Abstract: A novel, lightweight bioactive wound dressing is provided which offers infection-resistance as well as localized wound healing properties. The wound dressing is comprised of preformed fibrous matter, which is comprised of either a composition which intrinsically provides multiple chemical groups which are functional for subsequent chemical reaction; or is a composition which has been chemically modified at its exterior surface to present a range of chemical groups which are functional for subsequent chemical reaction. These multiple functional chemical groups serve as a plurality of anchorage sites and backbone for the subsequent immobilization of an independently bound biologically active protein. Preferably, a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as the fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin, is incorporated into the preformed fibrous matter, using a newly created Pad/Autoclaving technique.

Abstract: The present invention is a bioactive, nanofibrous material construct which is manufactured using an unique electrospinning perfusion methodology. One preferred embodiment provides a nanofibrous biocomposite material formed as a discrete textile fabric from a prepared liquid admixture of (i) a biodurable synthetic polymer; (ii) a biologically active agent; and (iii) a liquid organic carrier. The prepared liquid admixture and fluid blending of diverse matter is employed in a novel electrospinning perfusion process to form an agent-releasing nanofibrous fabric, which in turn, can serve as the antecedent precursor and tangible workpiece for subsequently making the desired medical article or device suitable for use in-vivo. As the fabric is generated as a discrete article in either tubular or flat sheet form, one or more of the pre-chosen biologically-active agents will have become non-permanently immobilized and releaseably attached to the nanofibrous material of the fabric.

Abstract: The invention features a method of treating polyester material to generate functional carboxylic acid and amine groups. These functional groups can be used as sites for covalent bond formation to attach chemical or biological moieties. This bifunctionalized polyester polymer can be used in any medical application in which biocompatible polymers are used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bioactive, small-diameter (typically less than 6 mm in internal diameter) vascular graft prosthesis, and is a textile conduit preferably manufactured using a novel electrospinning perfusion methodology. One preferred embodiment is a nanofibrous biocomposite textile conduit which comprises a prepared liquid admixture of polyester (Dacron), a biodurable implantable synthetic polymer, and Type IV collagen, an extracellular matrix protein. This prepared admixture and blending of diverse fibrous matter is utilized in a novel electrospinning perfusion process to form a small-diameter (less than 6 mm) fabricated textile conduit, a discrete article of manufacture, which then serves as an antecedent tangible workpiece for a subsequently-made prosthetic vascular graft construct.

Abstract: The invention provides urethane polymers bonded to therapeutically active compounds, such as antibiotics. The invention also features methods of applying therapeutically active compounds to polyurethane polymers using textile dyeing. These polymers may be used in a variety of clinical applications.