Abstract: The invention provides a biocompatible filament material having an antimicrobial finish, in particular in the form of a surficial layer, the finish comprising polyhexamethylenebiguanide (PHMB) as a nonspecifically antimicrobially active component, and also a process for producing the filament material, comprising the steps of: producing an active solution from the nonspecifically antimicrobially active component PHMB and a solvent, transferring PHMB from the active solution onto and/or into the filament material, and drying the filament material comprising the transferred PHMB.

Abstract: The present invention provides an all-aqueous process and composition for production of silk biomaterials, e.g., fibers, films, foams and mats. In the process, at least one biocompatible polymer, such as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) (a well-documented biocompatible material), was blended with the silk protein prior to processing e.g., electrospinning. We discovered that this step avoids problems associated with conformational transitions of fibroin during solubilization and reprocessing from aqueous solution which lead to embrittled materials. Moreover, the process avoids the use of organic solvents that can pose problems when the processed biomaterials are exposed to cells in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.

Abstract: Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.

Abstract: Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.

Abstract: Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing and potentiating action of molecules of known anti-angiogenic substances such as ANGIOSTATIN® or ENDOSTATIN® by using in coupling conjugation with cis-unsaturated fatty acids (c-UFAs) in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders uses c-UFAs chosen from linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and cis-parinaric acid in predetermined quantities. Preferably, the c-UFAs are in the form of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Uncontrolled or undesirable angiogenic activity promotes cell proliferative disorders and tumor growth, which can be inhibited by the selective use of PUFAs with anti-angiogenic substances used selectively in conjunction with predetermined anti-cancer drugs. For a non-glioma type of cell proliferation disorder, a sodium, potassium or lithium salt of a PUFA is preferred to form an admixture with an anti-angiogenic substance.

Abstract: Hydrophilic compositions are described, which are prepared from a first oligomer containing pendent polymerizable groups and pendent hydrophilic groups, crosslinked with a co-reactive second component oligomer possessing photoinitiator groups. The compositions may be used as in preparation of hydrophilic gel coatings or layers for medical devices.

Abstract: The Eph (erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma) receptors and their cell surface anchored ligands, the Ephrins, comprise the largest of the receptor tyrosine kinases families with 14 receptors and 8 ligands. The receptors are subdivided into Eph-A and Eph-B categories and have known actions in the development of the vascular and nervous system. The present invention relates to an isolated mesenchymal stem cell selected from the group consisting of an isolated mesenchymal stem cell that expresses Ephrin-B2, an isolated mesenchymal stem cell that over-expresses Ephrin-B2, and an isolated mesenchymal stem cell that is genetically modified to increase Ephrin-B2 expression. The invention further relates to the various applications of the isolated mesenchymal stem cells of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collagen-related polypeptide (CRP) having hydrophobic amino acid groups at the N- and C-termini capable of non-covalent self-assembly into collagen mimetic triple helices and fibrils thereof and the synthesis, methods of use and compositions thereof. The present invention also relates to novel hemostatic foam substrates, a method of manufacturing the foam substrates, and a method of stimulating hemostasis in a mammal using such foam substrates.

Abstract: A device is provided that allows for treatment or pre-treatment of an area of a human or animal organ intended to be penetrated to connect the vascular system of said human or animal with a sampling, infusion, or withdrawal container. The device comprises nitric oxide (NO) for obtaining a vaso-dilating effect at said area during said treatment or pre-treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wound dressings, in particular to an antibacterial wound dressing based on silvered gel-forming fabric and to a process for the manufacture of such a wound dressing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human metabolism, in particular fat reduction and a cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulation, as well as respective uses in particular together with a dressing material according to the invention.

Abstract: Biocompatible composites of flexible polymers/copolymers films and dispersed solid silica-based ceramic microparticles are provided. The composites uniquely combine material and drug delivery properties that are essential for wound dressings and drug delivery applications. The flexible copolymer films are preferably tyrosine-based polycarbonates, and the ceramic microparticles are biodegradable silica-based glass particles that are preferably processed by a sol-gel methodology. The copolymers and the ceramic microparticles independently can contain therapeutic agents, are independently capable of binding these agents, and can independently release such agents. It is sufficient that either the polymer or the ceramic contains therapeutic agents, although both may contain them.

