Abstract: A polymerizable unit that yields an electrochemically responsive polymer (advantageously pyrrole) is anchored by polymerization within a polycaprolactone matrix to form an electroactive scaffold upon which cells can be cultured and in which the micro- and nano-topological features of the polycaprolactone matrix are preserved. A scaffold manufactured in accordance with the preferred embodiment can support Schwann cells, which produce nerve growth factor when electrically stimulated. Nerve growth factor has been demonstrated to promote the regeneration of nerve tissue. By implanting the scaffold on which Schwann cells have been cultured into damaged nerve tissue and applying a voltage across the scaffold, nerve growth factor is produced, thereby promoting repair of the damaged nerve tissue.

Abstract: A non-synthetic, hydrophilic, biodegradable, biocompatible polysaccharide based non-toxic anti-adhesion hydrogel barrier is disclosed herein. The barrier of the present invention is formed by constructing a unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network with a unique porosity. Furthermore, the barrier of the present invention is comprised of tunable biopolymers for controllable mechanical robustness and degradation. The barrier of the present invention effectively reduces unwanted adhesions using non-synthetic components.

Abstract: A biocompatible membrane comprised of alginate and hyaluronate. The membrane may be used to prevent unwanted scarring after surgery. The tissue adherence and the rate of bioresorption of the membrane may be modified through an external stimulus comprising a sequestering agent and a viscosity modifier.

Abstract: A biodegradable electroactive material can be doped with a drug and the drug can be delivered to a living subject by stimulating the material with an electrical potential. The material (in this case a polymer) has an electrochemically responsive oligoaniline block terminated with a carboxylic acid moiety and is linked to an alcohol-terminated diol by an ester bond. Advantageously, the diol is PEG-400, PEG-2000, PCL-530, or PCL-2000.

Abstract: A non-synthetic, hydrophilic, biodegradable, biocompatible polysaccharide based non-toxic anti-adhesion hydrogel barrier is disclosed herein. The barrier of the present invention is formed by constructing a unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network with a unique porosity. Furthermore, the barrier of the present invention is comprised of tunable biopolymers for controllable mechanical robustness and degradation. The barrier of the present invention effectively reduces unwanted adhesions using non-synthetic components.

Abstract: The application of a highly controlled, micron-sized, branched, porous architecture to enhance the handling properties and degradation rate of hydrogels is described in the instant invention. A previously described pattern created through one-step nucleated crystallization in a hydrogel film creates tunable mechanical properties and/or chemical stability for use in tissue engineering applications. The bulk mechanical properties and the degradation rate of the material can be tuned easily by the addition or subtraction of crystalline structure or by the addition and subtraction of backfill material, making this useful for a variety of applications. Relevant mechanical properties that can be tuned through the application of this unique porosity are moduli, elasticity, tensile strength, and compression strength. The method of the present invention can be applied to biopolymers and natural materials as well as synthetic materials.

Abstract: The present invention is a natural, cell-free tissue replacement that does not require difficult or extensive preparation made by washing tissue replacement in a solution including one or more sulfobetaines and an anionic surface-active detergent and washing the tissue replacement in serial solutions of the buffered salt to remove excess detergent. The natural, cell-free tissue replacement may be a nerve graft that supports axonal regeneration, guides the axons toward the distal nerve end and/or is immunologically tolerated. Other forms of the invention are a composition and kit prepared by the method of making a native, cell-free tissue replacement. The present invention may be modified for use in diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic applications.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrogel and a method of making a porous hydrogel by preparing an aqueous mixture of an uncrosslinked polymer and a crystallizable molecule; casting the mixture into a vessel; allowing the cast mixture to dry to form an amorphous hydrogel film; seeding the cast mixture with a seed crystal of the crystallizable molecule; growing the crystallizable molecule into a crystal structure within the uncrosslinked polymer; crosslinking the polymer around the crystal structure under conditions in which the crystal structure within the crosslinked polymer is maintained; and dissolving the crystals within the crosslinked polymer to form the porous hydrogel.

Abstract: The application of a highly controlled, micron-sized, branched, porous architecture to enhance the handling properties and degradation rate of hydrogels is described in the instant invention. A previously described pattern created through one-step nucleated crystallization in a hydrogel film creates tunable mechanical properties and/or chemical stability for use in tissue engineering applications. The bulk mechanical properties and the degradation rate of the material can be tuned easily by the addition or subtraction of crystalline structure or by the addition and subtraction of backfill material, making this useful for a variety of applications. Relevant mechanical properties that can be tuned through the application of this unique porosity are moduli, elasticity, tensile strength, and compression strength. The method of the present invention can be applied to biopolymers and natural materials as well as synthetic materials.

Abstract: A non-synthetic, hydrophilic, biodegradable, biocompatible polysaccharide based non-toxic anti-adhesion hydrogel barrier is disclosed herein. The barrier of the present invention is formed by constructing a unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network with a unique porosity. Furthermore, the barrier of the present invention is comprised of tunable biopolymers for controllable mechanical robustness and degradation. The barrier of the present invention effectively reduces unwanted adhesions using non-synthetic components.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrogel and a method of making a porous hydrogel by preparing an aqueous mixture of an uncrosslinked polymer and a crystallizable molecule; casting the mixture into a vessel; allowing the cast mixture to dry to form an amorphous hydrogel film; seeding the cast mixture with a seed crystal of the crystallizable molecule; growing the crystallizable molecule into a crystal structure within the uncrosslinked polymer; crosslinking the polymer around the crystal structure under conditions in which the crystal structure within the crosslinked polymer is maintained; and dissolving the crystals within the crosslinked polymer to form the porous hydrogel.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention includes a novel biodegradable conducting polymer for biomedical applications. The polymer combines mixed heteroaromatic conductive segments of pyrrole and thiophene with flexible aliphatic chains via degradable ester linkages. In addition to its utility for peripheral nerve regeneration, the polymer may be applied to other areas of tissue engineering, including spinal cord regeneration, wound healing, bone repair, muscle tissue stimulation, and other regenerative, restorative, reconstructive, therapeutic, prophylactic, and diagnostic functions.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention includes a novel biodegradable conducting polymer for biomedical applications. The polymer combines mixed heteroaromatic conductive segments of pyrrole and thiophene with flexible aliphatic chains via degradable ester linkages. In addition to its utility for peripheral nerve regeneration, the polymer may be applied to other areas of tissue engineering, including spinal cord regeneration, wound healing, bone repair, muscle tissue stimulation, and other regenerative, restorative, reconstructive, therapeutic, prophylactic, and diagnostic functions.

Abstract: Methods and support systems are provided for modifying the regeneration, differentiation, or function of cells. In one embodiment, electrically conducting biocompatible polymers may be used alone or in combination with a polymeric support for in vitro nerve cell regeneration, or in vivo to aid in healing nervous tissue defects. The conductive polymers may implanted adjacent to or seeded with nerve cells. Voltage or current is applied to the polymer in a range which induces the desired effect on the cells while not damaging the cells. The methods and systems can be used in a variety of applications to enhance in vivo or in vitro growth or regeneration of nervous tissue.