Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a tissue engineered intervertebral disc comprising at least one inner layer and an exterior layer, wherein: the exterior layer comprises a nanofibrous polymer support comprising one or more polymer nanofibers; the at least one inner layer comprises a hydrogel composition comprising at least one or more hydrogel materials and/or one or more polymer nanofibers; and a plurality of cells which are dispersed throughout the tissue engineered intervertebral disc. Additionally, the instant invention is directed to methods of making such intervertebral discs and methods of treating intervertebral disc damage.

Abstract: Cartilage has been constructed using biodegradable electrospun polymeric scaffolds seeded with chondrocytes or adult mesenchymal stem cells. More particularly engineered cartilage has been prepared where the cartilage has a biodegradable and biocompatible nanofibrous polymer support prepared by electrospinning and a plurality of chondocytes or mesenchymal stem cells dispersed in the pores of the support. The tissue engineered cartilages of the invention possess compressive strength properties similar to natural cartilage. Methods of preparing engineered tissues, including tissue engineered cartilages, are provided in which an electrospun nanofibrous polymer support is provided, the support is treated with a cell solution and the polymer-cell mixture cultured in a rotating bioreactor to generate the cartilage. The invention provides for the use of the tissue engineered cartilages in the treatment of cartilage degenerative diseases, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic surgery.

Abstract: Cartilage has been constructed using biodegradable electrospun polymeric scaffolds seeded with chondrocytes or adult mesenchymal stem cells. More particularly engineered cartilage has been prepared where the cartilage has a biodegradable and biocompatible nanofibrous polymer support prepared by electrospinning and a plurality of chondocytes or mesenchymal stem cells dispersed in the pores of the support. The tissue engineered cartilages of the invention possess compressive strength properties similar to natural cartilage. Methods of preparing engineered tissues, including tissue engineered cartilages, are provided in which an electrospun nanofibrous polymer support is provided, the support is treated with a cell solution and the polymer-cell mixture cultured in a rotating bioreactor to generate the cartilage. The invention provides for the use of the tissue engineered cartilages in the treatment of cartilage degenerative diseases, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic surgery.

Abstract: A fabricated braided nanofibrous structure having nanofiber bundles that independently have nanofibers oriented in a uniaxial direction and methods of preparing braided nanofibrous structures. More specifically, the braided nanofibrous structures have at least three nanofiber bundles, wherein the nanofiber bundles are braided together and each nanofiber bundle independently includes at least two nanofibers oriented in a uniaxial direction. The braided nanofibrous structures may be inserted into a region of damaged ligament, tendon, or muscle in a subject.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a tissue engineered intervertebral disc comprising at least one inner layer and an exterior layer, wherein: the exterior layer comprises a nanofibrous polymer support comprising one or more polymer nanofibers; the at least one inner layer comprises a hydrogel composition comprising at least one or more hydrogel materials and/or one or more polymer nanofibers; and a plurality of cells which are dispersed throughout the tissue engineered intervertebral disc. Additionally, the instant invention is directed to methods of making such intervertebral discs and methods of treating intervertebral disc damage.

Abstract: Cartilage has been constructed using biodegradable electrospun polymeric scaffolds seeded with chondrocytes or adult mesenchymal stem cells. More particularly engineered cartilage has been prepared where the cartilage has a biodegradable and biocompatible nanofibrous polymer support prepared by electrospinning and a plurality of chondocytes or mesenchymal stem cells dispersed in the pores of the support. The tissue engineered cartilages of the invention possess compressive strength properties similar to natural cartilage. Methods of preparing engineered tissues, including tissue engineered cartilages, are provided in which an electrospun nanofibrous polymer support is provided, the support is treated with a cell solution and the polymer-cell mixture cultured in a rotating bioreactor to generate the cartilage. The invention provides for the use of the tissue engineered cartilages in the treatment of cartilage degenerative diseases, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic surgery.