Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous material having a scaffold comprising: one or more fibroin moieties A and one or more polysaccharide moieties B, wherein A and B are directly conjugated with another without an interconnecting linker structure. Moreover, the present invention refers to a method for preparing a porous material. The present invention further relates to an injectable composition comprising a particulate porous material according to the invention and to cosmetic and therapeutic uses thereof such as facial and body re-shaping as well as regenerating tissue.

Abstract: Implants for anti-VEGF therapy provide both stability and controlled release of bevacizumab and other structurally sensitive polypeptides while maintaining protein/peptide stability in the micronized powder; achieving near zero order and complete release (>80%). Cylindrical implants suitable for intravitreal injection.

Abstract: Synthetic polymeric vascular grafts that promote endothelial healing and methods of their preparation and use are provided.

Abstract: A composition for bone regeneration includes substantially spherical granules. Each of the spherical granules include an outer shell including magnesium phosphate and nano-sized silica and a bioactive core encapsulated by the outer shell. The granules include macro-pores and micro-pores. The macro-pores are intergranular spaces between adjacent granules, and the micro-pores are intragranular nanopores formed on the outer shell of each of the granules. A method of producing the substantially spherical granules, includes providing a mixture of a biological active powder, magnesium phosphate, and an initiator with a colloidal silica solution; rotating the mixture with dual asymmetric centrifugation for a predetermined amount of time; and drying the resulting material.

Abstract: A method can include: receiving a gel electrolyte precursor solution comprising a polymeric precursor (such as monomers or oligomers), an initiator, and a plasticizer; adding the gel electrolyte precursor solution to a battery stack; wetting the battery stack with the gel electrolyte precursor solution; and curing the gel electrolyte precursor to form a covalently bonded gel electrolyte network interspersed throughout the battery stack.

Abstract: A fibre structure formed from dissolvable glass fibres is provided, the dissolvable glass fibres being formed from one or more boron compounds and one or more alkali compounds. The dissolvable glass can be formed into filaments, rovings and staple fibres of varying composition, length and diameter dependent on functionality and purpose. A mixture of chemicals components are heated, melted and then drawn or extruded into dissolvable filaments, rovings and staple fibres for use in a fibre-reinforced composite part or as a preservative in the internal and surface treatment of solid wood and engineered composite panels. A water-soluble surface coating may be applied to adjust dissolution rate and facilitate binding into an air-laid nonwoven mat or incorporation into other matrices.

Abstract: Described herein are block copolymers that can be used as compatibilizers. The block copolymers can be graft block or triblock copolymers. The block copolymers can include a polysaccharide or a polyester and a polyolefin. Also described herein are polymer blends that can include and be made using the block copolymers described herein.

Abstract: This disclosure describes various sinus scaffolds having fiber-based and non-fiber based designs, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used to treat chronic sinusitis. These designs vary in form, dimension, and delivery location (i.e., maxillary, frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal sinuses, and middle meatus). In addition, therapeutic agent(s) may optionally be included within the scaffolds for local delivery over a brief or extended period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of retinal capillary non-perfusion. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of treating retinal capillary non-perfusion in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a ROCK inhibitor.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, inter alia, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used to treat chronic sinusitis. The present disclosure describes various sinus scaffolds having fiber-based and non-fiber-based designs. These designs vary in form, dimension, and delivery location. In addition, therapeutic agent(s) may optionally be included within the scaffolds for local delivery over a brief or extended period of time. Therefore, these scaffolds may be used to improve sinus patency, for example, in surgically modified sinus spaces or in sinus spaces that have not previously undergone surgical modification. Moreover, these scaffolds may be used to deliver local therapeutic agent(s) to such sinus spaces, including, for instance, as part of a treatment program that is an alternative to sinus surgery (e.g., FESS) or in other instances as part of a postoperative care of FESS in some embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electro spun fibers for a local release in the central nervous system of an anti-inflammatory and a promyelinating agent over a defined time-window, in order to limit secondary neurodegeneration triggered by the glutamate release and supported by on-going inflammation. The combined treatment aimed to reduce inflammation and improve remyelination in the very early stage of the pathology improving the chronic clinical outcome of the lesion. In particular the present invention relates to electrospun polymeric fibers, wherein said fibers are loaded with 3,3,5-Triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) and Ibuprofen.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an iodine-containing compound and a steroid, useful for treating a clinical symptom in a patient's airway (e.g., nose, lung, and sinus), as well as methods for using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resorbable implant material made of magnesium or magnesium alloy and to a process for the production thereof. A disadvantage of the known resorbable implants is that their resorption has hitherto only been trackable using x-ray or CT examinations. The invention provides a resorbable implant material comprising homogeneously distributed fluorescent nanodiamonds in a matrix of magnesium or a magnesium alloy. Fluorescent nanodiamonds are biologically nonhazardous and provide a stable emission in the near infrared range due to nitrogen-vacancy centers (NV centres). This allows detection of the implant material in the blood plasma of the patient. The resorbable implant material according to the invention is produced by a process wherein magnesium or a magnesium alloy is melted, nanodiamonds are added to the melt and the melt of magnesium or a magnesium alloy provided with nanodiamonds is subjected to an ultrasound treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and/or methods for use in the surgical treatment of vertebrae and/or other bones, particularly implants and/or related devices comprising silicon nitride in some of all of the implant or device body, including portions, layers and/or surface coatings thereof, for use in spinal surgeries and/or other orthopedic procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices and materials for the in situ formation of a nerve cap and/or a nerve wrap to inhibit neuroma formation following planned or traumatic nerve injury. The method includes the steps of identifying a severed end of a nerve, and positioning the severed end into a cavity defined by a form. A transformable media is introduced into the form cavity to surround the severed end. The media is permitted to undergo a transformation from a first, relatively flowable state to a second, relatively non flowable state to form a protective barrier surrounding the severed end. The media may be a hydrogel, and the transformation may produce a synthetic crosslinked hydrogel protective barrier. The media may include at least one anti-regeneration agent to inhibit nerve regrowth.

