Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic fabric (5) comprising an arrangement (2) of yarns that define at least first and second opposite faces (2a, 2b) for said fabric, said fabric comprising on at least said first face, one or more barbs (3) that protrude outwards relative to said first face, said fabric being covered, at least partly, on said second face with a microporous layer made of a bioresorbable material, said barbs being covered with a coating made of a water-soluble material. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining such a fabric and to prostheses obtained from such a fabric.

Abstract: The invention discloses a freeze-dried powder of high molecular weight silk fibroin, preparation process and use thereof. The freeze-dried powder is obtained from silk by degumming, dissolution, dialysis, centrifugation, high temperature and high pressure treatment and freeze-drying. A method of preparing silk fibroin microspheres with polyethylene glycol comprises mixing a silk fibroin solution of 1-30 wt % with a PEG solution of 10-60 w % and incubating the resulting solution. A controlled-release or sustained-release silk fibroin gel formulation includes a gel-state carrier and a drug dispersed/adsorbed therein, the carrier is a silk fibroin gel formed by blending with LMW-PEG.

Abstract: A polypeptide solution of the present invention is a polypeptide solution in which a polypeptide derived from natural spider silk proteins is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent contains at least one selected from the following (i)-(iii): (i) DMSO; (ii) DMSO with an inorganic salt; and (iii) DMF with an inorganic salt. Further, in the present invention, an artificial polypeptide fiber is obtained by: using the polypeptide solution as a dope solution; and extruding the dope solution from a spinneret into a desolvation bath so as to eliminate the solvent from the dope solution and form a fiber to produce an undrawn yarn. Moreover, in the present invention, a polypeptide is purified by subjecting the polypeptide solution to heat treatment and thereafter removing an undissolved substance therefrom.

Abstract: A polypeptide solution of the present invention is a polypeptide solution in which a polypeptide derived from natural spider silk proteins is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent contains at least one selected from the following (i)-(iii): (i) DMSO; (ii) DMSO with an inorganic salt; and (iii) DMF with an inorganic salt. Further, in the present invention, an artificial polypeptide fiber is obtained by: using the polypeptide solution as a dope solution; and extruding the dope solution from a spinneret into a desolvation bath so as to eliminate the solvent from the dope solution and form a fiber to produce an undrawn yarn. Moreover, in the present invention, a polypeptide is purified by subjecting the polypeptide solution to heat treatment and thereafter removing an undissolved substance therefrom.

Abstract: A method of forming a fiber made of peptide nanostructures is disclosed. The method comprises: providing peptide nanostructures in solution, and fiberizing the solution thereby forming at least one fiber of the peptide nanostructures. Also disclosed are methods of forming films and other articles using the peptide nanostructures.

Abstract: An inflatable device, in particular a device including a body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface accessible through an orifice in the body, the body including a prolamine protein that exhibits air or gas impermeability for a suitable period of time, and yet is biodegradable upon exposure to the environment. The device can be utilized as a balloon for personal uses such as toys, gifts or balloon releases at events, or as a medical device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a meltblown wetlaid method for producing non-woven fabrics with anti-mildew, anti-bacteria and deodorizing capabilities from natural cellulose. The method comprises selecting wood pulp as raw material and using N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) as dissolving solvent and 1,3-phenylene-bis 2-oxazoline (BOX) as stabilizer to form mixed cellulose mucilage as well as using modified and nano-miniaturized natural chitosan as additive for blending and dissolution to form cellulose dope. By meltblown method, the dope is extruded out of spinnerets to form filament bundle, then by ejecting mist aerosol of water, the filament bundle is coagulated with regeneration. After post treatments of water rinsing, hydro-entangled needle punching, drying, winding-up and the like having been orderly applied, then final product for nonwoven fabric of continuous filament with anti-mildew, anti-bacteria and deodorizing capabilities is produced.

Abstract: A spinning solution composition which provides regenerated silk fiber that exhibits a strength and elongation close to those of natural silk fiber, is rapidly degradable in vivo, and can be caused to have ability to gradually release a drug to prevent inflammation; a process for producing such regenerated silk fiber by use of the composition; and regenerated silk fiber obtained through the process.

Abstract: A method of generating a collagen fiber is disclosed. The method comprises extruding a solution of liquid crystalline collagen into a coagulating solution, thereby generating the collagen fiber. Fibers generated thereby are also disclosed as well as scaffolds comprising such fibers.

