초록 ▼

A method is provided for the rapid formation of a biocompatible gel, and may be carried out in situ, i.e., at a selected site within a patient's body. The method involves admixing a biocompatible crosslinking component A having m sulfhydryl groups wherein m≥2 and a biocompatible crosslinking compone

A method is provided for the rapid formation of a biocompatible gel, and may be carried out in situ, i.e., at a selected site within a patient's body. The method involves admixing a biocompatible crosslinking component A having m sulfhydryl groups wherein m≥2 and a biocompatible crosslinking component B having n sulfhydryl-reactive groups wherein n≥2 and m+n>4, wherein the sulfhydryl-reactive groups are capable of covalent reaction with the sulfhydryl groups upon admixture of the components under effective crosslinking conditions to form a gel in less than one minute. Suitable reaction conditions for carrying out the crosslinking reaction will depend on the particular components and the type of reaction involved; that is, the "effective crosslinking conditions" may involve reaction in bulk or in a solvent, addition of a base, and/or irradiation of the admixture in the presence of a free radical initiator. Exemplary uses include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent delivery, bioadhesion, and prevention of adhesions following surgery or injury. Reactive gel-forming compositions and systems are also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for preparing a biocompatible gel, comprising: (a) forming a reactive composition by admixing a biocompatible crosslinking component A having m sulfhydryl groups with a biocompatible crosslinking component B having n sulfhydryl-reactive groups, wherein m≥2, n≥2 and m+n>4, and further

1. A method for preparing a biocompatible gel, comprising: (a) forming a reactive composition by admixing a biocompatible crosslinking component A having m sulfhydryl groups with a biocompatible crosslinking component B having n sulfhydryl-reactive groups, wherein m≥2, n≥2 and m+n>4, and further wherein the sulfhydryl-reactive groups are capable of covalent reaction with the m sulfhydryl groups upon admixture of components A and B under effective crosslinking conditions to form a gel in less than one minute; and (b) allowing the components of the reactive composition to crosslink and thereby form a gel. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the covalent reaction is a nucleophilic substitution reaction. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein step (a) additionally comprises incorporating a polar, hydrophilic solvent into the reactive composition. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the solvent is a sterile aqueous medium. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the effective crosslinking conditions comprise providing the reactive composition with an alkaline pH in the range of about 7.5 to about 11. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the alkaline pH is provided by admixing the components with a base. 7. The method of claim 2, wherein at least one of components A and B is a liquid under the effective crosslinking conditions, and step (a) is carried out without an added solvent. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the effective crosslinking conditions comprise providing the reactive composition with an alkaline pH in the range of about 7.5 to about 11. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the alkaline pH is provided by admixing the components with a base. 10. The method of claim 5 or 8, wherein the pH of the reactive composition admixture is in the range of about 8 to about 10.5. 11. The method of claim 2, wherein the pH of the reactive composition is in the range of about 8.5 to about 10.5. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein m+n≥5. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein m≥4 and n≥4. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein m is 4 and n is 4. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein m is 12 and n is 12. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein m is 4 and n is 8. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein m is 8 and n is 4. 18. The method of claim 2, wherein component A has the structural formula (I) and component B has the structural formula (II) R1(--[Q1]q--SH)m (I)