Biomimetic compounds and synthetic methods therefor

Abstract

Synthesis methods for creating polymeric compounds comprising dihydroxyphenyl derivatives (DHPD), or DHPp i.e. polymers modified with DHPD, with desired surface active effects are described. The polymer backbone of DHPp has structural or performance features that can be tailored to control physical properties of DHPp, allowing it to be useful for different applications i.e. tissue adhesives or sealants, adhesion promoting coatings, and antifouling coatings.

1 . A DHPD-modified polymer (DHPp) according to Formula (I): 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein LG is an optional linking group, DHPD is a dihydroxyphenyl derivative, and pB is a polymeric back bone. 
   
   
       2 . A polymer of  claim 1  wherein the DHPD comprises at least about 1 to about 100 weight percent of the DHPp. 
   
   
       3 . A polymer of  claim 1  wherein the DHPD comprises at least about 2 to about 65 weight percent of DHPp. 
   
   
       4 . A polymer of  claim 1  wherein DHPD comprises about 3 to about 55 weight percent of DHPp. 
   
   
       5 . A polymer of  claim 1  wherein the pB consists essentially of polyalkylene oxide. 
   
   
       6 . A polymer according to  claim 1  wherein pB is substantially a homopolymer. 
   
   
       7 . A polymer according to  claim 1  wherein pB is substantially a copolymer. 
   
   
       8 . A DHPD-modified polymer DHPp according to Formula (II): 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein R 1  is a monomer or prepolymer linked or polymerized to form pB, and LG is an optional linking group. 
   
   
       9 . A polymer according to  claim 8  wherein R 1  is selected from the group consisting of polyether, polyester, polyamide, polyacylate, and polyalkyl. 
   
   
       10 . A polymer according to  claim 8  wherein DHPD is 1, 2 dihydroxy phenyl. 
   
   
       11 . A polymer according to  claim 8  wherein R 1  is linked through urethane, urea, amide, ester, carbonate, or carbon-carbon bond formation.