Abstract: The present application discloses methods for repairing hyaline cartilage defects. The methods comprise a combination of introducing autologous bone mesenchymal stem cells to a joint, and applying to the joint a membrane comprising a polyester entangled with a polysaccharide. In some aspects, the bone mesenchymal stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells originating in bone underlying the joint. In these aspects, contact between the joint and the mesenchymal stem cells can be effected by introducing apertures through the bone using standard surgical techniques such as microfracture, abrasion, or drilling. Cartilage which forms in response to application of these methods is hyaline cartilage rather than fibrocartilage.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions, methods and devices for treatment of a degenerative intervertebral disc. A composition can comprise chondrocytes expressing type II collagen. These chondrocytes can be obtained from human cadavers up to about two weeks following death, and can be grown in vitro. The compositions can further comprise one or more biocompatible molecules. Treatment of a degenerative disc can comprise injecting or implanting a composition comprising the chondrocytes into a degenerative disc through an aperture or incision. If the aperture or incision is closed with a suture or a glue after introduction of the chondrocytes, the closure can withstand over 400 N of compression force.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions, methods and devices for treatment of degenerative cartilaginous structures of an arthritic joint, including articular cartilage and the meniscus. A composition can comprise chondrocytes expressing type II collagen and a biological macromolecule such as hyaluronic acid or a collagen. The chondrocytes can be obtained from hyaline cartilage of human cadavers up to about two weeks following death, and can be grown in vitro. A composition can be delivered to a recipient by intra-articular injection. Examples of joints into which a composition can be injected include a knee joint, a hip joint, a shoulder joint, an ankle joint, a wrist joint, a digit joint and an elbow joint.

Abstract: The present application discloses matrix compositions to support the repair of tissue defects such as an injury to tendon tissue, ligament tissue, vascular tissue, dermal tissue, or muscle tissue. A matrix described herein comprises a polyester polymer entangled with a polysaccharide polymer. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a matrix, and methods of using a matrix in the repair of tissue. In certain configurations, a matrix can comprise a polyester cross-linked with a polysaccharide, which can be an oxidized polysaccharide. In some configurations, a matrix can further comprise one or more additional components, such as a growth factor or an anti-infective agent. In some configurations, a matrix can be a viscous fluid or a paste, while in other configurations a matrix can be comprised by a solid such as a plug, a granule or a membrane.

Abstract: The present application discloses matrix compositions to support the repair of tissue defects such as an osteochondral injury. A matrix described herein comprises a polyester polymer entangled with a polysaccharide polymer. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a matrix, and methods of using a matrix in the repair of tissue. In certain configurations, a matrix can comprise a polyester cross-linked with a polysaccharide, which can be an oxidized polysaccharide. In some configurations, a matrix can further comprise one or more additional components, such as a growth factor.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions, methods and devices for treatment of a degenerative intervertebral disc. A composition can comprise chondrocytes expressing type II collagen. These chondrocytes can be obtained from human cadavers up to about two weeks following death, and can be grown in vitro. The compositions can further comprise one or more biocompatible molecules. Treatment of a degenerative disc can comprise injecting or implanting a composition comprising the chondrocytes into a degenerative disc.