Abstract: An assembly for utility truck bodies having metal and/or composite reinforcement(s) and/or foam reinforcements and/or honeycomb reinforcement/and/or wood reinforcements encapsulated within a thermoformed thermoplastic, or thermoset or fiber-reinforced thermoset walking surface floor structure of the truck bed assembly or other composite floor structure with attachable components and junctions, e.g., sidepack(s), and methods of making the same are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel polymer having a structure based on a biodegradable polymer. In the novel polymer, the biodegradable polymer has at least one kind of functional groups from among a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group, wherein the biodegradable polymer bears a functional group conjugated with a nitric oxide-releasing compound and a different functional group substituted with a photopolymerizable functional group, the nitric oxide-releasing compound comprising a NO donor. Also provided is a nanofiber fabricated from the modified biodegradable polymer. The nanofiber can be fabricated by electrospinning the novel polymer.

Abstract: A medical device adapted for contact with a vessel or cavity in the body including a tubular portion is provided. The device has an external surface including an external substance that is at least one of a coating or an impregnation, comprising alexidine in an amount that is both anti thrombogenically effective and anti microbially effective. The device also has an internal surface including an internal substance that is at least one of a coating or an impregnation, comprising alexidine in an amount that is both anti thrombogenically effective and anti microbially effective.

Abstract: Compositions capable of enhancing and/or eliciting an immune response in a subject and methods of using the compositions. The compositions are capable of enhancing an IgA immune response and/or an IgG immune response and comprise an agent capable of reducing the level of binding of ATP to a P2X7 receptor to a subject. The compositions are for oral administration.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrogel and a method of making a porous hydrogel by preparing an aqueous mixture of an uncrosslinked polymer and a crystallizable molecule; casting the mixture into a vessel; allowing the cast mixture to dry to form an amorphous hydrogel film; seeding the cast mixture with a seed crystal of the crystallizable molecule; growing the crystallizable molecule into a crystal structure within the uncrosslinked polymer; crosslinking the polymer around the crystal structure under conditions in which the crystal structure within the crosslinked polymer is maintained; and dissolving the crystals within the crosslinked polymer to form the porous hydrogel.

Abstract: A sealant is provided for sealing a puncture through tissue that comprises an elongate first section including a proximal end, a distal end, and a cross-section sized for delivery into a puncture through tissue, and a second section extending from the distal end of the first section. The first section may be formed from a freeze-dried hydrogel that expands when exposed to physiological fluid within a puncture. The first section comprises chitosan and at least one additional polymer. The second section may be formed from a solid mass of non-freeze-dried, non-cross-linked hydrogel precursors. The precursors are in an unreactive state until exposed to an aqueous physiological environment, whereupon the precursors undergo in-situ crosslinking with one another to provide an adhesive layer bonded to the first section. The second section may further comprise chitosan. Apparatus and methods for delivering the sealant into a puncture through tissue are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified collagen obtainable by providing isolated collagen; freezing the isolated collagen; dehydrating the frozen collagen; and maturing the dehydrated collagen. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the modified collagen and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating, reducing or preventing bacterial infection in a wound, the method comprising: applying a film on the wound, the film including a biodegradable polymer with bacteriophages dispersed therein, wherein the polymer is a poly (ester amide urea).

