Abstract: Polypeptides called cartilage-inducing factors (CIFs) that are found in bone and have heretofore been identified as having in vitro cartilage-inducing activity. TGF-.beta. activity, and anti-inflammatory activity have now been found to possess potent oncostatic activity. The CIFs showed oncostatic activity on human and animal tumors, including carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, and melanomas.

Abstract: Two proteins that are found is bone and that have in vivo chondrogenic/osteogenic activity in combination with a co-factor are described. Both proteins also were active in combination with EGF in the in vitro TGF-.beta. assay. Each has a molecular weight of approximately 26,000 daltons by SDS-PAGE. Each is reduced to a single polypeptide indicating that the proteins are probably homodimers. One has an N-terminal sequence identical to that of human placenta-derived TGF-.beta. whereas the other has an N-terminal sequence that is different from that of TGF-.beta. derived from human placenta. The two proteins may be purified to homogeneity using RP-HPLC or acetic acid-urea gel electrophoresis.

Abstract: Inflammation, acute and/or chronic, is treated with a CIF (TGF-.beta.). The CIF may be administered locally or symstemically, depending upon the indication, and does not require coadministraion of activator or cofactor for efficacy.

Abstract: Injectable aqueous suspensions of biomaterials, such as cross-linked collagen, that contain a biocompatible fluid lubricant, such as glycogen or maltose, are disclosed. The inclusion of the lubricant significantly improves the intrusion of the suspension into soft tissue.

Abstract: A composition for use in bone repair, in particular, in onlay procedures, which comprises calcium phosphate mineral particles in admixture with atelopeptide reconstituted fibrillar collagen preparations is disclosed. This composition is non-immunogenic and encourages the fusion of host bone with new bone growth through the implant. Additional processes for curing the implant to improve its compressive strength include heat curing, maturation, and cross-linking.

Abstract: A method of repairing bone defects by use of suspensions containing purified atelopeptide, reconstituted, fibrillar skin collagen or bone collagen powder or mixtures thereof is disclosed. The suspensions provide matrices for conductive growth of bone into the defect. The skin collagen may also be lyophilized and used in the form of mats.

Abstract: An improved process for obtaining a matrix of mineral particles in reconstituted atelopeptide collagen comprises reconstituting a mixture of mineral particles with collagen in solution. This process results in a matrix of collagen containing the mineral particles which, when wetted, is malleable and retains its integrity.

Abstract: Two proteins that are found in bone and that have in vivo chondrogenic/osteogenic activity in combination with a co-factor are described. Both proteins also were active in combination with EGF in the in vitro TGF-.beta. assay. Each has a molecular weight of approximately 26,000 daltons by SDS-PAGE. Each is reduced to a single polypeptide indicating that the proteins are probably homodimers. One has an N-terminal sequence identical to that of human placenta-derived TGF-.beta. whereas the other has an N-terminal sequence that is different from that of TGF-.beta. derived from human placenta. The two proteins may be purified to homogeneity using RP-HPLC or acetic acid-urea gel electrophoresis.

Abstract: Two proteins that are found in bone and that have in vivo chondrogenic/osteogenic activity in combination with a co-factor are described. Both proteins also were active in combination with EGF in the in vitro TGF-.beta. assay. Each has a molecular weight of approximately 26,000 daltons by SDS-PAGE. Each is reduced to a single polypeptide indicating that the proteins are probably homodimers. One has an N-terminal sequence identical to that of human placenta-derived TGF-.beta. whereas the other has an N-terminal sequence that is different from that of TGF-.beta. derived from human placenta. The two proteins may be purified to homogeneity using RP-HPLC or acetic acid-urea gel electrophoresis.

Abstract: A composition which combines autogenic bone marrow with a suspension of purified atelopeptide reconstituted collagen is used to repair bone defects in mammals.

Abstract: A soft tissue wound healing composition comprising an aqueous mixture of fibrillar collagen, heparin, and undegranulated platelets or platelet releasate. The composition is applied topically to the wound site in conjunction with means to keep it at the site and hydrated or in the form of an occlusive dressing.

Abstract: A mixing device for preparing inductive and conductive bone repair compositions is disclosed, along with a method for using the device for preparing such compositions. The device provides a simple and rapid method of making a substantially uniform collagen/mineral bone implant preparation.

Abstract: Collagen membranes with desired properties are prepared by using a variety of gel-forming techniques in combination with methods for converting the gels to solid forms. The properties of these membranes or other solid forms may be further altered by cross-linking the collagen preparation either after formation of the membrane or gel, or most preferably by mixing cross-linked collagen with solubilized collagen in the original mixture used to create the gel.

Abstract: A device for indicating the proper fill level for unmarked syringes is disclosed. This device employs the intersection of a perpendicular defracted sheet of low power visible laser light with the barrel of the syringe being filled as the indication of the proper fill level. A method of filling syringes which employs this device to indicate fill level is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing collagen membranes useful in tissue repair, and wound healing and related membranous implant materials useful in both hard and soft tissue applications is disclosed. The resulting membranes and materials have properties which can be varied as desired to suit intended use. Variation results from altering the precise conditions of formation of the membrane or of related fibers and solids. The process comprises first forming a gel from solubilized collagen, followed by converting the gel into a one-, two- or three-dimensional membranous solid form. This conversion is performed either by applying pressure to the gel, or by disrupting the gel and separating the resulting precipitate for casting.

Abstract: An injector is disclosed for administering fluids such as medications and tissue-augmenting suspensions of collagen to laryngeal tissues. The injector includes a needle, a hollow connector tube, and a syringe receiver into which syringes of collagen or a like low-viscosity fluid are inserted. The injector is adapted for one-hand operation and the serial use of several syringes of collagen or like fluid.

Abstract: A process for preparing collagen membranes useful in tissue repair, and wound healing and related membranous implant materials useful in both hard and soft tissue applications is disclosed. The resulting membranes and materials have properties which can be varied as desired to suit intended use. Variation results from altering the precise conditions of formation of the membrane or of related fibers and solids. The process comprises first forming a gel from solubilized collagen, followed by converting the gel into a one-, two- or three-dimensional membranous solid form. This conversion is performed either by applying pressure to the gel, or by disrupting the gel and separating the resulting precipitate for casting.

Abstract: An injectable collagen material composed of reconstituted, mechanically sheared atelopeptide collagen fibers. The material is prepared by passing reconstituted collagen fibers repeatedly through a rigid mesh screen, until a substantial reduction in fiber size and size-heterogeneity is achieved. The mechanically sheared fibers may be further crosslinked to improve implant characteristics.

Abstract: A partially purified proteinaceous bone-inducing factor of 10,000 to 30,000 daltons is described. It is derived from demineralized bovine bone by extraction with a chaotropic agent, gel filtration, cation exchange chromatography using carboxymethyl cellulose at pH 4.8 and gradient elution with NaCl at 10 mM to about 150 mM.

Abstract: A process for preparing collagen membranes useful in tissue repair, and wound healing and related membranous implant materials useful in both hard and soft tissue applications is disclosed. The resulting membranes and materials have properties which can be varied as desired to suit intended use. Variation results from altering the precise conditions of formation of the membrane or of related fibers and solids. The process comprises first forming a gel from solubilized collagen, followed by converting the gel into a one-, two- or three-dimensional membranous solid form. This conversion is performed either by applying pressure to the gel, or by disrupting the gel and separating the resulting precipitate for casting.