| abstract |
One aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant nucleophilic groups, and a crosslinking agent comprising two or more pendant electrophilic groups. Another aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant electrophilic groups, and a crosslinking agent comprising at least two pendant nucleophilic groups. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of reducing the lung volume of a patient, comprising administering the hydrogel composition described herein. In addition, the hydrogel of the present invention achieves pleural adhesions, seals the bronchial pleural effusion, seals air leakage in the lungs, achieves hemostasis, or seals tissue (e.g., blood vessels, internal organs). Can be used to achieve or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein are for use in the treatment of patients with emphysema. |