Abstract: A bicomposite material based on collagen is prepared which has two closely bound layers and is biocompatible, non-toxic, hemostatic and biodegradable in less than a month, and can be used in surgery to achieve hemostasis and prevent post-surgical adhesion. To prepare the material, a solution of collagen or gelatin, which may contain glycerine and a hydrophilic additive such as polyethylene glycol or a polysaccharide, is poured onto an inert support to form a layer 30 &mgr;m to less than 100 &mgr;m thick. Then a polymeric porous fibrous layer is applied during gelling of the collagen or gelatin, and the resultant material is dried. The polymeric porous fibrous layer may be made of collagen or a polysaccharide, and have a density of not more than 75 mg/cm2, a pore size from 30 &mgr;m to 300 &mgr;m and a thickness of 0.2 cm to 1.5 cm.

Abstract: Physiologically acceptable films, including edible films, are disclosed. The films include a water soluble film-forming polymer such as pullulan. Edible films are disclosed that include pullulan and antimicrobially effective amounts of the essential oils thymol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol and menthol. The edible films are effective at killing the plaque-producing germs that cause dental plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. The film can also contain pharmaceutically active agents. Methods for producing the films are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions having improved capability of solubilizing a drug in a hydrophilic environment to form a solution, comprising: a biodegradable polyester oligomer; and biodegradable AB-type, ABA-type, or BAB-type block copolymers are disclosed. The copolymers are comprised of about 50.1 to 65% by weight of a biodegradable, hydrophobic A polymer block comprising a biodegradable polyester, and about 35 to 49.9% by weight of a hydrophilic B polymer block comprising a polyethylene glycol (PEG), and wherein the block copolymer has a weight averaged molecular weight of between 2400 to 4999. The biodegradable polyester oligomer of said composition is within a range of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total polymer mixture, and the content of the biodegradable AB-type, ABA-type, or BAB-type block copolymer is within a range of 70% to 99.99% by weight of the total polymer mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of preparing a bilayer structure for encapsulating multiple containment units. These containment units can contain therapeutic, diagnostic agents or imaging agents that can be released through the bilayer structure. A suitable example of such a containment unit is a unilamellar or multilamellar vesicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing biodegradable porous polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering, comprising: a) fabricating a polymer sample from a polymer solution containing at least one biodegradable polymer and an effervescent mixture; b) effervescing the polymer sample in the presence of an effervescent medium such as an aqueous alcohol solution; and c) drying. The method for preparing biodegradable polymer scaffolds of the present invention has the advantages that the process is simple, that pore size can be easily controlled, that the problem caused by the secretion and existence of the toxic substance can be avoid by using a material harmless to human body, and that high efficiency can be achieved. In addition, biodegradable porous polymer scaffolds prepared by above method have the advantages that high porosity can be achieved and an open cell structure in which pores are interconnected is obtained.

Abstract: A protectant composition comprising vernix for a skin curative and skin protectant effect and a method of using the composition. A natural or synthetic vernix is dispersed in an effect amount and is applied to a surface. The method may be used to repel a naturally occurring agent such as water, or a synthetic agent to which exposure may occur, for example, in an occupational setting.

Abstract: Mucosal surface-coat-forming film dosage units containing a water-soluble hydrocolloid, an effective dose of an active agent and a mucosal adhesion enhancer; wherein the active agent is encapsulated within a polymer which is chemically or physically distinct from the hydocolloid; wherein the mucosal adhesion enhancer is a starch graft copolymer; wherein the film exhibits a dry tack value of less than 3.5 g, a wet tack of greater than 35 g, a gelation temperature that is greater than 70° C. for a 2% polymer solution, a dry film thickness of less than 20 mil, a water content of 0.5 to 10%, a tensile strength greater than 1500 psi, a modulus in the range of 35,000 to 300,000 psi, a % elongation of less than 20%, a tear probagation resistance of 0.001 to 1 N, and a dissolution time in the range of 1 to 600 seconds upon application to an oral mucosal surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for promoting healing of wounds which result from corneal resurfacing procedures, e.g. from laser surgery to alter refractive of the eye. The methods involve the application of a sheet of cultured epithelial cells to the laser corneal resurfacing wound of a subject in need of such treatment. The methods promote faster healing of corneal resurfacing wounds relative to prior art methods of healing such wounds. The invention also provides corneal wound healing devices having the shape and dimensions of a contact lens.

