| abstract |
The disclosed are hydrogels that are partially polymerized, biodegradable, and durable, designed to be implantable into a mammal and intended to block or reduce tissue adhesion. The hydrogel of the present invention is characterized by comprising four structural elements: a) a polymer backbone defining the overall polymer morphology, b) a linker, c) a side chain, and d) a biologically functional end group. The hydrophobicity of various structural elements is selected to reduce tissue adhesion and enhance the biofunctional properties of the terminal groups. The morphology of these polymers typically has a high molecular weight and a shape that promotes entanglement. Useful structures include branches, comb or brush, and tree forms. |