Abstract: Foam-formed collagen strands and methods for forming strands involve depositing a dispersed solution of an isolated cleaned, de-fatted, enzymatically-treated (or non-enzyme treated) human-derived collagen product having a preserved amount of its natural constituents into grooves of a grooved plate, and processing the dispersed collagen product to provide a foam-formed collagen strand. Foam-formed collagen strands may be processed into threads having a matrix of reticulated pores to conduct biological materials in and through the strand, the collagen of the collagen strand comprising isolated, enzymatically-treated human derived collagen having a preserved amount of its natural collagen constituents.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an active collagen matrix for culturing mammalian cells and the use of the active collagen matrix and cells for the treatment of disease.

Abstract: Methods for making a biodegradable collagen matrix having increased osteoinductivity and a biodegradable collagen matrix prepared by these methods are provided. In various embodiments, the methods include providing an acidic collagen slurry and mixing it with at least one water soluble and/or hydrophilic bioactive agent under conditions sufficient to cause the collagen slurry to self-assemble into macroscopic collagen fibers and cause the at least one bioactive agent to form a collagen matrix containing the bioactive agent. Conditions sufficient to cause the collagen slurry to self-assembly include raising the pH of the slurry to from about 5 to about a pH of 9 and/or adding bone powder, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, DBM or a mixture thereof to the acidic collagen slurry in order to raise the pH from about 5 to about 9.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an active collagen matrix for culturing mammalian cells and the use of the active collagen matrix and cells for the treatment of disease.

Abstract: A method for promoting bone formation is provided. More specifically, a method for promoting bone formation by promoting osteoclast formation is provided. In one embodiment, an implant comprising an implantable material and an osteoclast stimulating substance is provided.

Abstract: Methods for making a biodegradable collagen matrix having increased osteoinductivity and a biodegradable collagen matrix prepared by these methods are provided. In various embodiments, the methods include providing an acidic collagen slurry and mixing it with at least one water soluble and/or hydrophilic bioactive agent under conditions sufficient to cause the collagen slurry to self-assemble into macroscopic collagen fibers and cause the at least one bioactive agent to form a collagen matrix containing the bioactive agent. Conditions sufficient to cause the collagen slurry to self-assembly include raising the pH of the slurry to from about 5 to about a pH of 9 and/or adding bone powder, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, DBM or a mixture thereof to the acidic collagen slurry in order to raise the pH from about 5 to about 9.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an active collagen matrix for culturing mammalian cells and the use of the active collagen matrix and cells for the treatment of disease.

Abstract: Calcium phosphate and related coating powder particles comprising a surface component comprising a silicate content, plasma sprayed coatings thereof on implantable medical/dental devices, and bone grafting materials of such coated particles. Optionally, biologically active agents such as bone morphogenetic proteins, growth factors, analgesics, and antibiotics can be incorporated therein.

Abstract: An osteoimplant is provided which comprises a coherent aggregate of elongate bone particles, the osteoimplant possessing predetermined dimensions and shape. The osteoimplant is highly absorbent and sponge-like in nature. Also provided herein are a method of fabricating the osteoimplant and a method of repairing and/or treating bone defects utilizing the osteoimplant.

Abstract: A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust, the release of the substance.

Abstract: Biological-based polyurethanes and methods of making the same. The polyurethanes are formed by reacting a biodegradable polyisocyanate (such as lysine diisocyanate) with an optionally hydroxylated biomolecule to form polyurethane. The polymers formed may be combined with ceramic and/or bone particles to form a composite, which may be used as an osteoimplant.

Abstract: An osteoimplant is provided which comprises a coherent aggregate of elongate bone particles, the osteoimplant possessing predetermined dimensions and shape. The osteoimplant is highly absorbent and sponge-like in nature. Also provided herein are a method of fabricating the osteoimplant and a method of repairing and/or treating bone defects utilizing the osteoimplant.

Abstract: Methods for forming implantable compositions are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include (i) providing a gel base, (ii) adding water and a hydrating agent to the gel base to form a mixture, (iii) reducing the water content of the mixture; and (iv) adding a delivered material before, during, and/or after step (ii) or (iii). The water content is reduced to about 5% or less by weight of the implantable composition.

Abstract: A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust, the release of the substance.

Abstract: Biological-based polyurethanes and methods of making the same. The polyurethanes are formed by reacting a biodegradable polyisocyanate (such as lysine diisocyanate) with an optionally hydroxylated biomolecule to form polyurethane. The polymers formed may be combined with ceramic and/or bone particles to form a composite, which may be used as an osteoimplant.

Abstract: Methods for forming implantable compositions are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include (i) providing a gel base, (ii) adding water and a hydrating agent to the gel base to form a mixture, (iii) reducing the water content of the mixture; and (iv) adding a delivered material before, during, and/or after step (ii) or (iii). The water content is reduced to about 5% or less by weight of the implantable composition.

Abstract: A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust the release of the substance. In various embodiments, the covering may be formed of a collagen material and is suitable for a variety of procedure specific uses.

Abstract: A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust the release of the substance. In various embodiments, the covering is suitable for a variety of procedure specific uses. Implantation tools may be provided for placing the covering at a surgical site. Kits may be provided including variously sized or shaped coverings and one or more tools for use in placing the covering.

Abstract: Carbonated calcium phosphate compositions and methods of preparation, affording enhanced biophysical properties.

Abstract: Methods for making a biodegradable collagen matrix having increased osteoinductivity and a biodegradable collagen matrix prepared by these methods are provided. In various embodiments, the methods include providing an acidic collagen slurry and mixing it with at least one water soluble and/or hydrophilic bioactive agent under conditions sufficient to cause the collagen slurry to self-assemble into macroscopic collagen fibers and cause the at least one bioactive agent to form a collagen matrix containing the bioactive agent. Conditions sufficient to cause the collagen slurry to self-assembly include raising the pH of the slurry to from about 5 to about a pH of 9 and/or adding bone powder, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, DBM or a mixture thereof to the acidic collagen slurry in order to raise the pH from about 5 to about 9.