Abstract: The formation of scars at a wound site is reduced by contacting the wound site with an effective dose of an inhibitor of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activity or expression. Blockade of FAK is sufficient to prevent mechanical and inflammatory stimuli from activating MCP-1 pathways. In addition to these chemokine-mediated mechanisms, inhibition of FAK may control fibrosis by blocking fibroblast collagen production. Pharmacologic blockade of FAK significantly reduces scar formation in vivo.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the manufacture and use of a pullulan-based collagen hydrogel film with controlled porosity. The hydrogel is fabricated with salt-induced phase inversion and cross-linking to form a reticular scaffold. This soft collagen scaffold displays excellent handling characteristics, durability, and a porous dermal-like ultrastructure that is maintained in vitro. Cells, including cells involved in tissue repair, are viably sustained within the scaffold. The hydrogel films are biodegradable, and find particular use in wound healing, where the hydrogel scaffold can be replaced by dermal cells over time.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for wound healing, including but not limited to the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids. The packaging, manipulation elements, applicator and/or tensioning device maybe used to apply and/or maintain a strain in an elastic dressing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation are described where devices precondition or expand a target nipple tissue to reduce the pressure exerted by the skin on an eventual implant. Generally, the apparatus comprises a mold having a contact surface which is curved in conformance with a breast upon which the mold is positionable, the contact surface having an adhesive for securement upon the breast, and the mold defining a cavity along the contact surface which conforms to a size of a nipple to be formed upon the breast and where the cavity further comprises the adhesive for securement to the nipple. A breast enlargement device comprises a cup larger than the target breast and further defines an inner surface which adheres to the breast when contacted.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation are described where devices precondition or expand a target nipple tissue to reduce the pressure exerted by the skin on an eventual implant. Generally, the apparatus comprises a mold having a contact surface which is curved in conformance with a breast upon which the mold is positionable, the contact surface having an adhesive for securement upon the breast, and the mold defining a cavity along the contact surface which conforms to a size of a nipple to be formed upon the breast and where the cavity further comprises the adhesive for securement to the nipple. A breast enlargement device comprises a cup larger than the target breast and further defines an inner surface which adheres to the breast when contacted.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to threads of hyaluronic acid, methods of making such threads and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., facial contouring, dermal fillers), surgery (e.g., sutures), drug delivery, negative pressure wound therapy, moist wound dressing, and the like.

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: Devices and methods for tissue transfer are described where a cannula may be inserted into the breast of a subject at one of several points of entry. Insertion of the cannula into the breast may be accomplished by using a guidance system to distinguish between tissue types. Once desirably positioned, the cannula may be withdrawn from the breast while automatically (or manually) injecting the fat in multiple deposits of adipose tissue or fat such that the deposited fat remains within the tract formed by the withdrawn cannula. Multiple tracts of the deposited fat may be injected within the breast until the breast has been desirably remodeled and/or augmented.

Abstract: Formulations and methods are provided for improving the function, i.e. clinical outcome, of solid organ transplants. Lung transplantation is of particular interest. In the methods of the invention, a nanoparticle formulation comprising an effective dose of an iron chelator active agent in nanoparticle form, including without limitation, deferoxamine (DFO), deferasirox (DFX), and deferiprone (DFP), etc. is topically applied to the surface of tissues during episodes of graft rejection.

Abstract: Devices and methods for tissue transfer are described where a cannula may be inserted into the breast of a subject at one of several points of entry. Insertion of the cannula into the breast may be accomplished by using a guidance system to distinguish between tissue types. Once desirably positioned, the cannula may be withdrawn from the breast while automatically (or manually) injecting the fat in multiple deposits of adipose tissue or fat such that the deposited fat remains within the tract formed by the withdrawn cannula. Multiple tracts of the deposited fat may be injected within the breast until the breast has been desirably remodeled and/or augmented.

Abstract: Efficient stem cell delivery into biomaterials using capillary driven encapsulation are disclosed herein where stem/progenitor and/or tissue specific cells are rapidly and efficiently seeded via capillary driven encapsulation into a porous scaffold for cell deliver in the skin or any other organ. The rapid capillary force approach maximizes both seeding time and efficiency by combining hydrophobic, entropic and capillary forces to promote active, ‘bottom-up’ cell engraftment. This methodology uses micro domain patterned biopolymers in a porous dry gel to generate capillary pressure to move a viscous stem cell mix from a hydrophobic reservoir into the polymer matrix to promote active cell seeding within the entire gel volume.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation are described where devices precondition or expand a target nipple tissue to reduce the pressure exerted by the skin on an eventual implant. Generally, the apparatus comprises a mold having a contact surface which is curved in conformance with a breast upon which the mold is positionable, the contact surface having an adhesive for securement upon the breast, and the mold defining a cavity along the contact surface which conforms to a size of a nipple to be formed upon the breast and where the cavity further comprises the adhesive for securement to the nipple. A breast enlargement device comprises a cup larger than the target breast and further defines an inner surface which adheres to the breast when contacted.

Abstract: The present invention provides threads of hyaluronic acid, and/or derivatives thereof, methods of making thereof and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., dermal fillers), surgery (sutures), drug delivery, etc.

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods described herein include skin treatments with a book-like packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device used to apply a dressing to a subject. The packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device is used to apply and/or maintain a strain in an elastic dressing, and has a first support, a second support, and a primary bending region therebetween, the primary bending region comprising a primary bending axis, with the dressing attached to the first and second supports of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides threads of hyaluronic acid, and/or derivatives thereof, methods of making thereof and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., dermal fillers), surgery (sutures), drug delivery, etc.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to soft tissue augmentation threads, methods of making such threads and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., facial contouring, soft tissue augmentation products), surgery (e.g., sutures), drug delivery, negative pressure wound therapy, moist wound dressing, and the like.

Abstract: A surgical marking pen may include a pen body, a first chamber within the pen body containing at least one powdered dye, a second chamber within the pen body and separated from the first chamber, and a tip in fluid communication with the first chamber or the second chamber. The second container contains a solvent, and the first chamber and the second chamber are selectively placeable into fluid communication with one another. The at least one powdered dye and the solvent, when mixed, form a dye solution which is disposable upon a skin or tissue surface and is able to be visualized simultaneously by a user in ambient light and with a fluorescence imager.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the prevention and treatment of chronic wounds, including, without limitation, pressure ulcers and diabetic ulcers, by transdermal delivery of an agent that increases activity of HIF-1? in the wound.