Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of predicting whether a wound will heal. The method includes: obtaining a first measurement of a first macrophage phenotype population within a first sample obtained from a wound; obtaining a second measurement of a second macrophage phenotype population from the wound, wherein the second measurement of the second macrophage phenotype population is either: a different macrophage phenotype obtained from the first sample or the same macrophage phenotype obtained from a second, later sample from the wound; comparing the first measurement to the second measurement; and predicting whether the wound will heal based on a result of the comparing step.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of predicting whether a wound will heal. The method includes: obtaining a first measurement of a first macrophage phenotype population within a first sample obtained from a wound; obtaining a second measurement of a second macrophage phenotype population from the wound, wherein the second measurement of the second macrophage phenotype population is either: a different macrophage phenotype obtained from the first sample or the same macrophage phenotype obtained from a second, later sample from the wound; comparing the first measurement to the second measurement; and predicting whether the wound will heal based on a result of the comparing step.

Abstract: A non-biodegradable hydrogel matrix containing microspheres of a biodegradable polymer for the purpose of treating, repairing, or replacing damaged biological tissue is described. The biodegradable phase can be admixed with a chemoattractant. Examples of degradable polymers include degradable polyesters such as 50:50 PLA:PGA, the degradation profiles of which are well characterized. The matrix is permanently inserted into a tissue defect to provide mechanical support before, during, and after tissue ingrowth.