Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions useful in the treatment, augmentation and/or repair of soft and/or hard tissues of animals, and in particular, vertebrates such as humans. The invention provides hydrogel compositions for use in the preparation of medicaments for wound healing, cartilage and meniscus repair, dermal augmentation, and bone fusion, as well as methods for the treatment of intervertebral disc impairment. In particular embodiments, the invention provides compositions useful in restoring hydrodynamic function, increasing intervertebral disc height, and improving proliferation and survival of chondrocytes and other cells in intervertebral discs that have been compromised by injury, degenerative disease, congenital abnormalities, and/or the aging process.

Abstract: A fluid matrix comprising cross-linked remodelable collagen from a donor vertebrate animal is useful for regenerating hydrodynamic function in damaged intervertebral discs in vivo. The matrix may be injectable and may comprise cells and a plurality of purified cell growth factors. The matrix promotes cell growth and elaboration of proteoglycans to facilitate regeneration of native tissues. The collagen in the matrix may be cross-linked using photooxidative catalysis and visible light, and purified cell growth factors are preferably at least partly bone-derived.