Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (--NH.sub.2) or thiol (--SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel, injectable crosslinked collagen composition which is able to continue crosslinking after injection to a soft or hard tissue site in order to anchor the collagen implant to the host tissue. The composition comprises particulate crosslinked collagen, noncrosslinked collagen (which may be fibrillar or nonfibrillar collagen), and a chemical crosslinking agent, such as synthetic hydrophilic polymer. Methods of augmenting soft or hard tissue using these injectable collagen compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Production of human procollagen or collagen in cells which ordinarily do not produce these molecules is effected by constructing expression systems compatible with mammary glands of non-human mammals. For example, expression systems can be microinjected into fertilized oocytes and reimplanted in foster mothers and carried to term in order to obtain transgenic non-human mammals capable of producing milk containing recombinant human procollagen or collagen. Human procollagen or collagen produced in this manner can be made of a single collagen type uncontaminated by other human or non-human collagens.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (--NH.sub.2) or thiol (--SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: Production of human procollagen or collagen in cells which ordinarily do not produce these molecules is effected by constructing expression systems compatible with mammary glands of non-human mammals. For example, expression systems can be microinjected into fertilized oocytes and reimplanted in foster mothers and carried to term in order to obtain transgenic non-human mammals capable of producing milk containing recombinant human procollagen or collagen. Human procollagen or collagen produced in this manner can be made of a single collagen type uncontaminated by other human or non-human collagens.

Abstract: This invention relates to a skin model system that can be used as an in vitro test system or which can be used for therapeutic purposes. The skin model system comprises a three-dimensional, cross-linked matrix of insoluble collagen containing fibroblast cells therein, and stratified layers of differentiated epidermal cells supported thereon.

Abstract: Production of human procollagen or collagen in cells which ordinarily do not produce these molecules is effected by constructing expression systems compatible with mammary glands of non-human mammals. For example, expression systems can be microinjected into fertilized oocytes and reimplanted in foster mothers and carried to term in order to obtain transgenic non-human mammals capable of producing milk containing recombinant human procollagen or collagen. Human procollagen or collagen produced in this manner can be made of a single collagen type uncontaminated by other human or non-human collagens.

Abstract: This invention relates to a skin model system that can be used as an in vitro test system or which can be used for therapeutic purposes. The skin model system comprises a three-dimensional, cross-linked matrix of insoluble collagen containing fibroblast cells therein, and stratified layers of differentiated epidermal cells supported thereon.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (--NH.sub.2) or thiol (--SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: Drugs are delivered in a sustained manner from an in vivo depot which is formed from a collagen-based injectable composition. The injectable composition is fluid when injected but undergoes crosslinking in situ to form a crosslinked collagen matrix which encloses the drug to be released. The composition also includes a flexible chain polymer which is similarly charged to the precrosslinked collagen. This flexible chain polymer is enclosed in the matrix as well when the matrix forms and alters the effective porosity of the matrix. The drug diffuses out of the matrix at a rate which depends upon the matrix's effective porosity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses collagen-synthetic polymer matrices which are prepared using a multiple step reaction. The first step of the reaction generally involves reacting collagen with a functionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer to form a collagen-synthetic polymer matrix. The synthetic hydrophilic polymer may be mono- or multifunctionally activated, but is preferably difunctionally activated, resulting in the formation of a crosslinked collagen matrix. The second step comprises modifying the collagen-synthetic polymer matrix according to one or more of the following methods: further crosslinking the matrix using a multifunctionally activated synthetic polymer, conjugating the matrix using a monofunctionally activated synthetic polymer, coupling biologically active molecules or glycosaminoglycans to the matrix, crosslinking the matrix using conventional chemical crosslinking agents, or modifying the collagen in the matrix by means of various chemical reactions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a skin model system that can be used as an in vitro test system or which can be used for therapeutic purposes. The skin model system comprises a three-dimensional, cross-linked matrix of insoluble collagen containing fibroblast cells therein, and stratified layers of differentiated epidermal cells supported thereon.

Abstract: Methods for completely or partially blocking, augmenting, sealing, or filling various biological lumens and voids within the body of a patient are disclosed. Lumens include arteries, veins, intestines, Fallopian tubes, and trachea. Voids include various lesions, fissures, diverticulae, cysts, fistulae, aneurysms, or other undesirable voids that may exist within a patient's body. In the most general method of the invention, an effective amount of a biomaterial is administered (e.g., via injection, catheter, or surgical implantation) into the lumen or void. Preferred biomaterial compositions for use in the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Production of human procollagen or collagen in cells which ordinarily do not produce these molecules is effected by constructing expression systems compatible with mammary glands of non-human mammals. For example, expression systems can be microinjected into fertilized oocytes and reimplanted in foster mothers and carried to term in order to obtain transgenic non-human mammals capable of producing milk containing recombinant human procollagen or collagen. Human procollagen or collagen produced in this manner can be made of a single collagen type uncontaminated by other human or non-human collagens.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method for preparing crosslinked biomaterial compositions for use in the augmentation of soft or hard tissue. In general, the method comprises mixing a biocompatible polymer, which is preferably collagen, with a sterile, dry crosslinking agent, which is preferably a synthetic hydrophilic polymer such as a functionally activated polyethylene glycol. Also provided are preferred processes for preparing sterile, dry crosslinking agents contained within syringes for use in the method of the invention. Methods for sterilization of the crosslinking agent include, but are not limited to, sterile filtration, aseptic processing, and e-beam or gamma irradiation. Methods for providing augmentation of soft or hard tissue using crosslinked biomaterial compositions prepared according to the method of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method for preparing crosslinked biomaterial compositions for use in the augmentation of soft or hard tissue. In general, the method comprises mixing a biocompatible polymer, which is preferably collagen, with a sterile, dry crosslinking agent, which is preferably a synthetic hydrophilic polymer such as a functionally activated polyethylene glycol. Also provided are preferred processes for preparing sterile, dry crosslinking agents contained within syringes for use in the method of the invention. Methods for sterilization of the crosslinking agent include, but are not limited to, sterile filtration, aseptic processing, and e-beam or gamma irradiation. Methods for providing augmentation of soft or hard tissue using crosslinked biomaterial compositions prepared according to the method of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method for preparing crosslinked biomaterial compositions for use in the augmentation of soft or hard tissue. In general, the method comprises mixing a biocompatible polymer, which is preferably collagen, with a sterile, dry crosslinking agent, which is preferably a synthetic hydrophilic polymer such as a functionally activated polyethylene glycol. Also provided are preferred processes for preparing sterile, dry crosslinking agents contained within syringes for use in the method of the invention. Methods for sterilization of the crosslinking agent include, but are not limited to, sterile filtration, aseptic processing, and e-beam or gamma irradiation. Methods for providing augmentation of soft or hard tissue using crosslinked biomaterial compositions prepared according to the method of the invention am also disclosed.