Abstract: Provided are methods, devices and compositions for reducing and/or inhibiting postsurgical tissue adhesion using a hydrogel film disposed onto a target tissue, thereby providing an adhesion barrier that remains over said target tissue for a prescribed period of time. In some embodiments, the hydrogel film is formed by the gelation of a pre-gel mixture applied onto the target tissue as a plurality of particles having an average maximum dimension, such as diameter, of at most about 500 ?m. In some embodiments, the hydrogel film has a minimum storage modulus of 100 Pa. In some embodiments, the pre-gel mixture comprises an ECM digest having a collagen to carbohydrate ratio (by mass) of at least 70:1.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising cellular constructs comprising mesenchymal cells and epithelial cells. Also disclosed are methods of making the cellular constructs, methods of hair restoration, and kits. The invention also discloses parallel bio-printing systems and methods for making cellular constructs, such as cellular constructs comprising mesenchymal cells and epithelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for culturing primary cells and tissues from a subject in the presence of the subject's own serum, ascites or pleural effusion fluid. Methods of treating cancer, and screening for the effectiveness or toxicity of drugs are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing a graft scaffold for cartilage repair, particularly in a human patient. The method of the invention comprising the steps of providing particles and/or fibres; providing an aqueous solution of a gelling polysaccharide; providing mammalian cells; mixing said particles and/or fibres, said aqueous solution of a gelling polysaccharide and said mammalian cells to obtain a printing mix; and depositing said printing mix in a three-dimensional form. The invention further relates to graft scaffolds and grafts obtained by the method of the invention.

Abstract: The method extracts an extract containing sea cucumber saponins. The extract is separated from sea cucumber meat exclusively by a specific heat treatment without conducting any chemical treatment with the use of an enzyme, ethanol, etc. The method includes: a step for heating sea cumbers from a starting temperature to a target heating temperature by a first temperature gradient; and a step for decreasing the temperature by a second temperature gradient that is gentler than the first temperature gradient to thereby extract the sea cucumber extract. The sea cucumber extract is stored as a sea cucumber extract material in the form of a liquid concentrate, etc. Then an appropriate amount of the sea cucumber extract material is added to, for example, another sea cucumber extract material having been separated and extracted from sea cucumbers with a lower saponin content.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use in the treatment of anal fistulas includes an elongate, flexible probe having a channel running there through; a seton attached to a proximal end of the probe; and a wire located within the channel, and movable along the channel; wherein: the probe has a first stiffness and the wire has a second stiffness, the first stiffness being less than the second stiffness.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tissue fillers. The tissue fillers can include a plurality of tissue particles formed from acellular tissue matrix fragments. The tissue fillers can be used to fill tissue sites, such as voids formed after tissue resection.

Abstract: A composition for preventing or treating inflammatory disease and that is effective for inflammatory disease such as fulminant hepatitis and interstitial pneumonia. For such an objective, the present uses a culture supernatant obtained by culturing dental pulp stem cells as the active ingredient of the composition for preventing or treating inflammatory disease.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide immortalized stem cells, which produce a growth factor capable of regenerating various kinds of tissues that have been damaged by a variety of causes, and a method for producing the aforesaid immortalized stem cells. Another purpose is to provide a medicinal composition and a medicinal preparation for restoring damaged tissues, and a method for the percutaneous absorption of a culture supernatant. Provided are immortalized stem cells that are obtained by isolating stem cells selected from the group consisting of mammalian mesenchymal cells, an embryo at the early stage of the development and somatic cells, first culturing the cells to give first stage culture cells, transferring four kinds of genes into the first stage culture cells to give transgenic cells, and selecting the desired immortalized stem cells from among the transgenic cells using the expression of STRO-1 as an index.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating a tissue matrix with a proteolytic enzyme to produce a desired pliability of the tissue matrix and/or to control the immunogenicity of the tissue matrix. The methods can also comprise performing an assay to determine if contacting the at least one collagen-containing tissue matrix with a proteolytic enzyme has altered the at least one collagen-containing tissue matrix to reduce a human immune response to the tissue matrix.

Abstract: A formulation and method are provided for treating wounds by promoting healing and tissue repair and/or regeneration therein. The formulation is a topically administrable selectively flowable colloidal suspension that contains a tropocollagen, at least one adjuvant effective to enhance the capability of the formulation or the tropocollagen to promote tissue repair and regeneration following topical administration to a wound, and a physiologically acceptable carrier or excipient. At least 50% of the tropocollagen is composed of renatured tropocollagen, generally renatured atelopeptide tropocollagen. Methods for using the formulation to heal a wound and effect tissue repair and/or regeneration therein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for preparing a skin graft without culturing or use of biologics.

