Abstract: This disclosure relates to an engineered a novel synthetic artificial stem cell (SASC) system which mimics the paracrine effect of the stem cell secretome and provides tailorability of the composition for targeted tissue regeneration. This novel SASC system demonstrates the feasibility of developing a completely synthetic, tailorable stem cell secretome which reinforces the possibility of developing a new therapeutic strategy that provides better control over targeted tissue engineering applications. Disclosed herein are biodegradable polymeric microspheres that have been used to encapsulate secretome active agents. These microspheres mimic or have the potential to result in a greater therapeutic paracrine effect compared to stem cells, without the added risk of immunological response or the extra pro-inflammatory, antagonistic or inert factors/cytokines. The compositions may be personalized to any disease and/or individual, therefore, adding a much needed element to therapeutics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a brace for regeneration of tissue in a knee comprising a sleeve and a first strut; where the first strut comprises an upper portion comprising a first jig; where the first jig comprises a slot for hosting a first strap that is in contact with the sleeve; a central portion that comprises a central strut that is in fluid communication with an actuator located on a first side of the knee that imposes a force on the knee; where the force is inclined at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the first strut; and a lower portion that comprises a second jig; where the second jig comprises a slot for hosting a second strap that contacts the sleeve at an opposite end relative to a position that the first strap contacts the sleeve.

Abstract: The disclosure provides porous scaffold that include a plurality of microspheres, where the microspheres include a biodegradable polymer blended with a graphene family material (GFM), micro spheres, and methods for making and using such scaffolds and microspheres.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to scaffolds comprising nanofibers of graphene nanoplatelets and a biocompatible polymer, as well as methods for making and using such scaffolds.

Abstract: Bone grafting materials containing a polymer scaffold loaded with bone morphogenetic proteins and populated with muscle cells induced by the bone morphogenetic proteins to exhibit an osteoblastic phenotype and to synthesize bone tissue are provided. Also provided are methods for using these polymer scaffolds in bone grafting procedures.

Abstract: Degradable, polymeric fiber-based, three-dimensional braided scaffolds for use as graft materials in ligament and tendon repair, reconstruction and replacement are provided. Also provided are methods for preparing these scaffolds.

Abstract: Scaffolds for tissue engineering prepared from biocompatible, biodegradable polymer-based, lighter than or light as water microcarriers and designed for cell culturing in vitro in a rotating bioreactor are provided. Methods for preparation and use of these scaffolds as tissue engineering devices are also provided.

Abstract: A sublimator device is designed where the distance between the sublimation surface and the bottom of the device to be adjusted depending on the amount of substance in the bottom of the device and the rate of sublimation without stopping the process. The device has a threaded connector on the top that allows the condenser to be advanced or receded without stopping the sublimation process. Different embodiments of the sublimator device are disclosed and indications for the use of these devices during the sublimation process are discussed.

Abstract: Polymeric nanofibers have been developed which are useful in a variety of medical and other applications, such as filtration devices, medical prosthesis, scaffolds for tissue engineering, wound dressings, controlled drug delivery systems, cosmetic skin masks, and protective clothing. These can be formed of any of a variety of different polymers, either non-degradable or degradable. In a preferred embodiment demonstrated in the following examples, nanofibers are formed of biodegradable and non biodegradable polyphosphazenes, their blends with other polyphosphazenes or with organic, inorganic/organometallic polymers as well as composite nanofibers of polyphosphazenes with nanosized particles such as hydroxyapatites.

Abstract: A bioresorbable composite of a non-crystalline calcium phosphate ceramic synthesized within an encapsulating microspheres of bioresorbable polymeric material for use in bone repair and replacement is provided. Also provides are methods for producing these composites as well as porous, 3-dimensional scaffold produced by sintering together microspheres of this bioresorbable composite.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric compositions are provided, wherein biodegradable polyphosphazenes are combined with at least one other polymer, either in the form of a blend, a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN), or an interpenetrating network IPN. The side groups and composition of the polyphosphazenes are used to determine the properties of the compositions, for example, the rate and extent of degradation, and mechanical properties. These are useful in biomedical applications, including controlled drug delivery and tissue regeneration, and environmental applications. In the most preferred embodiment, as demonstrated by the examples, the polyphosphazenes contain hydrophobic side groups, such as p-methylphenoxy and other aromatic groups, and groups which impart hydrolytic instability, such as amino acid alkyl esters, and degrade by surface erosion. A preferred example is ethyl glycinato-substituted polyphosphazene (PPHOS) with p-methylphenoxy as co-substituent.

Abstract: Methods for producing matrices useful in bone graft onlay and inlay procedures are provided. Compositions prepared by these methods are also provided.