Abstract: Methods for treating a bioprosthetic tissue are described. The methods comprise contacting the biological tissue with an anchor compound, the anchor compound comprising first and second functional groups. The first functional group is reactive with and couples a tissue functional group associated with the biological tissue. The second functional group is one of a bio-orthogonal binding pair. The biological tissue coupled to the anchor compound is then exposed to a linking compound. The linking compound comprises at least two functional groups, each comprising the other one of the bio-orthogonal binding pair. In a preferred embodiment, the bio-orthogonal binding pair is an azide and an acetylene. The method can be performed in the presence of a catalyst, preferably a copper catalyst. Alternatively, the method can be performed in the absence of a catalyst, wherein the acetylene is incorporated in a ring-strained cyclic compound, such as cyclooctyne.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising genetic elements into microcapsules; and (b) sorting the genetic elements which express the gene product having the desired activity; wherein at least one step is under microfluidic control. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a polymeric material including a plurality of polymer subunits and an active cross-linker, wherein the active cross-linker is covalently linked to the plurality of polymer subunits. The active cross-linker offers a key building block for constructing novel molecular architecture in chemomechanical soft materials and illustrates a new approach to tailor material properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for providing polymeric composites with bone forming, such as with osteogenic and/or osteoinductive and/or osteoconductive, properties. The present invention further relates to polymeric composites provided by the present method and the use of thereof for bone implants, or grafts, specifically the use thereof for orbital floor reconstruction. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for providing a composite with bone forming properties, the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a liquid, or liquefied, polymeric composition of homopolymers or copolymers of 1,3-trimethylene carbonate (TMC); b) adding to said liquid, or liquefied, polymeric composition one or more agents with osteogenic and/or osteoinductive and/or osteoconductive properties thereby providing a dispersion of said agents in said liquid or liquefied polymeric composition; and c) crosslinking the product obtained, thereby providing a composite with bone forming properties.

Abstract: A ball sealer for hydrocarbon resource recovery, characterized by being obtained by coating a spherical core that comprises at least one layer comprising a disintegrable aliphatic polyester resin with a resin material that has higher impact resistance than the aliphatic polyester resin and by having a diameter of not less than approximately 25 mm (1 inch). This ball sealer has a large diameter, retains the property of being disintegrable after fracturing, and has impact resistance which makes the ball withstand high-velocity loading. The sealer is suitable for use in hydraulic fracturing, which is commonly used for recovering hydrocarbon resources including petroleum and gases. This large-diameter ball sealer can be efficiently formed with high dimensional accuracy by a method including at least one insert injection molding step.

Abstract: A composition for a porous membrane of a secondary battery including a non-conductive particle and a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer contains 80% by weight or more of a (meth)acrylamide monomer unit, and the water-soluble polymer has a storage modulus at 150° C. of 2.0×105 Pa or more; and a porous membrane manufactured therefrom and a secondary battery including the same.

Abstract: MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) devices can be fabricated completely of hydrogel materials. Such hydrogels can include polyethylene glycol with diacrylate functional groups (e.g., PEGDA), which are photopolymerizable in the presence of crosslinkers and photoinitiators. By using PEGDA monomers of different molecular weights and at different percentages, the mechanical properties of the polymerized gels and their respective permeabilities can be tuned. This spatial variation in properties and permeabilities can lead to different functionalities between different portions of the hydrogel MEMS device. Portions of the hydrogel device may be remotely actuated by applying wave energy, for example, a magnetic field, high intensity focused ultrasound, and/or infrared radiation. The remote actuation can allow the device to be actuated in vivo, for example, to allow the device to deliver a drug or other substance at a desired time and/or desired location within a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating the balloon of a balloon catheter, wherein the surface of the balloon is at least partially wetted with a first solution of an active ingredient, the part of the surface of the balloon wetted with the first solution of the active ingredient is wetted with a liquid containing water and/or at least one alcohol, and the part of the surface of the balloon wetted with the first solution and the liquid containing water and/or at least one alcohol is wetted with an additional solution that contains a polysaccharide. In this way, the balloon is provided with an active ingredient layer, which during the balloon dilatation is effectively applied to the vessel inner wall due to the embrittlement of the surface and cases a slowed, long lasting release of the active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention provides implants comprising a therapeutic drug and a polymer containing polylactic acid (PLA) and optionally polyglycolic acid (PGA). The present invention also provides methods of maintaining a therapeutic level of a drug in a subject, releasing a therapeutic drug at a substantially linear rate, and treating schizophrenia and other diseases and disorders, utilizing implants of the present invention.