Abstract: The present patent describes a three-dimensional inter-connected open cell porous foams that have a gradient in composition and/or microstructure through one or more directions. These foams can be made from a blend of absorbable and biocompatible polymers that are formed into foams having a compositional gradient transitioning from predominately one polymeric material to predominately a second polymeric material. These gradient foams are particularly well suited to tissue engineering applications and can be designed to mimic tissue transition or interface zones.

Abstract: This invention relates to materials and methods for crosslinking, in situ, proteins, including collagen, with peroxidase, including horseradish peroxidase, to from biocompatible semi-solid gels useful in a number of biological and food product applications.

Abstract: A fibrin adhesive or sealant composition comprising a biocompatible, bioabsorbable hyaluronic acid material, chitin material, or chitosan material to which fibrinogen and a fibrinogen-cleaving agent are applied, along with other components such as additional coagulation factors, anti-fibrinolytics, stabilizers and biologically active substances. The fibrinogen, fibrinogen-cleaving agent and other components can take the form of dry preparation, an aqueous or nonaqueous preparation, or a combination thereof. Such a composition can be placed directly on, around, or within a wound site and is fully reabsorbed into the body.

Abstract: An improved adhesion-preventative physical barrier, wound dressing and drug delivery system comprising an oxidized cellulose film made up of multiple layers of a cellulose fabric or like material and a cellulose film. A method for forming an improved oxidized cellulose film and for using the same to prevent the formation of postsurgical adhesions and/or to dress a wound and/or to deliver one or more drugs.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a wound dressing, comprising activating a textile carrier to form between about 0.026 and 0.06 mg-equiv. of aldehyde groups per gram of carrier, impregnating the activated carrier in a solution of at least one bioactive enzyme and drying the same, whereby there is produced a wound dressing from which the bioactive enzyme is releasable in effective amounts for a period of at least 3 days upon the dressing being brought into contact with a moist surface.

Abstract: This invention describes a collagen construct uniquely suited as a substrate for production of biologically active wound dressings, skin equivalents or skin substitutes. The collagen construct of the invention comprises a porous collagen sponge and a cell-impermeable transitional layer between the sponge and the boundary surface of the cell-impermeable transitional layer. Optionally, a further layer conducive to the attachment of cells, e.g. keratinocytes, may be coated as a third layer on the cell-impermeable layer. The sponge layer may be seeded with dermal cells, or other suitable cells and the boundary surface or the third layer may be seeded with epithelial cells, e.g. keratinocytes. The process used for the production of this construct also is described.

Abstract: A plaster agent comprising a water impermeable or water semipermeable film (layer a), one tackifier layer (layer b) laminated on one surface of said layer a, and another tackifier layer (layer d) laminated on said layer b through an intermediary knitted fabric having a weight per unit area of 10 to 100 g/m2 (layer c) comprising hollow fibers having pores extending therethrough in the outer peripheral direction and containing substantially no medicine internally thereof, and at least one of said layer b and said layer d containing a vaporizable or non-vaporizable medicine.

Abstract: Plasters containing active substance, comprising a backing material and, applied thereon, a hot-melt self-adhesive composition, characterized in that the hot-melt self-adhesive composition comprises at least one hyper-aemic active substance.

Abstract: Polyurethane elastomer yams (particularly spandex) containing certain silver-based antimicrobial formulations therein are provided. This invention relates to polyurethane elastomer yams (particularly spandex) containing certain silver-based antimicrobial formulations therein. Such formulations comprise antimicrobial compounds, such as, preferably, triclosan and/or silver-containing ion-exchange resins, such as zirconium phosphate, glass, and/or zeolite compounds. The inventive spandex yarns exhibit excellent antimicrobial qualities as well as surprisingly good anti-tack/frictional characteristics. As a result, antimicrobial spandex yams are provided which exhibit ease in processing, particularly in further knitting, weaving, etc., to produce fabrics therefrom. Such fabrics are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle for effecting drug delivery from a solid substrate. Hydrogels loaded with liposomal therapeutic agents such as antibiotics are covalently bonded to the surface of substrates such as in-dwelling medical devices, such as implants, catheters, and the like. The present invention is particularly useful in the treatment and prevention of biofilm mediated infection often associated with the use of in-dwelling medical devices.

