Abstract: Biocompatible tissue grafts are provided. The biocompatible tissue grafts include a bulk graft including a biocompatible material and having at least a first surface. The biocompatible tissue grafts also include a coating including a hydrogel and being immobilized on the bulk graft at the first surface. The biocompatible material includes at least one of a biologic material or a biologic-synthetic composite material. The hydrogel includes cross-linked hydroxyphenyl-substituted hyaluronan (HPS-HA), cross-linked hydroxyphenyl-substituted collagen (HPS-C), or both. The cross-linked HPS-HA, cross-linked HPS-C, or both have been formed by cross-linking of hydroxyphenyl groups of HPS-HA, HPS-C, or both to form dihydroxyphenyl bridges. Also disclosed are methods for repair of tissue damage in a subject in need thereof. The methods include surgically implanting the biocompatible tissue graft into a site of the tissue damage in the subject.

Abstract: An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance.

Abstract: Biocompatible tissue grafts are provided. The biocompatible tissue grafts comprise a bulk graft comprising a biocompatible material and having at least a first surface. The biocompatible tissue grafts also comprise a coating comprising a hydrogel and being immobilized on the bulk graft at the first surface. The biocompatible material comprises at least one of a biologic material or a biologic-synthetic composite material. The hydrogel comprises cross-linked hydroxyphenyl-substituted hyaluronan (HPS-HA), cross-linked hydroxyphenyl-substituted collagen (HPS-C), or both. The cross-linked HPS-HA, cross-linked HPS-C, or both have been formed by cross-linking of hydroxyphenyl groups of HPS-HA, HPS-C, or both to form dihydroxyphenyl bridges. Also disclosed are methods for repair of tissue damage in a subject in need thereof. The methods comprise surgically implanting the biocompatible tissue graft into a site of the tissue damage in the subject.

Abstract: An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance.

Abstract: An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion.

Abstract: An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treatment of urinary incontinence. The method includes the steps of providing to a person or animal, in the vicinity of a pubo-urethral ligament of the person or animal, a composition including collagen macromolecules that have hydroxyphenyl side groups substituted thereon, which are reacted to form dihydroxyphenyl linkages. In an embodiment, the collagen macromolecules are gelatin macromolecules. In another embodiment, the hydroxyphenyl side groups are tyramine side groups and the dihydroxyphenyl linkages are dityramine linkages. The composition can be injected into a space between a urethra and a pubis of the person or animal wherein the pubo-urethral ligament is disposed in the space. The method is advantageous, for example, based on being minimally invasive.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion.

Abstract: A dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, particularly to provide a synthetic macromolecular network for a wide variety of tissue types. In particular, artificial or synthetic cartilage, vocal cord material, vitreous material, soft tissue material and mitral valve material are described. In an embodiment, the network is composed of tyramine-substituted and cross-linked hyaluronan molecules, wherein cross-linking is achieved via peroxidase-mediated dityramine-linkages that can be performed in vivo. The dityramine bonds provide a stable, coherent hyaluronan-based hydrogel with desired physical properties.

Abstract: A synthetic nucleus pulposus is provided that is useful in treatment of degenerative disc disease, augmentation of a degenerate disc, and alleviation of back pain. In an embodiment the synthetic nucleus pulposus comprises hyaluronan macromolecules that have been cross-linked via dihydroxyphenyl linkages. The synthetic nucleus pulposus restores or improves the water-retention capability of the disc. A method of treating an intervertebral disc with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules is also provided. A method of regenerative therapy to address loss of cells of nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc based on treatment with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules and mesenchymal stem cells is also provided.

Abstract: A dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, particularly to provide a synthetic macromolecular network for a wide variety of tissue types. In particular, artificial or synthetic cartilage, vocal cord material, vitreous material, soft tissue material and mitral valve material are described. In an embodiment, the network is composed of tyramine-substituted and cross-linked hyaluronan molecules, wherein cross-linking is achieved via peroxidase-mediated dityramine-linkages that can be performed in vivo. The dityramine bonds provide a stable, coherent hyaluronan-based hydrogel with desired physical properties.

Abstract: A composition comprising a human- or animal-derived extracellular matrix and a macromolecular network which is prepared ex vivo is provided that is useful in the repair of a tissue injury, particularly in repair of tears or gaps between a tendon and a bone, such as in a rotator cuff tear. In an embodiment, the composition comprises a human- or animal-derived extracellular matrix having impregnated therein a macromolecular network of hyaluronan macromolecules that have been cross-linked via dihydroxyphenyl linkages, so that the cross-linked network is interlocked within the extracellular matrix. The resulting HA-incorporated extracellular matrix can be supplied in the form of a patch to reinforce a tissue repair or cover a tissue defect.

Abstract: A dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, particularly to provide a synthetic macromolecular network for a wide variety of tissue types. In particular, artificial or synthetic cartilage, vocal cord material, vitreous material, soft tissue material and mitral valve material are described. In an embodiment, the network is composed of tyramine-substituted and cross-linked hyaluronan molecules, wherein cross-linking is achieved via peroxidase-mediated dityramine-linkages that can be performed in vivo. The dityramine bonds provide a stable, coherent hyaluronan-based hydrogel with desired physical properties.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treatment of urinary incontinence. The method includes the steps of providing to a person or animal, in the vicinity of a pubo-urethral ligament of the person or animal, a composition including collagen macromolecules that have hydroxyphenyl side groups substituted thereon, which are reacted to form dihydroxyphenyl linkages. In an embodiment, the collagen macromolecules are gelatin macromolecules. In another embodiment, the hydroxyphenyl side groups are tyramine side groups and the dihydroxyphenyl linkages are dityramine linkages. The composition can be injected into a space between a urethra and a pubis of the person or animal wherein the pubo-urethral ligament is disposed in the space. The method is advantageous, for example, based on being minimally invasive.

Abstract: A synthetic nucleus pulposus is provided that is useful in treatment of degenerative disc disease, augmentation of a degenerate disc, and alleviation of back pain. In an embodiment the synthetic nucleus pulposus comprises hyaluronan macromolecules that have been cross-linked via dihydroxyphenyl linkages. The synthetic nucleus pulposus restores or improves the water-retention capability of the disc. A method of treating an intervertebral disc with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules is also provided. A method of regenerative therapy to address loss of cells of nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc based on treatment with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules and mesenchymal stem cells is also provided.

Abstract: A composition comprising a human- or animal-derived extracellular matrix and a macromolecular network which is prepared ex vivo is provided that is useful in the repair of a tissue injury, particularly in repair of tears or gaps between a tendon and a bone, such as in a rotator cuff tear. In an embodiment, the composition comprises a human- or animal-derived extracellular matrix having impregnated therein a macromolecular network of hyaluronan macromolecules that have been cross-linked via dihydroxyphenyl linkages, so that the cross-linked network is interlocked within the extracellular matrix. The resulting HA-incorporated extracellular matrix can be supplied in the form of a patch to reinforce a tissue repair or cover a tissue defect.

Abstract: A dihydroxyphenyl cross-linked macromolecular network is provided that is useful in artificial tissue and tissue engineering applications, particularly to provide a synthetic macromolecular network for a wide variety of tissue types. In particular, artificial or synthetic cartilage, vocal cord material, vitreous material, soft tissue material and mitral valve material are described. In an embodiment, the network is composed of tyramine-substituted and cross-linked hyaluronan molecules, wherein cross-linking is achieved via peroxidase-mediated dityramine-linkages that can be performed in vivo. The dityramine bonds provide a stable, coherent hyaluronan-based hydrogel with desired physical properties.