Abstract: A scaffold for hard tissue regeneration comprising an active ingredient for treating osteoporosis and a preparation method thereof. The scaffold for hard tissue regeneration is prepared by the steps of mixing a polyphenol-based natural substance containing Quercetein or Genistein involved in the activation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts and the biofunctional analog thereof with a ceramic scaffold material and molding the mixture at room temperature into a three-dimensional scaffold. The biofunctional material included in the scaffold above may be sustain-released slowly over the long period of time so that the osteoblast activity is directly improved and at the same time the osteoclast activity is suppressed in the course of bone regeneration, to have the effect of improving bone regeneration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of an internal cavity are provided. The internal cavity is coated with a treatment solution. The treatment solution can include a solidifiable matrix with or without a drug or combination of drugs incorporated therein, or a drug solution without a solidifiable matrix. The treatment solution is coated onto at least a portion of the internal cavity, and acts as a slow-release drug delivery system.

Abstract: An intraocular active agent delivery device can include an active agent homogenously combined with a biodegradable active agent matrix such that the entire delivery device is homogenous. The homogenous delivery device can have a shape and size to fit within a lens capsule or ciliary sulcus of an eye and provide a therapeutically effective amount of the active agent to the eye. The biodegradable active agent matrix can be formulated to provide sustained release of the therapeutically effective amount of the active agent during a release period. In some examples, the active agent can include dexamethasone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing nanofibers storing and transferring nitric oxide, and nanofibers produced thereby. The present invention may include: a filling step for filling a first material with nitric oxide; a synthesis step for synthesizing a second material having a functional group capable of covalently bonding to the first material; a sol-gel reaction step for carrying out a sol-gel reaction of the first material filled with nitric oxide with the second material to produce a gel; and an electrospinning step for electrospinning the gel to produce a nanofiber.

Abstract: Described herein are applicators for delivery of a viscous material to a bone surface and methods of use. The applicator includes an elongate handle portion and a tip coupled to a distal location of the handle portion and formed of an elastomeric material configured to conform to the bone surface. The tip includes a bend a distance away from the distal location, a contact surface distal to the bend and including one or more surface features configured to adhere to the viscous material, and a front end having a conic curvature. The bend is between about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the tip.

Abstract: The invention concerns polyurethane (PUR) having an antithrombogenic coating, wherein the antithrombogenic coating comprises at least one antithrombogenic substance covalently bound to a surface of the PUR via at least two bonds, wherein a first of said bonds is an amide bond between the surface of the PUR and a polyethyleneimine (PEI) and a second of said bonds is between the PEI and the antithrombogenic substance, wherein the surface of the PUR had been activated by use of a carbon dioxide plasma or a plasma modified by addition of carbon dioxide before the first of said bonds was formed.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical gels and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient are provided, the gel being capable of adhering to the target tissue site and comprising one or more biodegradable depots containing an effective amount of the therapeutic agent. In various embodiments, the gel is sprayable and hardens after contacting the target tissue site.

Abstract: A cyclized peptide designated BMP Binding Peptide (BBP) is a synthetic peptide that avidly binds rhBMP-2, as do endogenous forms of BBP, and sequence conservation between species results in a variety of useful BBP compositions. BBP increases the over-all osteogenic activity of rhBMP-2, increases the rate at which rhBMP-2 induces bone formation, and BBP induces calcification alone. Compositions and substrates including BBP, and methods of using BBP are useful in therapeutic, diagnostic and clinical applications requiring calcification and osteogenesis.

Abstract: A method of replacing an ACL with a graft. The method provides for the drilling bone tunnels in a femur and a tibia. A replacement graft is provided having first and second ends. A biodegradable composite screw is provided. The screw is made from a biodegradable polymer and a bioceramic or a bioglass. At least one end of the graft is secured in a bone tunnel using the biodegradable composite screw.

