Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an ECM-altering enzymatic activity, such as a proteoglycanase or a protease, to stimulate the generation of cartilage tissue by inducing chondrocytes to synthesize new cartilage matrix. It has been discovered that treating chondrocytes with an enzymatic activity that modifies the territorial ECM of the cell, especially cell surface proteoglycans, can in and of itself be sufficient to stimulate cartilage production by the chondrocytes. The subject invention can be employed therapeutically to correct or prevent degeneration of connective tissue. For instance, the present method can be used in the treatment of disorders comprising cartilage such as found in an diarthroidal joint (e.g. articular and interarticular cartilage), as well as in the treatment of tendon and ligamental tissues. Such disorders can range from chronic degeneration brought about by disease, overuse, or trauma, to plastic or reconstructive surgery.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 27, 1997
Date of Patent:
June 29, 1999
Assignees:
The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, International Technology Management Associates, Ltd.
Inventors:
Laurence Berlowitz-Tarrant, Anthony Ratcliffe, Shuichi Mizuno
Abstract: This invention pertains to foamed algal plastics and products made therefrom, and methods for making algal plastics. The invention also pertains to algal plastic resin precursors for generating the foamed algal plastics and algal plastic products. The foamed algal plastics comprise a foamed and stabilized algal fiber matrix having substantial dimensional stability. The foamed algal plastics can be used, for instance, to generate packing materials, such as molded packings or foamed particles packings (e.g. packing peanuts).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 29, 1993
Date of Patent:
October 4, 1994
Assignee:
International Technology Management Associates, Ltd.
Inventors:
Laurence B. Tarrant, Toshimasa Tokuno, Satya Shivkumar