Abstract: Disclosed herein is processed dermis graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a processed dermis graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of processing dermis that results in a dermis derived implant suitable to replace a tendon or ligament in a recipient in need thereof. Other compositions and applications of a dermis derived implant, and methods of manufacture and use, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel silk-fiber-based matrix having a wire-rope geometry for use in producing a ligament or tendon, particularly an anterior cruciate ligament, ex vivo for implantation into a recipient in need thereof. The invention further provides the novel silk-fiber-based matrix which is seeded with pluripotent cells that proliferate and differentiate on the matrix to form a ligament or tendon ex vivo. Also disclosed is a bioengineered ligament comprising the silk-fiber-based matrix seeded with pluripotent cells that proliferate and differentiate on the matrix to form the ligament or tendon. A method for producing a ligament or tendon ex vivo comprising the novel silk-fiber-based matrix is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for modulating plant growth is provided whereby seedlings that are grown in containers such as blocks are fertilized at lift. Prior to fertilization, the block, which has numerous plug cavities, is restrained. The seedlings, which are grown in plugs formed in plug cavities, are supported and a bore is drilled into the bottom of the plug. The bore extends to the top of the plug to produce a small port, which serves as a port for expulsion of air during the injection operation. The fertilizer is measured in a metering roller and is then pneumatically injected into the bore in the plug. Upon completion of the injection, the bore is closed to reduce the loss of fertilizer from the plug. The various operations may be automated or performed manually.

Abstract: A method for sulfonating compounds having one or more free hydroxyl functional groups and/or one or more optionally substituted primary or secondary functional groups, including treating the compounds with a complex of SO3-DMF in the presence of an acid capture agent.

Abstract: A drill/injector combination is provided to inject plants that are grown in containers such as blocks at lift with plant growth modulators. The drill/injector combination is comprised of a seedlings holder, a block restraint, a cavity tool apparatus, a metering apparatus, an injection apparatus and optionally, a bore closing apparatus. The combination may be manually operated or may be automated.

Abstract: Silk is purified to eliminate immunogenic components (particularly sericin) and is used to form fabric that is used to form tissue-supporting prosthetic devices for implantation. The fabrics can carry functional groups, drugs, and other biological reagents. Applications include hernia repair, tissue wall reconstruction, and organ support, such as bladder slings. The silk fibers are arranged in parallel and, optionally, intertwined (e.g., twisted) to form a construct; sericin may be extracted at any point during the formation of the fabric, leaving a construct of silk fibroin fibers having excellent tensile strength and other mechanical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency and increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency and increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for manufacture of autograft, allograft and xenograft implants which comprises assembling such implants from smaller pieces of graft materials to form a larger graft implant product. One segment of an assembled graft implant is comprised of two or more discrete regions having distinct characteristics and/or properties.

Abstract: Improved methods of, apparatuses, devices and kits are disclosed for preparing and implanting a meniscal implant by surgical means into a recipient in need thereof. The bone bridge of the replacement meniscus is pre-shaped to fit into a slot in the recipient's tibia. The positioning of the slot is accomplished by an alignment procedure that conforms the slot to the angle of the dorsal tibial plane. Also disclosed are devices and corresponding methods to size the bone bridge section of the implants that have improved efficiency and increase the quality of implant and success of meniscal implant procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are compositions, devices, methods and kits that are useful in surgical procedures, specifically to induce adhesions for the purposes of stabilizing implants, closing apertures, and otherwise promoting the adhesion of implants and anatomical structures to one another. The invention pertains to a composition containing specific particulate components, wherein the particulates promote an inflammatory reaction that results in the formation of an adhesion.

Abstract: This application provides a novel unitary bone implant having at least one rigid, mineralized bone segment, which may be machined to include threads, grooves, a driver head, perforations, a recess, or a symmetric shape, and a flexible, demineralized segment, which may also be machined to any desired shape prior to demineralization, or after demineralization. The disclosed implant has wide orthopedic applicability, including but not limited to repair or replacement of ligaments, tendons, and joints and for inducing vertebral fusions and fractured bone repair.

Abstract: This invention includes a novel method for safely, effectively and efficiently pooling of tissues for treatment prior to implantation into a recipient in need thereof. In one embodiment, the method includes perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant (inactivation of pathogens, microorganisms, cells, viruses and the like and reduction in antigenicity thereof), and the novel implant produced by such treatment. The process presents a system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants for implantation.

Abstract: This invention includes a novel method for safely, effectively and efficiently pooling of tissues for treatment prior to implantation into a recipient in need thereof. In one embodiment, the method includes perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant (inactivation of pathogens, microorganisms, cells, viruses and the like and reduction in antigenicity thereof), and the novel implant produced by such treatment. The process presents a system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants for implantation.

Abstract: This invention is a novel method for perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant (inactivation of pathogens, microorganisms, cells, viruses and the like and reduction in antigenicity thereof), and the novel implant produced by such treatment. The process presents a system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants for implantation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface therefor, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency and increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation.

Abstract: This invention is a novel method for perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant (inactivation of pathogens, microorganisms, cells, viruses and the like and reduction in antigenicity thereof), and the novel implant produced by such treatment. The process presents a system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants for implantation.

Abstract: This invention relates to implants useful as stents for opening or strengthening biological conduits, or as grafts or conduits for replacing or connecting portions of biological tissues having a lumen. Accordingly, the implants of this invention may be applied in portions of the peripheral and coronary vascular system, biliary, urinary, esophageal, digestive, ocular, tracheal, bronchial, reproductive, and neural systems. The implant comprises a segment of bone having a lumen through at least a part thereof, and wherein at least a portion of the implant is demineralized so as to be pliable.

Abstract: A polypeptide substance isolated from rat serum which, upon administration to rats incapable of producing PTH (parathyroidectomized rats), produces an increase in the observed bone mineral apposition rate. The substance has been isolated in two forms, a first larger polypeptide having a molecular weight twice that of a second smaller polypeptide. The first eleven amino acids of the sequence of the smaller polypeptide have been determined to be Gly Pro Gly Gly Ala Gly Glu Thr Lys Pro Ile (SEQ ID NO:3). The first seven amino acids of the larger polypeptide have been determined to be Gly Pro Gly Gly Ala Gly Glu (SEQ ID NO:2). The larger polypeptide might be the dimer of the smaller peptide. A nucleic acid probe, based on the amino acid sequence of the rat peptide was used to screen a human liver cDNA fetal library.