Patent ID: 8372895
Filing Date: 2013-02-12
Classification: A61L,C08L

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a polymer-comprising material comprising (i) a plasticizer, which is a water soluble or water miscible organic solvent, (ii) a water degradable and water insoluble polymer, wherein the polymer is soluble in the plasticizer and capable of solidifying in an aqueous medium or body fluid to form a solid or semi-solid implant upon removal of the plasticizer into the surrounding tissue, and (iii) a water-binding agent, wherein the water-binding agent is present in an amount of 25 wt % or less, which amount is sufficient to physically absorb and/or adsorb or chemically adsorb water to prevent degradation of the polymer, and wherein the water-binding agent is silica gel, zeolite, dewatered calcium sulfate dehydrate, calcium sulfate anhydrous, sodium sulfate anhydrous, magnesium sulfate anhydrous, magnesium ethanolate, calcium ethanolate, aluminum ethanolate, or a mixture thereof, which method comprises (a) drying the plasticizer, (b) milling and/or sieving the water-binding agent to reduce particle size, (c) drying or burning the water-binding agent such that the water-binding agent maintains its water binding capacity, and (d) mixing the plasticizer, the water-binding agent, and the polymer.