Abstract: A biomaterial including a porous biocompatible structure having interconnected pores, wherein the pores have interior walls and are interconnected by passageways, the interior walls and passageways being coated with an osteoinductive aqueous demineralized bone extract solution, the aqueous demineralized bone extract solution including growth factors, proteins, a demineralized bone matrix and at least one of a weak acid and a guanidine hydrochloride, wherein the demineralized bone matrix is present per 100 g of the solution in an amount of from about 2 g to about 10 g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of spironolactone for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition intended for preventing and/or treating multiple sclerosis. Alternatively, the invention relates to the use of spironolactone directly in T-lymphocytes or dendritic cells obtained from a blood sample taken from a patient and then injected back into the circulation. Therefore, the present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising spironolactone that can be used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, which covers the administration of spironolactone directly or lymphocytes pre-treated with spironolactone, or dendritic cells to individuals requiring such treatment. Spironolactone is an orally administered drug that is less expensive than many of the treatments available for MS and, furthermore, has the advantage of being a known compound already used in humans for extended periods and therefore the adverse effects thereof have been described in clinical studies.

Abstract: A stent made from an ultra high molecular weight bioabsorbable polymer is disclosed herein. The bioabsorbable polymer can have a Mw greater than 1 million g/mole or greater than 2 million g/mole. Methods of making the ultra high molecular weight polymer stent without degrading the molecular weight are further disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of combining mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a bone substrate. In an embodiment, the method includes obtaining tissue having MSCs together with unwanted cells. The tissue is digested to form a cell suspension having MSCs and unwanted cells. The cell suspension is added to the substrate. The substrate is cultured to allow the MSCs to adhere. The substrate is rinsed to remove unwanted cells. In various embodiments, the tissue is adipose tissue, muscle tissue, or bone marrow tissue. In an embodiment, there is disclosed an allograft product including a combination of MSCs with a bone substrate in which the combination is manufactured by culturing MSCs disposed on the substrate for a period of time to allow the MSCs to adhere to the substrate, and then rinsing the substrate to remove unwanted cells from the substrate. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Adjunct material and methods of using adjunct material to reinforce tissue in proximity to a staple line are provided herein. In general, the adjunct material can be used to maintain a seal in tissue, such as lung tissue, and prevent stapled tissue from tearing. This adjunct material can be coupled to a jaw of a surgical stapler, and can be deployed into tissue along with the staples. In some embodiments, the adjunct material can comprise an outer material encompassing an inner, hydrophilic swellable material. The outer material can be selectively dissolvable and/or absorbable. When the outer material is punctured by staples or otherwise penetrated, moisture is passed to the inner material which then swells and expands to transition to a predetermined shape to seal the tissue and prevent leaks from forming in the tissue. Portions of the inner material around the staple line can transition to a large radius.

Abstract: An adsorption method adsorbs a substance by using a tube-shaped apatite crystal. The apatite crystal may be a monocrystal given by a general formula M25(PO4)3X (M2 denotes at least one element selected from the group consisting of divalent alkali earth metal and Eu, and X denotes at least one element or molecule selected from the group consisting of halogen element and OH). The outer form of the apatite crystal may be a hexagonal prism in which the aperture of a hole formed on a top surface or bottom surface of the hexagonal prism may be hexagonal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anchor. The anchor includes a suture bridge having a proximal end and distal end. The distal end of the suture bridge has a thickness greater than a thickness of the proximal end of the suture bridge. At least two ribs extend from the proximal end of the suture bridge to a proximal end of the anchor. At least one open helical coil wraps around the at least two ribs and extends, substantially, from the proximal end of the suture bridge to the proximal end of the anchor. The at least one open helical coil defines an internal volume communicating with a region exterior to the anchor through apertures between turns of the at least one open helical coil. The at least two ribs are engagable with a grooved shaft of a driver.

Abstract: Medical devices described herein include a melt-pressed film having first and second diffusion barrier layers disposed thereon. The melt-pressed film and the barrier layers comprise bioabsorbable copolymers. In a further aspect, a therapeutic agent, such as an analgesic is included in the medical device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spray applicator for spraying a tissue treatment medicant onto a tissue that has a container containing the medicant and is positioned at a proximal end of the spray applicator; a spray tip positioned at a distal end of the spray applicator; a cannula connecting the container with the spray tip; an actuatable dispensing mechanism at a proximal end of the applicator to express the medicant from the container through the cannula and through the spray tip toward the tissue; an optional pressurized gas source discharging a gas through the cannula in the vicinity of the spray tip or inside the spray tip; and a distance indicator that provides indicia of the distance between the spray tip and the tissue but does not prevent positioning the spray tip closer to the tissue than a defined distance for the distance indicator.

