Patent ID: 7351430
Filing Date: 2008-04-01
Classification: A61K,A61L,A61P,C08F,C08L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing a shape-retentive hydrogel aggregate composition comprising: (a) adding a monomer or two or more different monomers selected from the group consisting of a 2-alkenoic acid, a hydroxy(2C-4C)alkyl 2-alkenoate, a hydroxy(2C-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkyl 2-alkenoate, a (IC-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkyl 2-alkenoate and a vicinyl epoxy(1C-4C)alkyl 2-alkenoate to one or more liquid(s) having one or more hydroxyl groups; (b) adding from 0.1 to 15 mole percent of a cross-linking agent and from 0.01 to 10 mol percent of a surfactant to the liquid(s), where said surfactant is sodium dodecyl sulfaofate; (c) polymerizing the monomers to form a suspension in the liquid(s) of a plurality of hydrogel particles comprising a plurality of polymeric strands, wherein the hydrogel particles have an average diameter of less than 1,000 nanometers, and from 10 to 90% of absorbed liquids(s); and (d) removing non-absorbed liquids until the plurality of hydrogel particles coalesce into a shape-retentive aggregate held together by non-covalent inter-particle and particle-liquid physical forces, thereby forming a shape-retentive hydrogel aggregate composition.