Abstract: Pharmaceutically acceptable, non-immunogenic compositions are formed by covalently binding biologically inactive, natural, biocompatible polymer to pharmaceutically pure, synthetic, hydrophilic polymers via specific types of chemical bonds to provide biocompatible conjugates. The synthetic hydrophilic polymer may be polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof having a weight average molecular weight over a range of from about 100 to about 20,000. The compositions may include other components such as liquid, pharmaceutically acceptable, carriers to form injectable formulations, and/or biologically active proteins such as growth factors. The conjugates of the invention generally contain large amounts of water when formed. The conjugates can be dehydrated to form a relatively solid object. The dehydrated, solid object can be ground into particles which can be suspended in a non-aqueous fluid such as an oil and injected into a living (preferably human) being for the purpose of providing soft tissue augmentation.

Abstract: Collagen, particularly atelopeptide collagen, exhibits improved handling characteristics when chemically conjugated and/or crosslinked with a synthetic hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: Collagen, particularly atelopeptide collagen, exhibits improved handling characteristics when chemically conjugated and/or crosslinked with a synthetic hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: Collagen, particularly atelopeptide collagen, exhibits improved handling characteristics when chemically conjugated and/or crosslinked with a synthetic hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: Injectable implant compositions comprise a biocompatible ceramic matrix present in a fluid carrier, where the ceramic matrix comprises particles having a size distribution in the range from 50 .mu.m to 250 .mu.m. Optionally, the compositions may further comprise collagen, where the relative amounts of collagen and ceramic matrix at least partly determine the physical properties of implants formed by injecting the compositions. The fluid carrier is an aqueous buffered medium, typically including an organic polymer base material when there is no collagen present in the composition. The compositions are particularly suitable for repair and augmentation of soft and hard tissues by injection.

Abstract: Collagen, particularly atelopeptide collagen, exhibits improved handling characteristics when chemically conjugated and/or crosslinked with a synthetic hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: Injectable aqueous suspensions of biomaterials, such as cross-linked collagen, that contain a biocompatible fluid lubricant, such as glycogen or maltose, are disclosed. The inclusion of the lubricant significantly improves the intrusion of the suspension into soft tissue.

Abstract: A method of repairing bone defects by use of suspensions containing purified atelopeptide, reconstituted, fibrillar skin collagen or bone collagen powder or mixtures thereof is disclosed. The suspensions provide matrices for conductive growth of bone into the defect. The skin collagen may also be lyophilized and used in the form of mats.

Abstract: Cross-linked atelopeptide collagen that is substantially free of residual cross-linking agent is prepared by: reconstituting atelopeptide collagen from solution by neutralizing the solution at a reduced temperature and a hypotonic ionic strength; cross-linking the reconstituted fibers in an aqueous medium at a concentration of 0.1 to 10 mg/ml with glutaraldehyde under conditions that produce cross-linked collagen that when in suspension in physiological saline at a concentration of 35 mg/ml exhibits a shear viscosity whose log varies linearly with the log of the shear rate and is approximated by the formulalog .eta..ltoreq.-0.96 log .gamma.+2.3where .gamma. is the shear rate in sec.sup.-1, log .gamma. is in the range of -6 to +2 and .eta. is the viscosity of the suspension in Pascal-sec; optionally quenching the cross-linking reaction with an amino acid; and separating the cross-linked atelopeptide collagen from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Novel compositions containing fibronectin and methods of isolating these compositions and fibronectin itself from blood plasma are disclosed.

Abstract: An injectable implant material for soft tissue augmentation comprising a dispersion of (a) particles of cross-linked atelopeptide collagen; and (b) reconstituted fibrous atelopeptide collagen in a (c) physiological aqueous carrier. Implants of this material have improved persistence relative to currently used collagen implant materials.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for obtaining fibronectin and antihemophilic factor in commercial quantities from blood plasma. In the disclosed methods a blood plasma fraction containing fibronectin and antihemophilic factor is isolated from blood plasma and then solubilized in an aqueous medium. The solution is acidified and chilled at a temperature sufficient to form an acid-chill precipitate containing a major proportion of the fibronectin and a solution containing a major proportion of the antihemophilic factor of the blood plasma fraction. Fibronectin and antihemophilic factor are then isolated respectively from the precipitate and solution.

Abstract: A utility basket for use in the upper or lower rack of a dishwasher. The utility basket comprises an elongated, narrow structure having side walls, end walls and a bottom. A gate is hingedly affixed within the utility basket to one of the side walls thereof. The gate is swingable between first and second positions. In its first position the gate lies against the side wall to which it is hinged and the entire utility basket is available to receive long flatware such as cooking spoons, spatulas and the like. In its second position the gate extends transversely of the utility basket serving as a partition to divide the utility basket into a first ordinary table utensil receiving portion and a second, shorter small wares receiving portion for small items such as measuring spoons, jar lids and the like. Means are provided to maintain the gate in its first and its second positions.