Abstract: The invention provides biopolymer sponge tubes closed at one end for use in surgery. The preferred biopolymer iscollagen. The biopolymer sponge tubes are prepared by forming an aqueous dispersion of the biopolymer, introducing the dispersion into tube-shaped moulds, freezing the dispersion in the moulds to form a shaped, aqueous dispersion, followed by freeze-drying the frozen aqueous dispersion. The tubes are fitted over endoscopic surgical staplers to provide improved sealing of stapled tissues, especially for air-tight sealing in lung resections.

Abstract: The invention provides a material for use in a wound dressing or wound implant, the material comprising a plurality of beads, wherein each bead comprises a porous core of a first bioabsorbable material and a substantially non-porous layer of a second bioabsorbable material around the core. The porous core is preferably a sponge formed by freeze-drying a liquid suspension of the first bioabsorbable material. The preferred diameter of the beads is 0.1-4.0 mm, and the beads are preferably dispersed in a liquid or solid matrix. The invention also provides a method of making beads for use in the materials of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides biopolymer sponge tubes closed at one end for use in surgery. The preferred biopolymer iscollagen. The biopolymer sponge tubes are prepared by forming an aqueous dispersion of the biopolymer, introducing the dispersion into tube-shaped molds, freezing the dispersion in the molds to form a shaped, aqueous dispersion, followed by freeze-drying the frozen aqueous dispersion. The tubes are fitted over endoscopic surgical staplers to provide improved sealing of stapled tissues, especially for air-tight sealing in lung resections.

Abstract: Absorbable implant materials having controlled porosity are formed by a method comprising the steps of: providing a dispersion of a bioabsorbable polymer, such as collagen, in a first solvent, such as water; adding particles of a second material, e.g. frozen water droplets or ice particles to the dispersion; followed by freezing the dispersion to form a frozen dispersion having the particles embedded therein, and removing both the first solvent and the second material from the frozen dispersion by freeze-drying or solvent extraction to leave the porous implant material. The invention also encompasses the use of such implant materials for wound healing applications.

Abstract: Heteromorphic sponges are described which have matrix structures with oriented substructures added to facilitate cellular invasion. A sponge may be used as a wound implant by cutting it to the shape of a wound bed and placing therein. The matrix structure provides conduits which assist invasion of the sponge by cells which degrade the sponge and lay down new tissue to replace it. The incorporation of active agents in the matrix and/or substructures enhances wound healing.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite comprising an insoluble protein matrix and an oleaginous material, which is useful as a material for surgical dressings and biomedical implants, and as a cosmetic material for application to the skin. The process comprises the steps of mixing a protein, the oleaginous material and water to form an emulsion of the oleaginous material in an aqueous dispersion of the protein, and subsequently drying or freeze-drying the emulsion to form a film or a sponge.

Abstract: A fully absorbable prosthesis (1) for the repair of damaged ligaments and/or tendons in the form of a multilayer spiral roll comprising the following spiral layers: a foraminous layer (2) of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; a bioabsorbable film (3); and a layer (4) of a bioabsorbable biopolymer sponge. The invention also provides a method of making such a prosthesis, comprising the steps of: providing a laminate of a foraminous layer of bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable film; coating the laminate with a layer of an aqueous gel comprising a bioabsorbable polymer; rolling up the laminate and the gel layer into a spiral roll, followed by drying the gel to form a layer of bioabsorbable sponge. The foraminous layer (2) preferably comprises a synthetic bioabsorbable polymer having high tensile strength. The bioabsorbable film (3) and sponge layer (4) preferably comprise a chemotactic biopolymer such as collagen.

Abstract: Heteromorphic sponges are described which have matrix structures with oriented substructures added to facilitate cellular invasion. A sponge may be used as a wound implant by cutting it to the shape of a wound bed and placing therein. The matrix structure provides conduits which assist invasion of the sponge by cells which degrade the sponge and lay down new tissue to replace it. The incorporation of active agents in the matrix and/or substructures enhances wound healing.

Abstract: A fully absorbable prosthesis (1) for the repair of damaged ligaments and/or tendons in the form of a multilayer spiral roll comprising the following spiral layers: a foraminous layer (2) of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; a bioabsorbable film (3); and a layer (4) of a bioabsorbable biopolymer sponge. The invention also provides a method of making such a prosthesis, comprising the steps of: providing a laminate of a foraminous layer of bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable film; coating the laminate with a layer of an aqueous gel comprising a bioabsorbable polymer; rolling up the laminate and the gel layer into a spiral roll, followed by drying the gel to form a layer of bioabsorbable sponge. The foraminous layer (2) preferably comprises a synthetic bioabsorbable polymer having high tensile strength. The bioabsorbable film (3) and sponge layer (4) preferably comprise a chemotactic biopolymer such as collagen.