Abstract: A fully compostable container is provided having an enclosed body with an opening through an interior surface and an exterior surface. The enclosed body having a plant fiber structural layer configured to biodegrade in ambient conditions into nontoxic residue and a fluid barrier layer formed on a first side of the structural layer to form the interior surface of the enclosed body, the fluid barrier layer configured to biodegrade in ambient conditions into nontoxic residue. The container is gradually biodegradable when exposed to a set of factors in a natural environment and has a shelf life of six months when stored under standard commercial conditions.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of producing chitosan non-woven fabrics and an apparatus thereof. At first, a chitosan acidic solution is extruded to form a chitosan fibrous stream. Then, a solidifying agent is ejected to form a solidifying agent stream. The solidifying agent stream and the chitosan fibrous stream are combined to form a pre-solidified chitosan fiber. Then, high-pressure air is ejected on the pre-solidified chitosan fiber to stretch the pre-solidified chitosan fiber. Finally, the chitosan fibers are collected to form chitosan non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming fibers of silk and silk-like proteins in a solution with a solvent consisting of a pure ionic liquid, an ionic liquid mixture, an ionic liquid mixed with one or more cosolvents, or an ionic liquid mixture mixed with one or more cosolvents. A solution is extruded through a spinneret orifice to form a fiber. The spinneret is either directly immersed in the coagulation bath or the spinneret is surrounded by a noncoagulating medium (i.e., air or other inert fluid) and the extruded fiber is subsequently immersed in a coagulation bath. Fibers may also be formed by extruding a fiber directly from a reservoir of solution into a noncoagulating, inert medium and then immersing the extruded fibers into a coagulation bath to rinse the fiber of ionic liquid.

Abstract: A spinning solution composition which provides regenerated silk fiber that exhibits a strength and elongation close to those of natural silk fiber, is rapidly degradable in vivo, and can be caused to have ability to gradually release a drug to prevent inflammation; a process for producing such regenerated silk fiber by use of the composition; and regenerated silk fiber obtained through the process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stator of an electrical rotating machine that is configured to have a rotor mounted inside the stator. The stator has a laminated magnetic circuit having a stack of magnetic metal sheets disposed substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor of the machine. The magnetic circuit has teeth that delimit longitudinally oriented slots. The method includes the step of installing electrically conductive wires in the slots and forming winding heads at the two axial ends of the magnetic circuit and installing this assembly on a vertical axis. The assembly is trapped between an outer sheath, forming part of the final motor, and a removable inner core substantially occupying a volume reserved for the rotor. The conductive wires in the slots are impregnated under vacuum with a slot-impregnating composition including a heat-setting resin and a filler, and the composition is polymerized.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a stator of an electrical rotating machine. The method includes: impregnating a first winding head with a first composition that includes a heat-setting resin and a filler of a first particle size; impregnating conductive wires in a slot region with a slot-impregnating composition that includes a heat-setting resin and another filler of a second particle size smaller than the first particle size of the filler of the first composition; and impregnating a second winding head with a composition that includes a heat-setting resin and a filler of a particle size larger than the second particle size.

Abstract: Film, fibre, foam and adhesive materials are produced from soluble S-sulfonated keratins. Once formed, the films, fibres, foams or adhesives are treated to modify the properties of the materials, in particular to improve the wet strength of the materials. Treatments used include removal of the S-sulfonate group by treatment with a reducing agent, treatment with an acid or treatment with a common protein crosslinking agent or treatment with a reduced form of keratin or keratin protein. The films are made by solvent casting a solution of S-sulfonated keratin proteins, the foam made by freeze-drying a solution of S-sulfonated keratin proteins and the fibres made by extruding a solution of a S-sulfonated keratin protein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the extraction of material from glands of arthropods. The apparatus comprises a container in which at least part of the glands are placed and a buffer solution at least partially immersing the glands. Gland material is collected in the material collection area of container. In use the material is released from glands into the buffer solution and sedimented at the bottom of the container. The method comprises: a first step of removing from a body of the arthropod the gland containing at least partially the material; a second step of making an opening in an epithelium of the gland; and a third step of placing the gland in a container at least partially immersed in a buffer solution such that the materials exit the glands and sediments in the material collection area of the container.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a class of fiber or strand suspension compositions that may be processed further into viscoelastic pastes or porous solids. The preferred compositions of the invention comprise biologically derived or biologically compatible materials, such as collagen, that can be injected or implanted for tissue augmentation or repair. This invention is also directed to methods of making these compositions and to apparatus that can be used to make the compositions.