Abstract: A bactericidal or antimicrobial polymeric composition includes a hydrophilic first comonomer copolymerized to a second comonomer to produce a polymeric composition that is more hydrophilic or more bactericidal or antimicrobial in an aqueous solution than either of the comonomers alone. Methods for identifying bactericidal or antimicrobial polymers, methods for rendering materials bactericidal or antimicrobial, and methods for using bactericidal or antimicrobial compositions to kill or reduce bacterial or microbial growth are also described. Applications for the inventive compositions include their use in catheters, stents, medical devices, contact lenses; root canal fillers; fibers; paper; and/or wound dressing.

Abstract: An improved hydrogel wound dressing and its preparation is disclosed. The ingredients used in the dressing are PAAS of 20˜30 wt %, PVA of 2˜6 wt % and water of 64˜78 wt %. The hydrogel wound dressings were formed by dissolution, casting films, radiation synthesis and sterilization. Compared with conventional hydrogel dressings the improved dressings displayed an enhanced degree of swelling. Cell growth factors may be incorporated into the dressings to be released slowly in the wound.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a nano-coating of an oxide such as silica, a silicate or another effective oxide on a surface to accelerate blood clotting in mammalian animals. The hemostatic layer has a thickness that is effective for the hemostasis, yet can be made thin enough to result in a resorbable film which can either be applied to a biocompatible or resorbable device that can be used in surgical applications as well as in topical applications such as trauma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to “grafting to” methods of modifying materials surfaces with high-density polymer brushes. A method of the present invention comprises contacting in succession or simultaneously an activated material surface, a solution of a polymeric material having a polymeric backbone with pendant reactive moieties, and a melt of brush-forming terminally-functionalized polymer chains, in order to allow a covalent bonding reaction to occur between surface and polymers, wherein upon completion of the reaction, the polymeric material forms a layer between the material surface and the brush polymer chains.

Abstract: A medical method and dressing for application, and maintenance of medication on healthy, damaged diseased or infected living tissue. Medication is applied to body tissue and then coated with a bioadhesive providing medication maintenance on tissue and protection from body and other liquids or abrasion thereby preventing removal of the medication during a healing or treatment process.

Abstract: Adhesive patches for the transdermal administration of granisetron, comprise an acrylic adhesive containing non-acidic nucleophilic moieties which substantially increase flux of granisetron across the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biguanide-containing liposomes and antiseptic preparations based on biguanide-containing liposomes, where the liposomes are characterised in that they are essentially free of lipids with anionic head groups, to the preparation of biguanide-containing liposomes and of the antiseptic preparations, and to their possible uses and to the products arising from their use, in particular wound dressings.

Abstract: A collagen-based bio-absorbable wound dressing which contains a linear polymer biguanide and/or a water-soluble salt thereof. The biguanide is preferably polyhexamethylene biguanide. The bio-absorbable wound dressing has a long residence time in the body, is extremely well tolerated and leads to rapid and uncomplicated wound healing with clearly reduced infection risk.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for promoting the clotting of blood includes a gauze substrate, a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate, and also a polyol such as glycerol or the like disposed on the gauze substrate to bind the clay material. When the device is used to treat a bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with blood emanating from the wound to cause the clotting. A bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood includes a flexible substrate and a gauze substrate mounted thereon. The gauze substrate includes a clay material and a polyol. A hemostatic sponge also includes a gauze substrate and a dispersion of hemostatic material and a polyol on a first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for using a stabilized foam that is a crosslinked, closed cell polyolefin having a stabilizing layer and an adhesive layer. The method can be used for treating a wound, scrape, abrasion or skin puncture, for maintaining cleanliness of an operation incision site, suture site, catheter insertion site, or an intentional skin breach site, for monitoring electrical impulses during an EKG or for delivering electrical impulses in TENS or biofeedback therapy, and for reducing scar formation by softening collagen deposits.

Abstract: The invention provides: a film-forming composition comprising a) a saccharide-siloxane copolymer; b) a crosslinking agent; c) one or more active/inactive ingredients; and d) optionally, a solvent, or solvent mixture, wherein the saccharide-siloxane copolymer has the following formula: R2aR1(3?a)SiO—[(SiR2R1O)m-(SiR12O)n]y-SiR1(3?a)R2a that is further formulaically defined and wherein the saccharide-siloxane copolymer is a reaction product of a functionalized organosiloxane polymer and at least one hydroxy-functional saccharide such that the organosiloxane component is covalently linked via a linking group to the saccharide component; films; and methods related thereto. The invention also provides articles of manufacture including topical and transdermal agent delivery patches comprising the novel film-forming composition and/or films.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of hypo-oncotic aqueous solutions of molecularly dispersed chemically modified high molecular weight crosslinked hemoglobins, namely so-called hemoglobin hyperpolymers, to prepare agents for the symptomatic, primarily life-saving treatment of acute pulmonary edema. Administration in particular is intravascular. Surprisingly, additive administration can be performed since according to the invention the colloidal-osmotic (=oncotic) pressure of the blood itself is essentially raised only slightly, and the blood volume is increased hardly at all. Administration pursuant to the invention is thus (almost) volume-neutral based on the blood into which the injection is made. A hyperpolymeric hemoglobin derivative is thus used therapeutically for the first time as a blood additive for the treatment of pulmonary edema.

