Abstract: An intermedullary device and methods of use are described. The device is configured for fixation of a long bone and to facilitate healing of the long bone. The device comprises an elongate member having a first end, a second end, and a mid region. The mid region comprises a band or collar extending outwardly away from the outer surface of the device to increase all or a portion of the cross-sectional diameter of the mid region. The elongate member has a length that may be about the same as or less than the length of the long bone's diaphyseal region. The band further comprises at least one engaging surface configured for engaging with a cortical region of the long bone at a defect site. Use of the device facilitates healing of the long bone at or near the defect site. The method comprises providing a first end of the device in a first exposed region of the long bone's medullary canal. The method further comprises providing a second end of the device in a second exposed region of the medullary canal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mold and a method for producing an engineered tissue construct comprising: providing a mold comprising one or more openings, the mold being at least partially elastic and the one or more openings having a pre-determined shape; and extruding through the one or more openings in the mold a biocompatible gel-forming macromer to form a hydrogel using a mechanical force sufficient to extrude the biocompatible gel-forming macromer.