Abstract: Described, in certain respects, are unique methods and systems for treating fistulae and other passageways and openings in the body. In some embodiments, treatment will be performed on fistulae that include a passage extending through a subcutaneous wall or wall-like structure. Illustratively, such a passage can extend through a subcutaneous tissue wall that includes, at a minimum, portions of an intestinal wall, and in this regard, such a wall can have a first side that is provided by the luminal side of the intestines and a second subcutaneous side that is provided, for example, by the abluminal side of the intestines and/or by other subcutaneous tissues adhered to this abluminal side. Some inventive products and methods involve sealing off the passage from both sides of the wall, for example, where a sealing element is placed on each side of the wall over an opening to the passage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods for modulating an immunologically adverse response to an exogenous or endogenous immunogen, including a cell, tissue, or organ associated immunogen. An implantable material comprising cells, such as but not limited to endothelial cells, anchored or embedded in a biocompatible matrix can modulate an adverse immune or inflammatory reaction to exogenous or endogenous immunogens, including response to non-syngeneic or syngeneic cells, tissues or organs, exogenous immunogens or stimuli, as well as ameliorate an autoimmune condition. The implantable material can be provided prior to, coincident with, or subsequent to occurrence of the immune response or inflammatory reaction. The implantable material can induce immunological acceptance in a transplant patient, reduce graft rejection and reduce donor antigen immunogenicity.

Abstract: The application provides methods of modulating platelet uptake by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and of modulating thrombocytopenia. Transgenic pigs modified to bind fewer platelets are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for accurately determining the alleles present at a locus that is broadly applicable to any locus, including highly polymorphic loci such as HLA loci, BGA loci and HV loci. Embodiments of the disclosed methods are useful in a wide range of applications, including, for example, organ transplantation, personalized medicine, diagnostics, forensics and anthropology.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for preparing, storing, shipping and using skin equivalents made by organotypic culture. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for producing, transporting, storing and using skin equivalents produced by organotypic culture at reduced temperatures, preferably from 2-8 degrees Celsius to ambient temperature. The methods include sterile packaging of the grafts so that the sterility and integrity of the package is maintained until the time of use for grafting purposes.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided that is adapted to treat various urological pelvic disorders, such as prolapse, incontinence, and the like. The delivery system can include at least one biologic loaded or otherwise provided with a bioactive agent. The biologic can comprise any drugs, hormones or steroids, stem cells, growth factors, proteins, and/or other bioactive agents to promote cell or tissue growth for the treatment and strengthening of organ walls or tissue. The biologic is generally adapted to controllably release the agent to the surrounding tissue or organ to provide a local and targeted delivery.

Abstract: The present invention suppresses the strength reduction or degeneration of a tissue after the tissue is dried and/or sterilized, for the tissue comprising biological components and the like. Specifically, biological tissue is immersed in a trehalose solution and shaken, thereby impregnating the biological tissue with the trehalose solution. The trehalose solution used here is one obtained by dissolving trehalose in a phosphate buffered saline, the concentration of trehalose being preferably in the range of 20 wt % to 35 wt %. Thereafter, the biological tissue is dried to remove moisture in the biological tissue, and sterilized with ethylene oxide gas.

Abstract: Disclosed are tissue graft compositions made of particles having different densities, methods of making these compositions, and methods of using these compositions for promoting tissue restoration in a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are tissue graft compositions made of materials having different densities, methods of making, and methods of treatment for restoring tissues in a patient.

Abstract: Region-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterials are provided. Such materials include acellular scaffolds, sponges, solutions, and hydrogels suitable for stem cell culture.

Abstract: Described herein are bioprinters comprising: one or more printer heads, wherein a printer head comprises a means for receiving and holding at least one cartridge, and wherein said cartridge comprises contents selected from one or more of: bio-ink and support material; a means for calibrating the position of at least one cartridge; and a means for dispensing the contents of at least one cartridge. Further described herein are methods for fabricating a tissue construct, comprising: a computer module receiving input of a visual representation of a desired tissue construct; a computer module generating a series of commands, wherein the commands are based on the visual representation and are readable by a bioprinter; a computer module providing the series of commands to a bioprinter; and the bioprinter depositing bio-ink and support material according to the commands to form a construct with a defined geometry.