Abstract: A ligating band according to the present invention comprises an elastomeric layer and an inner drug releasing layer. The inner drug releasing layer includes a therapeutic agent, for example a chemotherapeutic agent for treating a mucosa, polyp or other growth. A ligating band according to the present invention also may include an inner diffusion barrier disposed between the elastomeric layer and the inner drug releasing layer, with the elastomeric layer and the inner drug releasing layer each contacting the inner diffusion barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a biopolymer matrix comprising cross-linked vinyl-derivatives of gelatin, or co-polymerized methacrylamide modified gelatin with vinyl-modified polysaccharides, or cross-linked vinyl-substituted polysaccharide and gelatin being physically entrapped in a semi-interpenetrating network. Preferably said polysaccharide comprises dextran or xanthan. The present invention also relates to a wound dressing or a controlled release device comprising said biopolymer matrix. Preferably said matrix is in the form of a hydrated film, a hydrated or dry foam, dry fibers which may be fabricated into a woven or non-woven tissue, hydrated or dry microbeads, dry powder, or covered with a semipermeable film so as to control the humidity of the wound covered with the dressing, with the permeability chosen so as to maintain this humidity within a therapeutically optimal window.

Abstract: This invention relates to an intravaginal shell or core drug delivery device suitable for administration to female humans or animals comprises testosterone or a testosterone precursor in a polymer matrix, surrounded by a sheath, and is capable of releasing the testosterone or testosterone precursor in a substantially zero-order pattern on a daily basis for at least three weeks. The device is intended to restore circulating testosterone levels to the normal physiol, range or to induce supratherapeutic testosterone levels.

Abstract: A novel topical formulation for delivery of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is characterized by enhanced transdermal absorption and efficacy. A two phase liquid composition has aqueous and oil phases, the oil phase having a relatively high concentration of the NSAID to enhance transdermal absorption and efficacy when incorporated into the topical anti-inflammatory formulation. The two phase liquid composition preferably contains, in addition to an NSAID, at least one melting point depressing agent. A preferred topical anti-inflammatory composition includes S(+)-ibuprofen, thymol, and ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for topical application of an enzyme, wherein the enzyme becomes incorporated in a peelable film, for instance a polyvinyl alcohol film, after its application. In this way, the release of enzyme-containing dust particles from the site of application is prevented.

Abstract: The present patent describes a three-dimensional interconnected open cell porous foams that have a gradient in composition and/or microstructure through one or more directions. These foams can be made from a blend of absorbable and biocompatible polymers that are formed into foams having a compositional gradient transitioning from predominately one polymeric material to predominately a second polymeric material. These gradient foams are particularly well suited to tissue engineering applications and can be designed to mimic tissue transition or interface zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating material for medical treatment, particularly a wound contact material, of resorbable, synthetic material, which is formed from a terpolymer based on lactide, trimethylene carbonate and &egr;-caprolactone with a maximum lactide content of 85 wt. %, trimethylene carbonate in the range 5 to 20 wt. % and &egr;-caprolactone in the range 5 to 20 wt. %, a method for its manufacture and its use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel transdermal drug delivery system whereby Huperzine A (“Hup A”), a naturally occurred Acetylcholine esterase inhibitor traditionally used to alleviate memory problem, is formulated for transdermal administration suitable for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (“AD”) to increase the efficacy and convenience for outpatient care of AD patients. A controlled-release skin patch designed for once-a-week application of Hup A is provided for easy AD medication according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for preventing adverse effects associated with the use of a medical device in a patient by introducing into the patient a device of which at least a portion includes a prophylactic or therapeutic amount of a nitric oxide adduct. The nitric oxide adduct can be present in a matrix coating on a surface of the medical device; can be coated per se on a surface of the medical device; can be directly or indirectly bound to reactive sites on a surface of the medical device; or at least a portion of the medical device can be formed of a material, such as a polymer, which includes the nitric oxide adduct. Also disclosed is a method for preventing adverse effects associated with the use of a medical device in a patient by introducing the device during a medical procedure and before or during said procedure locally administering a nitric oxide adduct to the site of contact of said device with any internal tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a wound dressing, comprising activating a textile carrier to form between about 0.026 and 0.06 mg-equiv. of aldehyde groups per gram of carrier, impregnating the activated carrier in a solution of at least one bioactive enzyme and drying the same, whereby there is produced a wound dressing from which the bioactive enzyme is releasable in effective amounts for a period of at least 3 days upon the dressing being brought into contact with a moist surface.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a device for the transdermal administration of dextromethorphan, (+)-3-methoxy-17-methyl-9a,13a,14a-morphanin, and salts, prodrugs and metabolites thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, to a human being or animal in need thereof, to achieve an antitussive effect. The present invention is further drawn to a method of achieving an antitussive effect in a human being or animal which comprises transdermally administering dextromethorphan, (+)-3-methoxy-17-methyl-9a,13a,14a-morphanin, and salts, prodrugs and metabolites thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Blisters of the skin are treated by applying to the skin over the blister a flexible moisture-containing hydrophilic hydrogel patch that includes a backing support such as paper, cloth or plastic and a water-based hydrogel layer applied to the backing. The hydrogel layer comprises a hydrophilic natural or synthetic polymer to provide body dispersed in water and can be a tacky adhesive. The polymer can comprise any high molecular weight hydrophilic carbohydrate such as karaya, cornstarch, or a kelp gel and/or a synthetic hydrophilic polymer such as polyacrylamide or polyacrylic acid. A humectant such as a polyhydric alcohol, keeps the gel layer moist. A solute such as salt, protein, sugar or an alcohol is dissolved in the water in a quantity sufficient to raise the osmotic pressure enough to maintain the hydrogel layer in a hypertonic state with respect to the blister.

