Abstract: The invention provides transgenic nonhuman mammals capable secreting exogenous procollagen or collagen into their milk. The mammals are healthy and capable of producing procollagen or collagen at high levels, usually in trimeric form. Suitable transgenes for incorporation into the mammals are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are crosslinked polymer compositions that include a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer, which contains or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further include other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel crosslinked biomaterial compsotions which are prepared using hydrophobic polymers as a crosslinking agent. Preferred hydrophobic polymers are those that contain two or more reactive succinimidyl groups, including disuccinimidyl suberate, bix(sulfosuccinimidyl) suberate, and dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate). Crosslinked biomaterial compositions prepared using mixtures of hydrophobic and hydrophilic crosslinking agents are also disclosed. The compositions of the present invention can be used to prepare formed implants for use in a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: The invention provides transgenic nonhuman mammals capable secreting exogenous procollagen or collagen into their milk. The mammals are healthy and capable of producing procollagen or collagen at high levels, usually in trimeric form. Suitable transgenes for incorporation into the mammals are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel crosslinked biomaterial compositions which are prepared using hydrophobic polymers as a crosslinking agent. Preferred hydrophobic polymers are those that contain two or more reactive succinimidyl groups, including disuccinimidyl suberate, bix(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate, and dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate). Crosslinked biomaterial compositions prepared using mixtures of hydrophobic and hydrophilic crosslinking agents are also disclosed. The compositions of the present invention can be used to prepare formed implants for use in a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: Provided are crosslinked polymer compositions that include a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer, which contains or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further include other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to anastomosis stents and plugs comprised of a non-polyglycolic acid material that is resorbable by the patient in about a few minutes up to about 90 days. Such stents and plugs may be employed in surgical techniques wherein tissue is joined at an interface without need for sutures, optionally through use of a tissue sealant. As a result, interfacial tensile strengths of at least about 1.3N/cm2 may be achieved.

Abstract: A method of tissue repair is provided using a biocompatible nonimmunogenic adhesive composition. The adhesive composition comprises collagen and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. Kits for use in carrying out the method of the invention are also provided, as are pretreated surgically acceptable patches that have been coated with the aforementioned adhesive composition.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant procollagen chains having a natural collagen chain separated from one or two propeptides by one or two non-natural site-specific proteolytic agent (e.g., protease) recognition sites. A wide variety of propeptides and site-specific proteolytic agent recognition sites may be used: the selection of particular site-specific proteolytic agent/recognition site pairs is based on the conformation of the resulting procollagen, the availability of the site-specific proteolytic agent, the compatibility of the proteolysis with production of mature collagen, among other factors. Recombinant collagens chains are produced by contacting the subject recombinant procollagen chains with the appropriate site-specific proteolytic agents. Nucleic acids encoding the subject procollagen chains operably linked to transcription regulatory elements are used in vectors and cells for the production of recombinant collagen.

Abstract: A method is provided for the rapid formation of a biocompatible gel, and may be carried out in situ, i.e., at a selected site within a patient's body. The method involves admixing a biocompatible crosslinking component A having m sulfhydryl groups wherein m≧2 and a biocompatible crosslinking component B having n sulfhydryl-reactive groups wherein n≧2 and m+n>4, wherein the sulfhydryl-reactive groups are capable of covalent reaction with the sulfhydryl groups upon admixture of the components under effective crosslinking conditions to form a gel in less than one minute. Suitable reaction conditions for carrying out the crosslinking reaction will depend on the particular components and the type of reaction involved; that is, the “effective crosslinking conditions” may involve reaction in bulk or in a solvent, addition of a base, and/or irradiation of the admixture in the presence of a free radical initiator.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to synthetic polymer compositions that form interpenetrating polymer networks. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise two multifunctionally activated synthetic polymers, along with a tensile strength enhancer. Such compositions form matrices that exhibit superior cohesive strength and in many instances can serve as adequate replacements for surgical means of attaching tissues, such as sutures and medical staples.

Abstract: Medical devices, and more particularly, devices, methods and compositions for sealing tissue puncture openings of patients after surgical operations are provided. A puncture wound sealing apparatus includes a positioning device having a depth sensing mechanism capable of providing feedback to an operator for the precise placement of an implant that is preferably resorbable and swellable after implantation. Such an implant provides for efficient sealing of the tissue puncture opening thus avoiding complications after surgical procedures in which blood vessels are punctured.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for effecting the production of recombinant mammalian procollagen in yeast, as well as compositions comprising yeast cells cap producing mammalian procollagen.

Abstract: Crosslinkable compositions are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide biocompatible, nonimmunogenic crosslinked biomaterials. The compositions contain at least three biocompatible, nonimmunogenic components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. In a preferred embodiment, a first component is polynucleophilic, a second component is polyelectrophilic, and at least one third component contains one or more functional groups reactive with the nucleophilic moieties one the first or second component. At least one of the components is a polyfunctional hydrophilic polymer; the other components may also comprise hydrophilic polymers, or they may be low molecular weight, typically hydrophobic, crosslinkers. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for simplified recombinant production of fibrillar collagens. DNAs encoding fibrillar collagen monomers lacking the N propeptide, the C propeptide, or both propeptides are introduced into recombinant host cells and expressed. Trimeric collagen is recovered from the recombinant host cells.

Abstract: New forms of ecarin, a procoagulant protein from Echis carinatus venom, are described, as are polynucleotides encoding the new proteins, methods for production of the new proteins, and methods for activation of prothrombin using the new proteins. The new ecarins comprise a serine at position 396 of the protein. The new proteins may be used for activation of prothrombin, and are particularly useful for the production of recombinant thrombin.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for simplified recombinant production of fibrillar collagens. DNAs encoding fibrillar collagen monomers lacking the N propeptide, the C propeptide, or both propeptides are introduced into recombinant host cells and expressed. Trimeric collagen is recovered from the recombinant host cells.

Abstract: A device for mixing and ejecting a multi-component reactive mixture, which will not clog after a single and subsequent uses, is disclosed. The device has a cylindrical mixing space defined by upper, lower, and side walls. There are two entry ports into the mixing space defined by and tangent to the side wall. Two fluid component sources are fluidly connected to the entry ports and are pressurized such that two fluids, which react with each other, separately enter the mixing space. The side wall of the mixing space imparts a rotational motion to the fluids, which causes the fluids to thoroughly mix together before being ejected out through the exit orifice in either a spray or stream form. A valve stem may be provided, which is configured and dimensioned to substantially occupy the mixing space and to seal the two entry ports when it is in the closed position.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.