Abstract: A composition for reconstruction, replacement or repair of damaged or diseased biological tissue comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition that includes an ECM scaffold component and a bioactive agent component. In a preferred embodiment, the ECM scaffold component comprises mesothelial tissue and the bioactive agent comprises a statin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining a rabbit skin containing biologically active substances. The rabbit skin extract is obtained by the process including vaccinating a rabbit subcutaneously with vaccinia virus, feeding the rabbit, killing the rabbit when the skin is inflamed, skinning the rabbit within 15 minutes of death, preserving the rabbit skin at ?18 degrees Celsius, extracting a portion of the rabbit skin with a phenol solution at 4° C., processing the rabbit skin extract with an acid and an alkali, eluting the rabbit skin extract and fractioning under a nitrogen atmosphere the eluted portion of the rabbit skin extract. The rabbit skin of the present invention can be used for preparing drugs and health foods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, are methods of preparing sterilized amniotic tissues. Further disclosed herein, are methods of using the sterilized amniotic tissues.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating or preventing a cardiac arrhythmia in a subject.

Abstract: A method of treatment of organ dysfunction using a supernatant containing molecules, cytokines and vesicles secreted from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from animals is provided. The MSC are cultured, and then centrifuged to separate them from the desired supernatant containing the molecules and vesicles that may be used for treatment. Treatment may be for dogs, cats, and similar animals. This treatment may be for any number of ailments including, but not limited to mitigation or reversal of complications from heart, kidney, liver, or other organ impairment.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of sores, wounds, burns and other traumatized dermal tissues and skin injuries comprising Boswellia gum, gel, resin or extract, Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca oil), an Aloe gel, resin, latex or extract and Lavender oil. The composition may be incorporated into a medical device such as a wound dressing or bandage, or formulated into a topical preparation such as an ointment, lotion or cream.

Abstract: A conditioned cell culture medium of cells derived from Spalax or naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) and methods for preparing it are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the conditioned cell culture medium and its use in the treatment of cancer as well as methods for identifying anti-cancer agents are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating select portions of a tissue matrix with a cross-linking agent and/or a proteolytic enzyme to produce a tissue matrix with variable mechanical and/or biological properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of forming wound dressings from jellyfish collagen. A jellyfish tissue is provided, after which an acid is added to produce a collagen-salt solution. The solution is mixed to form a viscous colloidal gel, and a film or a film/fabric composite is created from the gel.

Abstract: The invention is to articles of extracellular matrix. The articles comprise one or more sheets of mammalian extracellular matrix laminated together. A single sheet can be folded over and laminated on 3 sides. Two or more sheets can be laminated to each other at their edges. The sheets can further encase a composition comprising a cell or cells, such as for example, a stem cell. A single sheet can be folded over to encase a composition, or rolled to encase a composition with lamination at either end of the roll, for example. The invention also includes methods of using these articles to regenerate tissue at tissue defects, or heal wounds in damaged tissue.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods of using modified placental tissue to achieve endogenous and exogenous therapeutic effects. When applied to an injured or diseased organ or body part, the modified placental tissue elicit stem cell recruitment and/or localization directly to or proximate to the site of application. Also described is a novel vacuum drying device and the use thereof.

Abstract: Harvesting articular chondrocyte cells from a non-critical location of a patient and growing additional cells for transplantation into a damaged or diseased disc of the patient.

Abstract: A nerve regeneration device comprising a support structure having an outer surface and a plurality of conduits extending therethrough, the support structure comprising a first extracellular matrix (ECM) material from a mammalian tissue source, the support structure outer layer including at least a first layer comprising a first ECM composition having at least a second ECM material from a mammalian tissue source. When the nerve regeneration device is deployed proximate damaged neural tissue, the device induces modulated healing of the damaged tissue.

Abstract: An autologous topical formulation containing conditioned medium obtained from culture of autologous fibroblasts has been developed. Unlike other topical formulations, it is autologous since it is derived solely from cells obtained by the person who is to use the formulation. This avoids any possible reaction with proteins derived from the cells. Preferred formulations include gels, creams, lotions, and ointments. The topical formulations of conditioned medium obtained by culturing autologous dermal fibroblasts are topically administered to individuals for the prevention and treatment of scarring, reduction in signs of aging, and improvement in quality of skin.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing gelled, solubilized extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions useful as cell growth scaffolds. Also provided are compositions prepared according to the methods as well as uses for the compositions. In one embodiment a device, such as a prosthesis, is provided which comprises an inorganic matrix into which the gelled, solubilized ECM is dispersed to facilitate in-growth of cells into the ECM and thus adaptation and/or attachment of the device to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for preparing, storing, shipping and using skin equivalents made by organotypic culture. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for producing, transporting, storing and using skin equivalents produced by organotypic culture at reduced temperatures, preferably from 2-8 degrees Celsius to ambient temperature. The methods include sterile packaging of the grafts so that the sterility and integrity of the package is maintained until the time of use for grafting purposes.

