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: 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.

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: A method is provided for preparing an ECM material, including an ECM gel, from regenerative or regenerating tissue. ECM material prepared from regenerative or regenerating materials also is provided.

Abstract: An ophthalmic implant for drug delivery. The implant includes a primary intracapsular device coupled to a secondary device, wherein, when implanted in a patient's eye, the primary intracapsular device is held in place by the patient's capsular bag and the secondary device is held in place by the primary intracapsular device. The implant may be inserted in the eye by injecting the primary intracapsular device into the eye either before or after attaching the secondary device to the primary intracapsular device, and subsequently positioning the joined secondary device and primary intracapsular device with the primary intracapsular device held in place by the patient's capsular bag and the secondary device held in place by the primary intracapsular device. The secondary device may be designed to hold a tertiary device that can be implanted and attached at the time of surgery or anytime postoperatively.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to suppositories that release nitric oxide, and methods of using the same. According to some embodiments of the present invention provided herein is a nitric oxide (NO) releasing suppository (e.g., vaginal suppositories) are described herein. Some embodiments are directed to compositions, kits, and/or methods for treating and/or preventing an infection (e.g., a viral infection). In some embodiments, a method of treating and/or preventing a viral infection in a subject in need thereof is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for treating a joint disease or a connective tissue disease, a composition for cartilage regeneration, or a composition for treating an inflammatory disease, each of the compositions containing dextran, poloxamer or a mixture thereof. The composition stays in the joint or connective tissue for a long time due to the shock-absorbing effect, coating effect or anti-inflammation effect, relieves the shock, covers a damaged portion in a specific manner thereto, or reduces inflammation of an adhered portion. Thus, the composition may be useful for the treatment of the joint disease, the connective tissue disease, or for the cartilage regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and compositions for preventing primary or acquired resistance of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) inhibitors in a cancer with deregulated EGFR comprising: identifying a subject suspected of needing treatment for primary or acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors of the cancer with deregulated EGFR; and providing the subject with a therapeutically effective amount of a chromosome region maintenance 1 (CRM1) inhibitor and an inhibitor of EGFR in an amount sufficient to reduce or eliminate the cancer.

Abstract: A hydrogel delivery composition and method, including degradable microcapsules suspended in a degradable thermo-responsive hydrogel. The hydrogel is thermo-responsive at a physiological temperature and changes after application to a more solid state due to body temperatures. The composition includes one or more treatment agents to be released over time as the composition degrades. The composition can be varied to modify the structure and/or release of the treatment agent. The degradable microcapsules include one or more of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), bovine serum albumin (BSA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and sucrose to improve release duration.

Abstract: The method of making an implant consists on coating of a supporting structure (1) with synthetic hydroxyapatite by immersing the supporting structure (1) in a suspension (3) and triggering of a cavitation in a portion of the suspension (3) being in contact with the supporting structure (1). The suspension (3) is formed by a liquid external phase, advantageously water, and internal phase, i.e. particles of synthetic hydroxyapatite having an average particle size not exceeding 100 nm and containing structural water in an amount from 2 to 6% by weight. The implant is coated with the above described hydroxyapatite subjected to cavitation and a thickness of 50 nm to 1000 nm, advantageously 50 nm to 300 nm.

Abstract: A sterile, ready-to-use, flowable haemostatic composition comprises a soluble haemostatic agent comprising a plurality of carriers and a plurality of fibrinogen binding peptides immobilised to the carrier; a biocompatible liquid; and particles of biocompatible cross-linked polysaccharide suitable for use in haemostasis and which are insoluble in the biocompatible liquid. Such compositions may be used for the control of bleeding, especially in surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prevention and/or treatment of diseases or disorders associated with a damaged or leaky vasculature in a subject. The present invention provides for methods, combinations and pharmaceutical compositions for preventing and/or treating a disease or disorder associated with a damaged or leaky vasculature in a subject, using, inter alia, an effective amount of a nanoparticle comprising an inner core comprising a non-cellular material, an outer surface comprising a cellular membrane derived from a platelet; and optionally an agent for preventing, treating, diagnosing, or prognosing the disease or disorder and/or monitoring prevention or treatment of the disease or disorder. Exemplary diseases or disorders include hemorrhage (bleeding), cardiovascular diseases or disorders, diseases or disorders associated with narrowing of a blood vessel, tumors or cancers.

