Abstract: The composition for bone regeneration, comprises a) a first phase (3) comprising a plurality of cross-linked hydrogel chunks (1) having a mean diameter of less than 1000 ?m and incorporating an amount of mineral particles (2); and b) a second phase (4) comprising a physiologically-compatible aqueous liquid acting as a carrier for the chunks; the chunks being embedded in the second phase (4). The mineral particles (2) have a mean diameter of less than 10 ?m and the amount of the mineral particles (2) is less than 20 weight-% of the first phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cross-linkable polymer including a base polymer including functional groups at least some of which have been reacted with a first organic molecule including a cross-linkable unit and with a second organic molecule capable of bonding to organic and/or inorganic substrates. The invention further relates to a hydrogel including the cross-linkable polymer that includes cross-linkable polymer strands, wherein at least some of the cross-linkable units of different cross-linkable polymer strands have reacted to form a covalent bond thereby forming a covalently linked network. The invention further relates to a method for the preparation of the hydrogel and to the use of the hydrogel.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable bone filler material comprising a fluid polymeric material, a photoinitiator and a plurality of solid, polymeric optical fibers is disclosed, wherein said optical fibers are used for both illumination and reinforcement of the entire photopolymerized structure. In one embodiment, a mixture of PMMA and MMA is used as the fluid polymeric material. In one embodiment, the photoinitiator belongs to the bisacylphosphine oxide (BAPO) family, providing a complete, quick and reliable polymerization of a PMMA/MMA liquid bone cement upon application of a light of suitable wavelength. Contrary to other photoinitiators and chemically-similar compounds used in an experimental setting, the BAPO photoinitiator permits to obtain a polymerized bone cement which is mechanically robust and suitable for in vivo applications. Methods for using the developed fluid bone filler are also herein disclosed.

Abstract: The composition for bone regeneration, comprises a) a first phase (3) comprising a plurality of cross-linked hydrogel chunks (1) having a mean diameter of less than 1000 ?m and incorporating an amount of mineral particles (2); and b) a second phase (4) comprising a physiologically-compatible aqueous liquid acting as a carrier for the chunks; the chunks being embedded in the second phase (4). The mineral particles (2) have a mean diameter of less than 10 ?m and the amount of the mineral particles (2) is less than 20 weight-% of the first phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to photocure and/or photoactivate a photosensitive material. The device comprises several subsystems to transmit light towards an area of interest where a photosensitive material is applied as well as to collect light reflected by the applied photosensitive material. Reflected light is analyzed by an optical detector to monitor the photocuring and/or photoactivation process. Further means to inject or otherwise apply a photosensitive material can be combined in the same device. Methods for applying a fluent polymerizable material to a target site and for effecting polymerization of the fluent light-sensitive material in situ are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides for a bioactive composition comprising solid particles, such as e.g. calcium phosphate particles, loaded with an active agent, preferably an osteoconductive/osteoinductive agent or an anti-resorptive agent like a bisphosphonate. The drug-loaded particles are included into a carrier that is preferably composed of a polymeric matrix, such as for instance a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel. The composition is particularly useful for the treatment of bone defects, including dental-related pathological conditions, and particularly for bone regeneration/healing. The composition can be applied and/or injected directly in situ to perform its action on the bone defect. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the bioactive composition is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reinforced composite hydrogel based on a polymer blend and comprising a network of fibres, said polymer blend comprising UV sensitive molecules. It also relates to a process for preparing the reinforced composite hydrogel according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foamed polymer composite product incorporating several fillers and/or fibres and several pores characterized by the fact that it shows two distinct gradients, namely a filler and/or fibre density gradient and a pore density gradient. The polymer composite according to the invention may advantageously be used in tissue engineering, bone replacement, consumer goods, transportation or in any other suitable field. The invention also includes a process for manufacturing said polymer composite.