Abstract: A method of making a porous bioresorbable dressing is provided for use in applying reduced pressure therapy to a wound site. The process includes manufacture of a dressing by use of one or more bioresorbable polymers and a porogen system. The malleability of the dressing allows the dressing to be placed into the wound site such that it fills the shape and size of the wound. Embodiments include use of hand molding and formation of a rope dressing. The porogen system may be activated external to the wound site or formed in situ within the wound site, thus creating a porous dressing. A reduced pressure delivery tube is fluidly connected to the wound site to delivery a reduced pressure to the wound site.

Abstract: For successful wound healing to occur, the newly formed skin must generate tensile strength through collagen deposition. Measurement of collagen in the granulating wound bed may be predictive of successful wound healing. Existing methods for collagen measurement either require specialized equipment, or do not allow for discrimination of potential interfering molecules. Herein described is an accurate, specific and reliable method to extract and quantify collagen from tissue utilizing high pressure liquid chromatography techniques. The method is sensitive enough to measure the small amounts of collagen found in newly healing wounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of bacteria present at the site of infection and the treatment of the infection using bacteriophage. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions for treating bacterial infections by identifying at least one bacteria species in the infection based on its interaction with bacteria-specific aptamers, selecting one or more bacteriophage that infect the identified bacteria species, and administering an effective amount of the bacteriophage to the subject to treat the infection.

Abstract: A method and system for culturing cells, having a substantially airtight enclosure configured to culture cells. The method and system also have a first conduit configured to provide a reduced pressure to the substantially airtight enclosure and a second conduit configured to provide a culture media to the substantially airtight enclosure.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, polymeric implant material useful for tissue engineering, and method of making same are provided. The fibers are preferably aligned predominantly parallel to each other, but may also be aligned in a single plane. The implant material comprises a polymeric matrix, preferably a biodegradable matrix, having fibers substantially uniformly distributed therein. Inorganic particles may also be included in the implant material. In preferred embodiments, porous tissue scaffolds are provided which facilitate regeneration of load-bearing tissues such as articular cartilage and bone. Non-porous fiber-reinforced implant materials are also provided herein useful as permanent implants for load-bearing sites.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, polymeric implant material useful for tissue engineering, and method of making same are provided. The fibers are preferably aligned predominantly parallel to each other, but may also be aligned in a single plane. The implant material comprises a polymeric matrix, preferably a biodegradable matrix, having fibers substantially uniformly distributed therein. In preferred embodiments, porous tissue scaffolds are provided which facilitate regeneration of load-bearing tissues such as articular cartilage and bone. Non-porous fiber-reinforced implant materials are also provided herein useful as permanent implants for load-bearing sites.

Abstract: This invention provides biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric films having uniform selected thicknesses between about 60 micrometers and about 5 mm useful in the manufacture of therapeutic implants for insertion into a patient's body and methods of making them. The films may be shaped to cover implants made of other materials to improve their biocompatibility. The films may be coated with or incorporate bioactive agents. They may have differing properties, e.g., porosity, thickness, and degradation rate, in different areas.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, polymeric implant material useful for tissue engineering, and method of making same are provided. The fibers are preferably aligned predominantly parallel to each other, but may also be aligned in a single plane. The implant material comprises a polymeric matrix, preferably a biodegradable matrix, having fibers substantially uniformly distributed therein. In preferred embodiments, porous tissue scaffolds are provided which facilitate regeneration of load-bearing tissues such as articular cartilage and bone. Non-porous fiber-reinforced implant materials are also provided herein useful as permanent implants for load-bearing sites.

Abstract: This invention provides biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric films having uniform selected thicknesses between about 60 micrometers and about 5 mm useful in the manufacture of therapeutic implants for insertion into a patient's body. The films may be shaped to cover implants made of other materials to improve their biocompatibility. The films may be coated with or incorporate bioactive agents. They may have differing properties, e.g., porosity, thickness, and degradation rate, in different areas.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, polymeric implant material useful for tissue engineering, and method of making same are provided. The fibers are preferably aligned predominantly parallel to each other, but may also be aligned in a single plane. The implant material comprises a polymeric matrix, preferably a biodegradable matrix, having fibers substantially uniformly distributed therein. In preferred embodiments, porous tissue scaffolds are provided which facilitate regeneration of load-bearing tissues such as articular cartilage and bone. Non-porous fiber-reinforced implant materials are also provided herein useful as permanent implants for load-bearing sites.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric therapeutic substantially nonporous implant materials incorporating bioactive ceramics such as Bioglass® ceramic are provided. These implants provide increased mechanical properties and pH control, enabling the use of these materials to design porous and nonporous therapeutic implants used as cell scaffolds for healing of tissue defects or fixation devices, having desired degradation times, mechanical properties, elasticity and biocompatibility.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric therapeutic implant materials incorporating bioactive ceramics such as Bioglass.RTM. ceramic are provided. These implants provide increased mechanical properties and pH control, enabling the use of these materials to design porous and nonporous therapeutic implants used as cell scaffolds for healing of tissue defects or fixation devices, having desired degradation times, mechanical properties, elasticity and biocompatibility.