Abstract: Composites and methods of producing a mouldable bone substitute are described. A scaffold for bone growth comprises nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA), a bioresorbable plasticizer, and a biodegradable polymer. Plasticizers of the invention include oleic acid, tocopherol, eugenol, 1,2,3-triacetoxypropane, monoolein, and octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Polymers of the invention include poly(caprolactone), poly(D,L-Lactic acid), and poly(glycolide-co lactide). Methods of regulating porosity, hardening speed, and shapeability are also described. Composites and methods are described using nanocrystalline HA produced with and without amino acids. The scaffold for bone growth described herein displays increased strength and shapeability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tissue repair scaffold comprising a secondary fiber bundle, the secondary fiber bundle comprising a plurality of primary fiber bundles, each primary fiber bundle comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a biocompatible polymer. In embodiments the biocompatible polymer is polycaprolactone (PCL) (also known as poly-?-caprolactone) and the average diameter of the fibers is less than 1 ?m. The scaffold is particularly adapted for tendon repair. In vivo mouse studies demonstrate that tendon repair can be achieved with normal ambulation returning after 24-48 hours. The scaffolds were easy to handle during surgery, being non-slippery and easy to suture in place.

Abstract: Effective treatments of pain and inflammation are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of fluocinolone at or near a target site, one can reduce, prevent or treat inflammation and pain and autoimmune disorders. In various embodiments, fluocinolone formulations may be provided within biodegradable polymers to reduce, prevent or treat sciatic pain and/or inflammation. In various embodiments, prevent transplant rejection for at least twenty-five days. In some embodiments, the pain relief can be for at least fifty days, at least one hundred days, at least one hundred and thirty-five days or at least one hundred and eighty days.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable polymer scaffolds with coatings are disclosed that include immobilized antithrombotic agents on the scaffolds or in or on the coatings. The agents act synergistically with antiproliferative agents released from coatings by providing hemocompatibility during and without interfering with antiproliferative agent release. Methods of modifying scaffolds and coatings with the antithrombotic agents are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for cosmetic augmentation by forming a biocompatible cross-linked polymer having a multi-phase mixture with a time release catalyst; injecting the mixture into a patient as a viscous fluid; after injection, activating the catalyst to cross-link the polymer after a predetermined period after injection into a patient; and augmenting soft tissue with the biocompatible cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: A device for carrying out Gluteopexia, which is the elevation of the buttocks. The device has longitudinal shape and is composed by a first anchoring element and a second anchoring element, both linked by a longitudinal element, combining for a single body. The first anchoring element is sheltered in a longitudinal crevice of the first cover of the device. The second anchoring element is lodged in a longitudinal channeled piercing of the second cover of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of otic disorders with steroid, NSAID, and/or adenosine triphosphatase (“ATPase”) modulator agents. In these methods, the steroidal, NSAID, and/or ATPase compositions and formulations are administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disorder, through direct application of these compositions and formulations onto or via perfusion into the targeted auris structure(s).

Abstract: Provided according to some embodiments of the invention are topical gels that may release nitric oxide. Also provided are methods of using such topical gels in the treatment of wounds and other skin ailments.

Abstract: Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices. The devices may be comprised of novel expansile materials, novel infrastructure design, or both. The devices provided are very flexible and enable deployment with reduced or no damage to bodily tissues, conduits, cavities, etceteras.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex of a protein comprising zinc oxide-binding peptides and zinc oxide nanoparticles, to the use thereof as a drug delivery carrier for manufacturing medicines, and to a vaccine composition and a contrast agent comprising the composite. The protein comprising zinc oxide-binding peptides significantly improves the in vivo availability of zinc oxide-binding peptides, and therefore the complex of the present invention can be used not only as a drug delivery carrier for in vivo drug delivery or intracellular drug delivery, but also for in vivo imaging or cell imaging. The complex can be used for producing separating agents for effectively separating biological materials, therapeutic agents for hyperthermia, etc., contrast agents for MRI, and beads applicable to biosensors.

