| abstract |
(57) [Summary]nThe present invention relates generally to synthetic polymer compositions that form an interpenetrating polymer network. The composition comprises: a) a first polyfunctional synthetic polymer having one core and m functional groups X; b) a polyfunctional crosslinker having n functional groups Y; and c) a tensile strength enhancer; Wherein a), b) and c), when mixed together, form an interstitial network from the reaction of functional group X with functional group Y via formation of a covalent bond Z; The interpenetrating polymer network thus formed has at least 10% of the tensile strength of the cyanoacrylate, measured under the same conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises a synthetic polymer having two activated polyfunctional groups, together with a tensile strength enhancer. Such compositions form matrices that exhibit excellent tensile strength and can often serve as a suitable replacement for surgical means of joining tissue, such as sutures and medical staples. |