Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biocompatible composite and method for its use in repairing tissue defects, including defects in cartilage. The biocompatible composite includes a fibrous polymeric component and a polymerizable agent, which is capable of forming the biocompatible composite in situ at the site of a tissue defect. In embodiments, the repair site at which the biocompatible composite is to be applied may be treated with a priming agent, permitting polymerization of the polymerizable agent to the tissue located at the repair site.

Abstract: A measuring system may provide quantitative information relating to condition of cartilage. Negative pressure may be applied to cartilage to induce flow of fluid from or through the cartilage. A level of negative pressure needed to induce a particular flow of the fluid may be employed to provide a quantitative indicia of cartilage condition. An averaged level of negative pressure measured over a period of time may be used to calculate hydraulic resistance of the cartilage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the covalent binding of a hydrogel to an extracellular matrix (ECM). The integration of the hydrogel with the tissue is superior to that in previous techniques. Moreover, unlike previous techniques, the present invention does not require a photoinitiator. Potential therapeutic applications include tissue repair and delivery of drugs or cells. The ECM is first exposed, then treated with a priming agent. Then a polymerizable agent is added and crosslinked to the ECM. Two primary embodiments of methods are disclosed. In the first, the priming agent is an oxidizer which creates tyrosyl radicals in the ECM, which are then bound by acrylate groups in the polymerizable agent. In the second, the priming agent contains aldehydes which bind amino groups in the ECM.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions of three dimensional tissue that can be administered into tissues and organs using minimally invasive methods. The three dimensional tissues elaborate a repertoire of growth factors that facilitate repair or regeneration of damaged tissues and organs.

Abstract: Synthetic structures for soft tissue repair include a multi-layer planar fibrillar structure having layers which are intermittently secured to each other and which approximates mechanical properties comparable to those of soft tissue. In embodiments, the fibrillar structure possesses an intermittently secured edge portion secured by intermittent welds. In embodiments, the multi layer planar fibrillar structure includes a bioactive agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the covalent binding of a hydrogel to an extracellular matrix (ECM). The integration of the hydrogel with the tissue is superior to that in previous techniques. Moreover, unlike previous techniques, the present invention does not require a photoinitiator. Potential therapeutic applications include tissue repair and delivery of drugs or cells. The ECM is first exposed, then treated with a priming agent. Then a polymerizable agent is added and crosslinked to the ECM. Two primary embodiments of methods are disclosed. In the first, the priming agent is an oxidizer which creates tyrosyl radicals in the ECM, which are then bound by acrylate groups in the polymerizable agent. In the second, the priming agent contains aldehydes which bind amino groups in the ECM.

Abstract: Synthetic structures for fibrous soft tissue repair include a planar fibrillar structure which exhibits mechanical properties comparable to those of human fibrous soft tissue. In embodiments, the fibrillar structure possesses at least one secured folded edge portion.

Abstract: Novel products comprising conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use are described. The conditioned cell medium compositions of the invention may be comprised of any known defined or undefined medium and may be conditioned using any eukaryotic cell type. The medium may be conditioned by stromal cells, parenchymal cells, mesenchymal stem cells, liver reserve cells, neural stem cells, pancreatic stem cells and/or embryonic stem cells. Additionally, the cells may be genetically modified. A three-dimensional tissue construct is preferred. Once the cell medium of the invention is conditioned, it may be used in any state. Physical embodiments of the conditioned medium include, but are not limited to, liquid or solid, frozen, lyophilized or dried into a powder.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions of three dimensional tissue that can be administered into tissues and organs using minimally invasive methods. The three dimensional tissues elaborate a repertoire of growth factors that facilitate repair or regeneration of damaged tissues and organs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biocompatible composite and method for its use in repairing tissue defects, including defects in cartilage. The biocompatible composite includes a fibrous polymeric component and a polymerizable agent, which is capable of forming the biocompatible composite in situ at the site of a tissue defect. In embodiments, the repair site at which the biocompatible composite is to be applied may be treated with a priming agent, permitting polymerization of the polymerizable agent to the tissue located at the repair site.

