Abstract: Wound closure systems and methods are provided, containing a porous layer comprising a collagen material; a substantially non-porous synthetic layer contacting the porous layer, the porous layer and substantially non-porous layer capable of providing wound closure; and a transcutaneous component contacting the porous layer and the substantially non-porous synthetic layer. In various embodiments, the transcutaneous component is capable of receiving a cannula, glucose sensor, electrode, prosthesis, chest tube, medical instrument or bone, muscle, blood vessels, nerve, organ or combination thereof.

Abstract: A porous particle having a generally isopycnic density with liquid growth medium, a sponge-like character and a diameter of less than 2 mm which is formed from a homogenous biologically compatible matrix is described. This particle is useful in various systems for culturing anchorage-dependent and -independent cells, and is adaptable to large scale tissue culture which permits harvesting of cell products. The method of making such a particle includes preparing a solution containing a biologically compatible material, forming droplets from the solution, freezing the droplets, drying the droplets by sublimation to form a particle, and crosslinking the biologically compatible material in the particle.

Abstract: Weighted microsponges formed of a porous, biostable matrix of a biocompatible polymer containing an inert weighing material are prepared suitable for use in culturing organisms in motive reactor systems. The matrix has an open to the surface pore structure with an average pore size in the range of from about 1 to about 150 microns and the pores occupy from about 70 to about 98% by volume of the microsponge. The microsponges have an average particle size of from about 100 to about 1000 microns and a specific gravity of above about 1.05. Biocompatible polymers that can be used are polysaccharides, proteins and synthetic polymers and the weighing material can be metals, metal alloys, metal oxides or ceramics.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an improved carrier or adjuvant to induce a therapeutic response to a weak antigen.