Abstract: An improved method of making, manufacturing and/or producing engineered orthopedic soft tissue including cartilage, meniscus, annulus fibrosus, and tendon/ligaments which results in engineered soft tissue in which the fibers are aligned the same or nearly the same as naturally occurring tissue. The present invention also includes molds and other apparatus for carrying out the methods of the invention and kits.

Abstract: An improved new method of making a multi-component implant comprising a solid hydrogel, a porous hydrogel, and a porous rigid base suitable for implantation into a mammal, to treat, repair or replace defects and/or injury biological tissue as well as the implant made from the improved method. The invention also includes an improved method for making devices, constructs, and materials comprising a hydrogel and a porous rigid material. The invention also includes a mold and kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: An improved method of making, manufacturing and/or producing engineered orthopedic soft tissue including cartilage, meniscus, annulus fibrosus, and tendon/ligaments which results in engineered soft tissue in which the fibers are aligned the same or nearly the same as naturally occurring tissue. The present invention also includes molds and other apparatus for carrying out the methods of the invention and kits.

Abstract: An improved new method of making a multi-component implant comprising a solid hydrogel, a porous hydrogel, and a porous rigid base suitable for implantation into a mammal, to treat, repair or replace defects and/or injury biological tissue as well as the implant made from the improved method. The invention also includes an improved method for making devices, constructs, and materials comprising a hydrogel and a porous rigid material. The invention also includes a mold and kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: An implant comprising at least three components, namely, a solid hydrogel, a porous hydrogel adjacent to or surrounding the solid hydrogel (together considered “the hydrogel”), and a porous rigid base. The solid hydrogel and porous rigid base carry joint load, and the porous hydrogel layer and the porous rigid base allow for cellular migration into and around the implant. The invention is also a novel method of manufacturing the implant, a novel method of implanting the implant, and a method of treating, repairing or replacing biological tissue, more preferably musculoskeletal tissue, with the implant.

Abstract: An implant comprising at least three components, namely, a solid hydrogel, a porous hydrogel adjacent to or surrounding the solid hydrogel (together considered “the hydrogel”), and a porous rigid base. The solid hydrogel and porous rigid base carry joint load, and the porous hydrogel layer and the porous rigid base allow for cellular migration into and around the implant. The invention is also a novel method of manufacturing the implant, a novel method of implanting the implant, and a method of treating, repairing or replacing biological tissue, more preferably musculoskeletal tissue, with the implant.

Abstract: An implant having at least three components, namely, a solid hydrogel, a porous hydrogel adjacent to or surrounding the solid hydrogel (together considered “the hydrogel”), and a porous rigid base. The solid hydrogel and porous rigid base carry joint load, and the porous hydrogel layer and the porous rigid base allow for cellular migration into and around the implant. The invention is also a novel method of manufacturing the implant, a novel method of implanting the implant, and a method of treating, repairing or replacing biological tissue, more preferably musculoskeletal tissue, with the implant.

Abstract: An implant comprising at least three components, namely, a solid hydrogel, a porous hydrogel adjacent to or surrounding the solid hydrogel (together considered “the hydrogel”), and a porous rigid base. The solid hydrogel and porous rigid base carry joint load, and the porous hydrogel layer and the porous rigid base allow for cellular migration into and around the implant. The invention is also a novel method of manufacturing the implant, a novel method of implanting the implant, and a method of treating, repairing or replacing biological tissue, more preferably musculoskeletal tissue, with the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacture of an interconnected porous non-biodegradable polymer implant suitable for implantation into a mammal for the treatment, repair or replacement of defects or injury in musculoskeletal tissue, wherein the mechanical properties of the implant can be controlled by varying the concentration of the non-biodegradable polymer and/or varying the duration and number of freeze-thaw cycles and the interconnected porous non-biodegradable polymer implant has sufficient percent porosity and pore diameter to facilitate integration of cells and attachment within the mammal via ingrowth of surrounding tissue. The present invention also relates to an implant manufactured by the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition comprising an implant, scaffold or construct bound to a biological or chemical moiety. The bound moiety has the ability to bind to a component of the extracellular matrix of biological tissue, allowing the implant to be bound to the biological tissue in a short period of time after implantation. The invention also relates to the use and manufacture of this novel composition, as well as a novel use for the protein CNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition comprising an implant, scaffold or construct bound to a biological or chemical moiety. The bound moiety has the ability to bind to a component of the extracellular matrix of biological tissue, allowing the implant to be bound to the biological tissue in a short period of time after implantation. The invention also relates to the use and manufacture of this novel composition, as well as a novel use for the protein CNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacture of an interconnected porous non-biodegradable polymer implant suitable for implantation into a mammal for the treatment, repair or replacement of defects or injury in musculoskeletal tissue, wherein the mechanical properties of the implant can be controlled by varying the concentration of the non-biodegradable polymer and/or varying the duration and number of freeze-thaw cycles and the interconnected porous non-biodegradable polymer implant has sufficient percent porosity and pore diameter to facilitate integration of cells and attachment within the mammal via ingrowth of surrounding tissue. The present invention also relates to an implant manufactured by the method.

Abstract: The present invention includes tailored fiber-reinforced hydrogel composites for implantation into a subject. The present invention also includes systems and methods for controlling the relative percent volume of the hydrogel and fibers, cross-linking, fiber orientation, weave and density, such that the material properties of the composite can be controlled and/or customized to match particular tissue types. The composites of the present invention are suitable for repairing or replacing musculoskeletal tissues and/or fibrocartilage, such as the meniscus, ligaments and tendons.

Abstract: A non-biodegradable hydrogel matrix containing microspheres of a biodegradable polymer for the purpose of treating, repairing, or replacing damaged biological tissue is described. The biodegradable phase can be admixed with a chemoattractant. Examples of degradable polymers include degradable polyesters such as 50:50 PLA:PGA, the degradation profiles of which are well characterized. The matrix is permanently inserted into a tissue defect to provide mechanical support before, during, and after tissue ingrowth.