Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for removing biopolymer constructs from support structures used to impart a selected shape to the biopolymer. The biopolymer construct and the support structure are in intimate at an interface and adhere to each other. The support structure includes an endcap adapted for introducing a fluid to the interface for reducing adhesion between the biopolymer structure and the support structure by applying a separating force at the interface, thereby facilitating removal between the support structure and the biopolymer construct.

Abstract: A biopolymer solution is polymerized to form a gel which is freeze-dried and crosslinked with ultraviolet radiation to form a biopolymer foam. The foam is filled with a collagen solution and the combination is freeze-dried or the foam is filled with a collagen solution containing extracellular matrix particulates and that combination is freeze-dried, thereby forming a foam to which extracellular matrix particulates are attached.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a collagen fiber having microparticulates coated on the surface of the fiber and the method for forming the fiber are disclosed.

Abstract: Using connective tissues as starting materials, a method is described for producing matrix particulates. The invention includes an embodiment wherein the matrix particulate are seeded with living human cells or with cells of other species. Further, the invention encompasses fusing the particulates to constitute composites of various shapes, or holding them together in a porous container made of membranous biopolymers. The particulates or composites can be used as tissues for grafting or as model systems for research and testing. The invention also encompasses the spinning of threads in which the matrix particulates are components.

Abstract: Single and double density biopolymer foams, composite biopolymer foams including both single and double density foams, and methods of preparing these foams and composite foams are described. Also described are biocompatible constructs which include single or double density biopolymer foams and extracellular matrix particulates and methods of preparing these constructs. The foams, composite foams, and biocompatible constructs of the invention can be used in tissue repair and reconstruction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for maturing a biopolymer tissue construct in vitro prior to use as a replacement construct in vivo as, for example, a graft, implant, or prosthesis. The tissue is seeded with specific cells, exposed to a maturation fluid, such as a synovial-like fluid containing hyaluronic acid, and subjected to selected conditioning and maturation forces, which can include frictional forces, shear forces, and compressive pressure. The tissue is mounted on a first support element and a second surface applies a selected force to the tissue. This maturation process occurs within a maturation chamber. The resultant matured replacement tissue construct is intended to provide a replacement tissue that is more readily integrable in vivo to produce a more durable and functional replacement tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a collagen fiber having microparticulates coated on the surface of the fiber and the method for forming the fiber are disclosed.

Abstract: Using animal tissues as starting materials, a method is described for producing extracellular matrix particulates. The invention includes an embodiment wherein the matrix particulates are applied to collagen scaffolds, which can be seeded with living cells or the particulates may alone be seeded with living cells. Further, the invention encompasses bonding the particulates to collagen foams, or collagen threads made into fabrics or to foams combined with threads. The particulates, with or without scaffolding, can be used as tissues for grafting or as model systems for research and testing. The invention also encompasses the spinning of threads on which the matrix particulates are components and the freeze drying of foams to whose surfaces the matrix particulates are attached.

Abstract: A biopolymer solution is polymerized to form a gel which is freeze-dried and crosslinked with ultraviolet radiation to form a biopolymer foam. The foam is filled with a collagen solution and the combination is freeze-dried or the foam is filled with a collagen solution containing extracellular matrix particulates and that combination is freeze-dried, thereby forming a foam to which extracellular matrix particulates are attached.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a collagen fiber having microparticulates coated on the fiber surface includes a device for forming a continuous stream of liquid collagen, a coagulation bath wherein the continuous liquid collagen stream can be formed into a continuous collagen gel fiber, a dehydrating bath, wherein the continuous collagen gel fiber can be partially dehydrated and further polymerized, and a device for coating particulates on the surface of the fiber. The method includes directing a liquid collagen solution into a coagulating bath to form a continuous collagen gel fiber, transferring the fiber to a dehydrating bath so that the fiber is partially dehydrated and further polymerized, removing the dehydrated fiber from the dehydrating bath, coating the surface of the fiber with microparticulates, and stretching and drying the coated fiber.