Three energy sources that will work in a cold, dark, static environment

The purpose of the proposed OSD Phase I program is to develop and commercialize novel tissue solders based on a biodegradable copolymer system that contains a controlled degree of acrylate-terminated photoactive branch sites. This will result in a processthat, with the addition of a biocompatible and non-toxic photosensitizer/electron donor initiating system, will rapidly cure from a viscous liquid to a tough ductile polymer in a matter of milliseconds. This reaction occurs with a minimal heat ofpolymerization in an oxygen-containing aqueous environment at physiological pH. The free-radical cure reaction is easily triggered by applying a filtered and focused light beam via optical fiber from a source with a broad wavelength range to the syntheticsolder (polymer/initiator) formulation. Utilization of a specified fiber type allows control of this range such that the surrounding tissue is not subjected to potentially damaging wavelengths that are frequently a problem associated with laser systems.Addition of a light sensitive dye to the formulation serves as a visual cue to the surgeon as an indicator of cure conversion. As the dye changes color, visual feedback is provided to the surgeon indicating the completion of the procedure. The purpose ofthe proposed OSD Phase I program is to develop and commercialize novel tissue solders based on a biodegradable copolymer system that contains a controlled degree of acrylate-terminated photoactive branch sites. This will result in a process that, with theaddition of a biocompatible and non-toxic photosensitizer/electron donor initiating system, will rapidly cure from a viscous liquid to a tough ductile polymer in a matter of milliseconds. This reaction occurs with a minimal heat of polymerization in anoxygen-containing aqueous environment at physiological pH. The free-radical cure reaction is easily triggered by applying a filtered and focused light beam via optical fiber from a source with a broad wavelength range to the synthetic solder(polymer/initiator) formulation. Utilization of a specified fiber type allows control of this range such that the surrounding tissue is not subjected to potentially damaging wavelengths that are frequently a problem associated with laser systems. Additionof a light sensitive dye to the formulation serves as a visual cue to the surgeon as an indicator of cure conversion. As the dye changes color, visual feedback is provided to the surgeon indicating the completion of the procedure.