Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a collagen component.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid and collagen may be crosslinked in aqueous solution as described herein. The crosslinked macromolecular matrices obtained in this process may be used as a hydrogel for implants and fillers for human aesthetic and therapeutic products.

Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix including a crosslinked combination of hyaluronic acid and collagen, are provided for tissue engineering applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound which exhibits a higher effect of preventing wrinkle formation, a higher effect of improving wrinkles, a higher effect of making the skin beautiful, and a higher effect of improving skin quality than conventional retinol and retinol derivatives in a sustained manner. Further disclosed are a method for producing the same, and an external composition for the skin and a sheet-shaped cosmetic each containing the same as an active ingredient. More specifically disclosed are retinol-modified collagen in which a dicarboxylic acid is attached to at least one hydroxyl group of collagen and retinol is attached to a carboxyl group of at least one attached dicarboxylic acid, a method for producing the same, and an external composition for the skin and a sheet-shaped cosmetic each containing the same as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to stabilizing Bone Morphogenetic Protein in various lyophilized formulations and compositions. The present invention comprises formulations primarily including trehalose as an excipient for lyophilized compositions and their subsequent storage and reconstitution, and can also optionally include other excipients, including buffers and surfactants.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the cosmetic use of tetrapeptides according to formula (I) R1-Val-Leu-Leu-Lys-R2 (I) wherein R1 is linked to the NH2-terminal group of the peptide and is chosen from the group consisting of —H, a linear saturated or unsaturated or branched saturated or unsaturated acyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be functionalized by a —OH, —SH, —COOH or —CONH2 group wherein R2 is the terminal carboxylic group of the peptide either as —COOR3 or —CO—NH2, and wherein R3 is chosen from the group consisting of —H, a linear saturated or unsaturated or branched saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be functionalized by a —OH, —SH, —COOH or —CONH2 group. The invention is also directed to the respective tetrapeptides and cosmetic compositions containing these.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful in the treatment of wounds, particularly in reducing or preventing scar formation, particularly hypertrophic scar or keloid formation. The invention thus further provides methods of treatment, including methods useful in hypertrophic scar or keloid revision as well as prophylactic, scar inhibiting methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide represented by formula (I) of X1-Leu-X2-Leu-X3 wherein X1 represents Glu or Asp, X2 represents His, Lys or Arg, X3 represents Asp or Glu, with Glu, Asp, Leu, His, Lys and Arg being respectively glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, histidine, lysine and arginine; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a composition for the treatment or prevention of at least one selected from cartilage damage and arthritis, containing the same peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient; and a composition containing the same peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and TGF?1.

Abstract: Provided are a folyl extract of fermented soybean (EFS) produced by fermenting a culture including a folic acid and soybean extract by using a microorganism, and a composition including the folyl EFS. The folyl EFS has an anti-histamine effect, an anti-allergic effect, a calcium-absorption-promotion effect, a bone-growth-promotion effect, a cell growth promotion effect, a collagen biosynthesis promotion effect, a wrinkle improvement effect, and an UV-induced cell damage inhibition effect. Accordingly, the folyl EFS can be used in a skin external application or cosmetic composition, a health supplement food composition, a feed composition, and a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to flowable tropocollagen formulations and uses of such formulations for promoting healing and tissue repair and/or regeneration in wounds induced by, for example, trauma or injury, a disease state, bed sores or other pressure ulcers, or surgery.

Abstract: An engineered muscle construct in the form of a braided collagen microthread scaffold is provided. The microthread scaffold can be used with or without cells as engineered skeletal muscle. The microthread scaffold can also be used to promote cell attachment and growth to deliver cells to a large muscle defect to stimulate muscle regeneration. Methods for making a muscle construct, seeding cells onto microthread scaffolds and treating muscle defects are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds and to the cosmetically acceptable salts thereof, which correspond to general formula (I), wherein: R1 represents H, —C(O)—R6, —SO2—R6 or —C(O)—XR6; R2 and R4, independent of one another, represent (CH2)n—NH2 or (CH2)3—NHC(NH)NH2; n equals 1 4; R3 represents linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl that is optionally substituted by hydroxy; R5 and R6, independent of one another, represent hydrogen, optionally substituted (C1-C24)alkyl, optionally substituted C2-C24 alkenyl, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted phenyl-C1-C4 alkyl or 9-fluorenyl-methyl; X represents oxygen (—O—) or NH—; or XR5 with X?O also represents the esters of a-tocopherol, tocotrienol or retinol, with the provision that R1 and R5 do not represent hydrogen and X does not represent oxygen at the same time. The invention also relates to the production of the compounds of general formula (I) and to a cosmetically active composition that contains at least one compound of formula (I).