Abstract: Synthetic structures for fibrous soft tissue repair include a polymeric fibrillar structure that exhibits mechanical properties of the human fibrous soft tissue.

Abstract: A tissue engineered construct made totally or in part from biocompatible materials and mammalian cells and/or cell products is provided. These constructs are useful in regenerating complex tissues such as bone, ligament and tendon, which may fabricated into medical devices suitable for use in the treatment of injuries and maladies such as rotator cuff injuries, periodontal disease and hernia.

Abstract: Novel products comprising conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use are described. The conditioned cell medium compositions of the invention may be comprised of any known defined or undefined medium and may be conditioned using any eukaryotic cell type. The medium may be conditioned by stromal cells, parenchymal cells, mesenchymal stem cells, liver reserve cells, neural stem cells, pancreatic stem cells and/or embryonic stem cells. Additionally, the cells may be genetically modified. A three-dimensional tissue construct is preferred. Once the cell medium of the invention is conditioned, it may be used in any state. Physical embodiments of the conditioned medium include, but are not limited to, liquid or solid, frozen, lyophilized or dried into a powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the covalent binding of a hydrogel to an extracellular matrix (ECM). The integration of the hydrogel with the tissue is superior to that in previous techniques. Moreover, unlike previous techniques, the present invention does not require a photoinitiator. Potential therapeutic applications include tissue repair and delivery of drugs or cells. The ECM is first exposed, then treated with a priming agent. Then a polymerizable agent is added and crosslinked to the ECM. Two primary embodiments of methods are disclosed. In the first, the priming agent is an oxidizer which creates tyrosyl radicals in the ECM, which are then bound by acrylate groups in the polymerizable agent. In the second, the priming agent contains aldehydes which bind amino groups in the ECM.

Abstract: Novel products comprising conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use are described. The conditioned cell medium compositions of the invention may be comprised of any known defined or undefined medium and may be conditioned using any eukaryotic cell type. The medium may be conditioned by stromal cells, parenchymal cells, mesenchymal stem cells, liver reserve cells, neural stem cells, pancreatic stem cells and/or embryonic stem cells. Additionally, the cells may be genetically modified. A three-dimensional tissue construct is preferred. Once the cell medium of the invention is conditioned, it may be used in any state. Physical embodiments of the conditioned medium include, but are not limited to, liquid or solid, frozen, lyophilized or dried into a powder.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions of three dimensional tissue that can be administered into tissues and organs using minimally invasive methods. The three dimensional tissues elaborate a repertoire of growth factors that facilitate repair or regeneration of damaged tissues and organs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for the covalent binding of a hydrogel to an extracellular matrix (ECM). Therapeutic applications include tissue repair and delivery of drugs or cells.

Abstract: A connector is described wherein the connector comprises a socket for receiving a plug having a plurality of pins wherein the socket presents a greater resistance to withdrawal of at least one pin than insertion of the pin. Preferably, removal of the pin is substantially prevented except by means of a release mechanism which may optionally be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the covalent binding of a hydrogel to an extracellular matrix (ECM). The integration of the hydrogel with the tissue is superior to that in previous techniques. Moreover, unlike previous techniques, the present invention does not require a photoinitiator. Potential therapeutic applications include tissue repair and delivery of drugs or cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an ECM-altering enzymatic activity, such as a proteoglycanase or a protease, to stimulate the generation of cartilage tissue by inducing chondrocytes to synthesize new cartilage matrix. It has been discovered that treating chondrocytes with an enzymatic activity that modifies the territorial ECM of the cell, especially cell surface proteoglycans, can in and of itself be sufficient to stimulate cartilage production by the chondrocytes. The subject invention can be employed therapeutically to correct or prevent degeneration of connective tissue. For instance, the present method can be used in the treatment of disorders comprising cartilage such as found in an diarthroidal joint (e.g. articular and interarticular cartilage), as well as in the treatment of tendon and ligamental tissues. Such disorders can range from chronic degeneration brought about by disease, overuse, or trauma, to plastic or reconstructive surgery.