Abstract: A single or multi layered device (hereinafter alternately referred to as a “capsule”) of non-digestible material encapsulating an ingestible drug solution capable of slow solution release of stable solubilized drugs in water, saline, a buffer or lipophilic acceptable carriers. Methods for preparing the same and for safe, nearly constant dispensing of drugs following capsule swallowing. A safe, controlled flow release mechanism for the capsule's drug to the gastric system is disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, inter alia, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used to treat chronic sinusitis. More specifically, a drug-eluting scaffold is implanted in the middle meatus to treat chronic sinusitis for weeks to months.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a polyelectrolyte coating comprising at least one polycationic layer consisting of at least one polycation consisting of n repetitive units having the formula (1) and at least one polyanionic layer consisting of hyaluronic acid. The polyelectrolyte coating has a biocidal activity and the invention thus further refers to the use of said polyelectrolyte coating for producing a device, in particular a bacteriostatic medical device, more particularly an implantable device, comprising said polyelectrolyte coating, and a method for preparing said device and a kit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a condensed phase of a silk fusion protein, the method comprising the steps of preparing a solution of a silk fusion protein in an aqueous medium and concentrating the silk fusion protein in the aqueous medium, wherein the fusion protein is isolated from a recombinant production host and comprises a silk-like protein sequence and two separate non-silk terminal module sequences, such as cellulose binding modules, SpyCatcher domains, tenth type III module of Fibronectin, gamma-crystallin D, flanking the silk-like protein sequence; wherein the method is performed so that the silk fusion protein is not precipitated and subsequently dissolved to the aqueous medium. The present invention is also directed to using such fusion proteins as adhesives.

Abstract: An autologous bone graft substitute composition for inducing new bone formation, promoting bone growth and treating bone defects, a method of preparation thereof, and a method of inducing or promoting bone growth by treatment of a bone with an autologous bone graft substitute composition. The composition includes autologous blood; one or more analogs of an osteogenic bone morphogenetic protein selected from BMP-6, BMP-2, BMP-7, BMP-4, BMP-5, BMP-8, BMP-9, BMP-12, and BMP-13, and combinations thereof; and a compression resistant matrix selected from the group consisting of a bone autograft, bone allograft, hydroxyapatite, tri-calcium phosphate, and combinations thereof. The autologous blood forms a coagulum gel comprising a fibrin-meshwork reinforced with the compression resistant matrix and containing the osteogenic bone morphogenetic protein which is released over a sustained period.

Abstract: The present application provides a method of making a particle comprising (i) obtaining a first solution comprising a negatively charged polysaccharide; (ii) obtaining a second solution comprising a positively charged polysaccharide; and (iii) mixing the first solution and the second solution to obtain a suspension comprising the particle. The present application also provides a method of making a therapeutic particle, comprising: (i) obtaining a solution comprising a therapeutic protein; (ii) obtaining a first suspension comprising the particle comprising a negatively charged polysaccharide and a positively charged polysaccharide, and (iii) mixing the solution of the therapeutic protein and the first suspension to obtain a second suspension comprising the therapeutic particle. The present application also provides particles (e.g.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a protecting group which improves the solubility of a compound having a functional group protected with the protecting group in an organic solvent and which is easily separated and purified after a reaction with avoiding solidification or insolubilization.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical devices, and methods for producing and using the devices. In embodiments, the medical device may be a buttress including a porous substrate possessing a therapeutic layer of a chemotherapeutic agent and optional excipient(s) thereon. By varying the form of chemotherapeutic agents and excipients, the medical devices may be used to treat both the area to which the medical device is attached as well as tissue at a distance therefrom.

Abstract: A method of treating, reducing or preventing bacterial infection in a wound, the method comprising: applying a film on the wound, the film including a biodegradable polymer with bacteriophages dispersed therein, wherein the polymer is a poly (ester amide urea).

Abstract: A biomaterial, particularly for tissue regeneration, includes an open, porous bioresorbable first material portion and a second material portion that is stiffer than the first material portion, wherein the volume fraction of the stiffer material is less than 30% of the total volume of the biomaterial, and the structural stiffness of the second material portion is at least 10 times greater than that of the first material portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biomaterial implants, medical devices, or bioprostheses wherein a surface or part thereof is coated with a nanoreservoir comprising a hydrophilic polymer or copolymer backbone crosslinked to a second polymer comprising a hydrophilic backbone and one or more reactive moieties, wherein the nanoreservoir further comprises one or more bioactive molecules, therapeutic molecules, or drugs.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are disclosed for a bioassay that is an in vitro mimic of peripheral nerve generation using the sensory neurons that innervate the peripheral nervous system. In some embodiments, the techniques may assist in detecting the bioactivity or potency of nerve grafts (e.g., processed, acellular human allografts) for fostering or supporting peripheral nerve regeneration. In various embodiments, techniques comprise affixing neurons (e.g., a DRG) to a nerve graft segment to form a test construct; culturing the test construct in a medium; analyzing the test construct to indicate the amount of outgrowing nerve structure; and determining the potency of the nerve graft from a metric derived from the analysis. In some embodiments, techniques and materials may be used to test the effect of a varied test condition on nerve growth.

