Abstract: There is described a biodegradable composite material for tissue repair comprising a water-soluble glass, preferably as glass fibers and/or particles in the form of a matrix, impregnated with a biodegradable polymer. An especially preferred polymer is poly ?-caprolactone. The biodegradable composite is particularly useful for the repair of nerve and/or bone tissue, especially the bones of the skull. A method of producing the composite material is also described.

Abstract: A surgical suture material having either an external surface at least partially coated with an anti-microbial composition or an anti-microbial agent incorporated therein. Preferably the anti-microbial agent is a water-soluble metal ion-releasing glass in particle form.

Abstract: There is provided an admixture comprising morsellised bone particles and particles of water-soluble biodegradable glass. The particle size distribution and diameter range is pre-selected to produce an aggregate. Addition of the glass enables an admixture having aggregate characteristics and thus increased shear strength to be produced whilst simultaneously enabling bone regeneration to occur within the treated defect. The admixture is therefore useful in the repair of bone defects, especially primary joint arthroplasties, such as hip replacement operations.

Abstract: A composition for a water soluble glass is described. The composition is unusual in that it contains no or very small quantities (up to 5 mole %) of alkali metal compounds. The composition typically comprises: P2O5: 30 to 60 mole %; CaO: 20 to 35 mole %; MgO: 15 to 25 mole %; ZnO: 0 to 10 mole %; and optionally may contain: Ag2O or Ag2O3: 0 to 5 mole %; and/or total alkali metal compounds (e.g. Na2O and/or K2O): 0 to 5 mole %. The composition is especially suitable for processing into water soluble glass fibers or wool.

Abstract: A composition for a water soluble glass is described. The composition is unusual in that it contains no or very small quantities (up to 5 mole %) of alkali earth metal compounds. The composition typically comprises P2O5: 40 to 60 mole %; B2O3: 0 to 10 mole %; Na2O: 30 to 40 mole %; K2O: 5 to 10 mole %; Ag2O: 0 to 5 mole %; and up to a total of 5 mole % of other compounds such as CaO, MgO etc. The composition is especially suitable for processing into water soluble glass fibers or wool since the melting point is very low, usually less than 350° C.

Abstract: A composition suitable for implantation in soft tissue (for example at or around a body orifice) in order to augment the volume of soft tissue is produced. The particles, which are desirably irregularly shaped, are formed from a biodegradable phosphate glass, and may have an average particle diameter of 50 &mgr;m to 2000 &mgr;m, preferably 50 &mgr;m to 300 &mgr;m. The particles are used with a carrier medium for injection into soft tissue such as the bladder submucosa. This procedure can be applied to treat conditions such as vesicoureteric reflux. Additionally the procedure could be used cosmetically.

Abstract: A packaging system which comprises a first container (24) having a valve (27) controlling the opening of an outlet and which contains a first ingredient (25), and a second container (28) having an openable entry portion (14) and containing a second ingredient (29). The packaging system further comprises means for connecting the first and second containers together in order to allow said first ingredient to be displaced from the first container into the second container via the entry portion thereof, so that said first and second ingredients are admixed in said second container to form a final product.

Abstract: There is provided an antimicrobial composition for combatting infections. The material is a controlled release glass having two or more agents selected from the group consisting of metals, selenium and boron. Preferably the agents are selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, magnesium, zinc, cerium,consisting of copper, silver, magnesium, zinc, cerium, manganese bismuth, selenium and boron. The combinations of copper and silver and of copper and zinc are particularly preferred and exhibit synergist activity. The antimicrobial composition is effective against infections due to Proteus spp.

Abstract: A medical film dressing comprising a thin transparent film having a layer of skin adhesive on its front face, shielded before use by a removable cover sheet in contact which is in contact with the adhesive across the entire area of the front face, and a backing sheet detachably affixed over the whole of the rear face of said film. The dressing further comprises a flexible hinge in the form of a folded strip disposed along a peripheral edge of said thin film to conjoin said cover sheet and said backing sheet adjacent said edge, and extending around the corresponding edge of the thin film, and wherein a scoreline is formed in said cover sheet. The score line extends parallel to the edge of the dressing opposite the hinge and wherein the line of perforation extends through said thin film beneath said score line.

Abstract: There is provided a device to promote healing of cut tissue members, such as nerves, tendon or muscles, within a body. The device is of hollow construction and comprises apertures into which the cut ends of the tissue members are placed and fixed, usually by a fibrin-based tissue glue. Located between the apertures is a substance to promote healing of the tissue member such as, for example, nerve growth factor. Optionally the device may be used in conjunction with the external reservoir of the substance and/or with a time-operated pump to deliver the substance to the device. The device is biodegradable and is preferably composed of watersoluble glass.