Abstract: The invention discloses a method of using acellular bovine pericardia fixed with genipin as a surgical-repair material to fix an abdominal wall defect.

Abstract: A method for treating a target tissue of a patient comprising, in combination, mixing a drug with a solidifiable biological material, chemically treating the drug with the biological material with a crosslinking agent, loading the solidifiable drug-containing biological material onto a medical device, solidifying the drug-containing biological material; and delivering the medical device to the target tissue for treating the tissue.

Abstract: A biodegradable stent comprising a luminal surface portion with a second degree of crosslink, an outer surface portion with a first degree of crosslink, and a body between the luminal and outer surface portions, wherein the body comprises a crosslinked material characterized by the first degree of crosslink not less than the second degree of crosslink.

Abstract: A method for promoting angiogenesis in a patient comprising providing crosslinkable biological solution to the target tissue, wherein the crosslinkable biological solution is loaded with at least one angiogenic agent. In one embodiment, the at least one angiogenic agent is a non-protein factor selected from a group consisting of ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re, combination thereof and the like. In another embodiment, the crosslinkable biological solution of the present invention is broadly defined in a form or phase of solution, paste, gel, suspension, colloid or plasma that may be solidifiable thereafter.

Abstract: A method for treating vulnerable plaques of a patient, comprising: providing a biodegradable stent comprising a first supporting zone made of a first biodegradable material, wherein the supporting zone comprises at least a portion of continuous circumference of the stent; and a second therapeutic zone made of a second biodegradable material, wherein the therapeutic zone comprises at least one bioactive agent; delivering the biodegradable stent to the vulnerable plaques; orienting the therapeutic zone at about the luminal surface of the vulnerable plaque; and releasing the at least one bioactive agent for treating the vulnerable plaques.

Abstract: Use of reuterin, a naturally occurring ?-hydroxypropinoaldehyde, in the manufacture of a biocompatible implant is disclosed, which involves crosslinking an amine-containing biological material such as chitosan, collagen, elastin, gelatin, fibrin glue, and combination thereof with reuterin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug-loaded biodegradable stent and methods for treating vulnerable plaques of a patient comprising a plurality of layers or zones, each layer or zone comprising its own specific biodegradation rate and its specific drug loading characteristics. In one embodiment, the layers and zones are configured and arranged, in combination, radially, circumferentially and longitudinally.

Abstract: A method for treating tissue of a patient comprising, in combination, mixing a drug with a solidifiable biological material, chemically treating the drug with the biological material with a crosslinking agent, loading the solidifiable drug-containing biological material onto a medical device, solidifying the drug-containing biological material; and delivering the medical device to a target tissue for treating the tissue.

Abstract: A method for treating tissue of a patient comprising, in combination, mixing a drug with a solidifiable biological material, chemically treating the drug with the biological material with a crosslinking agent, loading the solidifiable drug-containing biological material onto a medical device, solidifying the drug-containing biological material; and delivering the medical device to a target tissue for treating the tissue.

Abstract: Biocompatible cross-linked materials, suitable for use in implants, wound dressings, and blood substitutes, are described. The materials are prepared by cross-linking biological substances, such as collagen, chitosan, or hemoglobin, with genipin, a naturally occurring cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent has much lower toxicity than conventionally used reagents, and the cross-linked products have good thermal and mechanical stability as well as biocompatibility.

Abstract: A method for promoting autogenous ingrowth of damaged or diseased tissue selected from a group consisting of ligaments, tendons, muscle and cartilage, the method comprising a step of surgically repairing the damaged or diseased tissue by attachment of a tissue graft, wherein the tissue graft is formed from a segment of connective tissue protein after an acellularization process, the segment being crosslinked with genipin, its analog or derivatives. The genipin-fixed acellular tissue provides a microenvironment for tissue regeneration adapted for use as a biological implant device due to its low cytotoxicity.

Abstract: A use of 3-hydroxypropinoaldehyde in the manufacture of a biocompatible implant, substitute or wound dressing is disclosed, which involves crosslinking an amine-containing biomolecule including chitosan, hemoglobin and a connective-tissue protein such as collagen or gelatin derived from a collagenous source with 3-hydroxypropinoaldehyde.

Abstract: A method for promoting autogenous ingrowth of damaged or diseased tissue selected from a group consisting of ligaments, tendons, muscle and cartilage, the method comprising a step of surgically repairing the damaged or diseased tissue by attachment of a tissue graft, wherein the tissue graft is formed from a segment of connective tissue protein after an acellularization process, the segment being crosslinked with genipin, its analog or derivatives. The genipin-fixed acellular tissue provides a microenvironment for tissue regeneration adapted for use as a biological implant device due to its low cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Variably compliant natural tissue valve leaflets and vascular bioprosthetics incorporating variably compliant leaflets are provided along with methods for their manufacture. The variably compliant leaflets are fixed with the leaflet base section under greater pressure than the leaflet tip section rendering them relatively stiff along the leaflet base section and more flexible at the leaflet tip section. The radially variable flexing characteristics of the valve leaflets promote even distribution of mechanical stress on the valve assembly during the cardiac cycle leading to improved hemodynamic performance while retarding the calcification of the leaflet tissue.

Abstract: Variably compliant natural tissue valve leaflets and vascular bioprosthetics incorporating variably compliant leaflets are provided along with methods for their manufacture. The variably compliant leaflets are fixed with the leaflet base section under greater pressure than the leaflet tip section rendering them relatively stiff along the leaflet base section and more flexible at the leaflet tip section. The radially variable flexing characteristics of the valve leaflets promote even distribution of mechanical stress on the valve assembly during the cardiac cycle leading to improved hemodynamic performance while retarding the calcification of the leaflet tissue.