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US 5,073,202 AGranted
Method of using a biodegradable superabsorbing sponge
AssigneeMicro Vesicular Systems, Inc.
InventorDonald F. H. Wallach
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A new superabsorber which gels and cross-links as hydrated has been developed. The superabsorber contains a branched-chain polyanionic carbohydrate such as carboxymethylcellulose, a cross-linking agent, and a hydrophobic carboxylic acid. The superabosrber is biodegradable and non-toxic.
Claims14
A method of absorbing an aqueous or saline solution using a biodegradable synthetic sponge composition comprising the steps of:
- providing said synthetic sponge composition in a substantially unhydrated form, said synthetic sponge composition containing a carboxylic acid with a substantial hydrophobic region, a separate cross-linking agent, and a branched complex carbohydrate;
- contacting said solution to be absorbed with said synthetic sponge composition;
- whereby said synthetic sponge composition hydrates to absorb said solution and cross-links into a gel substantially simultaneously.
The method of entrapping particles in a gel comprising the steps of:
- providing a synthetic sponge composition in a substantially unhydrated form, said synthetic sponge composition containing a carboxylic acid with a substantial hydrophobic region, a separate cross-linking agent, and a branched complex carbohydrate;
- contacting a solution containing said particles to be entrapped with said synthetic sponge composition;
- whereby said gel is formed by the combined hydration and cross-linking of said synthetic sponge composition, thereby entrapping the particles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.