Abstract:
Methods and compositions are described that provide three dimensional porous matrices as structural templates for cells. The porous matrices of the present invention have desirable mechanical properties suitable to a variety of applications, including platforms for in vitro cell cultivation, implants for tissue and organ engineering, and materials suitable for chromatography and filtration.
Abstract:
The present invention is a freeze-dried polystyrene-polysiloxane foam having a density of 0.05 to 0.8 grams per cubic centimeter and a void volume of 20 to 99 percent. These foams exhibit good compressibility and rebound and are useful in insulation and sound-deadening applications.
Abstract:
A macroporous-structured polymeric aerogel, and methods for making and using the same, having a polymeric matrix that includes macropores is disclosed.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for producing aerogel materials are generally described. In certain cases, the methods do not require supercritical drying as part of the manufacturing process. In some cases, certain combinations of materials, solvents, and/or processing steps may be synergistically employed so as to enable manufacture of large (e.g., meter-scale), substantially crack free, and/or mechanically strong aerogel materials.
Abstract:
A polyolefin microporous membrane is disclosed. The membrane includes at least one microporous membrane layer, where the microporous membrane layer has an air permeability between about 100 sec/100 cc and about 220 sec/100 cc, a pin puncture strength of at least 550 gf, and a crystallization half time t1/2 of from 10 to 35 minutes when subjected to isothermal crystallization at 117° C. The air permeability and the pin puncture strength are normalized to a thickness of 16 μm.
Abstract:
Novel absorbable foams, lyophilizing solutions, and lyophilizing and annealing processes are disclosed. The foams are made from copolymers of glycolide and epsilon-caprolactone. The foams are useful in or as implantable medical devices.
Abstract:
Absorbable medical devices based on novel foams and films made from semi-crystalline, segmented copolymers of lactide and epsilon-caprolactone exhibiting long term absorption characteristics are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing said foams and films, and useful polymer solutions.
Abstract:
Methods for making polymer particles in gel form via an emulsion and/or suspension polymerization are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method can include reacting a first reaction mixture comprising a phenolic monomer, an aldehyde monomer, and a first catalyst to produce a prepolymer. The method can also include combining the prepolymer with a carrier fluid and a second catalyst to produce a second reaction mixture. The second catalyst can include a dicarboxylic acid, an anhydride, a dihydroxybenzene, or any mixture thereof. The method can also include polymerizing the prepolymer to form polymer particles in gel form.