Abstract: Provided are tissue scaffolds colonized by vertebrate cells expressing a transgenic bioactive molecule, where the vertebrate cells are unable to undergo mitosis. Also provided are methods of growing tissue in a mammal and methods of delivering a transgenic bioactive molecule to a tissue of a mammal, using the tissue scaffolds. Additionally, methods of making the tissue scaffolds are provided.

Abstract: Provided are mammalian cells comprising a recombinant sonic hedgehog (SHH) gene such that a recombinant SHH protein can be expressed by the cell. Also provided are matrices suitable for applying to a tissue defect. Additionally provided are tissue regeneration compositions. Methods of regenerating tissue at the site of a tissue defect in a mammal are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are tissue scaffolds colonized by vertebrate cells expressing a transgenic bioactive molecule, where the vertebrate cells are unable to undergo mitosis. Also provided are methods of growing tissue in a mammal and methods of delivering a transgenic bioactive molecule to a tissue of a mammal, using the tissue scaffolds. Additionally, methods of making the tissue scaffolds are provided.

Abstract: A glycopolymer composition is provided comprising glycopolymer molecules having a polymer backbone; a first pendent unit comprising a linking group connected to said polymer backbone and a saccharide moiety connected to said linking group, optionally a second pendent unit; a phenyl ring at a first end of the polymer backbone; and a cyanoxyl group at the second end of the polymer backbone, useful as intermediates for making bioactive glycopolymers which bind to bioactive molecules, viruses, cells and substrates for protein separation, cell culture, ad drug delivery systems, as well as in targeting for treatment of wound healing and other pathological conditions.

Abstract: Provided are mammalian cells comprising a recombinant sonic hedgehog (SHH) gene such that a recombinant SHH protein can be expressed by the cell. Also provided are matrices suitable for applying to a tissue defect. Additionally provided are tissue regeneration compositions. Methods of regenerating tissue at the site of a tissue defect in a mammal are also provided.

Abstract: A glycopolymer composition is provided comprising glycopolymer molecules having a polymer backbone; a first pendent unit comprising a linking group connected to said polymer backbone and a saccharide moiety connected to said linking group, optionally a second pendent unit; a phenyl ring at a first end of the polymer backbone; and a cyanoxyl group at the second end of the polymer backbone, useful as intermediates for making bioactive glycopolymers which bind to bioactive molecules, viruses, cells and substrates for protein separation, cell culture, ad drug delivery systems, as well as in targeting for treatment of wound healing and other pathological conditions.

Abstract: A bio-absorbable cartilage repair system is provided for regenerating damaged or destroyed articular cartilage on a joint surface of a bone by establishing a chondrogenic growth-supporting matrix between an area of damaged or destroyed articular cartilage that has been removed and an adjacent healthy area of articular cartilage and subchondral cancellous bone. The system is an assembly of a delivery unit and a porous insert. The delivery unit is formed of bio-absorbable material and configured and dimensioned to be mounted in both an area of damaged or destroyed articular cartilage that has been removed and an adjacent healthy area of articular cartilage and cancellous bone. The delivery unit has a central body and a plurality of radially extending, flexible support arms projecting outwardly from the central body and configured and dimensioned to support the insert at least partially thereover.

Abstract: A method for enhancing and/or increasing the efficiency of repair of tissues, primarily bone or cartilage, using genetically engineered cells has been developed. In the preferred embodiment, mesenchymal stem cells are isolated from periosteum tissue, and transfected with the gene encoding a growth factor for the particular cell type to be repaired. For example, for repair of bone, a gene (or genes) encoding bone morphogenic protein is transfected into periosteal cells. The transfected periosteal cells then express the bone morphogenic protein in culture to promote bone repair as a function of the expressed bone morphogenic protein. Cells can be transfected using any appropriate means, including viral vectors, as shown by the example, chemical transfectants, or physico-mechanical methods such as electroporation and direct diffusion of DNA.

Abstract: A bio-absorbable cartilage repair system is provided for regenerating damaged or destroyed articular cartilage on a joint surface of a bone by establishing a chondrogenic growth-supporting matrix between an area of damaged or destroyed articular cartilage that has been removed and an adjacent healthy area of articular cartilage and subchondral cancellous bone. The system is an assembly of a delivery unit and a porous insert. The delivery unit is formed of bio-absorbable material and configured and dimensioned to be mounted in both an area of damaged or destroyed articular cartilage that has been removed and an adjacent healthy area of articular cartilage and cancellous bone. The delivery unit has a central body and a plurality of radially extending, flexible support arms projecting outwardly from the central body and configured and dimensioned to support the insert at least partially thereover.

Abstract: A bio-absorbable cartilage repair system is provided for regenerating damaged or destroyed articular cartilage on a joint surface of a bone by establishing a chondrogenic growth-supporting matrix between an area of damaged or destroyed articular cartilage that has been removed and an adjacent healthy area of articular cartilage and subchondral cancellous bone. The system is an assembly of a delivery unit and a porous insert. The delivery unit is formed of bio-absorbable material and configured and dimensioned to be mounted in both an area of damaged or destroyed articular cartilage that has been removed and an adjacent healthy area of articular cartilage and cancellous bone. The delivery unit has a central body and a plurality of radially extending, flexible support arms projecting outwardly from the central body and configured and dimensioned to support the insert at least partially thereover.

Abstract: It has been discovered that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a polymeric carrier implanted into a cartilage and/or bone defect will differentiate to form cartilage and/or bone, as appropriate. Suitable polymeric carriers include porous meshes or sponges formed of synthetic or natural polymers, as well as polymer solutions. A presently preferred material is a polyglycolic acid mesh.

Abstract: It has been discovered that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a polymeric carrier implanted into a cartilage and/or bone defect will differentiate to form cartilage and/or bone, as appropriate. Suitable polymeric carriers include porous meshes or sponges formed of synthetic or natural polymers, as well as polymer solutions. A presently preferred material is a polyglycolic acid mesh.

Abstract: Periosteal cells have been grown in cell culture and have been shown to have an osteoblastic phenotype, with production of osteocalcin and glycosaminoglycan. When seeded into polymeric implants, repair of critical size cranial defects was demonstrated and was confirmed by histology, biochemical assays, and radiodensitometry.

Abstract: A grafting technique entailing the transplantation of chondrocytes for promoting the healing of lesions in articular cartilage, use being made for this purpose of in vitro autologous cultured chondrocytes prior to transplantation. The chondrocytes are preferably seeded in a three-dimensional collagen matrix which serves as the graft material. In order to internally fix the graft during the healing process, use is made of a periosteal flap which is sutured to the cartilage after the graft material is implanted therein.

Abstract: Provided are tissue scaffolds colonized by vertebrate cells expressing, a transgenic bioactive molecule, where the vertebrate cells are unable to undergo mitosis. Also provided are methods of growing tissue in a mammal and methods of delivering a transgenic bioactive molecule to a tissue of a mammal, using the tissue scaffolds. Additionally, methods of making the tissue scaffolds are provided.