Superporous hydrogels for heavy-duty applications
AssigneeKOS Life Sciences Abbott Laboratories
InventorsHossein Omidian, Jose G. Rocca
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Abstract
The present invention features modified superporous hydrogels (SPHs) and methods for their formation. The SPHs of the present invention are prepared by careful selection of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic reactive ingredients and by harmonizing the foaming and polymerization reactions, which results in the formation of SPHs having a homogeneous structure and favorable physical and mechanical properties, including swelling, strength, ruggedness, and resiliency. The SPHs of the present invention are particularly useful when employed in very harsh swelling environments, such as the low pH environment of the gastric fluid of the stomach, for extended periods of time.
Claims46
A method of preparing a superporous hydrogel, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) preparing a mixture comprising an ethylenically-unsaturated monomer of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), at least one cross-linking agent, and at least one property-modifying agent comprising an ion-complexable site, wherein said HEMA is present in said mixture in an amount greater than 80 wt %;
- and
- b) causing polymerization of said mixture by contacting said mixture with at least one polymerization agent to form said hydrogel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.