Abstract: A hydrogel composition is formed from a natural polymer derivative having a plurality of cross-linkable units depending therefrom, and a synthetic polymer derivative having a plurality of cross-linkable units depending therefrom, said natural and synthetic polymer derivatives having hydrolysable units disposed between the polymer backbone of said derivative and at least some of said cross-linkable units. The use of a combination of natural and synthetic polymers provides for biodegradability of the hydrogel, along with mechanical properties such as strength and elasticity.

Abstract: A method for purifying bone-derived osteogenic proteins including a demineralization process, a protein extraction process, a high molecular weight ultrafiltration process, a low molecular weight ultrafiltration process, and a recovery process. The high and low ultrafiltration processes preferably select proteins having a nominal molecular weight between approximately 8 kilodaltons and approximately 50 kilodaltons. Processes of the present invention may be used to recover osteogenic proteins from bone demineralization waste streams.

Abstract: A biocompatible synthetic bone growth composition comprising a fibrillar collagen component and a calcium phosphate component. The composition is formed into particles, and then formed into a unitary article that may be provided at the site of a skeletal defect. An osteoinductive component may be further added, either before or after forming the unitary article. The composition may be formulated as a paste or putty and facilitates bone growth and/or repair.

Abstract: A biocompatible synthetic bone growth composition comprising a fibrillar collagen component and a calcium phosphate component. The composition is formed into particles, and then formed into a unitary article that may be provided at the site of a skeletal defect. An osteoinductive component may be further added, either before or after forming the unitary article. The composition may be formulated as a paste or putty and facilitates bone growth and/or repair.

Abstract: A method for purifying bone-derived osteoinductive proteins including a demineralization process, a protein extraction process, a high molecular weight ultrafiltration process, a low molecular weight ultrafiltration process, and a recovery process. The high and low ultrafiltration processes preferably select proteins having a nominal molecular weight between approximately 8 kilodaltons and approximately 100 kilodaltons. Processes of the present invention may be used to recover osteoinductive proteins from bone demineralization waste streams.

Abstract: An instrument for determining the proper orientation for repairing a defect site on a tissue surface generally comprises a shaft, a plurality of probes operatively coupled to the shaft, and at least one indicator operatively coupled to the plurality of probes. The probes are configured to extend beyond a first end of the shaft and are movable relative the shaft. The at least one indicator is configured to display the displacements of the probes relative to the first end so that the displacements of the probes may be compared. A method of using the instrument when repairing a defect on a tissue surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices are disclosed for use in growing new blood vessels to restore or improve blood flow to ischemic tissues and organs of the body. Compositions comprising IGD peptides, particularly GGIGDGG, are able to induce migration in human endothelial cells and promote vessel formation in an in vitro model assay system.

Abstract: A fluid matrix comprising cross-linked remodelable collagen from a donor vertebrate animal is useful for regenerating hydrodynamic function in damaged intervertebral discs in vivo. The matrix may be injectable and may comprise cells and a plurality of purified cell growth factors. The matrix promotes cell growth and elaboration of proteoglycans to facilitate regeneration of native tissues. The collagen in the matrix may be cross-linked using photooxidative catalysis and visible light, and purified cell growth factors are preferably at least partly bone-derived.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in vitro method for determining the osteoinductive potential of a biomaterial. In particular, the method measures the expression of osterix by osteoblast progenitor cells incubated with the biomaterial. In various embodiments, the biomaterial is demineralized bone (DMB) and the progenitor cells are incubated with DMB or proteins extracted from DMB.

Abstract: A medical device and method for providing an implant to an anatomical site are disclosed. The medical device generally comprises a sleeve having first and second ends, a cutting frame coupled to the second end, and a rod received in an inner bore of the sleeve. The cutting frame defines a guide configured to direct a cutting tool for reciprocal motion along a cutting plane. When the implant is positioned within the inner bore, the rod and sleeve are used to gauge a depth of the anatomical site and to advance a portion of the implant beyond the cutting plane. The implant may then be cut to an appropriate size to fit the anatomical site.

