Abstract: The invention relates to crosslinked soft tissue grafts and methods of use thereof. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to hemostatic compositions and methods for promoting hemostasis. The invention also relates to hemostatic compositions and methods for promoting wound healing. In various embodiments, the hemostatic compositions comprise crosslinkable collagen molecules having a porosity controlled by the ratio of weight percent collagen solids to weight percent crosslinker when crosslinking the collagen. In other embodiments, the hemostatic compositions comprise crosslinkable collagen molecules having a porosity controlled by the temperature and rate of freezing when drying the composition during fabrication. In some embodiments, the compositions contain additional agents, including biological agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds and related methods useful for cross-linking collagen and stabilizing collagenous tissues using formaldehyde-donating compounds or nitrogen oxide-containing compounds such as ?-Nitro Alcohols. Also disclosed are compounds and related methods for modulating the rate or degree of collagen cross-linking using nitrogen oxide-containing compounds such as ?-Nitro Alcohols. The formaldehyde-donating, nitrogen oxide-containing and/or ?-Nitro Alcohol compounds disclosed are capable of stabilizing collagenous tissues such as the corneal and scleral tissues and are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases such as alterations in corneal curvature, keratoconus, keratectasia, progressive myopia and glaucoma.

Abstract: Provided is a method of stimulating collagen synthesis and proteoglycan (lumican and keratocan) accumulation. Collagenase isolated keratocytes were cultured with or without insulin with or without ascorbate. Insulin stimulates the synthesis of collagen but does not affect the accumulation of lumican and keratocan. Insulin plus ascorbate, however, stimulates the synthesis of collagen and increased the accumulation of these proteoglycans. The accumulation of PGDS, a KSPG that does not interact with collagen, is not affected by ascorbate. Only the collagen made in the presence of ascorbate was pepsin resistant. EDB overrode the effects of ascorbate on pepsin resistance and proteoglycan accumulation.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating a tissue matrix with a proteolytic enzyme to produce a desired pliability of the tissue matrix and/or to control the immunogenicity of the tissue matrix. The methods can also comprise performing an assay to determine if contacting the at least one collagen-containing tissue matrix with a proteolytic enzyme has altered the at least one collagen-containing tissue matrix to reduce a human immune response to the tissue matrix. The methods can comprise treatment with alcalase under conditions controlled to produce a desired pliability without unacceptable alteration in collagen structure.

Abstract: A method of producing collagen from hydrolyzed egg membrane includes combining 95% alcohol, cold water, a bacterial neutralase and/or alcalase, 14L, sodium bisulfite, and egg membrane. Once combined the solution is mixed slowly and then heated to a desired pH range. Once a desired temperature is reached, the heated solution is set aside to digest for a prolonged period of time. Next, the digested solution is centrifuged and filtered. Finally, the filtered solution is spray dried and packaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of fish skin as novel industrial source of collagen. Advantageously, said skin is obtained after the filleting or cutting of the fresh fish and frozen immediately after filleting/cutting, thus guaranteeing a very good quality of the base material, both from the bacteriological standpoint and from the standpoint of the native property of the protein.

Abstract: A process for the production of ethanol wherein a hydrolyzed lignocellulosic biomass is fermented in the presence of a stillage residue. The fermentation of cellulosic hydrolysates is improved by adding prior to and/or during fermentation a stillage residue side stream from a corn starch-to-ethanol process as a nutrient source for the yeast organisms used in the fermentation. Stillage residues from the grain dry mill ethanol producing process, including the whole stillage, wet cake, thin stillage, and/or syrup are added to assist as a nitrogen and nutrient source for the fermentive processes. The stillage residue is produced by any grain-to-ethanol process.

