Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1979
Title: A Darline Mellon: Innovator in Biodegradable Polymers
Introduction
A Darline Mellon is a prominent inventor based in Bridgewater, NJ (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of biodegradable polymers, particularly in the development of copolymers that are useful in medical applications.
Latest Patents
Mellon's latest patents focus on the creation of addition copolymers of lactide and glycolide. These relatively high molecular weight, fiber-forming, crystalline copolymers are prepared through a two-stage polymerization process. In the first stage, a random copolymer is created using a major proportion of optically active lactide and a minor proportion of glycolide or d,l-lactide. The second stage involves the addition of a major amount of glycolide and a minor amount of lactide monomers to the copolymer from the first stage. This process results in a high molecular weight addition copolymer containing 50 to 75 wt percent of units derived from glycolide. The resulting polymer is fiber-forming and is particularly useful in the preparation of absorbable surgical sutures.
Career Highlights
A Darline Mellon is currently employed at Ethicon GmbH, where she continues to innovate in the field of medical polymers. Her work has been instrumental in advancing the technology behind absorbable sutures, which are critical in various surgical procedures.
Collaborations
Mellon has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Yuzi Okuzumi and David Wasserman, contributing to a dynamic research environment that fosters innovation.
Conclusion
A Darline Mellon is a key figure in the development of biodegradable polymers, with her patents paving the way for advancements in medical applications. Her contributions are vital to the ongoing evolution of surgical materials.