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Polymers are versatile materials found in many modern products. Natural polymers include cellulose and rubber, while man-made polymers include nylon fibers used in fabrics, coatings such as paints and other finishes, plastics such as polyethylene, and elastomers used in automobile tires and rubber gloves, Landec's proprietary Intelimer polymers are synthetic materials that respond to temperature changes in a controllable, predictable way. Intelimer polymers can abruptly change their permeability, adhesion or viscosity when heated or cooled by just a few degrees. These changes are triggered by a built-in temperature switch which can be set within temperature ranges compatible with most biological applications. Moreover, because the process of change involves a physical, and not a chemical change, it can be repeatedly reversed. Landec has been granted seventeen U.S. patents, and numerous additional patent applications are pending.
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