Abstract: The invention is directed to formation and use of electroprocessed collagen, including use as an extracellular matrix and, together with cells, its use in forming engineered tissue. The engineered tissue can include the synthetic manufacture of specific organs or tissues which may be implanted into a recipient. The electroprocessed collagen may also be combined with other molecules in order to deliver substances to the site of application or implantation of the electroprocessed collagen. The collagen or collagen/cell suspension is electrodeposited onto a substrate to form tissues and organs.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a collagenous material from a plurality of collagen particles is described. The collagen particles are derived from a natural tissue material, are substantially free of non-fibrous tissue proteins, cellular elements and lipids or lipid residues, and comprise fragments of collagen fibres displaying original collagen fibre architecture and molecular ultrastructure of the natural tissue material. The process comprises the step of freeze drying the collagen particles in suspension in a freeze-drying suspension medium.

Abstract: Described are osteogenic implants that include a first implant material covered at least in part by a second implant material carrying an osteogenic protein such as a bone morphogenic protein. The first implant material can comprise a mineral and provide an inner scaffolding portion for supporting bone ingrowth, and the second implant material can comprise a collagen or other sponge carrier covering the first implant material and having a liquid osteogenic protein formulation imbibed therein. Related implant materials and methods of preparation and use constitute additional aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A collagen peptide with immune-enhancing activity from Cyanea nozakii, and a preparation method thereof are provided. The collagen peptide contains 80-90 wt % of proteins and 10-20 wt % of sugars, and has an average molecular weight of 1,000-3,000 Dalton. Monosaccharide contained in the collagen peptide are mainly glucose, glycine accounts for 16% or above and the sum of proline and hydroxyproline accounts for 18% or above of amino acids contained therein. The collagen peptide is capable of being used for preparation of medicines, health products, and skincare cosmetics having immune-enhancing function.

Abstract: A method for extracting water-soluble undenatured type II collagen having an active epitope comprises a first step for extracting animal-derived cartilage using an acidic solution at 50° C. or less, and a second step for adding pepsin to the acidic solution and performing extraction at 40° C. or less. This allows the epitope of undenatured type II collagen to be extracted in large quantities and with high efficiency without any loss of activity, and makes it possible to provide a food or beverage product obtained using the water-soluble undenatured type II collagen extracted by the extraction method.

Abstract: A process for producing a biocompatible material includes the steps of mixing an extract of a fish scale-derived hydroxyapatite (with water content of 70 to 75% by weight) and of a fish scale-derived collagen (with water content of 40 to 60% by weight) in the weight percent ratio of about 8:2, stirring the mixture and drying the mixture by a hot blast in order to obtain a composite.

Abstract: In order to provide a biocompatible material consisting mainly of a fish scale-derived hydroxyapatite and a fish scale-derived collagen, which is adjusted so that easily digested and absorbed in a human body, the material contains a composite consisting mainly of a fish scale-derived hydroxyapatite and a fish scale-derived collagen.

Abstract: Antifreeze polypeptides, antifreeze compositions including the polypeptides, nucleotides encoding the antifreeze polypeptides, methods of making antifreeze compositions, and methods of inhibiting ice crystal growth are provided herein. The peptides are based on the primary sequence of collagen and include those having a molecular weight between about 500-7000 Da. The peptides preferably include cationic polypeptides. The methods of making antifreeze compositions include digesting collagen or gelatin into hydrolysates with peptides having molecular weights between about 500-7000 Da. The digestions are performed with proteases and/or non-enzymatic hydrolysis. The methods of inhibiting ice crystal growth include adding the antifreeze polypeptides or compositions described herein to a composition to be frozen. The methods may be used to inhibit ice crystal growth in frozen food products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of fish skin as novel industrial source of collagen. Advantageously, said skin is obtained after the filleting or cutting of the fresh fish and frozen immediately after filleting/cutting, thus guaranteeing a very good quality of the base material, both from the bacteriological standpoint and from the standpoint of the native property of the protein.

Abstract: A method for determining the effect of a plurality of culture conditions on a cell, comprising the steps of: a) providing a first set of groups of cell units each comprising one or more cells, and exposing said groups to desired culture conditions; (b) pooling two or more of said groups to form at least one second pool; (c) subdividing the second pool to create a further set of groups of cell units; (d) exposing said further groups to desired culture conditions; (e) optionally, repeating steps (b)-(d) iteratively as required; and (f) optionally assessing the effect on a given cell unit of the culture conditions to which it has been exposed.

