Abstract: Solid, bioabsorbable materials for use as wound dressings comprise at least 50% by weight of a mixture of xanthan and at least one galactomannan, such as guar gum or locust bean gum. The weight ratio of xanthan: total galactomannans is in the range 1:99 to 99:1, preferably 10:99 to 99:10. The material is preferably made in the form of a sponge by freeze drying a mixed aqueous gel of the xanthan and galactomannans.

Abstract: Stable oil-in-water emulsions are prepared by mixing oil, water and an insoluble protein at high shear. By varying the amount of insoluble protein the emulsions may be made liquid, semisolid or solid. The preferred insoluble proteins are insoluble fibrous proteins such as collagen. The emulsions may be medicated with hydrophilic or hydrophobic pharmacologically active agents and are useful as or in wound dressings or ointments.

Abstract: A composite surgical material comprising a collagen matrix reinforced by a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material such as polylactide/polyglycolide or oxidised regenerated cellulose, and wherein oil droplets are dispersed in the collagen matrix. The oil droplets comprise 1% to 75% of the weight of the composite and result in improved leak-proofing of the composite. The composite, in the form of a sheet or a tube, is especially useful as a temporary, fully bioabsorbable prosthesis, for membranes or blood vessels where a highly leak-proof prosthesis is required. The invention also provides a method of making a composite surgical material comprising the steps of: providing a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; providing a dispersion of collagen in an oil-in-water emulsion; coating at least one face of the layer of synthetic bioabsorbable material with the said dispersion; and drying the composite material thus obtained.

Abstract: A composite surgical material comprising a collagen matrix reinforced by a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material such as polylactide/polyglycolide or oxidized regenerated cellulose, and wherein oil droplets are dispersed in the collagen matrix. The oil droplets comprise 1% to 75% of the weight of the composite and result in improved leak-proofing of the composite. The composite, in the form of a sheet or a tube, is especially useful as a temporary, fully bioabsorbable prosthesis, for membranes or blood vessels where a highly leak-proof prosthesis is required. The invention also provides a method of making a composite surgical material comprising the steps of: providing a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; providing a dispersion of collagen in an oil-in-water emulsion; coating at least one face of the layer of synthetic bioabsorbable material with the said dispersion; and drying the composite material thus obtained.

Abstract: A composite surgical material comprising a collagen matrix reinforced by a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material such as polylactide/polyglycolide or oxidized regenerated cellulose, and wherein oil droplets are dispersed in the collagen matrix. The oil droplets comprise 1% to 75% of the weight of the composite and result in improved leak-proofing of the composite. The composite, in the form of a sheet or a tube, is especially useful as a temporary, fully bioabsorbable prosthesis, for membranes or blood vessels where a highly leak-proof prosthesis is required. The invention also provides a method of making a composite surgical material comprising the steps of: providing a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; providing a dispersion of collagen in an oil-in-water emulsion; coating at least one face of the layer of synthetic bioabsorbable material with the said dispersion; and drying the composite material thus obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressing and/or implant materials comprising a matrix structure of sponge, at least one substructure and at least one pharmacologically active agent, wherein both the matrix structure and the substructure are formed from bioabsorbable biopolymer materials. The substructure may, for example, comprise biopolymer films, flakes, fibres or microspheres embedded in the matrix structure of sponge. The pharmacologically active agent may comprise antiseptics, antibiotics, analgesics. One or more such active agents may be incorporated separately into the matrix and/or the substructure so as to achieve controlled or phasic release of the active agents into the wound.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite comprising an insoluble protein matrix and an oleaginous material, which is useful as a material for surgical dressings and biomedical implants, and as a cosmetic material for application to the skin. The process comprises the steps of mixing a protein, the oleaginous material and water to form an emulsion of the oleaginous material in an aqueous dispersion of the protein, and subsequently drying or freeze-drying the emulsion to form a film or a sponge.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressing and/or implant materials comprising a matrix structure of sponge, at least one substructure and at least one pharmacologically active agent, wherein both the matrix structure and the substructure are formed from bioabsorbable biopolymer materials. The substructure may, for example, comprise biopolymer films, flakes, fibres or microspheres embedded in the matrix structure of sponge. The pharmacologically active agent may comprise antiseptics, antibiotics, analgesics. One or more such active agents may be incorporated separately into the matrix and/or the substructure so as to achieve controlled or phasic release of the active agents into the wound.

Abstract: Absorbable composite materials are described that comprise a collagen matrix reinforced with a layer of a bioabsorbable polymer. A chemotherapeutic agent is dispersed in the composite material. The layer of bioabsorbable polymer is preferably a woven, nonwoven or knitted mesh layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable polymer such as polylactic/polyglycolic acid copolymer, or oxidised regenerated cellulose. The chemotherapeutic agent may be an antibiotic, an anaesthetic, an antiseptic or an anti-inflammatory. Strips of the composite material are inserted into the periodontal pocket, where they are retained in place and provide effective sustained release of the chemotherapeutic agent over an extended period.