Gallium-based glass composition

Abstract

A gallium silica glass composition is described. The glass can be used in variety of biomedical applications

1 . A method of treating a vascular structure, said vascular structure having a lumen and a wall, said method comprising:
 a) introducing a composition into the vascular structure, the composition comprising a first part comprising a polymer matrix and a second part comprising a glass composition having an acid labile tetrahedral structure, the first part and the second part being combinable to form an ionically crosslinked glass polymer matrix composition having an acid labile tetrahedral structure wherein operatively the glass composition cross links into and sets the polymer matrix; and   b) allowing the composition to set and form a substantially solid mass within the vascular structure.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  comprising, prior to introducing the composition, providing an inflatable balloon within the vascular structure and inflating the balloon. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the introducing step comprises inserting a catheter into the vascular structure and using the catheter to deliver the composition. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the matrix comprises an alginate hydrogel. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ionically crosslinked glass polymer matrix composition operably forms a biocompatible, mechanically stable, flexible material, providing controlled release of ions within the human body. 
     
     
         6 . A method of forming an ionically crosslinked glass polymer matrix composition within the human body, the method comprising:
 a. providing a polymer matrix;   b. providing a glass composition, the glass composition having an add labile tetrahedral structure   c. combining the polymer matrix with the glass composition, the combining effecting a release of at least one component from the glass through an acid reaction so as to cross link into the polymer matrix so as to affect a setting of the glass polymer matrix composition;   d. introducing the polymer matrix into the human body and allowing it to set.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the combining provides a mixture having a working time period of 10 to 30 minutes, the setting period being in the range 1-5 minutes after completion of the working time. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  comprising acid washing the glass composition to modify wettabillity and mixing properties of the composition. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the polymer matrix compirises an alginate. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the alginate is a polysaccharide composed of β- D -mannuronic acid (M) and α- I -guluronic acid (G), giving the alginate a M/G block structure having an ability to gel when the G-blocks are cross-linked with multivalent ions. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the alginate has a molecular weight of 700 kDa and is provided at a concentration of about 4.5%.