Abstract: Described are osteogenic implants that include a first implant material covered at least in part by a second implant material carrying an osteogenic protein such as a bone morphogenic protein. The first implant material can comprise a mineral and provide an inner scaffolding portion for supporting bone ingrowth, and the second implant material can comprise a collagen or other sponge carrier covering the first implant material and having a liquid osteogenic protein formulation imbibed therein. Related implant materials and methods of preparation and use constitute additional aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A collagen peptide with immune-enhancing activity from Cyanea nozakii, and a preparation method thereof are provided. The collagen peptide contains 80-90 wt % of proteins and 10-20 wt % of sugars, and has an average molecular weight of 1,000-3,000. Monosackcharides contained in the collagen peptide are mainly glucose, glycine accounts for 16% or above and the sum of praline and hydroxyproline accounts for 18% or above of amino acids contained therein. The collagen peptide is capable of being used for preparation of medicines, health products, and skincare cosmetics having immune-enhancing function.

Abstract: Described are osteogenic implants that include a first implant material covered at least in part by a second implant material carrying an osteogenic protein such as a bone morphogenic protein. The first implant material can comprise a mineral and provide an inner scaffolding portion for supporting bone ingrowth, and the second implant material can comprise a collagen or other sponge carrier covering the first implant material and having a liquid osteogenic protein formulation imbibed therein. Related implant materials and methods of preparation and use constitute additional aspects of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrolysate of avian cartilage comprising 45% to 70% by weight of hydrolysed type II collagen, 9% to 15% by weight of chondroitin sulphate, 0.5% to 2% in weight of hyaluronic acid; with a composition of amino acids in which valine represents 2.7% to 3.3%, isoleucine represents 2.0 to 2.4, phenylalanine represents 2.2% to 2.6%, lysine represents 3.8% to 4.2%, tryptophane represents 0.4% to 0,6%, hydroxyproline represents 5.5% to 8.7%, hydroxylysine represents 0.7% to 1.8%, and in which the molar ratio between hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine is between 5.0 and 8.0; and having an average molecular weight of the peptidic fraction between 500 and 1000 Daltons. The invention also relates to a process for preparing said hydrolysate, and its use as a food complement, and/or as a medicament, particularly for treatment or prevention of joint pain.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a collagen product is provided that is derived from an animal, the collagen product comprises precipitated collagen that is substantially pure. In various embodiments, the collagen is obtained from a marine animal and does not contain prions or viruses. In various embodiments, the collagen can be made or incorporated into collagen films, collagen membranes, cosmetic collagen masks, collagen sponges, gelatin, hemostasis sponges, lyophilized foams, collagen injections, artificial skins and dura, bones, cartilage, screws, shafts, stems, or tube guides.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adhesive hemostatic agent based on non-blood constituents including DOPA, able to strongly adhere to collagen fibers. The agent includes an antifibrinolytic agent in addition to an esterified atelocollagen which is non-immunogenic and may become positively charged thereon such that the adhesive hemostatic agent has no possibility of mediating particular diseases or viral infections (HIV, HCV, HBV, CMV, etc), unlike conventional agents comprising blood constituents, and readily binds to negatively charged platelets at high adhesive strength, thus inducing quick blood coagulation. Also, provided is a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: Medical implants and methods for forming a medical implant blends a dispersion of human collagen fibers and/or threads and optionally a volume between about 2 to about 15% of an alcohol and forms medical implants by removing a liquid component of the collagen dispersion. Medical implants formed include collagen films, coatings, threads, patches, tubes, plugs, scaffolds, injectable collagen, and collagen for in vitro applications.

