Clear, chemically modified collagen-synthetic polymer conjugates for ophthalmic applications

Abstract

Various forms of chemically modified collagen are covalently crosslinked with activated synthetic hydrophilic polymers to form optically clear biocompatible conjugates useful in a variety of medical applications, particularly in ophthalmic devices. The chemically modified collagen is in substantially nonfibrillar form at pH 7 and is preferably succinylated or methylated collagen. The synthetic hydrophilic polymer is preferably an activated polymeric glycol, most preferably, a di- or multifunctionally activated polyethylene glycol. Materials and devices formed with the chemically modified collagen-synthetic polymer conjugates have good optical clarity, mechanical strength, and moldability.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.