Abstract: Medical devices for cutting and suturing biological tissue generally include a shaft and first and second guide members each including a first portion coupled to the shaft at a first location and a second portion coupled to the shaft at a second location. The first portions are movable along the shaft relative to the second portions, and the first and second guide members define an arcuate profile and are configured to flex in response to such movement. When used to cut tissue, the medical device may further include a blade positioned between the first and second guide members. When used to suture tissue, one or more suture guides may be provided on the first guide member for directing a suture needle through tissue proximate the first guide member. Methods of repairing and replacing a meniscus using the medical devices are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for processing tissues to render them suitable for implantation, e.g. in an orthopedic site. Tissues are rendered substantially acellular and substantially nonimmunogenic by exposure to processes that result in cell lysis, increasing permeability of the extracellular matrix, degrading the debris from lysis, and removing the debris. Methods of forming tissue implants, kits for processing tissue implants, and methods of using tissue implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of preparing an implantable biological device having a first tissue part and a second tissue part includes exposing the first tissue part to a first preparation method and preventing exposure of the second biological tissue part to the first preparation method. Preventing exposure of the second biological tissue part to the first preparation method may be achieved using an embedding technique, a coating technique, a covering technique, or physical isolation. The method may further include exposing the second tissue part to a second preparation method and preventing exposure of the first biological tissue part to the second preparation method. An apparatus for preparing an implantable biologic device includes an enclosure having first and second chambers separated by a partition member wherein a substantial portion of the first tissue part is within the first chamber and a substantial portion of the second tissue part is within the second chamber.

Abstract: A biocompatible synthetic bone growth composition comprising a fibrillar collagen component and a calcium phosphate component. The composition is formed into particles, and then formed into a unitary article that may be provided at the site of a skeletal defect. An osteoinductive component may be further added, either before or after forming the unitary article. The composition may be formulated as a paste or putty and facilitates bone growth and/or repair.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition including isolated small living tissue particles, a method of making the tissue particles, and a method of using the composition to ameliorate a tissue defect. The tissue particles are composed of cells and their associated extracellular molecules and are sized, in certain embodiments, to be smaller than about 1 mm. Another aspect of the inventive tissue particles is the large percentage of viable cells. In certain embodiments, the tissue particles are made from cartilage and the composition may also contain additives such as adhesives, solutions, and bioactive agents.

Abstract: A device for delivering a biocompatible material to a surgical site includes an elongate cannula having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one interior lumen disposed between the proximal and distal portions through which the biocompatible material is delivered. The device further includes a confinement member adjacent the distal portion of the cannula having expanded and unexpanded positions. In the expanded position, the confinement member defines an open cavity about the distal portion of the cannula and in fluid communication with the interior lumen to retain the biocompatible material. A method of delivering a curable biocompatible material to a surgical site includes positioning a distal portion of a cannula adjacent the surgical site and actuating a confinement member to define an open cavity about the distal portion. The biocompatible material is introduced into the cavity through the cannula and cross-linking of the curable biocompatible material is initiated.

Abstract: A device for delivering a biocompatible material to a surgical site includes a cannula having proximal and distal portions and at least a first interior lumen disposed therebetween through which the biocompatible material is delivered. The device further includes an initiation member for initiating cross-linking of the biocompatible material while the biocompatible material is within the cannula. The cannula may include a heating element to thermally initiate cross-linking. Alternately, the cannula may include a second lumen for transmitting light from a light source. A movable blocking element controls the amount of light that passes into the first lumen. A method of delivering a curable biocompatible material to a surgical site includes positioning a distal portion of a cannula adjacent the surgical site and introducing the biocompatible material through a first lumen of the cannula. Cross-linking of the biocompatible material is then initiated while the biocompatible material is within the cannula.

Abstract: A liquid carrier medium is provided which is suitable for solubilizing growth factors, such as mixtures of bone morphogenetic proteins, that are found to induce an angiogenic response in ischemic tissues. The liquid medium comprises an aqueous solution of polyvinyl pyrrolidone.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices are disclosed for use in growing new blood vessels to restore or improve blood flow to ischemic tissues and organs of the body. Compositions comprising IGD peptides, particularly GGIGDGG, are able to induce migration in human endothelial cells and promote vessel formation in an in vitro model assay system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cartilage repair product that induces both cell ingrowth into a bioresorbable material and cell differentiation into cartilage tissue. Such a product is useful for regenerating and/or repairing both vascular and avascular cartilage lesions, particularly articular cartilage lesions, and even more particularly mensical tissue lesions, including tears as well as segmental defects. Also disclosed is a method of regenerating and repairing cartilage lesions using such a product.