Abstract: The invention features the production of an amine-reactive proteoglycan, specifically chondroitin sulfate or hyaluronic acid. This material can be provided in powder (solid) or liquid form and combined with blood derivatives including serum, platelets, platelet rich plasma, bone marrow, or with other tissue products to form hydrogels. The properties (physical and biological) are different for each of these hydrogels and can be further manipulated by controlling the conditions under which the hydrogels are formed. Such properties include the biodegradability of the hydrogel, the compressibility, the adhesive strength, the presence of pharmaceutical agents or therapeutic cells, and resiliency.

Abstract: The invention provides modified collagen and related therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Polymers comprising glucosamine (GlcN) are used to make medical devices. Examples include polyGlcN and carrier molecules containing multiple GlcN residues.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulose hydrogels having one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and an optimal thickness. The present invention further provides a process for preparing a cellulose hydrogel comprising: (i) contacting cellulose with a solvent to activate the cellulose; (ii) optionally removing the solvent from the activated cellulose; (iii) substantially dissolving the activated cellulose to form a solution; (iv) allowing the solution to gel; and optionally (v) drying the gel and rehydrating the gel. The cellulose hydrogel can have many uses, including uses as contact lenses.

Abstract: Biologically compatible polymers carry at least two different kinds of functional groups. Adhesive formulations include a biologically compatible adhesive, which can be used with a bridging molecule.

Abstract: The invention provides modified collagen and related therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Polymers comprising glucosamine (GlcN) are used to make medical devices. Examples include polyGlcN and carrier molecules containing multiple GlcN residues.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wound healing composition comprising a biocompatible hydrogel membrane wherein the hydrogel membrane has one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and an optimal thickness. The invention further provides methods of treating a wound in a subject in need thereof, comprising contacting the wound with a biocompatible cellulose hydrogel membrane of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the preparation of processed adipose tissue. The invention further provides methods of use of the processed adipose tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the preparation of biocompatible biomaterials from adipose tissue. Biocompatible biomaterials are cellular or acellular biomaterials. The invention further provides methods of use of the biocompatible biomaterials.

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: Visible light-activated polymer cosmetic filler preparations useful in a variety of applications are provided. In some embodiments, the photo-activated polymer composition comprises a conventional polymeric material, such as HA, together with a modified, cross-linkable polymer, such as PEG or PEODA, to permit the formation of crosslinks within the polymer matrix in situ on exposure to a visible light source, such as an IPL device. The preparations provide for a more stabilized composition that is contourable during gelation.

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: Materials and methods for local delivery of a glucosamine are provided to facilitate bone and cartilage growth.

Abstract: Biologically compatible polymers carry an imide and can be used as an adhesive, a hydrogel or both. A second biologically compatible polymer reactive with the imidated polymer can be used therewith to seal openings.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating a tissue defect.

Abstract: Visible light-activated polymer cosmetic filler preparations useful in a variety of applications are provided. In some embodiments, the photo-activated polymer composition comprises a conventional polymeric material, such as HA, together with a modified, cross-linkable polymer, such as PEG or PEODA, to permit the formation of crosslinks within the polymer matrix in situ on exposure to a visible light source, such as an IPL device. The preparations provide for a more stabilized composition that is contourable during gelation.

Abstract: A biological culture medium provides a three-dimensional framework for cell growth. The medium comprises a film and a matrix.

Abstract: The invention provides modified collagen and related therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

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.