Abstract: A method of coating a peptide or protein useful for improving the cellular activity related to bone growth on an inorganic particle comprises the steps of freezing the residual liquid present on uncoated and or coated inorganic particles, and drying the uncoated or coated inorganic particles after freezing the residual liquid, the drying comprising causing the frozen residual liquid to sublime under vacuum. Further disclosed embodiments of the invention include further processes for forming inorganic particles coated with a peptide or protein useful for improving cellular activity related to bone growth and medical devices comprising the coated particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies that bind to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 (e.g., a sericin polypeptide). The invention also provides methods and kits using the antibodies of the invention. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino add sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino add sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the polypeptide is a sericin polypeptide (e.g., a sericin isoform 1B polypeptide). In a related aspect, the invention features a method for selectively detecting sericin in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies that bind to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 (e.g., a sericin polypeptide). The invention also provides methods and kits using the antibodies of the invention. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino add sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to a polypeptide at an epitope in the amino add sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the polypeptide is a sericin polypeptide (e.g., a sericin isoform 1B polypeptide). In a related aspect, the invention features a method for selectively detecting sericin in a sample.

Abstract: The invention features fiber reinforced bone repair putties and fiber reinforced pliable lyophilized implants which are useful for the treatment of bone defects. The putties and lyophilized implants include ceramic particles. The formulations of the invention can exhibit reduced migration of the ceramic particles, and are mechanically strengthened so the materials can be aggressively manipulated by a physician during an implantation procedure without tearing or puncturing.

Abstract: A firm but pliable medical device for use as a bone graft substitute or bone graft extender retains its shape without the requirement of a containment device, such as a syringe. Because the device is solid, it is easy to locate or position in-vivo and, in the moist environment of the body, it will hold its shape well, for an extended time. Because the lyophilized pliable medical device is porous, it adsorbs blood and other beneficial cells containing body fluids, such as bone marrow, contributing to its superior bone repair efficacy in comparison to an analogous putty that has not been lyophilized. In addition these lyophilized pliable medical devices are easier to terminally steam sterilize than the analogous putty because there is no moisture present to boil and ‘blow-out’ of the containment device (syringe). The glycerin that is present in the formulation lends pliability but has a low vapor pressure.

Abstract: The invention features fiber reinforced bone repair putties and fiber reinforced pliable lyophilized implants which are useful for the treatment of bone defects. The putties and lyophilized implants include ceramic particles. The formulations of the invention can exhibit reduced migration of the ceramic particles, and are mechanically strengthened so the materials can be aggressively manipulated by a physician during an implantation procedure without tearing or puncturing.

Abstract: A firm but pliable medical device for use as a bone graft substitute or bone graft extender retains its shape without the requirement of a containment device, such as a syringe. Because the device is solid, it is easy to locate or position in-vivo and, in the moist environment of the body, it will hold its shape well, for an extended time. Because the lyophilized pliable medical device is porous, it adsorbs blood and other beneficial cells containing body fluids, such as bone marrow, contributing to its superior bone repair efficacy in comparison to an analogous putty that has not been lyophilized. In addition these lyophilized pliable medical devices are easier to terminally steam sterilize than the analogous putty because there is no moisture present to boil and “blow-out” of the containment device (syringe). The glycerin that is present in the formulation lends pliability but has a low vapor pressure.

Abstract: A firm but pliable medical device for use as a bone graft substitute or bone graft extender retains its shape without the requirement of a containment device, such as a syringe. Because the device is solid, it is easy to locate or position in-vivo and, in the moist environment of the body, it will hold its shape well, for an extended time. Because the lyophilized pliable medical device is porous, it adsorbs blood and other beneficial cells containing body fluids, such as bone marrow, contributing to its superior bone repair efficacy in comparison to an analogous putty that has not been lyophilized. In addition these lyophilized pliable medical devices are easier to terminally steam sterilize than the analogous putty because there is no moisture present to boil and “blow-out” of the containment device (syringe). The glycerin that is present in the formulation lends pliability but has a low vapor pressure.