Abstract: Methods for treating a cardiovascular disorder comprising concomitant administration of one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) based compositions directly to damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue associated with the cardiovascular disorder, and provision of ventricular assistance. In a preferred embodiment, the ECM based compositions include an ECM material derived from a mammalian source.

Abstract: The invention provides methodologies and apparatus for producing acellular soft-tissue implants, both in small quantities and in commercializable quantities. Such soft-tissue implants include vascular graft substitutes. An acellular graft is produced by subjecting the tissue sample to an induced pressure mediated flow of an extracting solution, followed by inducing a pressure mediated flow of a treating solution, then washing the treated tissue to produce the acellular graft. The acellular grafts produced are uniform and nonimmunogenic. The inventive method allows for the production of multiple decellularized soft tissue implants, where processing time is significantly less than prior art processes and the number of implants produced per day is increased over prior art processes. In clinical use, the decellularized grafts produced exhibit significantly improved in long-tem durability and function.

Abstract: Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placental tissue that are reinforced with at least one biocompatible mesh. The tissue grafts possess good adhesion to biological tissues and are useful in wound healing applications. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts.

Abstract: Novel implantable tissue fixation methods and compositions are disclosed. Methods and compositions of tissue, fixed using polymeric and/or variable length crosslinks, and di- or polymercapto compounds are described. Also described are the methods and compositions wherein the tissue is fixed using biodegradable crosslinkers. Methods and compositions for making radio-opaque tissue are also described. Methods and compositions to obtain a degradable implantable tissue-synthetic biodegradable polymer composite are also described. Compositions and methods of incorporating substantially water-insoluble bioactive compounds in the implantable tissue are also disclosed. The use of membrane-like implantable tissue to make an implantable drug delivery patch are also disclosed. Also described are the compositions and methods to obtain a coated implantable tissue. Medical applications implantable tissue such as heart valve bioprosthesis, vascular grafts, meniscus implant, drug delivery patch are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions composed of micronized placental components, extracts of micronized placental components, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The compositions have numerous medical applications. Methods for making and using the micronized compositions and the extracts thereof are also described herein.

Abstract: A cell culture growth substrate comprising submucosal tissue of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method for culturing fastidious organisms is described. Submucosal tissue used in accordance with the present invention supports the proliferation of cells when said cells are contacted with submucosal tissue under conditions conducive to cell proliferation.

Abstract: A medical device, said medical device, comprises: a first component having a non-biological material; a second component having a cloned biological material, said second component being attached to said first component, wherein said first component and said second component are operatively associated in a non-living medical device for at least one of treatment, diagnosis, cure, mitigation and prevention of disease, injury, handicap or condition in a living organism. In another aspect, a method comprises: preparing a cloned biological material from a tissue or an organ; attaching said biological material to a medical device; interfacing said biological material with the non-biological material; providing treatment, diagnosis, cure, mitigation and prevention of disease, injury, handicap or condition in a living organism.

Abstract: A composition is provided that includes a plurality of layered nanofiber scaffolds. A first nanofiber scaffold can include microwells configured to be seeded with one or more relevant cells, a skin tissue, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the first nanofiber scaffold can comprise uniaxially aligned nanofibers between the microwells and random nanofibers on the microwells. The composite can also include a second nanofiber scaffold that comprises radially-aligned nanofibers. Further provided are methods for making such a composition as well as methods for treating damaged skin that include applying an effective amount of the composition to a site of damaged skin on a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing compositions including embryonic proteins. The method includes culturing cells under hypoxic conditions on a biocompatible surface in vitro. The culturing method produces both soluble and non-soluble fractions, which may be used separately or in combination to obtain physiologically acceptable compositions useful in a variety of medical and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A scaffold material for wound care and/or other tissue healing applications and methods for making the same is described. The scaffold material is constituted of a decellularized extracellular matrix from fish skin. The scaffold material may also include lipids from the lipid layer of the fish skin. Methods for making and using the scaffold material are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a medicinal agent that is effective and highly safe for the prevention or alleviation of a peripheral nerve disorder that develops as a side effect occurring after the administration of an anti-cancer agent. The present invention relates to a novel medical use of an extract from inflamed tissues inoculated with vaccinia virus, and to a prophylactic or alleviating agent for a peripheral nerve disorder that contains the extract as an active ingredient. The agent containing the extract as an active ingredient is used for a prophylactic or alleviating agent for a peripheral nerve disorder induced by an anti-cancer agent and is a highly safe and remarkably highly useful medicinal agent with few side effects.