Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention and/or reduction of plaque, plaque build-up and/or gingivitis are provided. Bioactive glass compositions are provided which prevent or reduce plaque, plaque build-up and/or gingivitis through the use of low levels of small bioactive glass particles in amounts from about 0.25 to about 10% by weight in non-aqueous formulations. The resulting non-aqueous compositions are effective in dentifrice products and are stable and pass ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. Moreover, these bioactive glass containing non-aqueous compositions have unexpectedly high levels of antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens.

Abstract: Methods for treating hair are disclosed. Formulations for use in the methods for treating hair comprising bioactive glass compositions and a suitable carrier are also disclosed. The methods disclosed involve application of hair treatment formulations to hair which formulations include bioactive glass compositions which may comprise non-interlinked particles of bioactive glass or bioactive glass extract, and a carrier, and/or optional components useful in hair treatment formulations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating nails and adjacent tissues are disclosed. The compositions include non-interlinked particles of bioactive glass, alone or in combination with therapeutic agents, hydrophilic polymers, and other optional components. The compositions optionally include an appropriate aqueous carrier for topical administration. The methods involve applying an effective nail-enhancing amount of the composition to the nails and adjacent tissues for a sufficient amount of time to cause the formation of a hydroxyapatite or other calcium phosphate mineral layer on the nail surface.

Abstract: Percutaneous implants are disclosed including a portion implantable into a patient, a dermal bonding region capable of forming a bond between the implant and a dermal layer of the patient after the implantable portion is implanted into the patient, and the dermal bonding region including a substrate with a discontinuous coating of particulate bioactive glass wherein the average spacing between the particles of bioactive glass is predetermined and at least about 20 microns prior to implantation into the patient. Also disclosed are bioactive coatings including a substrate and fibers and/or particles of bioactive glass distributed on the substrate with a predetermined average interfiber distance of at least about 20 microns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injectable suspensions of bio-active glass and dextran or a dextran derivative for the repair of soft tissue or hard bone in mammals, especially humans. In one embodiment, the dextran derivatives include free radical polymerizable groups, which can be polymerized following injection into a patient.

Abstract: A moldable bioactive composition including (a) bioactive particles of bioactive glass, glass-ceramics, calcium phosphates, calcium apatites, or mixtures thereof; and (b) a biodegradable polysaccharide carrier including a polysaccharide with an average molecular weight of about 200,000-5,000,000.

Abstract: Percutaneous implants are disclosed including a portion implantable into a patient, a dermal bonding region capable of forming a bond between the implant and a dermal layer of the patient after the implantable portion is implanted into the patient, and the dermal bonding region including a substrate with a discontinuous coating of particulate bioactive glass wherein the average spacing between the particles of bioactive glass is predetermined and at least about 20 microns prior to implantation into the patient. Also disclosed are bioactive coatings including a substrate and fibers and/or particles of bioactive glass distributed on the substrate with a predetermined average interfiber distance of at least about 20 microns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel injectable aqueous suspensions of bio-active glass and dextrans for the repair of soft tissue or hard bone of mammals, especially in humans.