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US 6,620,356 B1Granted
Porous constructs fabricated by gas induced phase inversion
AssigneeIntegra LifeSciences Corporation
InventorsBetty Wong, John E. Kemnitzer
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Abstract
Methods for producing open-pore polymeric matrices prepared via gas induced phase inversion are provided. Matrices produced by these methods for various uses including medical implant devices, filtration/separation aids, and porous supports are also provided.
Claims5
A method for producing an open-pore polymer matrix with pore sizes ranging from 10-500 μm in diameter comprising:
- (a) preparing a homogeneous polymer solution comprising one or more polymers and one or more solvents;
- (b) pouring the solution into an open container or mold for the matrix;
- (c) contacting the solution with a gas or supercritical fluid in a pressure vessel under selected conditions of pressure and temperature such that the gas or supercritical fluid is a nonsolvent for or is sparingly soluble in the polymer;
- (d) allowing the polymer in the solution to phase separate into a polymer gel precipitate and solidify to form the matrix;
- (e) fixing the pore morphology so that further changes to the matrix are minimized;
- (f) depressurizing the pressure vessel and removing the matrix from the pressure vessel;
- and
- (g) removing residual solvent from the matrix.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.