Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming targeted collagen products having an amplified desired characteristic, including the step of adding peptides exhibiting a desired characteristic to collagen to form the targeted collagen product. Further disclosed are methods for forming a targeted collagen product lacking an undesired characteristic, including the step of subtracting peptides exhibiting the undesired characteristic from collagen to form the targeted collagen product. Also disclosed are targeted collagen products formed by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming targeted collagen products having an amplified desired characteristic, including the step of adding peptides exhibiting a desired characteristic to collagen to form the targeted collagen product. The adding step is performed so that the collagen is crosslinked to the peptide exhibiting the desired characteristic. Crosslinking of the collagen to the peptide exhibiting the desired characteristic occurs by modification of the peptide to facilitate binding to the collagen. Further disclosed are methods for forming a targeted collagen product lacking an undesired characteristic, including the step of subtracting peptides exhibiting the undesired characteristic from collagen to form the targeted collagen product. Also disclosed are targeted collagen products formed by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A method for producing a collagen meniscus implant by obtaining a freshly excised non-human meniscus, rinsing it in an aqueous solution, drying the rinsed meniscus, shaping it to approximate in dimension an average-sized human meniscus, extracting non-collagenous material from the shaped meniscus, and sterilizing it, yielding a collagen meniscus implant containing at least 90% by weight of type I collagen, less than 0.5% by weight of glycosaminoglycan, and less than 600 ppm DNA. Also disclosed is a collagen meniscus implant prepared by the above method. Further provided is a biocompatible and bioresorbable porous implant for meniscus repair. The implant includes a three-dimensional network of collagen fibers oriented in a direction approximating the collagen fiber orientation of a human meniscus. The implant has a size and a contour substantially equivalent to a human meniscus, and has a chemical composition similar to the above-described collagen meniscus implant.

Abstract: A density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant is disclosed. The implant includes a first homogeneous matrix layer and a second homogeneous matrix layer having a density different from that of the first homogeneous matrix layer. Biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the first homogeneous matrix layer are physically in contact with and cross-linked to the biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the second homogeneous matrix layer. Also disclosed is a three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant that includes a first homogeneous matrix surrounding a second homogeneous matrix having a different density. Biopolymeric fibers at an inner surface of the first homogeneous matrix are physically in contact with and cross-linked to biopolymeric fibers at an outer surface of the second homogeneous matrix. Furthermore, methods for preparing the density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant and the three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant are provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a collagen meniscus implant by obtaining a freshly excised non-human meniscus, rinsing it in an aqueous solution, drying the rinsed meniscus, shaping it to approximate in dimension an average-sized human meniscus, extracting non-collagenous material from the shaped meniscus, and sterilizing it, yielding a collagen meniscus implant containing at least 90% by weight of type I collagen, less than 0.5% by weight of glycosaminoglycan, and less than 600 ppm DNA. Also disclosed is a collagen meniscus implant prepared by the above method. Further provided is a biocompatible and bioresorbable porous implant for meniscus repair. The implant includes a three-dimensional network of collagen fibers oriented in a direction approximating the collagen fiber orientation of a human meniscus. The implant has a size and a contour substantially equivalent to a human meniscus, and has a chemical composition similar to the above-described collagen meniscus implant.

Abstract: A density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant is disclosed. The implant includes a first homogeneous matrix layer and a second homogeneous matrix layer having a density different from that of the first homogeneous matrix layer. Biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the first homogeneous matrix layer are physically in contact with and cross-linked to the biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the second homogeneous matrix layer. Also disclosed is a three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant that includes a first homogeneous matrix surrounding a second homogeneous matrix having a different density. Biopolymeric fibers at an inner surface of the first homogeneous matrix are physically in contact with and cross-linked to biopolymeric fibers at an outer surface of the second homogeneous matrix. Furthermore, methods for preparing the density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant and the three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant are provided.

Abstract: A flat self-curling permeable sheet membrane containing a matrix formed of crosslinked biopolymeric fibers. The matrix self-curls into a predetermined shape upon absorption of an aqueous fluid and is permeable to molecules having molecular weights not greater than 1×106 daltons. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a flat self-curling permeable membrane.

Abstract: A flat self-curling permeable sheet membrane containing a matrix formed of crosslinked biopolymeric fibers. The matrix self-curls into a predetermined shape upon absorption of an aqueous fluid and is permeable to molecules having molecular weights not greater than 1×106 daltons. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a flat self-curling permeable membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conformable and semi-permeable biopolymeric membrane suitable for tissue repair and protection. This membrane contains a first layer made from randomly oriented, reconstituted biopolymer fibers and, on top of the first layer, a coating layer made from biopolymer fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conformable and semi-permeable biopolymeric membrane suitable for tissue repair and protection. This membrane contains a first layer made from randomly oriented, reconstituted biopolymer fibers and, on top of the first layer, a coating layer made from biopolymer fibers.