Abstract: A method for in-vitro tissue cultivation. The method may include providing a seeded-scaffold to a scaffold holder suspended in a medium contained in a bioreactor chamber. The method may further include rotating, via a rotation mechanism which the bioreactor chamber is coupled to, the bioreactor chamber about two orthogonal axes based on a predetermined motion cycle as a stimulation for tissue growth. The method may further include applying, via a stimulator coupled to the bioreactor chamber, at least one other stimulation for tissue growth to the seeded-scaffold. An apparatus for in-vitro tissue cultivation.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocomposites comprising a polymeric matrix and a magnesium filler such as a water soluble magnesium salt. The use of elemental magnesium or magnesium alloy in the biocomposite is minimized and preferably avoided. The magnesium biocomposites can be used as bone implants.

Abstract: A carrying platform for moving a device within a conduit, the carrying platform comprising: a body configured to be moveable within the conduit; a number of clampers provided on the body and configured to releasably engage the conduit for immobilizing the carrying platform relative to the conduit; and a device engagement mechanism provided on the body and configured to releasably engage the device.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable plug implant, suitable for bone tissue regeneration, includes a first portion, and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion, the first and second portions formed from expandable material. A method for bone tissue regeneration includes providing a bioabsorbable plug implant, wherein the implant has a first portion and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. The first and second portions are formed from expandable material. The second portion is inserted into a defect or gap of a bone. The first surface engages the outside contour of the defect or gap. The plug implant is allowed to contact body fluids, thereby expanding the size of the plug implant so that the plug fits into the defect or gap.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable plug implant, suitable for bone tissue regeneration, comprising a first portion, and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion, the first and second portions formed from expandable material. A method for bone tissue regeneration comprising the steps of: providing a bioabsorbable plug implant, wherein the implant comprises a first portion and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion, the first and second portions formed from expandable material; inserting the second portion into a defect or gap of a bone, the first surface engaging the outside contour of the defect or gap; allowing the plug implant to contact body fluids, thereby expanding the size of the plug implant so that the plug fits into the defect or gap.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a bio-absorbable wound closure clip for wound closure without crushing of the tissue being closed. The bio-absorbable wound closure clip can be used in minimal access surgery as well as on tissue, such as mucosal tissue, where tactile feedback is reduced. Representative surgical instruments for applying the bio-absorbable wound closure clip and methods of using the same are also provided herein.

Abstract: Bioresorbable scaffolds for bone engineering, such as repair of bone defects, particularly long bone defects, or augmentation of bone length are described. Scaffolds are porous and comprise multiple side channels. In one embodiment, scaffolds are made from layers of micro-filament meshes comprising polycaprolactone (PCL) or a PCL-composite sequentially laid in incremental 60 degrees of rotation to produce a 0/60/120 degree layering pattern, providing for the formation of interconnected pores. The scaffold can comprise a central channel filled, packed or infused with suitable agents such as bioactive agents. Furthermore, the scaffolds are stiff but yet fracture resistant and with sufficient bending, compressive and torsional strength suitable for bone engineering. The slow degradation of the scaffold is sufficient for the 3D matrix to maintain structure integrity and mechanical properties during the remodelling process.

Abstract: Bioresorbable scaffolds for bone engineering, such as repair of bone defects, particularly long bone defects, or augmentation of bone length are described. Scaffolds are porous and comprise multiple side channels. In one embodiment, scaffolds are made from layers of micro-filament meshes comprising polycaprolactone (PCL) or a PCL-composite sequentially laid in incremental 60 degrees of rotation to produce a 0/60/120 degree layering pattern, providing for the formation of interconnected pores. The scaffold can comprise a central channel filled, packed or infused with suitable agents such as bioactive agents. Furthermore, the scaffolds are stiff but yet fracture resistant and with sufficient bending, compressive and torsional strength suitable for bone engineering. The slow degradation of the scaffold is sufficient for the 3D matrix to maintain structure integrity and mechanical properties during the remodelling process.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Fused Deposition Modeling to construct three-dimensional (3D) bioresorbable scaffolds from bioresorbable polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL), or from composites of bioresorbable polymers and ceramics, such as polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA). Incorporation of a bioresorbable ceramic to produce a hybrid/composite material support provides the desired degradation and resorption kinetics. Such a composite material improves the biocompatibility and hard tissue integration and allows for increased initial flash spread of serum proteins. The basic resorption products of the composite also avoids the formation of an unfavorable environment for hard tissue cells due to a decreased pH. The scaffolds have applications in tissue engineering, e.g., in tissue engineering bone and cartilage.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Fused Deposition Modeling to construct three-dimensional (3D) bioresorbable scaffolds from bioresorbable polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL), or from composites of bioresorbable polymers and ceramics, such as polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA). Incorporation of a bioresorbable ceramic to produce a hybrid/composite material support provides the desired degradation and resorption kinetics. Such a composite material improves the biocompatibility and hard tissue integration and allows for increased initial flash spread of serum proteins. The basic resorption products of the composite also avoids the formation of an unfavorable environment for hard tissue cells due to a decreased pH. The scaffolds have applications in tissue engineering, e.g., in tissue engineering bone and cartilage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor comprising a chamber for containing cells or tissue cultures within a culture medium. The bioreactor also comprises a detector capable of detecting a change in one or more metabolites associated with growth of the cell or tissue cultures within the chamber and a chamber drive capable of rotating the chamber at a first speed about a first axis and a second speed about a second axis, the second axis being disposed at an angle relative to the first axis. In use, the magnitude of the first speed and the second speed are independently variable of each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous flow dual axis bioreactor (10) for growing three-dimensional cell or tissue cultures. The bioreactor (10) includes a chamber (12) adapted to contain a three-dimensional matrix for growing three-dimensional cell or tissue cultures. A rotatable plate (14) supports the chamber (12) and is rotatable about a vertical axis (16). The rotatable plate (14) is supported on an rotary L-shaped bracket (20) that rotates about a horizontal axis (22). Two multi-flow fluid connectors (32,34) are provided to prevent any pipes connecting the chamber to a feed source or a product tank from being entangled and to allow continuous flow to and from the bioreactor (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Fused Deposition Modeling to construct three-dimensional (3D) bioresorbable scaffolds from bioresorbable polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL), or from composites of bioresorbable polymers and ceramics, such as polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA). Incorporation of a bioresorbable ceramic to produce a hybrid/composite material support provides the desired degradation and resorption kinetics. Such a composite material improves the biocompatibility and hard tissue integration and allows for increased initial flash spread of serum proteins. The basic resorption products of the composite also avoids the formation of an unfavorable environment for hard tissue cells due to a decreased pH. The scaffolds have applications in tissue engineering, e.g., in tissue engineering bone and cartilage.

Abstract: A process for producing sintered titanium-graphite having improved wear resistance and low frictional characteristics is described. The said process which produces titanium-graphite composites having a triphasic structure with controlled porosity and a graphite lubricating film, comprises sintering a mixture of titanium and graphite powders in which the percentage of graphite may vary from 4 to 8 percent at temperatures from about 800.degree. C. to 1600.degree. C., for about 1/2 to 2 hours, under a compaction pressure of 0.17 to 0.62 MPa. The composites have applications in biomedical engineering and other fields of engineering due to their biocompatibility, strength and improved wear resistance.