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: Stents or scaffolds made from magnesium or magnesium alloys including additives or barrier coatings that modify the corrosion rate of the stent are disclosed. Methods of forming barrier coatings that modify the corrosion rate of the stent are disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods that effectively support innate immunity and/or disperse pathogenic biofilms using readily available, nontoxic, natural substances, while supporting restoration of normal microbiotic homeostasis. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides anti-biofilm compositions comprising one or more probiotic organisms, anti-microbial honey, and other ingredients such as prebiotic compounds, other hive products, green tea derivatives, other plant derivatives, and vitamin D3.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for reducing, treating or preventing adhesions in a patient in need of such treatment. In one embodiment, an implantable device is provided for reducing or preventing adhesion formation at a post-operative tissue site in a patient, the implantable device including a biodegradable porous matrix comprising dextran, wherein the implantable device is capable of releasing the dextran over at least 2 days.

Abstract: A bone patch and method for treating a bone condition of an animal. The bone patch includes a composition of ingredients. The composition of ingredients include: stem cells; signaling molecules for osteoblast/endothelial differentiation; and scaffold material. The method for treating a bone condition includes: applying the bone patch to the animal for bone regeneration, treatment of a fractured bone, and/or treatment of a bone disorder.

Abstract: A bone implant primer is provided. A biodegradable hydrogel component is provided. A plurality of biomolecule release depots are dispersed within the biodegradable hydrogel component wherein the plurality of biomolecule release depots comprise biomolecules for aiding implant osseointegration or biomolecules for mitigation of foreign body response. Different biomolecules may be released by the microspheres at different times.

Abstract: Process for the production of a polymer foam with use of hydrogel pearls as porosity generating template, comprising the steps of:—providing a matrix of polymer or prepolymer in viscous state including, as a dispersed phase, hydrogel pearls, where said pearls are dispersed in said matrix so as to generate intercommunicating cells,—causing the solidification of the matrix of polymer or prepolymer to obtain said polymer foam including said hydrogel pearls, characterised in that it comprises the operation of subjecting the thus obtained foam to conditions which cause the dehydration of said hydrogel pearls so as to obtain a reduction of volume of said pearls and—removing the dehydrated pearls by immersion in water of the polymer foam or by exposure of the foam to a flow of pressurized gas or water.

Abstract: A system for multiphasic delivery of at least one growth factor at a treatment site comprises a delivery vehicle for releasing at least one growth factor in an initial release profile and a carrier for releasing at least one growth factor in a sustained release profile. The initial release profile releases at least one growth factor over a period of hours to days, wherein the growth factor is released in a large amount initially, with the remainder being released in progressively lower amounts. The sustained release profile releases at least one growth factor over a period of days to weeks, wherein the growth factor is released at a generally constant amount over such period. The system of the invention is particularly suited for applications on bioimplants. The invention also comprises methods and kits for multiphasic delivery of at least one growth factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane comprising at least one positively charged, synthetic, hydrophobic polymer, at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one plasticizer; wherein said membrane is flexible and is capable of supporting at least one of cell adherence, cell proliferation or cell differentiation. The invention further relates to use of a membrane of the invention in the preparation of an implantable devices including cell delivery systems, cell growing surfaces and scaffolds. The invention further provides methods for promoting tissue regeneration in a defected tissue region applying membranes of the invention.

Abstract: A system for evaluating surgical knot formation is disclosed. The system includes a first surgically relevant object, a pressure sensor, and at least one pair of suture ends passing through the pressure sensor and the first surgically relevant object. The system also includes a controller coupled to the pressure sensor and configured to 1) transform signals from the pressure sensor into a pressure map having pressure magnitudes from a plurality of locations on the pressure sensor corresponding to one or more knots which may be formed in the at least one pair of suture ends; and 2) format the pressure map for display.

Abstract: A formulation for generating an adhesion barrier that includes a plurality of particles or a dry powder that is made of a polymer combination of at least one biodegradable polymer and at least one water soluble polymer is disclosed. Methods of making and delivering the formulation are further disclosed. The formulation of particles is deposited on a surface of internal body tissue and the deposited formulation absorbs moisture from the tissue and forms a film over the surface. The film acts as an adhesion barrier by reducing or preventing adhesion of the surface to other body tissue.

Abstract: Cells are employed in conjunction with unique biologically-compatible scaffold structures to generate differentiated tissues and structures, both in vitro and in vivo. The presently disclosed subject matter further relates to methods of forming and using improved tissue engineered scaffolds that can be used as substrates to facilitate the growth and differentiation of cells.

Abstract: Implantable modular hydrogels to aid in salivary gland restoration and associated methods are provided. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a hydrogel network comprising: a hyaluronic acid macromer crosslinked with a multiblock copolymer.