Abstract: A biomaterial useful for bioprostheses such as bioprosthetic heart valves is provided in which the fixed tissue has improved elastic properties. The high elastin-containing biomaterial is further characterized by having anisotropic properties wherein the biological material has a greater stiffness in one direction and a greater elasticity in a cross direction. For instance, the biological material has an elastin content of about 30% by weight. In one embodiment, the biological material is vena cava tissue.

Abstract: A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps.

Abstract: A biomaterial useful for bioprostheses such as bioprosthetic heart valves is provided in which the fixed tissue has improved elastic properties. The high elastin-containing biomaterial is further characterized by having anisotropic properties wherein the biological material has a greater stiffness in one direction and a greater elasticity in a cross direction. For instance, the biological material has an elastin content of about 30% by weight. In one embodiment, the biological material is vena cava tissue.

Abstract: A biomaterial useful for bioprostheses such as bioprosthetic heart valves is provided in which the fixed tissue has improved elastic properties. The high elastin-containing biomaterial is further characterized by having anisotropic properties wherein the biological material has a greater stiffness in one direction and a greater elasticity in a cross direction. For instance, the biological material has an elastin content of about 30% by weight. In one embodiment, the biological material is vena cava tissue.

Abstract: A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of stabilizing glycosaminoglycans in a biological tissue (e.g. a bioprosthetic implant) in conjunction with cross-linking of protein in the tissue. The methods of the invention improve the mechanical integrity of the device and improves its stability in vivo. The invention also includes biological tissues having stabilized glycosaminoglycans and cross-linked proteins and kits for preparing such tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to implantable bioprostheses (e.g. implantable biological tissues) and to compositions and methods for stabilizing them. Implantable bioprostheses stabilized as described herein exhibit improved mechanical properties and reduced post-implantation calcification. The implantable bioprosthesis is made by contacting a bioprosthesis (e.g. a tissue obtained from an animal or an article comprising a tissue and a synthetic material) with a polyepoxy amine compound.

Abstract: An improved fixative for tissue useful for bioprosthetic heart valves is provided. The tissue can have an elastin content and the elastin can be chemically fixed using a phenolic tannin, for example, tannic acid. The fixed elastin component provides greater mechanical durability and improved resistance to biological degradation following implantation. The tannic acid fixation protocol allows for biological material having a high elastin content, for example, about 30% or more. When used in combination with a glutaraldehyde fixative an additive effect can be seen in increased cross-link density and increased resistance to degradation and calcification.

Abstract: The invention relates to implantable bioprostheses (e.g. implantable biological tissues) and to compositions and methods for stabilizing them. Implantable bioprostheses stabilized as described herein exhibit improved mechanical properties and reduced post-implantation calcification. The implantable bioprosthesis is made by contacting a bioprosthesis (e.g. a tissue obtained from an animal or an article comprising a tissue and a synthetic material) with a polyepoxy amine compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of stabilizing glycosaminoglycans in a biological tissue (e.g. a bioprosthetic implant) in conjunction with cross-linking of protein in the tissue. The methods of the invention improve the mechanical integrity of the device and improves its stability in vivo. The invention also includes biological tissues having stabilized glycosaminoglycans and cross-linked proteins and kits for preparing such tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to implantable bioprostheses (e.g. implantable biological tissues) and to compositions and methods for stabilizing them. Implantable bioprostheses stabilized as described herein exhibit improved mechanical properties and reduced post-implantation calcification. The implantable bioprosthesis is made by contacting a bioprosthesis (e.g. a tissue obtained from an animal or an article comprising a tissue and a synthetic material) with a polyepoxy amine compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for delivering a virus vector to an animal. The compositions include compositions which comprise a hydrogel matrix (e.g. a collagen matrix which can comprise a poloxamer or an alginate) containing a virus vector therein in a transfectious form. The invention also includes methods of making such hydrogel precursor mixtures and hydrogel matrices, including particles, devices, bulk materials, and other objects which comprise, consist of, or are coated with such mixtures or matrices. The invention further relates to compositions comprising a hydrogel precursor mixture having a virus vector suspended therein, which, when administered to an animal, gel to form a hydrogel matrix containing a virus vector therein in a transfectious form. Methods of delivering a virus vector to an animal tissue are also described.