Abstract: Provided are novel solubilized collagen fibers with which solubilized collagen can be obtained by instantaneous uniform dissolution in water at the time of use. The solubilized collagen fibers are formed from a solubilized collagen solid content of 66 to 87 wt %, buffer salt content of 2 to 6 wt %, water content of 10 to 22 wt %, and a residual hydrophilic organic solvent content of a trace amount of up to 6 wt % (totaling 100 wt %). The solubilized collagen fibers have an average fineness of 3 to 10 dtx, an isoionic point of 4.5 to 5.0, a water content of 10 to 22 wt %, and residual hydrophilic organic solvent content of a trace amount of up to 6.0 wt %. The solubilized collagen fibers are present uniformly in the direction of fiber length. The buffer salt is selected from sodium citrate, sodium lactate, and sodium phosphate.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing collagen and trace elements from sea water consists of various steps which are raw material preparation, resting of raw material, preliminary filtration to remove heavy metals, deodorize and purity remaining impurities, spraying of water, separation of heavy metals, collagen and trace elements from water and separation of collagen and trace elements. The process according to this invention, apart from sea water, can be applied to other type of salt water by adjusting the salinity and density of the water to an optimal value. The process according to this invention yields clean and purified collagen which is easily absorbed by human body and contains numerous types of trace elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising human placental telopeptide collagen, methods of preparing the compositions, methods of their use and kits comprising the compositions. The compositions, kits and methods are useful, for example, for augmenting or replacing tissue of a mammal.

Abstract: Osteogenic sponge compositions having enhanced osteoinductive properties for use in bone repair are described. The compositions include a quickly resorbable porous carrier, a more slowly resorbed mineral scaffold and an osteogenic factor, preferably a bone morphogenetic protein. The compositions enable increased osteoinductive activity while retaining a reliable scaffold for the formation of new bone at an implant site. Methods for therapeutic use of the compositions are also described.

Abstract: A molded food product is provided that has a high fat and protein content and a low carbohydrate content. The food product is suitable for human or animal consumption. The food product can serve as a snack or as a carrier for active ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and other food additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collagenous material and to a process for the manufacture thereof. The process is for the manufacture of a collagenous material from a plurality of collagen particles, wherein said collagen particles are derived from a natural tissue material and are substantially free of non-fibrous tissue proteins, cellular elements and lipids or lipid residues, and wherein said collagen particles comprise fragments of collagen fibres displaying original collagen fibre architecture and molecular ultrastracture of said natural tissue material, said process comprising steps of treating the collagen particles with an aqueous acid solution to swell the collagen particles; and collectively dehydrating the swollen collagen particles. The collagenous material may be used, for example, in wound care.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating chronic wounds using calreticulin. In particular, the invention relates to the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds using topical application of calreticulin to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a triple cross-linked collagen, which comprises the following steps: providing a soluble collagen sample; mixing the collagen sample with a first cross-linking agent to form a one cross-linked collagen; mixing the first cross-linked collagen with a second cross-linking agent to form a second cross-linked collagen; and mixing the second cross-linked collagen with a third cross-linking agent to form a triple cross-linked collagen, wherein each of the first cross-linking agent, the second cross-linking agent, and the third cross-linking agent is selected from the group consisting of an aldehyde cross-linking agent, an imine cross-linking agent, and an epoxide cross-linking agent. In addition, the first cross-linking agent is different form the second cross-linking agent, and the third cross-linking agent is different form the first cross-linking agent and the second cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collagen pad and to processes for the manufacture thereof. One aspect of the invention provides a process for the manufacture of a collagen pad from a plurality of collagen particles, said process comprising steps of forming a dispersion of the collagen particles in an aqueous acid solution; and adding a flocculating agent to the dispersion to form a collagen floe. A further aspect of the invention provides a process for the manufacture of a collagen pad, wherein said process comprises a step of centrifuging the product of a flocculation reaction, said flocculation reaction comprising adding a flocculating agent to a dispersion of collagen particles in an aqueous acid solution to form a collagen floe. The collagen pad may be used, for example, in wound care.

Abstract: A chemically modified water-soluble elastin that is obtained by subjecting to N-acylating some or all of the primary amines and secondary amines contained in the molecule of a high molecular weight water-soluble elastin and coupling some or all of the carboxyl groups contained in the molecule with the amino group of an amino acid alkyl ester. A chemically modified water-soluble elastin/collagen mixed gel obtained by mixing a collagen with a chemically modified water-soluble elastin that is obtained by subjecting to N-acylating some or all of the primary amines and secondary amines contained in the molecule of a high molecular weight water-soluble elastin and coupling some or all of the carboxyl groups contained in the molecule with the amino group of an amino acid alkyl ester.

