초록 ▼

This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a "glue" to cause more than one b

This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a "glue" to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization. The polymer membrane can be formed directly on the surface of the biological material, or it can be formed on material which is already encapsulated.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for encapsulating biological material, comprising the steps of:providing a mixture of the biological material in an aqueous macromer solution comprising macromer and a photoinitiating dye activatable by radiation having a wavelength between 320 nm and 900 nm, s

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for encapsulating biological material, comprising the steps of:providing a mixture of the biological material in an aqueous macromer solution comprising macromer and a photoinitiating dye activatable by radiation having a wavelength between 320 nm and 900 nm, said biological material selected from the group consisting of mammalian tissue and mammalian cells, said macromer comprising a water-soluble biocompatible polymer having at least two ethylenically unsaturated sites, wherein the macromer is selected from the group consisting of poly(alkalene oxide) polyvinyl alcohol) poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(ethyloxazoline), poly(amino acids), polysaccharides, and proteins;generating small geometric shapes of said mixture; andpolymerizing the macromer by exposing the geometric shapes to light radiation, wherein the radiation has a wavelength between 320 nm and 900 nm.