Abstract: An apparatus for forming a fiber from a biocompatible biopolymer includes a fiber-formation tube that defines a bore extending generally vertically from an upper end to a lower end. Coagulation fluid enters the tube through a fluid inlet coupled to its upper end and establishes a laminar flow of coagulation fluid within the tube. A spinneret introduces a stream of liquid biopolymer into the laminar flow of coagulation fluid so that the stream is surrounded and swept downstream by the coagulation fluid as it coagulates into a biopolymer fiber. The laminar flow of coagulation fluid surrounding the biopolymer stream maintains the shape of the stream so that the resulting fiber is homogeneous in both geometry and structure. The laminar flow of coagulation fluid also prevents the resulting fiber from contacting the inner wall of the fiber-formation tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a fiber from a biocompatible biopolymer includes a fiber-formation tube that defines a bore extending generally vertically from an upper end to a lower end. Coagulation fluid enters the tube through a fluid inlet coupled to its upper end and establishes a laminar flow of coagulation fluid within the tube. A spinneret introduces a stream of liquid biopolymer into the laminar flow of coagulation fluid so that the stream is surrounded and swept downstream by the coagulation fluid as it coagulates into a biopolymer fiber. The laminar flow of coagulation fluid surrounding the biopolymer stream maintains the shape of the stream so that the resulting fiber is homogeneous in both geometry and structure. The laminar flow of coagulation fluid also prevents the resulting fiber from contacting the inner wall of the fiber-formation tube.

Abstract: A bio-compatible material which has a microstructure that is amenable to infiltration by living cells and which can support substantial and extended occupation by such living cells. In an embodiment, the bio-compatible material comprises a biopolymer, such as collagen. In another embodiment of the invention, the bio-compatible material is injectable (i.e., it can be applied percutaneously or internally by way of injection through a syringe needle). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a fibrous bio-compatible material comprises a linearly assembled biopolymer fiber, which is assembled from biopolymer fibrils whose axes are substantially parallel with the axis of said biopolymer fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a fiber from a biocompatible biopolymer includes a fiber-formation tube that defines a bore extending generally vertically from an upper end to a lower end. Coagulation fluid enters the tube through a fluid inlet coupled to its upper end and establishes a laminar flow of coagulation fluid within the tube. A spinneret introduces a stream of liquid biopolymer into the laminar flow of coagulation fluid so that the stream is surrounded and swept downstream by the coagulation fluid as it coagulates into a biopolymer fiber. The laminar flow of coagulation fluid surrounding the biopolymer stream maintains the shape of the stream so that the resulting fiber is homogeneous in both geometry and structure. The laminar flow of coagulation fluid also prevents the resulting fiber from contacting the inner wall of the fiber-formation tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for maturing an elongate replacement tissue construct in vitro prior to use of the replacement construct in vivo as, for example, a ligament. The tissue is seeded with specific cells, exposed to a maturation fluid, and subjected to selected forces, which can include longitudinal stress, (i.e. stressing the tissue along its elongate axis). The tissue is disposed in a maturation chamber that confines maturation fluid for introduction to the tissue. A first mounting element couples to a first end of the elongate biopolymer tissue and a second mounting element couples to a second end of the tissue such that the tissue extends along a longitudinal axis, and a force is applied to at least one of the mounting elements for longitudinally stressing the tissue. The foregoing apparatus and methods are intended to provide a replacement tissue that is more readily integrable in vivo, i.e.

Abstract: Single and double density biopolymer foams, composite biopolymer foams including both single and double density foams, and methods of preparing these foams and composite foams are described. Also described are biocompatible constructs which include single or double density biopolymer foams and extracellular matrix particulates and methods of preparing these constructs. The foams, composite foams, and biocompatible constructs of the invention can be used in tissue repair and reconstruction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for maturing an elongate replacement tissue construct in vitro prior to use of the replacement construct in vivo as, for example, a ligament. The tissue is seeded with specific cells, exposed to a maturation fluid, and subjected to selected forces, which can include longitudinal stress, (i.e. stressing the tissue along its elongate axis). The tissue is disposed in a maturation chamber that confines maturation fluid for introduction to the tissue. A first mounting element couples to a first end of the elongate biopolymer tissue and a second mounting element couples to a second end of the tissue such that the tissue extends along a longitudinal axis, and a force is applied to at least one of the mounting elements for longitudinally stressing the tissue. The foregoing apparatus and methods are intended to provide a replacement tissue that is more readily integrable in vivo, i.e.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for removing biopolymer constructs from support structures used to impart a selected shape to the biopolymer. The biopolymer construct and the support structure are in intimate at an interface and adhere to each other. The support structure includes an endcap adapted for introducing a fluid to the interface for reducing adhesion between the biopolymer structure and the support structure by applying a separating force at the interface, thereby facilitating removal between the support structure and the biopolymer construct.

Abstract: A biopolymer solution is polymerized to form a gel which is freeze-dried and crosslinked with ultraviolet radiation to form a biopolymer foam. The foam is filled with a collagen solution and the combination is freeze-dried or the foam is filled with a collagen solution containing extracellular matrix particulates and that combination is freeze-dried, thereby forming a foam to which extracellular matrix particulates are attached.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a collagen fiber having microparticulates coated on the surface of the fiber and the method for forming the fiber are disclosed.

Abstract: Single and double density biopolymer foams, composite biopolymer foams including both single and double density foams, and methods of preparing these foams and composite foams are described. Also described are biocompatible constructs which include single or double density biopolymer foams and extracellular matrix particulates and methods of preparing these constructs. The foams, composite foams, and biocompatible constructs of the invention can be used in tissue repair and reconstruction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for maturing a biopolymer tissue construct in vitro prior to use as a replacement construct in vivo as, for example, a graft, implant, or prosthesis. The tissue is seeded with specific cells, exposed to a maturation fluid, such as a synovial-like fluid containing hyaluronic acid, and subjected to selected conditioning and maturation forces, which can include frictional forces, shear forces, and compressive pressure. The tissue is mounted on a first support element and a second surface applies a selected force to the tissue. This maturation process occurs within a maturation chamber. The resultant matured replacement tissue construct is intended to provide a replacement tissue that is more readily integrable in vivo to produce a more durable and functional replacement tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a collagen fiber having microparticulates coated on the surface of the fiber and the method for forming the fiber are disclosed.

Abstract: A biopolymer solution is polymerized to form a gel which is freeze-dried and crosslinked with ultraviolet radiation to form a biopolymer foam. The foam is filled with a collagen solution and the combination is freeze-dried or the foam is filled with a collagen solution containing extracellular matrix particulates and that combination is freeze-dried, thereby forming a foam to which extracellular matrix particulates are attached.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a collagen fiber having microparticulates coated on the fiber surface includes a device for forming a continuous stream of liquid collagen, a coagulation bath wherein the continuous liquid collagen stream can be formed into a continuous collagen gel fiber, a dehydrating bath, wherein the continuous collagen gel fiber can be partially dehydrated and further polymerized, and a device for coating particulates on the surface of the fiber. The method includes directing a liquid collagen solution into a coagulating bath to form a continuous collagen gel fiber, transferring the fiber to a dehydrating bath so that the fiber is partially dehydrated and further polymerized, removing the dehydrated fiber from the dehydrating bath, coating the surface of the fiber with microparticulates, and stretching and drying the coated fiber.