Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied. In addition, nucleic acid and corresponding proteins including a domain from a physiologically active peptide and a domain from an extracellular matrix protein which is capable of providing a self-aggregate are provided. Human extracellular matrix proteins capable of providing a self-aggregate collagen are provided which are produced by prokaryotic cells. Preferred codon usage is employed to produce extracellular matrix proteins in prokaryotics.

Abstract: Methods of promoting angiogenesis are provided which include administering to a suitable locus a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge. Preferred cross-linked polysaccharides are biodegradable beads. A positive charge may be provided by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) groups associated with the polysaccharide.

Abstract: A method of reducing scar formation at a wound site includes contacting the wound site with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge and thereby reducing scar formation as the wound site heals. Such polysaccharide include bioabsorbable cross-linked dextrans or alginates. The positive charge may be provided by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) moieties. The cross-linked polysaccharide can be applied to the wound site as a powder or bead. The cross-linked polysaccharide may also be contained in a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Biocompatable surgical devices are provided with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge which reduce scar formation at healing wound sites. A method of reducing TGF-&bgr; activity is also provided.

Abstract: Biocompatible medical devices, including sutures, are disclosed which are produced from polyesters formed from lactide and glycolide copolymers. In a preferred mode of the invention, the biocompatible medical devices are absorbable.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be encapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: Infection resistant surgical devices are prepared by impregnating a substrate with a composition containing glycerine and an antimicrobial agent, preferably a silver salt.

Abstract: Synthetic, cross-linked amino-acid containing polymers are useful in forming medical devices. The hydrogels of the invention are particularly useful in wound healing and anti-adhesion applications.

Abstract: Wound treatment compositions include an oxidized cross-linked polysaccharide which has a chemically induced charge. Preferred polysaccharides are cross-linked dextrans. A charge is preferably provided by diethylaminoethyl groups (DEAE groups) or carboxymethyl groups. The oxidized cross-linked polysaccharide can be applied as a powder directly to a wound site. Alternatively, the oxidized cross-linked polysaccharide can be combined with a delivery vehicle to form a liquid or past to be applied to a wound site.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable copolymers are derived from tricarboxylic acids and triols. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles including, sutures, suture coatings, and gels for promoting tissue repair.