinyl polymer dissolved in a first solvent; heating the vinyl polymer solution to a temperature elevated above the melting point of the physical associations of the vinyl polymer, mixing the vinyl polymer solution with a gellant, wherein the resulting mixture has a higher Flory interaction parameter than the vinyl polymer solution; inducing gelation of the mixture of vinyl polymer solution and gellant; and controlling the gelation rate to form a viscoelastic solution, wherein workability is maintained for a predetermined period, thereby making a vinyl polymer hydrogel having the desired physical property. In further preferred embodiments, the present invention provides physically crosslinked hydrogels produced by controlled gelation of viscoelastic solution wherein workability is maintained for a predetermined period. In another aspect, the present invention provides kits for use in repairing intervertebral disks or articulated joints including components that form the vinyl polymer hydrogel and a dispenser.
A method of making a vinyl polymer hydrogel having a desired physical property comprising the steps of:
43 The method of claim 39 wherein the gel particle releases its contents upon undergoing a phase transition at about the body temperature of a mammal.
A physically cross-linked gel produced by the method of:
96 The physically cross-linked gel of claim 92 wherein the gel particle releases its contents upon undergoing a phase transition at about the body temperature of a mammal.
A physically cross-linked hydrogel substantially free of chemical crosslinkers.
A physically cross-linked hydrogel comprising at least about 10 weight percent polyvinyl alcohol solution gelled by immersion in about 2 to about 3 molar sodium chloride wherein the hydrogel is about 14 percent to about 21 percent physically crosslinked.
A kit for providing vinyl polymer hydrogels to a region of interest comprising:
The kit of 122 further comprising a temperature controller.
A method for sealing a defect in a soft tissue in a region of interest comprising the steps of:
An injectable hydrogel for nucleus pulposus augmentation manufactured by the method comprising the step of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.