Abstract: The present patent describes a three-dimensional inter-connected open cell porous foams that have a gradient in composition and/or microstructure through one or more directions. These foams can be made from a blend of absorbable and biocompatible polymers that are formed into foams having a compositional gradient transitioning from predominately one polymeric material to predominately a second polymeric material. These gradient foams are particularly well suited to tissue engineering applications and can be designed to mimic tissue transition or interface zones.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biocompatible tissue reactive composition comprising a functionalized polymer having tissue reactive substituents that are capable of forming covalent bonds with tissue associated functional groups.

Abstract: A method for making biocompatible polymeric matrices, particularly polymeric particles, that have functional groups on the surface thereof are provided. The method comprises: providing a biocompatible base polymer; providing a surface-active, functional polymer, hereinafter referred to as an “SAFP”; entangling chains of the base polymer with chains of the SAFP, both of which are in a mobile state; and then demobilizing the base polymer chains to form a polymeric particle or matrix having a specific geometry. Polymeric particles having functional groups on the surface thereof are also provided. The particles comprise a biocompatible base polymer and an SAFP. The SAFP comprises one or more interactive regions for physically cross-linking with the base polymer, and one or more hydrophilic regions. The particles have a core region and an outer region having a an outer surface. The core region contains a plurality of biocompatible base polymer chains.

Abstract: Solid, bioabsorbable materials for use as wound dressings comprise at least 50% by weight of a mixture of xanthan and at least one galactomannan, such as guar gum or locust bean gum. The weight ratio of xanthan: total galactomannans is in the range 1:99 to 99:1, preferably 10:99 to 99:10. The material is preferably made in the form of a sponge by freeze drying a mixed aqueous gel of the xanthan and galactomannans.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transdermal system containing at least one angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor.

Abstract: A dermal patch is provided which includes a substrate formed of a hydrophobic and hydrophilic fiber mixture, and a hydrogel adhesive deposited onto the substrate. The adhesive contains an alpha or beta hydroxy acid. The patch is applied to skin for treating the signs of aging, especially around areas of the eye.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of the topical treatment of equine laminitis are disclosed. In particular, combinations of a fast acting nitric oxide (NO) donor, a sustained acting NO donor and an NSAID mixed in a lipid-based carrier are described. The application of such combinations to the affected areas, e.g., the hoofs and surrounding tissues, of an equine afflicted with laminitis provides relief from the debilitating effects of this painful, often life-threatening condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collagen material comprising a laminate in which a collagen ultra-fine fibrous non-woven fabric-like multi-layer structure is sandwiched between non-fibrous collagen layers, a thread-like material containing said collagen material, their production processes, and a medical material containing said collagen material, and particularly a medical alternative membrane comprised of said medical material.

Abstract: The current invention is a biomedical implant comprising a biomedical matrix material and a biodegradable porosifying agent. As the porosifying agent degrades in situ, an implant with an inter-connecting network is formed. The resultant mechanically stable implant allows for tissue and fluid influx into the matrix. The invention is also directed to a method for repair of mammalian tissue using the above-described implant.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes (a) a substantially moisture vapor permeable, liquid impermeable, flexible thermoplastic backing layer, (b) a moisture vapor permeable, flexible, oleophilic thermoplastic resin foam layer, (c) a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and (d) a drug reservoir containing at least one hydrophilic drug composition and possessing a moisture vapor permeable, but hydrophilic drug composition impermeable, barrier layer applied to one surface thereof with the drug reservoir being applied to a portion of the adhesive layer such that the barrier layer lies between the hydrophilic drug composition and the adhesive layer thereby preventing any significant migration of the drug composition from the drug reservoir into the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A glass fiber chemical delivery system including water soluble fiberglass particles containing a chemical composition. The water soluble fiberglass particles may define pores in which the chemical composition is contained or the water soluble fiberglass particles may each define a hollow core containing the chemical composition. As the fiberglass particles dissolve in an aqueous environment, such as within cells of a blood vessel wall or in a reaction vessel, the chemical composition is released.

