Abstract: Disclosed herein are tissue scaffold materials with microspheres of one density embedded in hydrogel of a different density. The disclosed materials have improved ability to facilitate cellular invasion and vascularization for wound healing and tissue regeneration. The inventors have found that materials having components with different densities promotes invasion of cells, including desirable cells such as fibroblasts and endothelial precursor cells, into the scaffold.

Abstract: The first aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of producing a vascular network preform (VNP). This method involves forming a network of elongate fibers and at least one elongate structure from a sacrificial material. The diameter of the elongate structure is greater than that of the elongate fibers. The network of elongate fibers is placed in contact with at least one elongate structure either following or during forming the network of elongate fibers or forming the at least one elongate structure. A matrix is applied around the network of elongate fibers, in contact with the at least one elongate structure. The network of elongate fibers and elongate structure, within the matrix is sacrificed to form a preform. The resulting preform contains a vascular network of fine diameter tubes in contact with at least one elongate passage having a diameter greater than that of the fine diameter tubes. The resulting solid preform and methods of using it are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides injectable synthetic and biodegradable polymeric biomaterials that effectively prevent seroma, a common postoperative complication following ablative and reconstructive surgeries. Provided biomaterials include physically crosslinked hydrogels that are thixotropic, display rapid chain relaxation, are easily extruded through narrow gauge needles, biodegrade into inert products, are well tolerated by soft tissues, and effectively prevent seroma in a radical breast mastectomy animal model.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides injectable synthetic and biodegradable polymeric biomaterials that effectively prevent seroma, a common postoperative complication following ablative and reconstructive surgeries. Provided biomaterials include physically crosslinked hydrogels that are thixotropic, display rapid chain relaxation, are easily extruded through narrow gauge needles, biodegrade into inert products, are well tolerated by soft tissues, and effectively prevent seroma in a radical breast mastectomy animal model.

Abstract: The first aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of producing a vascular network preform (VNP). This method involves forming a network of elongate fibers and at least one elongate structure from a sacrificial material. The diameter of the elongate structure is greater than that of the elongate fibers. The network of elongate fibers is placed in contact with at least one elongate structure either following or during forming the network of elongate fibers or forming the at least one elongate structure. A matrix is applied around the network of elongate fibers, in contact with the at least one elongate structure. The network of elongate fibers and elongate structure, within the matrix is sacrificed to form a preform. The resulting preform contains a vascular network of fine diameter tubes in contact with at least one elongate passage having a diameter greater than that of the fine diameter tubes. The resulting solid preform and methods of using it are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides injectable synthetic and biodegradable polymeric biomaterials that effectively prevent seroma, a common postoperative complication following ablative and reconstructive surgeries. Provided biomaterials include physically crosslinked hydrogels that are thixotropic, display rapid chain relaxation, are easily extruded through narrow gauge needles, biodegrade into inert products, are well tolerated by soft tissues, and effectively prevent seroma in a radical breast mastectomy animal model.