Abstract: A disposable dressing forms a compartment around and above a wound site and a volatile antimicrobial compound is allowed to sublimate/evaporate into the compartment. A heating element is included in the dressing, with heat stimulating wound healing and simultaneously accelerating sublimation/evaporation of the antimicrobial compound.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide compositions, methods and kits for the treatment of ocular conditions or maladies affecting the back of the eye, e.g., the retina.

Abstract: The application provides biocompatible carriers comprising bone forming and/or cartilage forming cells and methods for making them. The application further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising said ATMPs and method of treatments using said ATMPs. The application further relates to said ATMPS for use in the treatment of bone disorders, cartilage disorders and joint disorders. The current invention further relates to method of treatments of bone disorders, cartilage disorders and joint disorders.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a closure constructed to be inserted and securely retained in a neck of a product-retaining container includes intimately combining a plurality of coated particles (each comprising a cork material core and a first plastic material) with a second plastic material, and other optional constituents; heating the composition to form a melt; extruding or molding a closure precursor from the melt; and optionally cutting and/or finishing the closure precursor. A composition for use in manufacturing a closure includes a plurality of coated particles (each comprising a cork material core and a first plastic material) with a second plastic material, and one or more blowing agents. Methods for producing particulate material, cork composite material, and additional method for producing closures are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides polymeric particles and scaffolds comprising a matrix and an anesthetic agent. In one embodiment, the matrix comprises a bioerodible polymer. The disclosure further relates to the use of the polymeric particles and scaffolds for sustained local delivery of anesthetic agents, reduction of pain killer addiction and addiction risk. The disclosure also provides methods of fabricating and administering polymeric particles and scaffolds containing an anesthetic agent described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved long uniform recombinant protein fibers with desirable physical traits. The present disclosure also provides compositions derived from the long uniform recombinant protein fibers.

Abstract: Described are medical devices including expandable tubular bodies configured to be implanted into a lumen, wherein the outer surface of the expandable tubular bodies are coupled to a polymer(s).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of treating a spinal cord injury, a neurodegenerative disease or a neuronal injury in an individual in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase to the individual, wherein the superoxide dismutase and the catalase are encapsulated in one or more nanoparticles that release the SOD and catalase upon administration. Another aspect of the invention is directed to compositions comprising superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase encapsulated in one or more nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention relates to biologically functional scaffolds having a porous structure, methods of preparing, and methods of use thereof. The invention also relates to methods of repairing a defect, methods of culturing cells and promoting differentiation of stem cells using the same.

Abstract: Absorbable monofilament fibers and self-retaining sutures with high tensile strengths have been developed. The straight pull tensile strengths of the absorbable self-retaining sutures closely approximate, equal or exceed the average minimum knot-pull tensile standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). These higher strength absorbable self-retaining sutures can therefore be used either without needing to oversize the suture for a given procedure, or by oversizing the self-retaining suture by no more than 0.1 mm in diameter. In one embodiment, the absorbable self-retaining sutures are made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymers thereof. Methods for producing absorbable self-retaining sutures that have high tensile strengths and pronounced sheath-core structures wherein the sheath is harder than the core are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery system, in particular for a controlled administration of one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients to a body, and further in particular for oral administration of one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients to a body. The system thereby comprises a base component soluble in body fluids and a separate first component soluble in body fluids. The first component thereby comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a first active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Abstract: This invention is related to a surgical suture production method that has been given electrical conductivity to the surgical suture. The surgical suture production method subjected to the invention comprises the steps of, dissolving a conductive or semi conductive polymer that is to be used as coating material in a solvent together with a dopant that increases electrical conductivity, immersing the surgical suture inside this solution and coating the suture, taking the suture out of the solution and obtaining an electrical conductive layer on the suture after the solution on it has evaporated.

Abstract: Implantable matrices and methods are provided. The matrices are configured to fit at or near a target tissue site, the matrices comprise biodegradable materials and ligands bound to the matrices and are configured to bind receptors and allow influx of cells into the implantable matrices, wherein the ratio of ligands to receptors is from about 1.5 to about 0.5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting device for motor vehicles. Said lighting device comprises a primary hologram for providing a lighting function when the primary hologram is illuminated with illumination light. The illumination light is directed towards the primary hologram via a secondary hologram system which comprises a coupling-in hologram, a waveguide substrate and a coupling-out hologram.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of preventing or reducing stenosis in a subject. The method includes implanting a passivated graft comprising vein into an artery. The implanting of the graft replaces and/or bypasses a diseased segment of the artery. The passivated graft including vein is prepared by exposing the exterior surface of the passivated graft comprising vein to a tissue structure stabilizing agent (“TSSA”) under conditions sufficient to promote cross-linking of proteins within the vein.