Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a Material's (“MTL”) mechanical properties. The methods comprise: coupling a first end of MTL to a First Mechanical Mechanism (“FMM”) movable in a First Direction (“FD”) and coupling a second end of MTL to a Second Mechanical Mechanism (“SMM”) movable in a Second Direction (“SD”); applying a first Pulling Force (“PF”) to MTL; applying an Oscillating Force (“OF”) to MTL; applying a second PF to MTL so as to cause any undulations in MTL to be removed and to cause a loading of fibers or polymeric units that support MTL; allowing MTL to oscillate through a series of cycles of loading and unloading; measuring a strain/stress on MTL as a function of time; determining a natural frequency of MTL based on the strain/stress; and determining an elastic modulus of MTL using the natural frequency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a Material's (“MTL”) mechanical properties. The methods comprise: coupling a first end of MTL to a First Mechanical Mechanism (“FMM”) movable in a First Direction (“FD”) and coupling a second end of MTL to a Second Mechanical Mechanism (“SMM”) movable in a Second Direction (“SD”); applying a first Pulling Force (“PF”) to MTL; applying an Oscillating Force (“OF”) to MTL; applying a second PF to MTL so as to cause any undulations in MTL to be removed and to cause a loading of fibers or polymeric units that support MTL; allowing MTL to oscillate through a series of cycles of loading and unloading; measuring a strain/stress on MTL as a function of time; determining a natural frequency of MTL based on the strain/stress; and determining an elastic modulus of MTL using the natural frequency.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for harvesting tissue using a cannula having a diameter of from 0.5 to 4.0 mm and of a length of from 25 to 20 cm to access by minimally invasive techniques a host to withdraw autogenous tissue processed to remove loose fat and/or fragmented tissue. Thereafter, the resulting tissue substrate is morcellated to form particulate tissue of a particle size of from 1 to 200 .mu.m. The particulate material is thence passed through screens having opening sizes of from 1 to 100 .mu.m to form a material of a size for introduction into a syringe of from 16 to 30 gauge for implantation in the host. The processed tissue may be admixed with extenders, gelling agents and the like.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the mineralization of collagen fibers whereby collagen fibers formed from collagen are contacted with a solution of calcium and phosphate ions under conditions to effect nucleation and in-vitro growth of mineral crystals within and on the surface of the collagen fibers to form intact collagen fibers with subfibrillar substructure and wherein preparations of such mineralized collagen fibers are used in bone replacement therapy as well as to induce repair in bony defects.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the mineralization of collagen fibers whereby collagen fibers formed from collagen are contacted with a solution of calcium and phosphate ions under conditions to effect nucleation and in-vitro growth of mineral crystals within and on the surface of the collagen fibers to form intact collagen fibers with subfibrillar substructure and wherein preparations of such mineralized collagen fibers are used in bone replacement therapy as well as to induce repair in bony defects.

Abstract: The invention provides graft, prothesis, orthopaedic structures, implants and like body replacement parts which are constituted of synthetic collagen fibers, an embodiment of which is a tendon or a ligament prosthesis, graft or implants. These body parts have a combination of very useful properties, particularly high tensile strength combined with biocompatability.

Abstract: Weighted collagen microsponges having a highly crosslinked collagen matrix are described suitable for use in culturing organisms in motive reactor systems. The microsponges have an open to the surface pore structure, and pore sizes and volumes suitable for immobilizing a variety of bioactive materials. The microsponges also have an average particle size in the range of about 100 to about 1000 microns and a specific gravity above about 1.05.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biodegradable collagen matrix having a pore size and morphology which enhances the healing of a wound. It further relates to a process for preparing the matrix. One embodiment of the invention comprises a biodegradable matrix which comprises collagen, hyaluronic acid and fibronectin. Other embodiments include a process which comprises freeze drying a dispersion containing collagen, crosslinking the collagen via two crosslinking steps and freeze drying the crosslinked matrix.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating wounds by dressing the wound with a biocompatible biodegradable collagen tissue product and applying Low Intensity Direct Current (LIDC) to the product. The devices of the invention include biocompatible biodegradable collagen tissue products having means for the application of LIDC to the dressed wound.

Abstract: The collagenolytic activity of mammalian biologic fluids is assayed by obtaining a specimen of such fluid; applying the fluid to a collagen film bonded to a surface such as that of a glass slide; incubating the slide; washing the slide; staining the slide with a dye, and determining the extent of dissolution of the collagen film from the unstained areas of the slide. The slide is preferably prepared by blending insoluble collagen with a solution of HCl to form a dispersion; applying the dispersion to the slide surface; drying the slide; and baking the slide to cross-link the collagen and bond it to the slide surface. The dispersion applied to the slide contains collagen particles having sizes of at least 1 micron and preferably at least 20 microns. The assay procedure is particularly useful for the determination of the collagenase activity of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), in which case the fluid specimen is obtained on an absorbent medium such as a filter paper strip.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating pressure ulcers like decubitus ulcers with biodegradable collagen flake compositions and with biodegradable collagen sponge or sponge-like compositions. The products of the invention includes biodegradable collagen flake compositions and biodegradable collagen sponge or sponge-like compositions. The products are useful for medical applications, like skin reconstruction, treatment of wounds, especially deep wounds, also in connection with surgery, including cosmetic surgery. The invention also deals with biocompatible synthetic resin sponge or sponge-like and flake products for medical and similar applications. The invention contemplates the treatment of human and animal species.

Abstract: Weighted collagen microsponges having a highly crosslinked collagen matrix are described suitable for use in culturing organisms in motive reactor systems. The microsponges have an open to the surface pore structure, and pore sizes and volumes suitable for immobilizing a variety of bioactive materials. The microsponges also have an average particle size in the range of about 100 to about 1000 microns and a specific gravity above about 1.05.

Abstract: Weighted collagen microsponges having a highly crosslinked collagen matrix are described suitable for use in culturing organisms in motive reactor systems. The microsponges have an open to the surface pore structure, and pore sizes and volumes suitable for immobilizing a variety of bioactive materials. The microsponges also have an average particle size in the range of about 100 to about 1000 microns and a specific gravity above about 1.05.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising a crosslinked collagen matrix; a bioabsorbable adhesive coated on one surface of the collagen matrix; a multilayer polymer film imparting pre-selected moisture vapor and gas transmissivity to the dressing, secured to the opposite surface of the collagen matrix; and an adhesive securing the collagen matrix to the polymer film.

Abstract: Collagen-based compositions for augmenting soft tissue, wound dressings, implants, injectable formulations or other drug delivery systems, comprising resorbable collagen matrix beads, the beads having an average pore size of from 50 to 350 microns, and the collagen comprising from 1 to 30% by volume of the beads, the collagen matrix being sufficiently open to stimulate cellular ingrowth therethrough and yet sufficiently stiff and non-compressible to fill and protect a wound, and the formulation being sufficiently moisture and gas permeable to prevent liquid pooling on a wound and to permit sufficient oxygen diffusion for promoting wound healing.

Abstract: Composite materials are disclosed which are formed by contacting collagen with a mucopolysaccharide and subsequently covalently crosslinking the resultant polymer. These composite materials have a balance of mechanical, chemical and physiological properties which make them useful in surgical sutures and prostheses of controlled biodegradability (resorption) and controlled ability to prevent development of a foreign body reaction, and many are also useful in applications in which blood compatibility is required.