Abstract: A fibrin wound dressing is made by mixing quantities of fibrinogen solution and thrombin solution with air. The resulting foam is very light weight, and with the proper attention to the amount of thrombin, will rest on a vertical surface without dripping. The wound dressing may also be formulated for its ability to continue migration of healing substances, such as PDGF, from the dressing to the wound site. Thrombin substitutes, such as other clotting proteins, may be used instead of thrombin. The resulting foam may also be lyophilized or ground and lyophilized for later reconstitution. A therapeutic drug or other additive may also be added to the wound dressing. A fibrin foam may be made by injecting fibrinogen foam into a clotting protein, such as thrombin.

Abstract: A fibrin wound dressing is made by mixing quantities of fibrinogen solution and thrombin solution with air. The resulting foam is very light weight, and with the proper attention to the amount of thrombin, is also sufficiently viscous to rest on a vertical surface without dripping. The wound dressing may also be formulated for its ability to continue migration of healing substances, such as PDGF, from the dressing to the wound site. Thrombin substitutes, such as other clotting proteins, may be used instead of thrombin. The resulting foam may also be lyophilized or ground and lyophilized for later reconstitution. A therapeutic drug or other additive may also be added to the wound dressing.

Abstract: A method for treating wounds by adhering a wound dressing to a wound with a polymerizable alkyl cyanoacrylate composition, such that the wound dressing and cyanoacrylate composition seal the wound to inhibit bleeding and infection. The dressing may be in the form of a mitten. Also disclosed is injection of polymerizable cyanoacrylate into puncture wounds to seal the wounds and inhibit bleeding.

Abstract: There is provided a personal care product having a body side liner, a baffle and an indicator strip with two ends. The indicator has an amine sensitive dye near at least one end. The indicator extends from the target area just below the liner to just above the baffle such that the dye deposit is visible to an unaided eye. The dye changes color in the presence of amines which are characteristic of infection, thus alerting the user to the possibility of infection. Such an indicator placed in a feminine hygiene pad, for example, may be useful in the diagnosis of vaginitis.

Abstract: A method of making a wound dressing comprises dissolving at least one hemostatic agent in at least one solvent to form a solution. The method continues by freeze drying the solution to form a sponge. The method further comprises compressing the sponge, wherein the sponge is subjected to a vapor above ambient temperature prior to or during the compression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wound dressing that includes a patterned gradient of immobilized growth factor molecules that promote directed migration of cells during dermal wound healing. Growth factor is immobilized on a support substrate to present a gradient pattern of increasing growth factor concentration to migrating cells. Methods of promoting wound healing using the patterned gradient wound dressing and fabrication methods of same are also provided.

Abstract: An adhesive patch for covering a portion of the anatomical surface of a living being, said patch being able to adhere to the skin, and/or a wound on a part of the body, said patch comprising a backing layer and a layer of a skin-friendly adhesive for adhering to the skin, and said patch having a pattern of indentations wherein the indentations are in the form of a pattern of curvilinear indentations shows a flexibility capable of adapting to the contour of a skin surface or a joint that is frequently bent ensuring a snug fit and a safe grip.

