Abstract: The invention relates to composites comprising a polysaccharide gelled within pores of a foam, methods of preparation, and uses thereof, for example, in biomedical applications such as cell culture media and implants, controlled release delivery systems, food applications, industrial applications, and personal care applications such as cosmetic and oral hygiene. The composites of the present invention are simple to formulate using few steps and are useful for entrapping heat-sensitive components, such as cells, drugs, flavors or fragrances within the polysaccharide gel. In addition, the invention provides for a composite able to gently immobilize fragile components, such as living cells, without exposing such components to shear forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device comprising a biocompatible medical coating adhered thereto, wherein the coating comprises at least one of a non-crosslinked, water soluble salt of: (i) alginic acid, (ii) hyaluronic acid or (iii) chitosan, wherein the coating is readily dissolvable in at least one mammalian body fluid.

Abstract: Degradable fibers that include biopolymers, as well as implantable devices including one or more fibers made from degradable biopolymers, e.g., alginate, chitosan, hyaluronans or their derivatives. The devices provide a combination of degradability and biocompatibility with physical properties suitable for use of the devices as implants. Exemplary devices are fastening devices including one or more biopolymer fibers. The use of such degradable biopolymers minimizes or eliminates the need for a second surgery to remove the implant, thereby eliminating the additional cost and potential complications of such a second surgery and should reduce the likelihood of secondary fractures resulting from the stress-shielding effect or the presence of screws holes that serve as stress concentrators.

Abstract: Implantable degradable devices for tissue repair or reconstruction comprising biopolymers, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. The implantable device is formed by the application of pressure and the device may include up to about 65% by weight of water, based on the total weight of the implantable degradable fastening device. Methods for making implantable, degradable devices from biopolymers by application of pressure are also disclosed. The invention provides the ability to customize the device in various ways to influence properties such as mechanical strength, degradation rate and swellability.

Abstract: The invention relates to composites comprising a polysaccharide gelled within pores of a foam and an polysaccharide coating, methods of preparation, and uses thereof, for example, in biomedical applications such as cell culture media and implants, controlled release delivery systems, food applications, industrial applications, and personal care applications such as cosmetic and oral hygiene.

Abstract: The invention relates to composites comprising a polysaccharide gelled within pores of a foam, methods of preparation, and uses thereof, for example, in biomedical applications such as cell culture media and implants, controlled release delivery systems, food applications, industrial applications, and personal care applications such as cosmetic and oral hygiene. The composites of the present invention are simple to formulate using few steps and are useful for entrapping heat-sensitive components, such as cells, drugs, flavors or fragrances within the polysaccharide gel. In addition, the invention provides for a composite able to gently immobilize fragile components, such as living cells, without exposing such components to shear forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a dried absorbent foam having an open pore network and pores by preparing an aqueous dispersion comprising an enzymatically biodegradable biopolymer and a foaming agent and optionally one or more of gel-forming ions, a plasticizer, a crosslinking agent and a pH modifier, forming, preparing or mixing a foam from the aqueous dispersion and drying the foam to form a dried foam containing open pores. Gelled composites made from the foams are also provided. The invention is particularly useful in providing foams and composites for use in biomedical applications and as an anti-adhesive in tissue regeneration and wound management.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a gelled foam comprising the steps of: forming a dispersion by mixing i) a solution comprising a soluble polysaccharide and a plasticizer and adding a polysaccharide/gel-forming ion particles or ii) a soluble, preferably immediately soluble, polysaccharide, preferably an alginate, a polysaccharide/gel-forming ion particles, and adding a solvent, said dispersion (ii) further comprising a water soluble plasticizer to make the dispersion and then aerating the dispersion to form the foam. The foam may be inhomogeneous in structure which is useful in providing improved delivery of a component carried in the foam and in degradation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device comprising a biocompatible medical coating adhered thereto, wherein the coating comprises at least one of a non-crosslinked, water soluble salt of: (i) alginic acid, (ii) hyaluronic acid or (iii) chitosan, wherein the coating is readily dissolvable in at least one mammalian body fluid.