Gelled biopolymer based foam
AssigneeFMC Biopolymer AS
InventorsOlav Gaserod, Peder Oscar Andersen, Rolf Myrvold
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.
Claims61
A dried gelled foam comprising a gel-forming polymer selected from the group consisting of alginates, pectic substances, carrageenans, and mixtures thereof;
- a water soluble plasticizer;
- optionally a foaming agent;
- and optionally a co-binder, in which:
- the ratio of the plasticizer to the gel-forming polymer is about 10:1 to about 2:1,
- the gel-forming polymer is crossliniked with a polyvalent cation,
- the plasticizer comprises more than 55 wt % of the foam, based on the amount of the gel-forming polymer, the plasticizer, the foaming agent, the co-binder, gelling agent, and pH modifier present in the foam, and
- the foam is mechanically homogeneous.
A dried gelled foam comprising alginate or a mixture of alginates;
- a water soluble plasticizer;
- optionally a foaming agent;
- and optionally a co-binder, in which:
- the ratio of the plasticizer to the gel-forming polymer is about 10:1 to about 2:1,
- the alginate is crosslinked with a polyvalent cation,
- the amount of polyvalent cation in the foam is sufficient to saturate 65% to 200% of the gelling sites of the alginate,
- the plasticizer comprises more than 55 wt % of the foam, based on the amount of the gel-forming polymer, the plasticizer, the foaming agent, the co-binder, gelling agent, and pH modifier present in the foam,
- the polyvalent cation is the calcium ion,
- the foam is mechanically homogeneous.
A dried gelled foam comprising a gel-forming polymer selected from the group consisting of alginates, pectic substances, carrageenans, and mixtures thereof;
- a water soluble plasticizer;
- optionally a foaming agent;
- and optionally a co-binder, in which:
- the ratio of the plasticizer to the gel-forming polymer is about 10:1 to about 2:1,
- the gel-forming polymer is crossliniked with a polyvalent cation,
- the plasticizer comprises more than 55 wt % of the foam, based on the amount of the gel-forming polymer, the plasticizer, the foaming agent, the co-binder, gelling agent, and pH modifier present in the foam,
- the foam has a pH in the range of 4 to 8, and
- the foam is mechanically homogeneous.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.