Abstract: Hydrolyzed collagen type II powder compositions for inducing cartilage formation in an individual, method of preparing the compositions and use of the compositions in treating connective tissue disorder, replenishing skin viscoelasticity. The compositions are administered through an orally ingestible delivery medium for absorption into the gastrointestinal tract. The compositions are administered through a topical delivery medium for absorption into a dermis of the individual.

Abstract: Hydrolyzed collagen type II powder compositions for inducing cartilage formation in an individual, method of preparing the compositions and use of the compositions in treating connective tissue disorder, replenishing skin viscoelasticity. The compositions are administered through an orally ingestible delivery medium for absorption into the gastrointestinal tract. The compositions are administered through a topical delivery medium for absorption into a dermis of the individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for an implantable putty material for delivery of active compounds to a patient. More specifically, the present invention provides a material having a pH of between about 3 and 6 and possessing putty-like physical properties, wherein the composition of the material includes collagen and water. The present invention also provides a method for using the implantable putty material.

Abstract: A collagen matrix comprises collagen fibrils which are cross-linked to one another by reducing sugar or a reducing sugar derivative. The collagen matrix may be formed into a membrane useful in guided tissue regeneration.

Abstract: Hydrolyzed collagen type II powder compositions, method of preparing the compositions and use of the compositions in treating cartilage defects. The compositions are orally administered to an individual in need of cartilage augmentation in a daily dosage of between about 2,000 and 3,000 mg per day.

Abstract: A method of releasing particulates from a solid matrix is provided. The method is effected adding to the solid matrix a degrading enzyme capable of degrading the solid matrix, to thereby release the particulates from the solid matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for reducing gelatin insolubles which includes providing a gelatin solution and adding to the gelatin solution amylase in an amount to provide a concentration of amylase of at least 0.1 ppm for a time sufficient to reduce gelatin insolubles. The present invention also provides a gelatin having a Bloom strength of from 60 to 400 and a concentration of amylase of greater than 0.1 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the manufacture of gelatin which includes providing a collagen containing material and demineralizing the collagen containing material to produce ossein. An enzyme solution containing protease at a concentration of at least 10 ppb is added to the ossein for a time sufficient to solubilize the ossein to produce a solution containing the gelatin at a weight percent of from 0.5 to 6 and at a predetermined viscosity.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an extract of shark's cartilage is provided wherein a shark's cartilage is processed through five steps. The five steps are smashing, cleaning, purifying, deodorizing, and sterilizing. The result of this process is a pure white product with no fishy smell.

Abstract: The present invention is a gelatin composed of a high molecular weight fraction (>250,000) of from 0 to 25 wt %, a beta fraction (150,000-250,000) of from 0 to 20 wt % and an alpha fraction (50,000-150,000) of from 15 to 55 wt %. The gelatin has a Gel strength of from 150 to 350 g Bloom and a concentration of protease of greater than 10 ppb and an absorbance of at least 0.069 at 420 nm. The present invention also is a process for the manufacture of photographic gelatin. The process begins by liquefying or slurrying the residual ossein. Protease is added to the gelatin solution or ossein slurry to a concentration of at least 10 ppb to form a mixture. The mixture is reacted for a time sufficient to achieve a viscosity of less than 9 cps (6.16% gel concentration at 104.degree. F.) and the protease is inactivated. The mixture is clarified to form a gelatin solution wherein the gelatin is of high quality.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for reducing biological growth in aqueous solutions. An aqueous solution is provided. An amylase solution is added to the aqueous solution to provide an amylase concentration of greater than 1 unit/ml enzyme activity thereby reducing biological growth in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and corresponding amino acid sequences of a multifunctional protein that has been found to be useful in numerous medical and cosmetic contexts. A protein having "multifunctional activity," is defined herein as including at least one of a chymotrypsin, trypsin, collagenase, elastase or exo peptidase activity or asialo GM.sub.1 ceramide binding activity. These proteins are useful for multiple purposes, including treating viral infections such as herpes outbreaks, fungal, bacterial or parasitic infections, including the primary and secondary infections of leprosy, colitis, ulcers, hemorrhoids, corneal scarring, dental plaque, acne, cystic fibrosis, blood clots, wounds, immune disorders including autoimmune disease and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for degreasing bone for the manufacture of gelatin. A lipase solution at a concentration of greater than 0.1 ppm is added to a collagen containing material and treated for a time sufficient to solubilize the fat contained in the collagen containing material to produce degreased collagen containing material with a fat content of less than 1 weight percent.