Abstract: Thin film devices, e.g., multilayer thin film devices, that encapsulate cells for transplantation into a subject are provided. Also provided are methods of using and methods of preparing the subject devices. The thin film devices include a first porous polymer layer and a second porous polymer layer that define a lumen therebetween and encapsulate a population of cells within the lumen. The thin film devices can promote vascularization into the lumen of the device via the pores in the first polymer layer and/or second polymer layer; limit foreign body response to the device; limit ingress of cells, immunoglobulins, and cytokines into the lumen via the first and the second polymer layers; and release from the first polymer layer and/or the second polymer layer molecules secreted by the population of cells.

Abstract: Described are ready-to-use injectable compositions comprising polymeric microspheres or microparticles of non-animal origin, a hydrogel comprising water and a cellulose-derivative gelling agent, and polysorbate 80. Further described are methods of using the ready-to-use injectable compositions for reparative or plastic surgery, esthetic dermatology, facial contouring, body contouring, and gingival augmentation.

Abstract: Microspheres, compositions including the microspheres, and methods of using the microspheres are disclosed herein. The microspheres can be substantially spherical and can include a copolymer of a monomer (such as an acrylic monomer) and a cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof. The microspheres can also include a therapeutic agent, such as a platinum-based drug.

Abstract: A wound healing composition and method for treating acute and chronic wounds and skin conditions includes a wound healing composition or formulation including a mixture of buckwheat honey, methylglyoxal and bacitracin.

Abstract: A composition includes a target pharmaceutical or biological agent, a solution containing the target pharmaceutical or biological agent, and substrate that is soluble in the solution. The substrate is capable of being solidified via a solidification process and the solidification process causes the substrate to become physically or chemically cross-linked, vitrified, or crystallized. As a result of the solidification process, particles are formed. The target pharmaceutical or biological agent within the solution retains proper conformation to ultimately produce a desired effect.

Abstract: A marker for imaging includes a bio-dissolvable material and a contrast agent configured to provide contrast during an imaging procedure. A method can include forming a marker for imaging from a bio-dissolvable material and impregnating the bio-dissolvable material with a contrast agent. A method can include implanting a bio-dissolvable marker for imaging into a patient.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to compositions comprising degradable polymers and methods of making degradable polymers. Specifically, the disclosed degradable polymers comprise a biodegradable polymer backbone, a nitric oxide linker moiety, and a nitric oxide molecule. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A regenerative material in the connective tissues (such as bone, dentin or pulp) regeneration field. More precisely, a connective tissue regenerative material, preferably a bone, dentin or pulp regenerative material, including: a porous polymer matrix having interconnected pores; and non-hydrated calcium silicate particles; wherein: the polymer matrix is anhydrous; the non-hydrated calcium silicate particles have a d50granulometry, preferably ranging from 0.05 ?m to less than the average diameter size of the pores of the matrix; and the non-hydrated calcium silicate particles being coated on the inside walls of the pores of the matrix. Also, a method for preparing the connective tissue regenerative material and uses of the regenerative materials, such as in the dental field; especially, for providing regenerative materials with improved biomechanical and osteoinductive properties (i.e.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and kits including trichloroacetic acid, and methods of using the same for debridement during endodontic treatment.

Abstract: Bioactive porous bone graft implants in various forms suitable for bone tissue regeneration and/or repair, as well as methods of use, are provided. The implants are formed of bioactive glass and have an engineered porosity. The implants may take the form of a putty, foam, fibrous cluster, fibrous matrix, granular matrix, or combinations thereof and allow for enhanced clinical results as well as ease of handling.