Abstract: A raw membrane material having an acellular nature and consisting substantially of a compact layer whose characteristic matrix structure is retained intact and which is produced by dissolving and removing cellular layers including epithelium and fibroblast layers from a biogenic, connective tissue membrane which comprises epithelial, basement membrane, compact and fibroblast layer.

Abstract: A medical device having stratum compactum of tissue membrane is provided. The present invention further provides a method for producing a medical device having stratum compactum of tissue membrane. The method includes the steps of: separating tissue membrane including stratum compactum from tissue; sterilizing or disinfecting the separated tissue membrane; and removing all other layers except the stratum compactum from the sterilized or disinfected tissue membrane using an enzyme.

Abstract: A medical device consisting essentially of stratum compactum of tissue membrane is provided. The present invention further provides a method for producing a medical device consisting essentially of stratum compactum of tissue membrane. The method comprises the steps of: separating tissue membrane including stratum compactum from tissue; sterilizing or disinfecting the separated tissue membrane; and removing all other layers except the stratum compactum from the sterilized or disinfected tissue membrane using an enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed are a medical material and a production process thereof. The medical material has a membrane configuration and is produced by impregnating a membranous material with collagen or gelatin and then physically or chemically cross-linking protein molecules of the membranous material. The membranous material is essentially acellular compact layer of a biogenic connective tissue. The medical material may further be processed into other forms such as threads, braids, tubes and hoses and is useful in surgery. The medical material has a strength sufficient to be useful for surgically stitching wounds either manually or mechanically.