Abstract: Hydrolyzed collagen type II powder compositions, method of preparing the compositions and use of the compositions in treating cartilage defects. The compositions are orally administered to an individual in need of cartilage augmentation in a daily dosage of between about 2,000 and 3,000 mg per day.

Abstract: The present invention provides two ATP synthase subunits (designated individually as Asy-1 and Asy-2, and collectively as Asy) and polynucleotides which identify and encode Asy. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding Asy and a method for producing Asy. The invention also provides for use of Asy and agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding Asy, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of Asy. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding Asy for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of Asy. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding Asy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human Ras-like protein (RLP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode RLP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. In addition, the invention provides methods for producing RLP and for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of RLP.

Abstract: A collagen matrix comprise collagen fibrils which are cross-linked to one another by a reducing sugar or a reducing sugar derivative. The collagen matrix may be formed into a membrane useful in guided tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention provides three zinc binding proteins (designated individually as ZB-1, ZB-2, and ZB-3, and collectively as ZB) and polynucleotides which identify and encode ZB. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding ZB and a method for producing ZB. The invention also provides for use of ZB and agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding ZB, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of ZB. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding ZB for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of ZB. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding ZB.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human apoptosis regulator protein (APRG) and polynucleotides which identify and encode APRG. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding APRG and a method for producing APRG. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding APRG, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of APRG. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding APRG for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of APRG. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding APRG.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human translocation associated protein (Gp25L-H) and polynucleotides which identify and encode Gp25L-H. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of Gp25L-H, as well as diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human tumorigenesis protein (HTAP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HTAP. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors and host cells, agonists, antibodies, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for producing HTAP and for treating or preventing disorders associated with the expression of HTAP.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human thioredoxin (TRDX) and polynucleotides which identify and encode TRDX. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding TRDX and a method for producing TRDX. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding TRDX, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of TRDX. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding TRDX for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of TRDX. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding TRDX in the production of recombinant proteins. The invention also provides for the use of purified TRDX in the production of recombinant proteins.

Abstract: A method for making a collagen strengthened cellulosic sheet by providing a cellulosic pulp slurry; adding solubilized collagen to the pulp slurry, and mixing for a time effective for interaction of the cellulosic pulp slurry and solubilized collagen; forming the interacted cellulosic pulp slurry and solubilized collagen into a sheet; and drying the sheet; also, a method for using solubilized collagen for strengthening paper by mixing the solubilized collagen with a cellulosic pulp slurry; and making a cellulosic pulp product from the mixture and drying.

Abstract: A method for making a collagen strengthened cellulosic sheet by providing a cellulosic pulp slurry; adding solubilized collagen to the pulp slurry, and mixing for a time effective for interaction of the cellulosic pulp slurry and solubilized collagen; forming the interacted cellulosic pulp slurry and solubilized collagen into a sheet; and drying the sheet; also, a method for using solubilized collagen for strengthening paper by mixing the solubilized collagen with a cellulosic pulp slurry; and making a cellulosic pulp product from the mixture and drying.

Abstract: A method for making a collagen strengthened cellulosic sheet by providing a cellulosic pulp slurry; adding solubilized collagen to the pulp slurry, and mixing for a time effective for interaction of the cellulosic pulp slurry and solubilized collagen; forming the interacted cellulosic pulp slurry and solubilized collagen into a sheet; and drying the sheet; also, a method for using solubilized collagen for strengthening paper by mixing the solubilized collagen with a cellulosic pulp slurry; and making a cellulosic pulp product from the mixture and drying.