Hydrogels of absorbable polyoxaesters containing amines or amido groups

Claim 2

A crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester comprising a polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Claim 3

The crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester of claim 1 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester before crosslinking additionally contained a third repeating unit selected from the group consisting of: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G and XI and combinations thereof; wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; R 5 and R 13 are independently selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Claim 4

The crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters of claim 1 wherein aliphatic polyoxaester before crosslinking has the formula: --O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --!.sub.N wherein N is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 10,000.

Claim 5

The crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester of claim 2 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester before crosslinking has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S (C(O)--R.sub.5 --O).sub.B !.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 6

The crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters of claim 2 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester before crosslinking has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S ( --O--R.sub.13 C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G!.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 9

The device of claim 6 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester before crosslinking additionally contained a third repeating unit selected from the group consisting of: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G and XI combinations thereof; wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; R 5 and R 13 are independently selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 6 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200.

Claim 10

The device of claim 6 wherein the device is an absorbable surgical device.

Claim 11

The device of claim 6 wherein the absorbable surgical device is selected from the group consisting of burn dressings, hernia patches, medicated dressings, fascial substitutes, gauze, fabrics, sheets, felts, sponges, gauze bandages, arterial graft, bandages for skin surfaces, suture knot clip, pins, clamps, screws, plates, clips, staples, hooks, buttons, snaps, bone substitutes, intrauterine devices, tubes, surgical instruments, vascular implants, vascular supports, vertebral discs, and artificial skin.

Claim 12

The device of claim 6 wherein the device is a filament.

Claim 13

The device of claim 10 wherein the filament is attached to a needle.

Claim 14

The device of claim 6 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester before crosslinking has the formula: --O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --!.sub.N wherein N is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 10,000.

Claim 15

The device of claim 6 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester before crosslinking has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S (C(O)--R.sub.5 --O).sub.B !.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 16

The device of claim 6 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester before crosslinking has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G!.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 17

A coated device comprising an aliphatic polyoxaesters having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit of formula: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV and combinations thereof, wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Claim 18

A coated device comprising an aliphatic polyoxaesters having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit of formula: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV and combinations thereof, wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Claim 19

The coated device of claim 15 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester additionally contains a third repeating unit selected from the group consisting of: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G and XI combinations thereof wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; R 5 and R 13 are independently selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200.

Claim 20

The coated device of claim 15 wherein the device is a suture.

Claim 21

The coated device of claim 17 wherein the suture is attached to a needle.

Claim 22

The coated device of claim 15 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaesters have the formula: --O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --!.sub.N wherein N is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 10,000.

Claim 23

The coated device of claim 15 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaesters have the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S (C(O)--R.sub.5 --O).sub.B !.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 24

The coated device of claim 15 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaesters have the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G!.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 25

A drug delivery matrix comprising a drug and a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester wherein the crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester is formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester has a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit of formula: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000.

Claim 26

A drug delivery matrix comprising a drug and a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester wherein the crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester is formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester has a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit of formula: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000.

Claim 27

The drug delivery matrix of claim 22 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester additionally contains a third repeating unit selected from the group consisting of: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G and XI combinations thereof; wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; R 5 and R 13 are independently selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200.

Claim 28

The drug delivery matrix of claim 22 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester before crosslinking has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S (C(O)--R.sub.5 --O).sub.B !.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 29

The drug delivery matrix of claim 22 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester before crosslinking has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G!.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 30

A crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester comprising an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, and III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--,--CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Claim 31

A crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester comprising an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, and III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--,--CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Claim 32

The crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester of claim 26 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has additionally a third repeating unit of the formula: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to 1,000.

Claim 35

The crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester of claim 26 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has additionally present a third repeating unit of the formula: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to 1,000.

Claim 36

A coated device comprising a device coated with a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester is formed from an aliphatic polyoxaesters having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Claim 37

A coated device comprising a device coated with a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester is formed from an aliphatic polyoxaesters having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Claim 38

The crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester of claim 30 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has additionally present a third repeating unit of the formula: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to 1,000.

Claim 39

A drug delivery matrix comprising a drug and a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester wherein the crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester is formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: --O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--! I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the polyoxaester has been crosslinked before or after the addition of the drug.

Claim 40

A drug delivery matrix comprising a drug and a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester wherein the crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester is formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: --O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--! I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the polyoxaester has been crosslinked before or after the addition of the drug.

Claim 41

The drug delivery matrix of claim 32 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has additionally present a third repeating unit of the formula: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to 1,000.

Claim 42

A polymer blend comprising a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: --O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--! I and a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; and which has been crosslinked, a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 43

A polymer blend comprising a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: --O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--! I and a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; and which has been crosslinked, a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 44

The polymer blend of claim 34 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester additionally contains a third repeating unit selected from the group consisting of: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G and XI and combinations thereof; wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; R 5 and R 13 are independently selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200.

Claim 45

The polymer blend of claim 34 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester before crosslinking has the formula: --O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --!.sub.N wherein N is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 10,000.

Claim 46

The polymer blend of claim 35 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S (C(O)--R.sub.5 --O).sub.B !.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 47

The polymer blend of claim 35 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaesters has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G!.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 50

The device of claim 39 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester additionally contains a third repeating unit selected from the group consisting of: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G and XI combinations thereof; wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; R 5 and R 13 are independently selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200.

Claim 51

The device of claim 39 wherein the device is surgical device.

Claim 52

The surgical device of claim 39 wherein the absorbable surgical device is selected from the group consisting of burn dressings, hernia patches, medicated dressings, fascial substitutes, gauze, fabrics, sheets, felts, sponges, gauze bandages, arterial graft, bandages for skin surfaces, suture knot clip, pins, clamps, screws, plates, clips, staples, hooks, buttons, snaps, bone substitutes, intrauterine devices, tubes, surgical instruments, vascular implants, vascular supports, vertebral discs, and artificial skin.

