Polymerization with precipitation of proteins for elution in physiological solution

Abstract

Methods and compositions for polymerizing materials with the process of making the material causing precipitation of an agent that is subsequently released by the material. In some aspects, controlled delivery of bioactive substances from biodegradable hydrogels is disclosed. In certain embodiments, biodegradable hydrogels formed in situ comprise entrapped precipitated proteins that are ordinarily water soluble. The dissolving and release of the bioactive substance is impeded by the hydrogel structure and takes place at a slow rate, thus controlling the release of said bioactive substance from the hydrogel. Thus a bioactive substance that would normally be rapidly dissolved in a physiological surrounding is, instead, released in a controlled manner. The hydrogel phase also serves to protect the bioactive agent from cells and enzymes present in physiological surroundings.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.