Abstract: The present invention provides for collagen and collagen like peptide based hydrogels, corneal implants, filler glue and uses thereof. The invention represents an advancement in the field of hydrogels, corneal implants, filler glue based on collagen and collagen like peptides. The invention discloses collagen and novel collagen like peptides crosslinked with DMTMM and their use in preparation of hydrogel, corneal implant and filler glue which are highly efficacious and robust as compared to existing corneal implants. Further, the invention relates to method of treating corneal defects and diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides for collagen and collagen like peptide based hydrogels, corneal implants, filler glue and uses thereof. The invention represents an advancement in the field of hydrogels, corneal implants, filler glue based on collagen and collagen like peptides. The invention discloses collagen and novel collagen like peptides crosslinked with DMTMM and their use in preparation of hydrogel, corneal implant and filler glue which are highly efficacious and robust as compared to existing corneal implants. Further, the invention relates to method of treating corneal defects and diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a corneal implant comprising a matrix material and a core part wherein the core part is arranged essentially in the middle of the matrix material. The core part is anti fouling in order to stop cell proliferation across said part. The present disclosure further relates to a method of preparing the said product and the use of the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a hydrogel comprising the step of crosslinking a biopolymer using a carbodiimide crosslinker of Formula I wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a functional group that is a bulky organic functional group. R1 and R2 can each independently be an optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated functional group selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, a cycloalkyl, a heterocyclic, and an aryl. The bulky organic functional group will slow down the crosslinking reaction of carbodiimide due to the steric effects and/or electronic effects, in comparison to a crosslinking reaction using EDC. Also provided are the hydrogels and ophthalmic devices prepared using the method of the invention and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corneal implant comprising a matrix material and a core part wherein the core part is arranged essentially in the middle of the matrix material. The core part is anti fouling in order to stop cell proliferation across said part. The present invention further relates to a method of preparing the said product and the use of the same.

Abstract: A bio-synthetic matrix comprising a hydrogel which is formed by cross-linking a synthetic polymer and a bio-polymer is provided. The matrix is robust, biocompatible and non-cytotoxic and is capable of supporting cell in-growth in vivo. The matrix can be tailored to further comprise one or more bioactive agents. The matrix may also comprise cells encapsulated and dispersed therein, which are capable of proliferating upon deposition of the matrix in vivo. Methods of preparing the bio-synthetic matrix and the use of the matrix in vivo for tissue engineering or drug delivery applications are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a hydrogel comprising the step of crosslinking a biopolymer using a carbodiimide crosslinker of Formula I wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a functional group that is a bulky organic functional group. R1 and R2 can each independently be an optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated functional group selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, a cycloalkyl, a heterocyclic, and an aryl. The bulky organic functional group will slow down the crosslinking reaction of carbodiimide due to the steric effects and/or electronic effects, in comparison to a crosslinking reaction using EDC. Also provided are the hydrogels and ophthalmic devices prepared using the method of the invention and uses thereof.

Abstract: A membrane for corneal implant or keratoprosthesis comprising a biological polymer and a polyacrylamide is described. The mixture of both polymers produces a hydrogel that becomes a transparent film or membrane upon drying. The resulting device and tissue engineered implants are useful for biomedical applications of the cornea, such as tissue repair and transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPNs), and related methods and compositions. The hydrogel material of this invention comprises an interpenetrating network of two or more polymer networks, wherein at least one of the polymer networks is based on a biopolymer. Also provided is a method of producing the hydrogel material comprising, combining a first polymeric network with a second polymeric network, wherein the first polymeric network or the second polymeric network is based on a biopolymer. The present application also discloses devices manufactured from the IPN hydrogel material and uses thereof.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and compositions for improving vision or treating diseases, disorders or injury of the eye are described. Ophthalmic devices, such as corneal onlays, corneal inlays, and full-thickness corneal implants, are made of a material that is effective in facilitating nerve growth through or over the device. The material may include an amount of collagen greater than 1% (w/w), such as between about 10% (w/w) and about 30% (w/w). The material may include collagen polymers and/or a second biopolymer or water-soluble synthetic polymer cross-linked using EDC/NHS chemistry. The material may additionally comprise a synthetic polymer. The devices are placed into an eye to correct or improve the vision of an individual or to treat a disease, disorder or injury of an eye of an individual.

Abstract: The present application provides a cross-linked biopolymer matrix, or scaffold, comprising a biopolymer and cross-linked with a neoglycopolymer. A specific example of a biopolymer matrix according to this invention comprises collagen as the biopolymer. Also provided is a method for producing the cross-linked biopolymer matrix and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A bio-synthetic matrix comprising a hydrogel which is formed by cross-linking a synthetic polymer and a bio-polymer is provided. The matrix is robust, biocompatible and non-cytotoxic and is capable of supporting cell in-growth in vivo. The matrix can be tailored to further comprise one or more bioactive agents. The matrix may also comprise cells encapsulated and dispersed therein, which are capable of proliferating upon deposition of the matrix in vivo. Methods of preparing the bio-synthetic matrix and the use of the matrix in vivo for tissue engineering or drug delivery applications are also provided.

Abstract: A bio-synthetic matrix comprising a hydrogel which is formed by cross-linking a synthetic polymer and a bio-polymer is provided. The matrix is robust, biocompatible and non-cytotoxic and is capable of supporting cell in-growth in vivo. The matrix can be tailored to further comprise one or more bioactive agents. The matrix may also comprise cells encapsulated and dispersed therein, which are capable of proliferating upon deposition of the matrix in vivo. Methods of preparing the bio-synthetic matrix and the use of the matrix in vivo for tissue engineering or drug delivery applications are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and compositions for improving vision or treating diseases, disorders or injury of the eye are described. Ophthalmic devices, such as corneal onlays, corneal inlays, and full-thickness corneal implants, are made of a material that is effective in facilitating nerve growth through or over the device. The material may include an amount of collagen greater than 1% (w/w), such as between about 10% (w/w) and about 30% (w/w). The material may include collagen polymers and/or a second biopolymer or water-soluble synthetic polymer cross-linked using EDC/NHS chemistry. The material may additionally comprise a synthetic polymer. The devices are placed into an eye to correct or improve the vision of an individual or to treat a disease, disorder or injury of an eye of an individual.

Abstract: A three dimensional, innervated artificial tissue comprising a bio-synthetic matrix is provided. The artificial tissue supports cell growth, including surface coverage and three-dimensional cell in-growth, as well as nerve in-growth. Methods of preparing the innervated artificial tissue and methods of innervating artificial tissues or tissue substitutes are also provided. The artificial tissue is useful for in vitro testing of various pharmaceutical, cosmetic and household products.

Abstract: The invention provides an in vitro avascular human corneal equivalent that comprises immortalized human cell lines. As these corneal equivalents are in vitro models, they are maintained in an incubator throughout the testing period, thereby eliminating the problems and expense associated with animal care. The corneal equivalent is preferably surrounded by a matrix in which angiogenesis (formation of capillary-like structures) can occur in vitro. This surrounding matrix has the potential to play the role of a pseudo-sclera, allowing the in vitro assessment of the cornea's angiogenic reaction to any substance or injury. Furthermore, the model is capable of being produced easily, is physiologically functional and can give predictable and quantifiable results when submitted to various drugs, chemicals and/or physical trauma.