| abstract |
The present invention provides compositions and methods for sealing a wound and preparing a lens. The methods of the invention utilize dendritic macromolecules formed by treating a dendritic compound with light or a linking compound. In certain instances, the dendritic compounds have a lysine-, cysteine-, isocysteine-residue or other nucleophilic group attached to the periphery of the dendrimer: Addition of a compound containing two or more electrophilic groups such as aldehydes, activated esters, or acrylates to the lysine-, cysteine-, or isocysteine-capped dendrimers produces a polymeric compound that can form a seal or a lens. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of treating disease using the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention. Other aspects of the invention relate to kits for sealing a wound or preparing a lens, delivery devices, and methods for controlling the polymerization of a hydrogel system. |