Hydrogels derived from chitosan and poly(ethylene glycol) or related polymers
AssigneeShearwater Corporation
InventorsMichael David Bentley, Xuan Zhao
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Abstract
The invention provides a polymeric structure comprising a multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide), such as a poly(ethylene glycol) derivative, covalently cross-linked to a polymer selected from the group consisting of chitosan and conjugates of chitosan and a monofunctional poly(alkylene oxide), such as methoxy poly(ethylene glycol). In aqueous media, the polymeric structure forms a hydrogel that is useful as a drug delivery device, a surgical sealant, or as a delivery system for a medical imaging agent.
Claims89
A polymeric structure, comprising a multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide) covalently cross-linked to a polymer selected from the group consisting of chitosan and a covalently-bound conjugate of chitosan and a monofunctional poly(alkylene oxide), wherein said multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a polymer backbone, said backbone comprising at least one photolytically degradable linkage.
A polymeric structure, comprising a multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide) covalently cross-linked to a covalently-bound conjugate of chitosan and a monofunctional poly(alkylene oxide).
A hydrogel, comprising:
- a polymeric structure, comprising a multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide) covalently cross-linked to a polymer selected from the group consisting of chitosan and a covalently-bound conjugate of chitosan and a monofunctional poly(alkylene oxide), wherein said multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a polymer backbone, said backbone comprising at least one photolytically degradable linkage;
- and
- an aqueous medium.
A method of forming a hydrogel, comprising:
- providing a multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide), wherein the multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a polymer backbone, the backbone comprising at least one photolytically degradable linkage;
- providing a second polymer component selected from the group consisting of chitosan and a covalently-bound conjugate of chitosan and a monofunctional poly(alkylene oxide);
- and
- mixing the multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide) and the second polymer component in an aqueous medium to form a covalently cross-linked hydrogel.
A hydrogel, comprising:
- a polymeric structure, comprising a multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide) covalently cross-linked to a covalently-bound conjugate of chitosan and a monofunctional poly(alkylene oxide);
- and
- an aqueous medium.
A method of forming a hydrogen comprising:
- providing a multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide);
- providing a covalently-bound conjugate of chitosan and a monofunctional poly(alkylene oxide);
- and
- mixing the multifunctional poly(alkylene oxide) and the second polymer component in an aqueous medium to form a covalently cross-linked hydrogel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.