Abstract: Process of making polypeptide fibers including the steps of contacting a polypeptide with a solution of formic acid a divalent metal ion salt, or contacting a decrystallized polypeptide with formic acid having a water content less than 3 wt % and concentrating the resulting solution to a polypeptide concentration greater than 10 wt %.

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: The object of the present invention is to elucidate a biologically active function of a component constituting undegraded sericin and to provide a novel medical material, cosmetic material, etc. utilizing the functional composition. Disclosed is a cell growth promoter obtainable by elution from a fiber discharged by a domestic silkworm, e.g., cocoon filaments or the like, wherein the cell growth promoter comprises sericin having a molecular weight of about 400,000 as measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) as a main component. This cell growth promoting agent (substance) is extremely useful because growth of cells is promoted when it is used in a wound dressing material, a vascular endothelium forming material and an organ forming material for medical use, in a cell culture base material for biological use, or in a cosmetic material for skin care use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing proteinaceous shaped articles from globular proteins according to the NMMO method, and to proteinaceous shaped articles themselves that are made from globular proteins according to the NMMO method. According to the invention, a suspension consisting of aqueous NMMO and of these precrosslinked proteins is transferred into a spinning solution, whereby the suspension contains a polysaccharide and/or a polysaccharide is added to the extrusion solution. The spinning solution is extruded into a precipitation bath through a form tool and through an air gap. Afterwards, the shaped article is washed with an aqueous liquid without the use of solvents and is subsequently hardened using known crosslinking reactions. The produced solutions are processed for a diverse product-oriented processing, preferably on the basis of known wet and dry/wet spinning techniques, optionally in conjunction with multi-constituent spinning techniques.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a class of fiber or strand suspension compositions that may be processed further into viscoelastic pastes or porous solids. The preferred compositions of the invention comprise biologically derived or biologically compatible materials, such as collagen, that can be injected or implanted for tissue augmentation or repair. This invention is also directed to methods of making these compositions and to apparatus that can be used to make the compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming liquid spinning solution into a solid formed product. The liquid spinning solution is passed through a die assembly having a tubular passage having walls formed partly of semipermeable and/or porous material. In operation, draw down of the liquid spinning solution is performed partly within the die assembly. The semipermeable and/or porous material allows parameters, such as the concentration of hydrogen ions, water, salts and low molecular weight constituents, of the spinning solution to be altered as the spinning solution passes through the tubular passage.

Abstract: The present invention includes biodegradable plant protein composites.

Abstract: Described herein are polypeptide fibers, such as silk fibers, produced by regeneration and methods for making the fibers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a class of fiber or strand suspension compositions that may be processed further into viscoelastic pastes or porous solids. The preferred compositions of the invention comprise biologically derived or biologically compatible materials, such as collagen, that can be injected or implanted for tissue augmentation or repair. This invention is also directed to methods of making these compositions and to apparatus that can be used to make the compositions.

Abstract: A process for preparing fibers containing intrinsically conductive polymers comprises extruding two or more filaments, applying a coating formulation containing a salt of an intrinsically conductive polymer to at least one of the filaments to form a coated filament, combining the filaments to form a filament bundle, and processing the bundle into a fiber. A filament coated with an intrinsically conductive polymer and a fiber comprising at least one coated filament are also provided which are useful in preparing textiles and other materials which exhibit conductivity.

Abstract: A fiber having increased cut resistance is made from a fiber-forming polymer and a hard filler having a Mohs Hardness Value greater than about 3. The filler is included in an amount of about 0.05% to about 20% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the fiber-forming polymer is poly(ethylene terephthalate) or a liquid crystalline polyester comprising monomer units derived from 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Preferred fillers include tungsten and alumina.

Abstract: Wheat gluten protein-based biodegradable or edible films are produced using aqueous, essentially alcohol-free casting dispersions containing modified wheat protein and a plasticizer. The modified wheat protein is prepared by treating purified naturally occurring wheat protein with a reducing agent (e.g., sodium metabisulfite) in order to reduce the average molecular weight of the wheat protein and to cleave disulfide bonds therein. Such modified wheat gluten protein lowers the viscosity and allows increased solid contents in the casting dispersions, allowing fabrication of improved films.

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: Conventionally produced edible tubular casing is improved in its mechanical properties by being exposed to ultraviolet spectra in the range of 180 nm to 420 nm. The so treated casing is humidified, collapsed and wound onto a reel. The reel of tubular casing may be transported to a point of use where it is unwound, inflated, shipped and cut into lengths as desired.