Abstract: Degradable bioprostheses made of collagen-based material having amine-based and ester-based crosslinks are provided, as are methods for their formation and use. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a method of controlling the ratio of amine-based crosslinks to ester-based crosslinks within a collagen-based material to provide a tailorably crosslinked collagen-based material. Some embodiments provide a method of making a degradable bioprosthesis involving controlling crosslinking to afford a degradable bioprosthesis that is partially crosslinked. By controlling the ratio of amine-based to ester-based crosslinks, by controlling the level of crosslinking, or by controlling both of these features, degradable bioprostheses with tailored degradation rates can be synthesized. Some embodiments of degradable bioprostheses have degradation rates that are tailored to allow their use in particular medical applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cosmetic sponge and a method of providing a cosmetic sponge incorporating a non-denatured collagen and other additives for skin care, cleaning, and cosmetic application.

Abstract: An object is to provide a sebum secretion inhibiting composition and a food or drink product using the same. The present inventors have conducted extensive studies and consequently found that the sebum secretion is inhibited by orally ingesting a collagen peptide, which is hydrolyzed collagen, and provide an oral sebum secretion inhibiting composition comprising a collagen hydrolysate and a food or drink product containing the composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flowable collagen/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) material including particles of collagen/GAG matrix that, when hydrated, can be effectively delivered to wounds having varying depths and geometries. The flowable collagen/GAG matrix allows a more intimate contact between the wound matrix and the wound bed, and provides a structural framework that serves as a scaffold for cell ingrowth.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for inducing the formation of functional replacement nonarticular cartilage tissues and ligament tissues. These methods and devices involve the use of osteogenic proteins, and are useful in repairing defects in the larynx, trachea, interarticular menisci, intervertebral discs, ear, nose, ribs and other fibrocartilaginous tissues in a mammal.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing collagen and other extracellular matrix components from SCCs are disclosed. The extracellular matrix components are useful in cosmetic applications, and can be manufactured free of immunogenic concerns and contaminants while controlling for other factors that commonly impact product quality and usefulness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for use in osteodistraction procedures. In one embodiment, a method of stimulating osteogenesis during and/or following bone distraction comprises providing a composition comprising a PDGF solution disposed in a biocompatible matrix and applying the composition to at least one site of bone distraction.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a composition comprising a biological material activated by oxygen plasma and a ligand bound to a surface of the biological material.

Abstract: The invention concerns: a silylated biomolecule having the following formula (I): the process for the preparation of a silylated biomolecule of formula (I), the use of a silylated biomolecule of formula (I) to functionalize the surface of a support, a process for the preparation of a hydrogel by use of a silylated biomolecule of formula (I), the hydrogel obtainable by said process, said hydrogel as a biological tissue substitute, a composition comprising said hydrogel in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, said composition for the release of active principle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pharmaceutical polymer and a method for quenching free radicals. Said pharmaceutical polymer comprises a glycopeptides and an aminothiol moiety which covalently bonds together. The disclosed pharmaceutical polymer and method can be applied before or after the occurrence of radiation exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to chaperonin 10 N-terminal variants. More specifically, the invention relates to chaperonin 10 N-terminal variants with enhanced immunomodulatory capacity and/or enhanced binding affinity for pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and/or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a hydrogel comprising the step of crosslinking a biopolymer using a carbodiimide crosslinker of Formula I wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a functional group that is a bulky organic functional group. R1 and R2 can each independently be an optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated functional group selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, a cycloalkyl, a heterocyclic, and an aryl. The bulky organic functional group will slow down the crosslinking reaction of carbodiimide due to the steric effects and/or electronic effects, in comparison to a crosslinking reaction using EDC. Also provided are the hydrogels and ophthalmic devices prepared using the method of the invention and uses thereof.

Abstract: A controlled release multidrug formulation for improving locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury comprising: (a) a first composition comprising a first bioactive agent, encapsulated within a first polymeric particle; (b) a second composition comprising a second bioactive agent, encapsulated within a second polymeric particle, wherein the second polymeric particle is encapsulated within the first polymeric particle; and (c) a third composition comprising a third bioactive agent, encapsulated within either the first or the second polymeric particle, wherein the second composition is released subsequently to the release of the first composition, and wherein the first bioactive agent is a neurotrophic factor, the second bioactive agent is a collagen synthesis inhibitor, and the third bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of cyclic AMP (cAMP), an adenylate cyclase activator and a Rho inhibitor.

