University of Massachusetts

Jianwen Xu

Jie Song

The invention generally relates to functional polymers and hydrogels. More particularly, the invention provides versatile monomers and polymers with well-defined functionalities, e.g., polycarbonates and poly(ester-carbonates), compositions thereof, and methods for making and using the same. The invention also provides cytocompatible poly(ethylene glycol)-co-polycarobonate hydrogels (e.g., crosslinked by copper-free, strain-promoted 'click' chemistry).

Monomers and polymers for functional polycarbonates and poly(ester-carbonates) and peg-co-polycarbonate hydrogels

Monomers and polymers for functional polycarbonates and poly(ester-carbonates) and PEG-co-polycarbonate hydrogels

The invention relates to materials comprising siloxanes, preferably the materials have thermal-responsive properties. In some embodiments, the invention relates to silsesquioxane groups functionalized with polymers. In another embodiment, silsequioxane-polymer conjugates comprise polylactone segments. The silsequioxane-polymer conjugates may be crosslinked together to form a material, and these materials may be functionalized with bioactive compounds so that the materials have desirable biocompatibility or bioactivity when used in medical devices. In further embodiments, the invention relates to composite materials that contain a polymer matrix and aggregates, and in some embodiments, methods of making, and methods of using these materials. Preferably, the aggregates are calcium phosphate aggregates. Preferably, the material is resistant to fracture. In further embodiments, the materials are used in surgical procedures of bone replacement. In further embodiments, the materials contain polyhedral silsesquioxanes and/or biodegradable segments.

Thermal responsive polymer siloxanes, compositions, and method and applications related thereto

The invention relates to materials comprising polymer network containing siloxanes or organic-based core structures, preferably the materials have thermal-responsive properties. In some embodiments, the invention relates to an organic core functionalized with polymers. In another embodiment, organic core-polymer conjugates comprise polylactone segments. The organic core-polymer conjugates may be crosslinked together to form a material, and these materials may be functionalized with bioactive compounds so that the materials have desirable biocompatibility or bioactivity when used in medical devices. In some embodiments, the invention relates to silsesquioxane groups functionalized with polymers. In another embodiment, silsequioxane-polymer conjugates comprise polylactone segments. The silsequioxane-polymer conjugates may be crosslinked together to form a material, and these materials may be functionalized with bioactive compounds so that the materials have desirable biocompatibility or bioactivity when used in medical devices. In further embodiments, the invention relates to composite materials that contain a polymer matrix and aggregates, and in some embodiments, methods of making, and methods of using these materials. Preferably, the aggregates are calcium phosphate aggregates. Preferably, the material is resistant to fracture. In further embodiments, the materials are used in surgical procedures of bone replacement. In further embodiments, the materials contain polyhedral silsesquioxanes and/or biodegradable segments.

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Worcester, MA, United States of America

Jianwen Xu