Abstract: A method of producing a casein film, in the form of a planar film or a film tube, by mixing an aqueous solution containing at least one partly volatile carboxylic acid, at least one plasticizer and deionized water, with casein, and causing the mixture to swell, deforming the swollen mixture at temperatures of from 60.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. to obtain a film or a film tube; solidifying the film or film tube by treatment with an aqueous hardening solution and, optionally, by cold-smoking, and drying the film or film tube. The films have excellent packaging characteristics and are biodegradable. They are especially suited for use as edible sausage casings, packaging material for non-hygroscopic, powdery or fat-containing products, for packaging tablets and aromatic dry products, in the production of seed strips and adhesive tapes, and for lining paper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making medical devices, especially stents, catheters, cannulas, plugs and constrictors, by treatment of ionically crosslinkable polymer compositions with crosslinking ions.

Abstract: A process for preparing a biodegradable water-resistant film. The process includes the steps of dispersing zein in an aqueous solution comprising acetone in an amount of from 65 to 75% by volume to form a zein dispersion, forming the resulting zein dispersion into a film, and drying the film in an atmosphere having a relative humidity of 85% or less at an initial temperature of 55.degree. C. or less. The present invention also relates to a method for imparting water resistance to an article with poor water resistance by coating the article with the zein dispersion prepared as above, and drying the coated zein dispersion under the above conditions. The film or coating film according of the present invention neither dissolves upon contact with water, nor becomes weak due to water absorption or swelling on contact with water.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process wherein zein fibers are prepared by mixing zein and water, preferably btween 0.degree. C. and 18.degree. C., to form a free-flowing, particulate mixture; heating the mixture to a temperature of about 45.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C. while simultaneously extruding the mixture through a spinneret to form zein fibers which are subsequently treated with a formaldehyde stabilizing solution and drawn. This process obviates the need for environmentally unfriendly alkaline solutions and acid coagulating baths.

Abstract: The invention provides biodegradable, thermoplastic compositions made of the reaction product of soybean protein and a carbohydrate filler, a reducing agent, a plasticizer, water, and optional additives as desired. The composition has a high degree of flowability for processing by extrusion and injection molding into solid articles that are biodegradable with a high degree of tensile strength and water resistance.

Abstract: A method for producing powder mixtures capable of inducing an even more intimate, microhomogeneous intermixing in a heterogeneous powder composed of at least two types of powders. The method is effective even for the mixing of an aggregable powder and a nonaggregable powder. According to the method, a heterogeneous powder composed of at least two type of powders that have been preliminarily mixed by stirring is introduced into an inlet while a rotating axle is turning and is axially transported within a cylinder by a screw. As the heterogeneous powder passes between rotating disks and fixed disks, it is subjected to a highly efficient mixing by compression and shear forces due to a sliding-shear action exerted between depressions and elevations installed on the opposing surfaces of the rotating disks and fixed disks. The mixture passes in sequence through multiple stages of the rotating and fixed disks. A powder mixture, which has been microhomogeneously interdispersed, is discharged from the outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel processes for preparing polypeptide solutions and spinning them into fibers. The process involves dissolving a polypeptide in a solvent system comprising lithium thiocyanate (LiSCN) and a liquefied phenol selected from the group consisting of phenol, m-chlorophenol, m-fluorophenol, and m-bromophenol or mixtures thereof. The solutions may be spun using certain wet spinning and dry-jet wet spinning methods. The process is especially useful for making silk fibroin fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for spinning silk fibers. The process involves dissolving silk fibroin in an aqueous salt solution, removing the salt from the solution, followed by removal of the water to form a regenerated silk material. The silk material is then dissolved in hexafluoroisopropanol to form a fiber-spinnable solution.

Abstract: Polypeptide fibers, fiber spinnable solutions, and a process for forming polypeptide fibers are disclosed. The invention includes forming polypeptide fibers from spinning solutions containing a polypeptide, and a solvent selected from the group consisting of hexafluoroisopropanol, and a mixture of formic acid and at least one lithium halide.

Abstract: A method for the formation of a proteolipid membrane based on interphase peptides according to which an interphase peptide which has formed at the boundary of an aqueous phase and a nonpolar phase of organic solvent is brought into contact with an assembly of amphiphilic compounds such that the nonpolar surfaces of the interphase peptide and of the assembly of amphiphilic compounds face each other. In addition to peptide, the membrane also contains lipid.

