Abstract: An alternating vacuum and pressure system for decellularizing a bone matrix includes piping having a first end open to atmospheric pressure and a second end open to atmospheric pressure, and a subset of piping that forms a loop, a chamber in fluid, at least one heating element configured to heat the piping, a pump, and a plurality of valves. The plurality of valves can be selectively opened or closed to form one of a plurality of configurations, including a pressure configuration in which operation of the pump in a first direction causes a fluid within the piping to travel toward the chamber such that pressure is applied to the chamber and a vacuum configuration in which operation of the pump in a second direction causes the fluid within the pipe to travel away from the chamber such that a vacuum is created on the chamber.

Abstract: A system for seeding therapeutic active ingredients (TAIs) onto a porous scaffold includes a first chamber for accommodating the scaffold, a TAI storage device for storing TAIs, at least one second chamber for storing TAI media, and a gas inlet for receiving gas from a compressed source. A flow circuit is coupled to the first chamber, the TAI storage device, the second chamber and the gas inlet for delivering the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas to the scaffold. A pump pumps at least one of the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas in the flow circuit. The system also includes a processor that regulates the delivery of the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas to the scaffold via a plurality of valves.

Abstract: Drilling devices, systems, kits and methods for drilling cartilage defects are disclosed. A system includes a handle device having an adjustable shaft collar rotatable to adjust a drill set distance between the adjustable shaft collar and the handle. The handle device can include a distal drill guide extending from the handle at an end opposite the adjustable shaft collar. The system includes a drill collar attachable to a drill bit and configured to remain stationary along a length of the drill bit once attached. The system includes a rotatable disk positionable between the adjustable shaft collar and the drill collar. The rotatable disk can include a central hole sized to accept the drill bit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous polymer material (or scaffold), and more particularly to a polymer-ceramic composite having interconnected pores and a porosity of about 50% to 90%. The scaffold is bioresorbable and exhibits advantageous mechanical properties that mimic those found in natural bone. Methods of preparing the scaffolds and using them in skeletal tissue engineering applications (e.g., as bone grafts to repair osteochondral defects and ligaments) is also described.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a condensed mesenchymal cell body and a hydrogel are provided. The compositions may further include drugs or growth factors. The condensed mesenchymal cell body may include a connective tissue cell, or even a progenitor cell capable of producing connective tissue extracellular matrices such collagen and glycosaminoglycan. Also provided are methods of treating connective tissue defects, cartilage injury, and cartilage degradation.

Abstract: A graft holder for securely transporting a graft, the graft holder including a base surface; and a cavity extended from the base surface and formed from one or more walls, the cavity configured so the graft is securely nested therewith when being transported between locations so as to minimize damage and/or impact to the graft during transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a bone defect site in a patient. The method includes applying to the bone defect site a bone graft composition comprising a scaffold having a desired shape. The scaffold includes a biodegradable polymer and a ceramic material. The scaffold includes interconnected pores and an average porosity range of about 50% to about 90%, wherein the porosity is substantially uniform throughout the scaffold. The scaffold is bioresorbable and exhibits advantageous mechanical properties that mimic those found in natural bone. Methods of preparing the scaffolds and using them in skeletal tissue engineering applications (e.g., as bone grafts to repair osteochondral defects and ligaments) is also described.

Abstract: A system for seeding therapeutic active ingredients (TAIs) onto a porous scaffold includes a first chamber for accommodating the scaffold, a TAI storage device for storing TAIs, at least one second chamber for storing TAI media, and a gas inlet for receiving gas from a compressed source. A flow circuit is coupled to the first chamber, the TAI storage device, the second chamber and the gas inlet for delivering the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas to the scaffold. A pump pumps at least one of the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas in the flow circuit. The system also includes a processor that regulates the delivery of the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas to the scaffold via a plurality of valves.

Abstract: A system for seeding therapeutic active ingredients (TAIs) onto a porous scaffold includes a first chamber for accommodating the scaffold, a TAI storage device for storing TAIs, at least one second chamber for storing TAI media, and a gas inlet for receiving gas from a compressed source. A flow circuit is coupled to the first chamber, the TAI storage device, the second chamber and the gas inlet for delivering the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas to the scaffold. A pump pumps at least one of the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas in the flow circuit. The system also includes a processor that regulates the delivery of the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas to the scaffold via a plurality of valves.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a condensed mesenchymal cell body and a hydrogel are provided. The compositions may further include drugs or growth factors. The condensed mesenchymal cell body may include a connective tissue cell, or even a progenitor cell capable of producing connective tissue extracellular matrices such collagen and glycosaminoglycan. Also provided are methods of treating connective tissue defects, cartilage injury, and cartilage degradation.

Abstract: A system for seeding therapeutic active ingredients (TAIs) onto a porous scaffold includes a first chamber for accommodating the scaffold, a TAI storage device for storing TAIs, at least one second chamber for storing TAI media, and a gas inlet for receiving gas from a compressed source. A flow circuit is coupled to the first chamber, the TAI storage device, the second chamber and the gas inlet for delivering the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas to the scaffold. A pump pumps at least one of the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas in the flow circuit. The system also includes a processor that regulates the delivery of the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas to the scaffold via a plurality of valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous polymer material (or scaffold), and more particularly to a polymer-ceramic composite having interconnected pores and a porosity of about 50% to 90%. The scaffold is bioresorbable and exhibits advantageous mechanical properties that mimic those found in natural bone. Methods of preparing the scaffolds and using them in skeletal tissue engineering applications (e.g., as bone grafts to repair osteochondral defects and ligaments) is also described.