In one aspect, thermal energy storage compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises 0.5-10 wt. % polysaccharide and 88-99.5 wt. % water, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition. Moreover, in some cases, the composition is shape stable at 20° C. and 1 atm.

Provided herein are methods for treating nephrolithiasis and protecting the urothelium and inner lining of the kidney from thermal damage during lithotripsy by use of a thermosensitive bio-adhesive hydrogel. The described method dramatically improved the efficiency and effectiveness of stone clearance compared to conventional techniques while providing protection to the urothelium from potentially damaging temperature spikes.

Provided herein are methods for treating nephrolithiasis and protecting the urothelium and inner lining of the kidney from thermal damage during lithotripsy by use of a thermosensitive bio-adhesive hydrogel. The described method dramatically improved the efficiency and effectiveness of stone clearance compared to conventional techniques while providing protection to the urothelium from potentially damaging temperature spikes.

A polymeric composition for enhancing grip, including a modified solvent phase and a solid phase dispersed within the modified solvent phase. The modified solvent phase may include calcium-based gel, including calcium acetate particles partially dissolved in an alcoholic solution. The solid phase also includes a polymeric matrix and a plurality of desiccant particles encompassed by the polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix includes polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and a thickener.

A polymeric composition for enhancing grip, including a modified solvent phase and a solid phase dispersed within the modified solvent phase. The modified solvent phase may include calcium-based gel, including calcium acetate particles partially dissolved in an alcoholic solution. The solid phase also includes a polymeric matrix and a plurality of desiccant particles encompassed by the polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix includes polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and a thickener.

Polymeric compositions are provided that include a poly(ethylene glycol), a viscoelastic polymer, and an antioxidant, where, in polymerized form, the compositions have a refractive index of about 1.30 to about 1.40. Methods of synthesizing the compositions are also provided and include the steps of heating an amount of water; adding a buffering agent to the water to form a buffer solution; mixing a poly(ethylene glycol) and a viscoelastic polymer into the buffer solution to form a reactive mixture; adding a plurality of antioxidant particles to the reactive mixture; and removing suspended gas bubbles from the reactive mixture. Methods of preventing oxidative damage to an eye lens of a subject are further provided and include administering the foregoing polymeric compositions to the eye lens of the subject.

Polymeric compositions are provided that include a poly(ethylene glycol), a viscoelastic polymer, and an antioxidant, where, in polymerized form, the compositions have a refractive index of about 1.30 to about 1.40. Methods of synthesizing the compositions are also provided and include the steps of heating an amount of water; adding a buffering agent to the water to form a buffer solution; mixing a poly(ethylene glycol) and a viscoelastic polymer into the buffer solution to form a reactive mixture; adding a plurality of antioxidant particles to the reactive mixture; and removing suspended gas bubbles from the reactive mixture. Methods of preventing oxidative damage to an eye lens of a subject are further provided and include administering the foregoing polymeric compositions to the eye lens of the subject.

A composite comprised of: (i) at least one inverse freezing material, and (ii) an additive in the form of at least one solid particle. Articles made of the composites, and uses of the composites or the articles incorporating same, particularly for reducing incoming shockwaves, are also disclosed.

The present invention concerns a suspension of a polymer comprising, in addition to said polymer, a) a liquid medium; b) a monovalent cation salt; c) an alginate.

A method for consolidating a fibrous material of plant-based fibers, such as cellulose fibers and/or poly-lactic acid fibers, the method including: applying to the fibrous material an aqueous solution including a cellulose derivative, and/or a salt thereof, and an acid, the aqueous solution having a pH within the range of from 3 to 7, optionally within the range of from 3 to 6, optionally within the range of from 3 to 4.5; and drying the bonded fibrous material, optionally at 100° C. or higher. Also, a fibrous material formed by the method, an aqueous binder solution including a cellulose derivative, and/or a salt thereof, and an acid, and a nonwoven material including airlaid plant-based fibers being consolidated by a bio-based binder in the presence of a carboxylic acid, the bio-based binder being a cellulose derivative, and/or a salt thereof.