Abstract: This invention relates generally to two-part polymer compositions that rapidly form covalent linkages when mixed together. Such compositions are particularly well suited for use in a variety of tissue related applications when rapid adhesion to the tissue and gel formation is desired. In particular, they are useful as tissue sealants, in promoting hemostasis, for drug delivery, in effecting tissue adhesion, in providing tissue augmentation, and in the prevention of surgical adhesions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thrombin-containing hemostatic compositions, their preparation and use. In particular, it relates to hemostatic compositions comprising stabilized thrombin and microfibrillar collagen in an aqueous medium. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compositions are used in a kit comprising two different components, one of which is autologous patient's plasma as the source of fibrinogen, and the other of which is the thrombin-containing composition which also contains microfibrillar collagen.

Abstract: The current invention is a biomedical implant comprising a biomedical matrix material and a biodegradable porosifying agent. As the porosifying agent degrades in situ, an implant with an inter-connecting network is formed. The resultant mechanically stable implant allows for tissue and fluid influx into the matrix. The invention is also directed to a method for repair of mammalian tissue using the above-described implant.

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 (--NH.sub.2) 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 discloses a novel, injectable crosslinked collagen composition which is able to continue crosslinking after injection to a soft or hard tissue site in order to anchor the collagen implant to the host tissue. The composition comprises particulate crosslinked collagen, noncrosslinked collagen (which may be fibrillar or nonfibrillar collagen), and a chemical crosslinking agent, such as synthetic hydrophilic polymer. Methods of augmenting soft or hard tissue using these injectable collagen compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for sample collection, sample separation and for aseptically, controllably and precisely transferring at least one of the separated portions is disclosed. The device utilizes a metering syringe to collect a sample, such as blood, the metering syringe with the sample therein is centrifuged, the metering syringe is connected to a sterile syringe contained within sterile packaging, the metering syringe is used to controllably, precisely and aseptically meter a separated portion into the sterile syringe, the sterile syringe with the separated portion therein is then given to appropriate personnel within a sterile field without performing any further transferring steps.

Abstract: Production of human procollagen or collagen in cells which ordinarily do not produce these molecules is effected by constructing expression systems compatible with mammary glands of non-human mammals. For example, expression systems can be microinjected into fertilized oocytes and reimplanted in foster mothers and carried to term in order to obtain transgenic non-human mammals capable of producing milk containing recombinant human procollagen or collagen. Human procollagen or collagen produced in this manner can be made of a single collagen type uncontaminated by other human or non-human collagens.

Abstract: The current invention is a biomedical implant comprising a biomedical matrix material and a biodegradable porosifying agent. As the porosifying agent degrades in situ, an implant with an inter-connecting network is formed. The resultant mechanically stable implant allows for tissue and fluid influx into the matrix. The invention is also directed to a method for repair of mammalian tissue using the above-described implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thrombin-containing hemostatic compositions, their preparation and use. In particular, it relates to hemostatic compositions comprising stabilized thrombin and microfibrillar collagen in an aqueous medium. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compositions are used in a kit comprising two different components, one of which is autologous patient's plasma as the source of fibrinogen, and the other of which is the thrombin-containing composition which also contains microfibrillar collagen having an average diameter of about 3-30 nanometers.

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 (--NH.sub.2) 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 is directed to a method for the packaging and handling of sterile syringes. More specifically, a syringe and a syringe package are sterilized. The sterilized syringe is placed into the sterilized syringe package, which package is sealed to enclose the sterilized syringe. A fluid is introduced into the sterilized syringe. The sterilized syringe with fluid is then delivered into a sterile field by removing the syringe from the syringe package. The syringe package is preferably a peal-open sheath with a fitting member at one end. The fitting member extends partially into and partially out of the syringe package. It has a connector inside the syringe package for connecting to the sterile syringe, which connector is fluidly connected to an exterior connector. Thus, the fitting member provides a fluid connection from outside the syringe package to the enclosed sterile syringe.

Abstract: Production of human procollagen or collagen in cells which ordinarily do not produce these molecules is effected by constructing expression systems compatible with mammary glands of non-human mammals. For example, expression systems can be microinjected into fertilized oocytes and reimplanted in foster mothers and carried to term in order to obtain transgenic non-human mammals capable of producing milk containing recombinant human procollagen or collagen. Human procollagen or collagen produced in this manner can be made of a single collagen type uncontaminated by other human or non-human collagens.

Abstract: Collagen-based compositions useful in the attachment of tissues, or the attachment of tissues to synthetic implant materials, are disclosed. The compositions comprise collagen crosslinked using a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. A particularly preferred composition comprises fibrillar collagen, a fiber disassembly agent, and a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. Methods are disclosed for using the compositions to effect the attachment of a native tissue to the surface of another native tissue, a non-native tissue, or a synthetic implant. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions to prevent the formation of surgical adhesions.

Abstract: Production of human procollagen or collagen in cells which ordinarily do not produce these molecules is effected by constructing expression systems compatible with mammary glands of non-human mammals. For example, expression systems can be microinjected into fertilized oocytes and reimplanted in foster mothers and carried to term in order to obtain transgenic non-human mammals capable of producing milk containing recombinant human procollagen or collagen. Human procollagen or collagen produced in this manner can be made of a single collagen type uncontaminated by other human or non-human collagens.

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 (--NH.sub.2) 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: Collagen-based compositions useful in the attachment of tissues, or the attachment of tissues to synthetic implant materials, are disclosed. The compositions comprise collagen crosslinked using a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. A particularly preferred composition comprises fibrillar collagen, a fiber disassembly agent, and a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. Methods are disclosed for using the compositions to effect the attachment of a native tissue to the surface of another native tissue, a non-native tissue, or a synthetic implant. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions to prevent the formation of surgical adhesions.

Abstract: It has been discovered that it is possible to treat solutions of connective tissue material for the inactivation of prions in a manner such that connective tissue molecules are not adversely affected by the inactivation treatment. For example, solubilized atelopeptide collagen can be treated with sodium hydroxide for the inactivation of prions and other infectious agents without affecting the ability of the solubilized collagen to form stable fibers.