Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of new methods for obtaining a tissue graft. The method can be carried out, for example, by implanting a biocompatible scaffold into a mammal and then removing the scaffold from the mammal. The scaffold is implanted in direct contact with (i.e. physically touching over at least a portion of its external surface), or adjacent to (i.e. physically separated from) mature or immature target tissue, for a period of time that is sufficient to allow cells of the target tissue to associate with the scaffold. The invention also features grafts generated by the methods described herein and methods for using those grafts to treat patients who have a defect in a target.

Abstract: Microspheres are provided that have controlled release profiles. The microspheres of the present invention include blended PLGA copolymers and a biologically active agent. Delivery of a biologically active agent to a specific in vivo location can be accomplished by administration of the microspheres in a pharmaceutical composition. Microspheres of calcitonin are particularly provided for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis or the augmentation of hormone replacement therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of increasing the biological activity of a bioactive agent by complexing the bioactive agent with a complexing agent. In one preferred embodiment, the bioactive agent is an antibiotic and the complexing agent is a cyclodextrin. However, the invention may be extended to include any drugs as bioactive agents. In certain preferred embodiments, the bioactive agent fits into a hydrophobic core of a complexing agent.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of new methods for obtaining a tissue graft. The method can be carried out, for example, by implanting a biocompatible scaffold into a mammal and then removing the scaffold from the mammal. The scaffold is implanted in direct contact with (i.e. physically touching over at least a portion of its external surface), or adjacent to (i.e. physically separated from) mature or immature target tissue, for a period of time that is sufficient to allow cells of the target tissue to associate with the scaffold. The invention also features grafts generated by the methods described herein and methods for using those grafts to treat patients who have a defect in a target.

Abstract: Drug delivery composition. The composition includes a polymeric material, a complexing agent, and a bioactive agent complexed with the complexing agent. The polymeric material, the complexing agent and the bioactive agent are formed into a delivery matrix. The delivery matrix is particularly adapted for placement below the gum line in a periodontal cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of increasing the biological activity of a bioactive agent by complexing the bioactive agent with a complexing agent. In one preferred embodiment, the bioactive agent is an antibiotic and the complexing agent is a cyclodextrin. However, the invention may be extended to include any drugs as bioactive agents. In certain preferred embodiments, the bioactive agent fits into a hydrophobic core of a complexing agent.

Abstract: Matrices that include a macrostructure having a semi-solid network and voids, and a microstructure having voids, in which the microstructure is located within the semi-solid network are disclosed. Methods for preparing these matrices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The use of electroactive materials having regions of high electron density as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging is described. The electroactive materials may be electroactive polymers, inorganic clusters, carbon clusters, molecules that inherently exhibit electron donor-acceptor behavior having regions or moieties of high electron density, or any combination of the abovementioned contrast agents. The contrast agents of the invention decrease relaxation times of water when introduced into a subject for magnetic resonance imaging. It is particularly preferred that the contrast agents be introduced in the form of a colloidal suspension.

Abstract: Navigation tool for Internet or intranet. A specialized server includes different browsing levels appropriate for different age groups. The browser will thus prevent users from accessing inappropriate web pagers.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems are provided for the stimulation of biological activities within bone marrow stromal cells by applying electromagnetic stimulation to an electroactive material, wherein the electromagnetic stimulation is coupled to the electromagnetic material. In general the present invention involves attaching or associating the desired bone marrow stromal cells to or with a surface comprising an electroactive material, and applying electromagnetic radiation directly to the desired area. In preferred embodiments, the stimulation of biological activities within bone marrow stromal cells results from inducing one or more activities including, but not limited to, gene expression, cell growth, cell differentiation, signal transduction, membrane permeability, cell division and cell signalling. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention stimulates bone cell regeneration.

Abstract: Methods and support systems are provided for modifying the regeneration, differentiation, or function of cells. In one embodiment, electrically conducting biocompatible polymers may be used alone or in combination with a polymeric support for in vitro nerve cell regeneration, or in vivo to aid in healing nervous tissue defects. The conductive polymers may implanted adjacent to or seeded with nerve cells. Voltage or current is applied to the polymer in a range which induces the desired effect on the cells while not damaging the cells. The methods and systems can be used in a variety of applications to enhance in vivo or in vitro growth or regeneration of nervous tissue.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer networks are provided which are useful in a variety of dental and orthopedic applications. The biodegradable polymer networks can be formed in one embodiment by polymerizing anhydride prepolymers including crosslinkable groups, such as unsaturated moieties. The anhydride prepolymers can be crosslinked, for example in a photopolymerization reaction by irradiation of the prepolymer with light in the presence of a free radical initiator. Suitable anhydride prepolymers include dianhydrides of a dicarboxylic acid and a carboxylic acid molecule comprising a crosslinkable group. For example, methacrylic acid dianhydrides of monomers or oligomers of a diacid such as sebacic acid or 1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)-hexane can be used. The anhydride prepolymers can be applied in vivo to a site where an orthopedic implant is needed, and then may be crosslinked, for example, by irradiation with U.V. light, to form a biodegradable implant such as a rods, pin or plate.

Abstract: Compositions for bone repair have been developed based on linear hydrophobic degradable polymers and monomers or macromers, at least one of which includes an anhydride linkage. The monomers and/or macromers crosslink each other but not to the linear polymer to form semi-interpenetrating networks. The compositions can include various excipients, therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. The compositions can be polymerized in the presence of dissolvable particles such as inorganic salts and proteinaceous materials to provide a porous polymer network. The compositions can be injected into a patient and polymerized in situ or can be polymerized ex vivo and implanted. When polymerized ex vivo, the composition can be shaped into various articles, such as pins, screws, and hollow tubes, which can be used to repair broken bones.