Abstract: The present application discloses an alternative method for the formation of non-woven with fibers in the 1 to 200 ?m range. Using an aqueous solution of gelatin (optionally with <30% of low molecular weight alcohol) the fibers are ejected utilizing pressurized air emitted from nozzle and the non-woven formed directly from the emitted thin fibers. The gelatin non-woven can be cross-linked by heat-treatment or chemical cross-linking, and the non-woven is biocompatible as measured by fibroblast growth in vitro and wound healing on pigs in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogel composition comprising water, a first crosslinked polymer, and a second crosslinked polymer, wherein the first crosslinked polymer comprises poly(ethylene oxide) and the second crosslinked polymer comprises a hydrophilic polymer other than poly(ethylene oxide), wherein the first crosslinked polymer and the second crosslinked polymer form an interpenetrating network (IPN). The hydrogel of the present invention has an attractive combination of water absorption and compressive strength. The hydrogel composition finds use as a drug delivery device. The invention also provides a method of preparing such hydrogel composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for immobilization and optional stabilization of viruses whilst retaining the viral biological activity and the use of immobilized virus in therapy. In particular, the immobilized virus relates to immobilized bacteriophage and their use as an antibiotic or bacteriostatic agent and in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to nitric oxide-releasing particles for delivering nitric oxide, and their use in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacteriology. In particular, the present invention provides compositions (e.g., comprising a lantibiotic and mupirocin or gentamicin) and methods of treating (e.g., killing or inhibiting growth of) bacteria. For example, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions (e.g., comprising a lantibiotic and mupirocin or gentamicin) and methods of using the same in research, therapeutic and drug screening applications.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for making a silver-containing antimicrobial hydrophilic material. More particularly, the present invention comprises methods and compositions for stabilized silver antimicrobial devices comprising a matrix comprising a polymer network and a non-gellable polysaccharide, and an active agent. The matrix may be formed into any desired shape for its desired uses.

Abstract: Compositions containing a surface active agent and a sub-lethal amount of an antimicrobial agent and methods for using such compositions are provided herein.

Abstract: There is disclosed an article and method of making an article for removing at least one contaminant from a solid surface. In one embodiment, the article comprises carbon nanotubes attached to a support media, such as a nonwoven mixture of PET and cotton. There is also disclosed a method of removing at least one contaminant from a solid surface, such as areas where microbial, particle, or static contamination is undesirable, including hospitals, clean rooms, kitchens, baths, or human hands.

Abstract: A device for promoting the clotting of blood comprises a clay material in particle form and a receptacle for containing the clay material. At least a portion of the receptacle is defined by a mesh. Another device comprises a gauze substrate and a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate. Another device is a bandage comprising a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and particles of a clay material retained in the mesh. A hemostatic sponge comprises a substrate, a hemostatic material disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a release agent disposed on a second surface of the substrate. The release agent is disposed on the wound-contacting surface of the substrate. When treating a bleeding wound, application of the hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of the hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through the release agent and through the substrate.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to antimicrobial surfaces comprised of hydrocarbon polymers with significant hydrophobic character which also contain an amino group with a pKa greater than or equal to about 8. In certain embodiments initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) is used to coat a surface with an antimicrobial polymer.

Abstract: A method of making a pliable, bioabsorbable hemostatic dressing wherein the dressing is composed of fibers with at least one molecular-scale coating, which upon first contact with blood and due to a large area of contact with blood per unit weight of active ingredients, initiates and accelerates the biochemical blood clotting cascade processes.

Abstract: A delivery system, e.g. a skin dressing, comprising an upper component, comprising hydrogen peroxide, and a lower component in hydrated condition, such that when the upper and lower components are placed in contact with each other, hydrogen peroxide migrates towards the lower component is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of tarenflurbil and/or a pharmaceutically tolerable salt or derivative thereof in enantiomerically-pure and/or essentially enantiomerically-pure form or a form that is enriched with respect to flurbiprofen racemate and/or a racemate of said salt or derivative, for the production of a drug for the treatment of pain-associated neuropathy, pain-associated neuropathy that is simultaneously accompanied by states of nociceptive pain, peripheral and/or predominantly peripheral neuropathic pain or central and/or predominantly central neuropathic pain.

Abstract: A medical device having a sleeve-shaped elastic body which is rolled up to form an annular structure and may be rolled down to annularly contacting one or more body parts, such as limbs, a biochemically active material, such as a disinfecting material, added substantially to a portion of the sleeve-shaped elastic body, and a pressure-exerting element for rolling down the sleeve-shaped elastic body while applying an external pressure on a contact point between the portion and the one or more body parts.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more multifunctional initiator groups. The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hemostatic fabric materials, and to the methods for making and using such materials. In particular, the present invention relates to hemostatic fabric materials made from chemically treated cellulose, where the hemostatic material can be soluble on wound surfaces.

Abstract: There is provided an anti-microbial composition comprising a cationic peptide and a glycineglycine endopeptidase. The composition has been found to be synergistic against bacteria, especially Gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus MSSA or MRSA. In one embodiment the composition comprises ranalexin, dermaseptin, magainin or mixtures thereof together with lysostaphin. The composition is useful for treating surfaces, including a wound surface in a patient or surfaces of an object (e.g. surgical instrument) or room.