Abstract: The present invention generally relates to biocompatible devices suitable for increasing cellular HIF-1 ? protein levels. In particular, the present invention relates to an implant comprising a biocompatible support loaded with at least one pharmaceutical agent capable of increasing cellular HIF-1 ? protein levels to promote vascularization at or near the implant site. Vascularization of the implanted support results in enhanced survival of cells optionally incorporated within the support. Methods for treating a disease or injury via implanting the support of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: An implantable biodegradable device is disclosed containing a fibrous matrix, the fibrous matrix being constructed from fibers A and fibers B, wherein fibers A biodegrade faster than fibers B, fibers A and fibers B are present in relative amounts and are organized such that the fibrous matrix is provided with properties useful in repair and/or regeneration of mammalian tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable medical device containing a porous scaffold which is seeded with at least one mammalian cell other than immune cells and which is disposed within the device, which device is suitable for the treatment of a mammalian disease, more specifically, diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The present invention includes hyaluronic acid complexes of a monovalent alkali metal salt of hyaluronic acid and a tetra alkyl ammonium halide that are suitable for incorporation with tissue scaffolds that are suitable for use in repair and/or regeneration of muscoloskeletal tissue and that include a biodegradable, porous substrate made from a biodegradable, hydrophobic polymer, where the hyaluronic acid complex is substantially insoluble in water at room temperature, yet soluble in mixtures of organic and aqueous solvents in which the selected hydrophobic polymer is soluble.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for seeding cells on to a support. In particular, the method relates to a method for seeding cells onto a porous hydrophobic support. The method utilizes centrifugal forces to uniformly guide cell seeding into the support with no loss in viability.

Abstract: This invention provides devices designed to effectively deliver multiple biological entities in combination for tissue engineering. In particular, the present invention provides devices capable of delivering cells or clusters of cells, such as islets of Langerhans, in combination with a therapeutic compound, such as an angiogenic growth factor, for the purpose of transplantation. The devices of the present invention are composed of at least two compartments that are designed independently and processed separately in order to accommodate different requirements of the biological entities. The compartments of the present device can be combined prior to or at the time of implantation, such that the therapeutic released from one compartment provides some benefit to cells hosted by another compartment to promote or improve their proliferation, differentiation, survival, or functionality.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue repair stimulating implant or “scaffold” device is used to repair tissue injuries, particularly injuries to ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Such implants are especially useful in methods that involve surgical procedures to repair injuries to ligament, tendon, and nerve tissue in the hand and foot. The repair procedures may be conducted with implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair.

Abstract: The present invention includes a tissue scaffold suitable for use in repair and/or regeneration of musculoskeletal tissue when implanted in a body that includes a porous substrate made from a biodegradable, hydrophobic polymer having a modified hyaluronic acid complex dispersed on the surface of and/or, where the modified hyaluronic acid complex is insoluble in water, yet soluble in mixtures of organic and aqueous solvents in which the hydrophobic polymer is soluble.

Abstract: The present invention includes hyaluronic acid complexes of a monovalent alkali metal salt of hyaluronic acid and a tetra alkyl ammonium halide that are suitable for incorporation with tissue scaffolds that are suitable for use in repair and/or regeneration of muscoloskeletal tissue and that include a biodegradable, porous substrate made from a biodegradable, hydrophobic polymer, where the hyaluronic acid complex is substantially insoluble in water at room temperature, yet soluble in mixtures of organic and aqueous solvents in which the selected hydrophobic polymer is soluble.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue repair stimulating implant or “scaffold” device is used to repair tissue injuries, particularly injuries to ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Such implants are especially useful in methods that involve surgical procedures to repair injuries to ligament, tendon, and nerve tissue in the hand and foot. The repair procedures may be conducted with implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue repair stimulating implant or “scaffold” device, and methods for making and using such a device, are provided. The implant includes one or more layers of a bioabsorbable polymeric foam having pores with an open cell pore structure. A reinforcement component is also present within the implant to contribute enhanced mechanical and handling properties. The implant houses a biological component that may be released to tissue adjacent the location in which the implant is implanted to faciliate and/or expedite the healing of tissue. This biological component resides primarily within the foam component of the implant, being incorporated within pores formed within the foam.

Abstract: Implantable, biocompatible scaffolds containing a biocompatible, porous, polymeric matrix, a biocompatible, porous, fibrous mat encapsulated by and disposed within said polymeric matrix, and a plurality of mammalian cells seeded within said tissue scaffold. The invention also is directed to methods of treating disease or structural defects in a mammal utilizing the scaffolds of the invention.

Abstract: Implantable, biocompatible scaffolds containing a biocompatible, porous, polymeric matrix, a biocompatible, porous, fibrous mat encapsulated by and disposed within said polymeric matrix, and a plurality of mammalian cells seeded within said tissue scaffold. The invention also is directed to methods of treating disease or structural defects in a mammal utilizing the scaffolds of the invention.

Abstract: An implantable pouch and methods for implanting cells or cellular matter in mammals, comprising reinforced porous foam and a lumen. The lumen contains an insert that may or may not be removed prior to transplantation. The lumen may be loaded with at least one cell type expressing at least one transcription factor characteristic of a mammalian pancreatic beta cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable medical device containing a porous scaffold which is seeded with at least one mammalian cell other than immune cells and which is disposed within the device, which device is suitable for the treatment of a mammalian disease, more specifically, diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable, biocompatible scaffolds containing a biocompatible, porous, polymeric matrix, a biocompatible, porous, fibrous mat encapsulated by and disposed within said polymeric matrix, and a plurality of mammalian cells seeded within said tissue scaffold. The invention also is directed to methods of treating disease or structural defects in a mammal utilizing the scaffolds of the invention.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue implant, as well as methods for making and using such an implant, is provided. Preferably, the tissue implant is bioabsorbable. The tissue implant comprises one or more layers of a bioabsorbable polymeric foam having pores with an open cell structure. The tissue implant also includes a reinforcement component which contributes both to the mechanical and the handling properties of the implant. Preferably, the reinforcement component of the instant invention is bioabsorbable as well. The tissue implant of the present invention can be used in connection with the surgical repair of soft tissue injury, such as injury to the pelvic floor.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue repair stimulating implant or “scaffold” device is used to repair tissue injuries, particularly injuries to ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Such implants are especially useful in methods that involve surgical procedures to repair injuries to ligament, tendon, and nerve tissue in the hand and foot. The repair procedures may be conducted with implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue implant, as well as methods for making and using such an implant, is provided. Preferably, the tissue implant is bioabsorbable. The tissue implant comprises one or more layers of a bioabsorbable polymeric foam having pores with an open cell structure. The tissue implant also includes a reinforcement component which contributes both to the mechanical and the handling properties of the implant. Preferably, the reinforcement component is bioabsorbable as well. The tissue implant provided can be used in connection with the surgical repair of soft tissue injury, such as injury to the pelvic floor.

Abstract: Methods of making a hybrid biologic/synthetic scaffold for repairing damaged or diseased tissue are provided. The methods include the step of suspending pieces of an extracellular matrix material in a liquid to form a slurry, and coating a synthetic mat with the slurry, or mixing or layering the slurry with a synthetic polymer solution. The liquid is subsequently driven off so as to form a foam. Porous implantable scaffolds fabricated by such a method are also disclosed.