A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and
using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and
an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic
device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable
groups and one or more initiator groups (e.g., polymer-pendent initiator groups).
The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can
be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides
advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular
weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity,
efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an
interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to
permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site
and implant. In a preferred embodiment, polymers with pendent polymerizable groups,
for use in the macromer system, are prepared by reacting a polysaccharide polymer
with a reactive moiety in an organic, polar solvent such as formamide.