Abstract: A hydratable, highly absorbent keratin solid fiber or powder capable of absorbing a large weight excess of water may be produced by partially oxidizing hair keratin disulfide bonds to sulfonic acid residues and reacting the sulfonic acid residues with a cation. The neutralized suspension can be filtered, washed, and dried, leaving keratin solid which can be shredded into fibers and further ground into powder. Addition of water to the solid produces a hydrogel. The powder or hydrogel may be useful as an absorbent material, as a therapeutic for skin, or as an excipient. The keratin materials can be incorporated into nonwoven films. Another use for the hydrogel is as a biocompatible viscoelastic filler for implant applications.

Abstract: A peptide derived from keratin, which can be used as a wound-healing agent. In one method for making the peptide, a keratin source such as human hair is washed, dried, and treated with an oxidizing agent such as peracetic acid for a time and temperature sufficient to swell the keratin and oxidize some of the disulfide bonds to form sulfonic acid groups. The oxidation is believed to form a series of water-soluble peptides. The oxidized hair can be filtered, and the filtrate collected and concentrated under vacuum distillation to a viscous syrup, which can be neutralized with base. The concentrate can be mixed with an excess of a water-miscible organic solvent such as methanol, and the precipitate collected and dried to form the wound-healing agent. The wound-healing agent is believed to include peptides having a molecular weight centered around 850 daltons and having at least one ionizeable group such as sulfonic acid.

Abstract: The application discloses esters of hyaluronic acid, wherein a first part of the carboxylic functions is esterified with an araliphatic alcohol and a second part is esterified with at least one long-chain, straight aliphatic alcohol with between 10 and 22 carbon atoms. The possible remaining non-esterified carboxylic functions, if present, are salified. The application further discloses biocompatible threads having a multifilament conformation comprising filaments formed by the aforesaid esters, and their use in the fields of medicine and surgery.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for topical application of an enzyme, wherein the enzyme becomes incorporated in a peelable film, for instance a polyvinyl alcohol film, after its application. In this way, the release of enzyme-containing dust particles from the site of application is prevented.

Abstract: A drug held or supported by an interface comprising a porous matrix is dissolved with a drug dissolution liquid containing a humectant, and the drug is transdermally delivered by iontophoresis. The humectant includes e.g. glycerin and other polyhydric alcohols, sugar alcohols, proline and other amino acids and acidic mucopolysaccharides. The concentration of the humectant may be about 1 to 50% by weight, and the concentration of proline or other amino acid or its salt may be about 1 to 30% by weight. The drug includes (1) a physiologically active peptide or protein with a molecular weight of 100 to 30,000 or (2) a nonpeptide physiologically active compound with a molecular weight of 100 to 1,000.

Abstract: The present invention describes a polyoxaester copolymer and blends thereof that may be used to produce hydrogels, surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, drug matrices, adhesives, sealants and the like. The invention also contemplates a process for producing these polyesters. The polyoxaester copolymers of the present invention are formed from a first divalent repeating unit of formula IA: [—O—C(O)—R30—C(O)—]  IA a second divalent repeating unit of the formula IB: [O—C(O)—C(R1)(R2)—O—R3—O—C(R′1)(R′2)—C(O)—]  IB and a third repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of: [—O—R4—]A,  II [—O—R5—C(O)—]B,  III ([—O—R5—C(O)]P—O—)LG  XI and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to patient-controlled, flexible-dosing methods of treatment utilizing transdermal nicotine patch devices, optionally with other nicotine delivery systems, to abate the use of tobacco in humans.

Abstract: A topical composition for impregnating a bandage comprises zinc oxide in a stable oil in water emulsion. The emulsion comprises one or more fats or oils, one or more emulsifying agents, at least one water soluble gum and water. No preservative is required.

Abstract: A gum growth pad (10) comprising has a nonporous first layer (12). An and an absorbent second layer (14) is placed upon the nonporous first layer (12). A gum tissue growth medication (16) in a liquid form is may be impregnated within the absorbent second layer (14) and then dried. A semi-permeable third layer (18) covers the absorbent second layer (14) with the dried gum tissue growth medication (16). A facility (20) is for sealing the nonporous first layer (12) to the semi-permeable third layer (18) about a periphery thereof.