This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes
around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules.
The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or
biomedical devices, as a "glue" to cause more than one biological substance to
adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods
for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization
system containing water-soluble macromers, species, which are at once polymers
and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized
using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an
accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light.
The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.
The polymer membrane can be formed directly on the surface of the biological material,
or it can be formed on material, which is already encapsulated.
