| abstract |
Biocompatible polymeric complexes having utility in many fields including medical applications, as well as personal and health care, are provided and can be affixed to a variety of substrate materials which themselves may or may not also be biocompatible. The complexes of this invention are comprised of a carboxylic acid polymer with either a poly(lower-alkylene oxide) or a poly(N-vinyl lactam). Moreover, a complex of an antimicrobial agent such as iodine can be formed with the complex to provide antimicrobial activity. The complexes are also useful for forming biocompatible coatings on medical devices, some of which can render the surface lubricious when exposed to aqueous or body fluids. |