Methods for the formation of hydrogels using thiosulfonate compositions and uses thereof
AssigneeNektar Therapeutics
InventorsZhihao Fang, Michael D. Bentley
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Abstract
The present invention provides both crosslinked polymer compositions capable of forming hydrogels upon exposure to an aqueous environment and thiosulfonate hydrogel-forming components. The thiosulfonate hydrogel-forming components of the invention are preferably multi-arm thiosulfonate polymer derivatives that form a crosslinked polymer composition when exposed to a base without requiring the presence of a second cross-linking reagent, redox catalyst, or radiation. Methods for forming hydrogel compositions, as well as methods for using the hydrogels, are also provided.
Claims8
A crosslinked polymer composition produced according to a method comprising:
- providing a first composition comprising at least one thiosulfonate polymer derivative, wherein said at least one thiosulfonate polymer derivative has the formula,
- wherein POLY is a water-soluble polymer, (n) is 3 to about 25, X is a linking group, Y is a moiety derived from a molecule having at least three nucleophilic groups, and R is hydrogen, or an organic radical;
- exposing said first composition to a base under conditions sufficient to initiate crosslinking between said thiosulfonate functional groups;
- and
- allowing said crosslinking to proceed to thereby form said crosslinked polymer composition,
- and wherein said crosslinked polymer composition is substantially free from by-products of crosslinking agents or redox catalysts.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.