Abstract: The inventions provided herein relate to compositions, methods, delivery devices and kits for repairing or augmenting a tissue in a subject. The compositions described herein can he injectable such that they can be placed in a tissue to be treated with a minimally-invasive procedure (e.g., by injection). In some embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a compressed silk fibroin matrix, which can expand upon injection into the tissue and retain its original expanded volume within the tissue for a period of time. The compositions can be used as a filler to replace a tissue void, e.g., for tissue repair and/or augmentation, or as a scaffold to support tissue regeneration and/or reconstruction. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used for soft tissue repair or augmentation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides certain silk-fibroin compositions with particular characteristics and/or properties. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides low molecular weight compositions. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides silk fibroin compositions that comprise an active (e.g., a biological) agent or component. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides low molecular weight silk fibroin compositions that comprise an active (e.g., a biological) agent or component. In some embodiments, an active agent is stabilized in a silk composition, e.g., for a period of time and/or against certain conditions or events. In some embodiments, a component present in a silk fibroin composition may be subject to analysis and/or characterization. In some embodiments, a component present in a silk fibroin composition may be recovered from the composition.

Abstract: A process of making soft lenses from an esterifiable, partially cross-linked carboxyl-containing polymer, and a method of attaching a haptic to a swellable intraocular lens. The soft contact lenses are made by first forming a lens button from a hard polymer containing .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid such as acrylic or methacrylic acid and 0.1-10 mols per 100 mols of monomer of a divinyl cross-linking agent such as 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate. The hard lens button is then esterified by contact with an alcohol having up to 15 carbon atoms such as n-butanol under esterifying conditions in the substantial absence of water while simultaneously removing water of reaction. Unreacted alcohol may be removed by solvent exchange with a lower molecular weight alcohol and/or drying.