Property changing implant

Abstract

The present invention relates to implants comprising a deformable body formed of a polymer comprising functional groups capable of cross-linking to form a cross-link; said body provided in a first configuration which is cross-linked to a second configuration upon application of a selected stimuli; wherein said selected stimuli causes said cross-linking of said functional groups.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pre-cured composition comprising a polymer and a cross-linking agent, said polymer is characterized by Formula I:
   [X]m[X(-L-Y)]n[X-Z-]p   Formula I
   wherein:   m is zero or a positive integer;   n and p are each independently an integer which is at least 1;   p is 1 or 2;   the sum of m, n and p is at least 10;   X is a backbone unit which forms a polymeric backbone;   L is absent or is a first linking moiety;   Y is said functional group;   Z is said first cross-link; and   L and Y together form a pendant group attached to said polymer,   said cross-linking agent is a compound comprising at least two cross-linkable functional groups connected by a second linking moiety or connected to a nanoparticle or microparticle.   
     
     
         2 . The pre-cured composition of  claim 1 , wherein said second linking moiety is selected form the group consisting of a hydrocarbon moiety, an alkylene glycol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and a polyethylene glycol moiety. 
     
     
         3 . The pre-cured composition of  claim 1 , wherein said cross-linkable functional groups are substantially the same as L of said polymer. 
     
     
         4 . The pre-cured composition of  claim 1 , wherein said cross-linkable functional groups are acrylic functional groups. 
     
     
         5 . The pre-cured composition of  claim 1 , wherein said polymer in a form of a liquid A and said cross-linking agent is in a form of a liquid B, said liquid A and said liquid B are mixed with each other to thereby form the pre-cured composition. 
     
     
         6 . The pre-cured composition of  claim 5 , wherein said liquid A and/or said liquid B further comprises an initiator. 
     
     
         7 . The pre-cured composition of  claim 6 , wherein said initiator is selected from the group consisting a free-radical initiator, an anionic initiator, a photoinitiator and a thermal initiator. 
     
     
         8 . A method for treating a bone fracture, comprising:
 a. delivering the pre-cured composition of  claim 1  to a target site of the bone fracture; and   b. allowing time for a curing process to laps;   wherein said delivering comprises contacting said polymer with said cross-linking agent prior to said delivering.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said contacting and delivering is effected by means of a delivery device. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said liquid A and said liquid B are mixed to thereby produce a solid implant at target site upon completion of said curing process.