Abstract: Techniques for the production of flow-oriented collagen gels using hydrodynamics to influence the assembly of collagen fibers. Highly concentrated monomeric solutions of collagen are subjected to shear and extensional flow as they are drawn onto a substrate to induce fibrillogenesis under a high Ph buffer. The produced gel captures the flow induced ordering of molecular collagen upon fibril formation. The depositing or the induction of fibrillogenosis occurs without the application of a magnetic field to the concentration of collagen. These highly oriented 3D scaffolds are capable inducing contact guidance and guiding mammalian cell growth. The collagen fibers mimic the construction of in vivo fibers with the characteristic D-periodicity and the integrin receptors on the fibroblasts respond to this organization. The industrial applications of three-dimensional collagen gels as a biomaterial are widespread from drug delivery to burn repair or tissue engineering system.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composite biomaterial comprising an inorganic material and an organic material, the process comprising: (a) providing a first slurry composition comprising a liquid carrier, an inorganic material and an organic material; (b) providing a mould for the slurry; (c) depositing the slurry in the mould; (d) cooling the slurry deposited in the mould to a temperature at which the liquid carrier transforms into a plurality of solid crystals or particles; (e) removing at least some of the plurality of solid crystals or particles by sublimation and/or evaporation to leave a porous composite material comprising an inorganic material and an organic material; and (f) removing the material from the mould.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a composition comprising a biological material and transition metal atoms selected from the group consisting of Group IVB, Group VB, Group VIB of the Periodic Chart and a combination thereof, bound to a surface of the biological material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a hemostatic dressing in the form of a powder that is particularly applicable for stemming severe bleeding and for incorporation of the powder into dressings that can stabilize the site of tissue injury, and simultaneously act as an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving airway conductance in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of one or more of tumstatin; a derivative, variant or homologue thereof; a polynucleotide encoding tumstatin or a derivative, variant or homologue thereof; or an agent capable of increasing the expression or production of tumstatin.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissues derived from animals, which lack any expression of functional alpha 1,3 galactosyltransferase (alpha-1,3-GT). Such tissues can be used in the field of xenotransplantation, such as orthopedic reconstruction and repair, skin repair and internal tissue repair or as medical devices.

Abstract: We provide methods and compositions for the treatment of dysregulation of blood vessel growth by regulation of neovascularization. Embodiments accomplish this by restricting the diffusion and transport of therapeutic agents through conjugating them to polymers or polymer constructs while retaining the binding affinities and functions of the therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel imaging agent suitable for the non-invasive visualization of fibrosis. A precursor for the preparation of the imaging agent is also provided by the invention, as well as a pharmaceutical composition comprising the imaging agent and a kit for the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition. In a further aspect, use of the imaging agent for in vivo imaging and in the preparation of a medicament for the diagnosis of a condition which comprises fibrosis is provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating and healing injured soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments are provided. The composition may be a wrap comprising human collagen in the form of a sheet. The human collagen has been processed so that is retains proteins that are associated with it in its natural state. The sheet may optionally be coated on one or more sides with one or more of additional human collagen, therapeutic agents, additional soft tissue growth factors or hydroxyapatite.

Abstract: A bioresorbable and biocompatible compound for surgical use is composed of functionalized collagen cross-linked with a glycosaminoglycan.

Abstract: A carrier matrix may be delivered to a target position within a patient in a minimally invasive manner by first cutting a collagen sponge sheet into a plurality of relatively small pieces. These pieces are sized so that, when wet, they are capable of flowing through a cannula and/or reduced-diameter syringe tip. The pieces are placed into a syringe and wetted, say with a morphogenic solution, and optionally mixed with a bulking material, which is similarly sized to fit through the cannula. The thoroughly mixed and wetted product forms a viscous aggregate which may then be injected into the patient at the target site.

Abstract: Cosmetic composition which can be applied topically, comprising at least one compound of the general formula (I) in which R1 is H, C1-C20-alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl-C1-C4-alkyl, n is 1-4, X is —O—, —NH— or —NR2— and R2H or C1-C20-alkyl; and at least one compound corresponding to the above formula (I) but in which XR1 with X having the possible meaning of —NH— is the residue of an alpha-amino acid; use of these compounds and of the composition for stimulating the synthesis of the proteins of the basement membrane; and also both those compounds of the formula (I) in which X is —NR2— and both R1 and R2 are different from H, and the compounds corresponding to formula (I) but in which XR1 with X having the possible meaning of —NH— is the residue of an alpha-amino acid, as such.

Abstract: The described invention provides compositions and methods for preventing or treating a disease, condition, or pathologic process characterized by aberrant fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition in a tissue of a subject. The method includes administering a therapeutic amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence YARAAARQARAKALARQLGVAA (SEQ ID NO: 1) or functional equivalent thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating cancer, which contains one or more selected from the group consisting of human adult stem cells and their secretory products, and to a method of preventing or treating cancer using the same. Particularly, the invention relates to the use of adult stem cells that exhibit the effect of preventing or treating cancer by activating the immune system. The human adult stem cells of the invention are administered by a simple method such as intravenous injection and are highly valuable as a cell therapeutic agent for treating various cancer (tumor) diseases. Thus, the adult stem cells will be highly useful in anticancer studies.

Abstract: The invention relates to collagenous polypeptide films on which cells are cultivated. In particular the invention relates to such films that are used to treat wounds such as severe burns or physical or chemical injury. The invention also related to methods for producing such films.