Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tube construct from a planar sheet matrix includes a stand supporting two opposing mounts and spanning between the opposing mounts are a mandrel, a porous rod, and a spring-loaded roller held in parallel arrangement; a guide for aligning and engaging the mandrel on the opposing mounts; and a means for imparting a tangential force on the planar sheet matrix to prevent wrinkling. The porous rod has a lumen running its length and has pores that communicate between the lumen of the porous rod through to the surface of the rod for water to uniformly pass through. The spring-loaded roller runs along the length of the porous rod creating a line of contact between the roller and the mandrel. The mandrel is contacted with a planar sheet of matrix and is rotated such that successive portions of the matrix contact the porous rod and become lightly moistened by the water passing through the pores of the porous rod and become wrapped around the mandrel to form a tube construct.

Abstract: The invention is directed to bioengineered graft prostheses prepared from cleaned tissue material derived from animal sources. The bioengineered graft prostheses of the invention are prepared using methods that preserve cell compatibility, strength, and bioremodelability of the processed tissue matrix. The bioengineered graft prostheses are used for implantation, repair, or use in a mammalian host.

Abstract: The invention is directed to collagenous tissues which have been treated to remove non-collagenous components such as cells, cellular debris, and other extracellular matrix components, such as proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, normally found in native tissues. Treatment of the tissue with alkali, chelating agents, acids and salts removes non-collagenous components from the collagenous tissue matrix while controlling the amount of swelling and dissolution so that the resultant collagen matrix retains its structural organization, integrity and bioremodelable properties. The process circumvents the need to use detergents and enzymes which detrimentally affect the cell compatibility, strength and bioremodelability of the collagen matrix. The collagenous tissue matrix is used for implantation, repair, or use in a mammalian host.