Abstract: Collagen membranes are formed from porcine rinds (i.e., pig skins) for us in a variety of applications and, most preferably, for wrapping food products, such as hams and the like. First, after removing skins from the porcine, the skins are promptly frozen. In later processing, the rinds are thawed and then enzymatically defatted. Then, a quick alkalinic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. Then, an acidic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. The rinds are then ground into a gel-like fluid mass. Finally, the fluid mass is extruded, sheeted and dried into a collagen membrane. The collagen membrane produced can be, in preferred embodiments, used for wrapping food products, such as hams.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-layer membrane comprising a matrix layer predominantly of collagen II and having an open sponge-like texture, and at least one barrier layer having a close, relatively impermeable texture. Such a membrane is particularly suitable for use in guided tissue regeneration, in particular for use in vivo in the reconstruction of bone or cartilage tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-layer membrane comprising a matrix layer predominantly of collagen II and having an open sponge-like texture, and at least one barrier layer having a close, relatively impermeable texture. Such a membrane is particularly suitable for use in guided tissue regeneration, in particular for use in vivo in the reconstruction of bone or cartilage tissue.

Abstract: A resorbable extracelluar matrix for reconstruction of cartilage tissue includes a purified collagen II derived from natural cartilage tissue from which non-collagen proteins have been removed.

Abstract: Collagen membranes are formed from porcine rinds (i.e., pig skins) for us in a variety of applications and, most preferably, for wrapping food products, such as hams and the like. First, after removing skins from the porcine, the skins are promptly frozen. In later processing, the rinds are thawed and then enzymatically defatted. Then, a quick alkalinic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. Then, an acidic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. The rinds are then ground into a gel-like fluid mass. Finally, the fluid mass is extruded, sheeted and dried into a collagen membrane. The collagen membrane produced can be, in preferred embodiments, used for wrapping food products, such as hams.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-layer membrane comprising a matrix layer predominantly of collagen II and having an open sponge-like texture, and at least one barrier layer having a close, relatively impermeable texture. Such a membrane is particularly suitable for use in guided tissue regeneration, in particular for use in vivo in the reconstruction of bone or cartilage tissue.

Abstract: Collagen membranes are formed from porcine rinds (i.e., pig skins) for us in a variety of applications and, most preferably, for wrapping food products, such as hams and the like. First, after removing skins from the porcine, the skins are promptly frozen. In later processing, the rinds are thawed and then enzymatically defatted. Then, a quick alkalinic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. Then, an acidic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. The rinds are then ground into a gel-like fluid mass. Finally, the fluid mass is extruded, sheeted and dried into a collagen membrane. The collagen membrane produced can be, in preferred embodiments, used for wrapping food products, such as hams.

Abstract: Collagen membranes are formed from porcine rinds (i.e., pig skins) for us in a variety of applications and, most preferably, for wrapping food products, such as hams and the like. First, after removing skins from the porcine, the skins are promptly frozen. In later processing, the rinds are thawed and then enzymatically defatted. Then, a quick alkalinic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. Then, an acidic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. The rinds are then ground into a gel-like fluid mass. Finally, the fluid mass is extruded, sheeted and dried into a collagen membrane. The collagen membrane produced can be, in preferred embodiments, used for wrapping food products, such as hams.

Abstract: A resorbable extracelluar matrix for reconstruction of cartilage tissue includes a purified collagen II derived from natural cartilage tissue from which non-collagen proteins have been removed.

Abstract: A resorbable extracellular matrix for reconstruction of cartilage tissue, the matrix being substantially free from non-native collagen, and including a purified collagen II material formed form natural cartilage and having fibers of native collagen II which are physiologically acceptable for implant into a mammalian body.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with wound healing and in particular with the use of a collagen-containing membrane in guided tissue regeneration. The invention provides a resorbable collagen membrane for use in guided tissue regeneration wherein one face of the membrane is fibrous thereby allowing cell growth thereon and the opposite face of the membrane is smooth, thereby inhibiting cell adhesion thereon.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the manufacture of collagen membranes for medical applications, in which process the collagen raw materials obtained from cattle or pig collagen are mechanically freed of fatty residues and treated with diluted alkali and acids and, if need be, enzymes. It is thoroughly washed between these steps to thus clean the collagen raw material eliminating the accompanying contamination. It is then processed further while obtaining a collagen matrix with a dry weight of approximately 25% by weight. Thus obtained are collagen membranes, in which the original integral cohesion remains and with which a fast hemostatic effect is achieved; said membranes are also extremely flexible and they adhere well to the surface of a wound.

Abstract: A process for producing collagen sponge which is insoluble but highly swellable in water, the sponge having a velour-like surface and being particularly suited for medical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a water-soluble hydrolyzate of a keratinaceous starting material which comprises first subjecting said starting material to acid treatment at a pH of 2 or below and at an elevated temperature above 80.degree. C. to effect mild hydrolysis thereof and then enzymatically degrading said acid-treated material in an aqueous bath in the presence of urea with an alkaline proteinase having an activity optimum in a range between pH 9 and pH 13, the initial pH of the enzymatic treatment being within the pH range optimum for the enzyme employed.

Abstract: A method for converting blood, animal parts, bone waste, or meat scraps into useful products, which method comprises hydrolyzing such a substrate with a proteinase, preferably in the presence of urea, in an aqueous hydrolysis medium at a pH in a region in which the proteinase displays sufficient activity, subsequently inactivating the enzyme, and working up the hydrolyzate.

Abstract: A method for conditioning a collagen-containing raw material to render it adaptable to hot-water extraction of collagen and collagen degradation products therefrom, which comprises incubating said raw material in an aqueous bath containing a neutral or alkaline protease at a pH between 6.5 and 13 in the presence of a member selected from the group consisting of urea, guanidine, or an acid addition salt of quanidine.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of collagen fibers, especially suited for medicinal use, comprising subjecting animal skin, hide or tendons to digestion with a strong alkali until the material has an amide nitrogen content of approximately 0.20 to 0.40 mole per gram, swelling the mass by thorough intermixing with acid, mechanically separating collagen fibers from the mass, de-swelling the collagen fibers with salts or organic solvents, and dehydrating the collagen fibers to approximately 20 to 40 weight % moisture based on the dry weight of the fibers. A plasticizer may be applied to the fibrous mass before dehydration.

Abstract: A water-soluble hydrolyzate of elastin, suitable for cosmetological use, is disclosed as is a method for making a water-soluble elastin hydrolyzate from starting materials containing elastin which comprises first subjecting said starting material to acid treatment at a pH below about 4 and at an elevated temperature and then enzymatically degrading the acid-treated material, while in comminuted form, in an aqueous bath in the presence of urea, with an alkaline proteinase having an activity optimum in a range between pH 9 and pH 13, the initial pH of the enzymatic treatment being within the pH range optimum for the enzyme employed.

Abstract: In the treatment of skin wherein an aqueous paste is applied to the skin, left in contact therewith for a period of time and thereafter removed, the improvement which comprises placing over the paste a foil containing at least about 3 percent of water soluble collagen by weight and having a water permeability of more than about 0.1 gram/dm.sup.2 /minute, whereby collagen is transported through the paste and is absorbed by the skin. Desirably the foil is about 0.01 to 0.03 mm thick and is cross-linked to an extent corresponding to that produced by about 0.1-0.5 percent by weight of glutardialdehyde applied in an acid medium. It may further contain a cosmetically active agent such as an amino acid, peptide, protein, hormone, placenta-extract, phosphatide, tissue-extract, fresh cells and vitamins. The paste may be dried by heating, producing shrinkage of the foil to increase contact with the skin.