Claim 53

The surgical device of claim 39 wherein the device is a filament.

Claim 54

The device of claim 43 wherein the filament is attached to a needle.

Claim 55

The device of claim 39 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has the formula: --O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --!.sub.N wherein N is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 10,000.

Claim 56

The device of claim 39 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S (C(O)--R.sub.5 --O).sub.B !.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 57

The device of claim 39 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S ( --O--R.sub.13 13 C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G!.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 58

A coated device comprising a device coated with a polymer blend of a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters composed of an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit of formula: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV and combinations thereof, wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked; and a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 59

A coated device comprising a device coated with a polymer blend of a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters composed of an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit of formula: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV and combinations thereof, wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked; and a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 60

The coated device of claim 48 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester additionally contains a third repeating unit selected from the group consisting of: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G and XI combinations thereof wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; R 5 and R 13 are independently selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200.

Claim 61

The coated device of claim 48 wherein the device is a suture.

Claim 62

The coated device of claim 50 wherein the device is attached to a needle.

Claim 63

The coated device of claim 48 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has the formula: --O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --!.sub.N wherein N is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 10,000.

Claim 64

The coated device of claim 48 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C (R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S (C(O)--R.sub.5 --O).sub.B !.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 65

The coated device of claim 48 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G!.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 66

A drug delivery matrix comprising a drug and a polymer blend composed of a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit of formula: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked; and a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 67

A drug delivery matrix comprising a drug and a polymer blend composed of a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit of formula: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked; and a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 68

The drug delivery matrix of claim 55 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester additionally contains a third repeating unit selected from the group consisting of: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G and XI combinations thereof; wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; R 5 and R 13 are independently selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200.

Claim 69

The drug delivery matrix of claim 55 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S (C(O)--R.sub.5 --O).sub.B !.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 70

The drug delivery matrix of claim 55 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has the formula: (--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--(O--R.sub.12).sub.U --O).sub.S ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G!.sub.W wherein S is an integer in the range of from about 1 to 10,000 and W is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000.

Claim 71

A polymer blend comprising a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating units of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, and III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked; and a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 72

A polymer blend comprising a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating units of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, and III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked; and a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 73

The polymer blend of claim 59 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has additionally present a third repeating unit of the formula: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to 1,000.

Claim 74

A coated device comprising a device coated with a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester formed from an aliphatic polyoxaesters having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester is crosslinked and a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 75

A coated device comprising a device coated with a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester formed from an aliphatic polyoxaesters having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester is crosslinked and a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 76

The polymer blend of claim 30 wherein additionally present in the aliphatic polyoxaester is a third repeating unit of the formula: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to 1,000.

Claim 77

A drug delivery matrix comprising a drug and a polymer blend composed of a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester formed from an aliphatic polyoxaesters having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester is crosslinked; and a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 78

A drug delivery matrix comprising a drug and a polymer blend composed of a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester formed from an aliphatic polyoxaesters having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III ( --O--R.sub.13 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester is crosslinked; and a second polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymer of lactone type polymers with the repeating units described by formulas III and XI, aliphatic polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester polyurethanes, polyethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, poly(ethylene oxide), polypropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly(hydroxy ethyl acrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), absorbable polyoxalates, absorbable polyanhydrides and combinations thereof.

Claim 79

The drug delivery matrix of claim 63 wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has additionally present a third repeating unit of the formula: --O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II wherein R 4 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; A is an integer in the range of from 1 to 1,000.

Claim 80

A prepolymer comprising an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester is chemically linked to a polymerizable region.

Claim 81

A prepolymer comprising an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000; wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester is chemically linked to a polymerizable region.

Claim 82

A hydrogel comprising water and a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, and III ( --O--R.sub.13 13 C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Claim 83

A hydrogel comprising water and a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and two second repeating unit of the formulas: --O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, and III ( --O--R.sub.13 13 C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XI wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero, in which case E will be from 2 to 12; R 5 and R 13 are different and are selected from the group consisting of --C(R 6 )(R 7 )--, --(CH 2 ) 3 --O--, --CH 2 --CH 2 --O--CH 2 --, --CR 8 H--CH 2 --, --(CH 2 ) 5 --, --(CH 2 ) F --O--C(O)-- and --(CH 2 ) K --C(O)--CH 2 --; R 6 and R 7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 8 is hydrogen or methyl; F and K are integers in the range of from 2 to 6; B is an integer in the range of from 1 to n such that the number average molecular weight of formula III is less than about 200,000; P is an integer in the range of from 1 to m such that the number average molecular weight of formula XI is less than about 1,000,000; G represents the residue minus from 1 to L hydrogen atoms from the hydroxyl groups of an alcohol previously containing from 1 to about 200 hydroxyl groups; and L is an integer from about 1 to about 200; wherein the polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Claim 84

A hydrogel comprising water and a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester formed from a polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000.

Claim 85

A hydrogel comprising water and a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaester formed from a polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I: O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--!I and a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of: --O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XIV wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R 3 is an alkylene unit or is an oxyalkylene group of the following formula: -- (CH.sub.2).sub.C --O--!.sub.D --(CH.sub.2).sub.E -- IV wherein C is an integer in the range of from 2 to about 5, D is an integer in the range of from about 0 to about 2,000, and E is an integer in the range of from about 2 to about 5, except when D is zero in which case E will be an integer from 2 to 12; R 12 is an alkylene unit containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and containing an internal amine (--N(R 10 )--) or amide (--N(R 11 )--); R 10 and R 11 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and U is an integer in the range of from 1 to about 2,000.