High strength biomedical materials
High strength biomedical materials and processes for making the same are disclosed. Included in the disclosure are nanoporous hydrophilic solids that can be extruded with a high aspect ratio to make high strength medical catheters and other devices with lubricious and biocompatible surfaces.
1. An article, comprising:
a lumen; and
a polymeric material;
wherein the polymeric material comprises at least one water soluble polymer,
wherein the polymeric material is free of covalent crosslinking agents,
wherein the polymeric material has a Young's modulus of 5-100 MPa at equilibrium water content (EWC), and
wherein the article comprises a plurality of interconnected pores.
2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the article comprises a hemodialysis catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), a central venous catheter, a midline catheter, a peripheral catheter, a urinary catheter, a neurological catheter, a peritoneal catheter, and/or an infusion port.
3. The article of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric material has a Young's modulus of 10 to 100 MPa at equilibrium water content.
4. The article of claim 1 , wherein the article has an aspect ratio of at least 10:1.
5. The article of claim 1 , wherein the at least one water soluble polymer comprises poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(acrylic acid), polyethylene glycol, and/or poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).
6. The article of claim 1 , wherein the article has a swelling of 50% w/w or less at EWC.
7. The article of claim 1 , wherein the article comprises a radiopaque agent.