Abstract: In a method for preparing caseinates, including the introduction of casein, alkaline solutions or basic salts and water into an extruder, the constituents being thoroughly mixed together and then subjected to an increase in pressure and temperature under the influence of return elements, it is provided, to achieve a finished basic product while avoiding a separate comminuting stage following the extrusion process, that the pressure built-up under the influence of return elements or kneading units takes place directly in front of the discharge end of the extruder and the product be discharged freely through this end of the extruder. An apparatus is used to carry out the method, this apparatus being characterised in that the return elemnts or return kneading units are arranged directly in front of the discharge end of the extruder and the discharge end of the extruder is open essentially without any reduction in cross-section relative to the free cross-section of the extruder.

Abstract: A method for forming lipid films having a substantially uniform thickness and a ratio of the surface area of deposited film to lipid concentration of less than 600 cm.sup.2 per mmole. Using a substantially flat stationary surface for lipid depositation and evaporation results in the formation of lipid films suitable for commercial production of liposomes.

Abstract: A shark fin analog utilized as a food is produced by heating to dissolve a mixture of gelatin, alginic acid or na alginate or a mannan, and water to form a gelatin sol, extruding the sol through a spinneret onto a rotating roller which has a surface wetted with a coagulating solution of divalent or trivalent metal salt and functions to elongate and tear off pieces of the sol, each piece having the shape of a shark fin with a thin streamlined profile in cross section, and washing the pieces with water.

Abstract: A process for preparing collagen tubes includes extruding an aqueous gel containing about 1.5% native collagen through a cylindrical spinneret equipped with a central concentric tube designed to receive a part of a coagulation bath, followed by coagulation of the internal and external walls of the tube, leaving the spinneret in a coagulation bath constituted by about 70% acetone and 30% ammonia, followed by drying. Following drying, the collagen tube may be subjected to reticulation by dehydration carried out at about 80.degree. C. under a pressure of about 0.1 mm of Hg (vacuum) for about 24 hours. The reticulated collagen tube may eventually be subjected to a treatment which permits the introduction of azide groups onto the molecule without requiring that the collagen be coupled to any external molecule.

Abstract: A process for preparing collagen membranes useful in tissue repair, and wound healing and related membranous implant materials useful in both hard and soft tissue applications is disclosed. The resulting membranes and materials have properties which can be varied as desired to suit intended use. Variation results from altering the precise conditions of formation of the membrane or of related fibers and solids. The process comprises first forming a gel from solubilized collagen, followed by converting the gel into a one-, two- or three-dimensional membranous solid form. This conversion is performed either by applying pressure to the gel, or by disrupting the gel and separating the resulting precipitate for casting.

Abstract: Monomeric collagen is oriented in solution and the orientation is retained in the resulting gel by setting up convective flow paths in the solution during gelation. The convection is induced by uniform peripheral heating of the cold, collagen solution in a small-diameter cylinder. Oriented collagen produced in this manner has excellent wet strength for use in implants for natural reconstruction of body collagen.

Abstract: Collagen, available from domestic animals, is freed of noncollagen proteins, glycosaminoglycans and lipids by enzymatic treatment with a proteolytic enzyme to yield a product which is soluble in dilute acidic aqueous solutions (collagen in solution--CIS). The naturally occurring collagen is modified by removal of certain terminal peptide chains, which are described as telopeptides. The modified collagen, so derived, is described as atelopeptide collagen. Native collagen is immunogenic, while atelopeptide collagen is nonimmunogenic or possessed of a negligibly low level of immunogenicity.The collagen in solution is then treated according to a specific regimen under conditions whereby the collagen slowly separates from solution while exposed to mild shear forces. This procedure results in the formation of a fibrous precipitate composed of regularly ordered fibers of collagen possessed of a rope-like structure. These resulting aggregates are referred to as native fibrous micropolymers (NFM).

Abstract: Shaped articles in thin-walled form, such as threads, membranes, sheets and tubes and particularly material for encasing sausage, are produced from a shapable mass containing in aqueous dispersion at least one coagulable, amphoteric high molecular organic substance, such as collagen or other coagulable animal protein, by extruding the mass through a die into an aqueous bath in which coagulation of such substance in the extrudate is effected by changing the pH of the dispersion so that the isoelectric point of the substance is traversed, the dispersion being prepared with a sufficient content of polyvalent ions, such as calcium ions, to inhibit formation in the extrudate of a barrier to ion penetration. The dispersion desirably also contains an agent for cross-linking the coagulable substance in the extrudate. The mass fed to the extruding die preferably is a collagen paste containing glyoxal and calcium ions. The speed of the coagulation can be enhanced by subjecting the extrudate in the bath to a D.C.