Abstract: The invention provides methods for immobilizing molecules on metallic surfaces, and compositions containing one or more surfaces that have been treated by these methods. The compositions may be used, e.g., to improve or repair cell, tissue, organ, or whole-body function.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for a variety of cosmetic uses, where the methods, compositions and kits utilize substances that display one or more activities of transforming growth factor-? (TGF-? mimics). Compositions, methods, and kits contain TGF-? mimics.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for treating a variety of conditions using substances that display one or more activities of transforming growth factor-? (TGF-? mimics). Conditions include skin conditions, wounds, and the need for soft tissue augmentation. Compositions that may be used to treat such conditions contain a TGF-? mimic. Kits that may be used to treat such conditions contain a TGF-? mimic.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include composites comprising a biomaterial having compounds thereon with enhanced cell binding with respect to collagen. These composites are useful for soft and hard tissue repair or reconstruction and for in vitro uses. Suitable compounds with enhanced cell binding include synthetic peptides that mimic the conformation necessary for recognition and docking of collagen binding species (such as cell surface receptors for collagen and fibronectin) and have the amino acid residues -Ile-Ala-folded in a ?-bend.

Abstract: A bone repair apparatus is provided where a biologically compatible structure has a compound carried on the structure that mimics collagen binding to cells. Living cells derived from fibroblasts are carried on the structure and display at least one morphologic change consistent with an osteogenic phenotype. The preferred method for practicing the invention includes harvesting a quantity of fibroblasts from a patient in need of a bone graft, growing the tissue under cell growth conditions, and seeding at least some cells of the cultured tissue on the biologically compatible structure with the collagen mimic thereon. The culture tissue cells are seeded on the structure and incubated under cell growth conditions, which results in the differentiation of the cells to bone-like cells and thus provides a tissue engineered apparatus ready for use as a bone graft.