Abstract: The present disclosure relates to amphiphilic compounds, self assembling compositions formed from the amphiphilic compounds and methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: A method of treatment of native, non-denatured tissue to increase resistance to tearing, fissuring, rupturing, and/or delamination, comprising the step of: contacting at least a portion of the tissue with an effective amount of a reagent that increases crosslinks in the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions devices and methods for treating bone and/or cartilage defects, and a method for manufacturing such a composition or device. In a certain embodiment, the invention provides a device and/or composition for treating bone and/or cartilage defects, having at least one collagen, for example of animal origin, and further containing at least one substance having an osteo-inductive or chondro-inductive activity, at least one differentiation and/or growth factor having osteo-stimulative and/or chondro-stimulative effect, and at least one filling material, in which the composition is in the form of a lyophil.

Abstract: There is provided a spray base material that can be safely used with a sense of security, that prevents leakage of liquid from a spray container, that is sprayable under any condition (when inverted, for example), that is sprayable to achieve uniform coating of the surface of an object (surface to be sprayed) without scattering, that causes no dripping from a sprayed surface, and that is safe when sprayed on a skin surface and the like; and a spray base material with an excellent sprayability that can include both hydrophilic and hydrophobic low-molecular compounds such as physiologically active compounds and perfume components to be used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and cosmetics, and that has a sustained release property.

Abstract: Short biologically active tetrapeptides are disclosed that are comprised of the sequences GxxG and PxxP where G (glycine) and P (proline) are maintained and x is a variable amino acid. The peptides can be used singly or in combination to stimulate production of extracellular matrix proteins in skin. A rapid, low-cost method of producing heterogenous formulations of tetrapeptides is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to collagen formulations. More particularly, this invention relates to thermoreversible collagen formulations and methods of their use and preparation.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for sealing a vascular puncture by causing a reduction in the circumference of the puncture tract through delivery of a closure agent into tissue surrounding the puncture tract. A resultant inflammatory response and volumetric increase cause the tissue to swell into the puncture tract, thereby sealing it.

Abstract: A method for bonding a polymeric fiber to tissue is provided which includes providing a polymeric fiber having a plurality of tissue reactive members linked to a surface of the fiber via a specific binding pair, and contacting the polymeric fiber to biological tissue, to covalently bond the fiber to the tissue.

Abstract: A hydrogel-forming composition is provided that comprises an extracellular matrix protein, hyaluronic acid, and a thermosensitive biocompatible polymer such as methylcellulose. The hydrogels can provide a therapeutic effect; further, the hydrogels may comprise an optional therapeutic agent such as cells or a pharmaceutical composition. The composition may be injected to an area in need of treatment by the therapeutic agent. The composition may form a gel at about 37° C., such that the gel maintains the therapeutic agent in the area of the body in need of such treatment.

Abstract: To provide a collagen/elastin crosslinked material capable of satisfactorily corresponding to various uses such as medical materials including an artificial dermis and scaffolding materials for cell culture. The collagen/elastin crosslinked material is obtained by crosslinking a fish-derived collagen and a fish-derived elastin, and is fully capable of corresponding to various uses such as medical materials including an artificial dermis and scaffold material for cell culture.

Abstract: An osteogenic enhancer composition for bone and cartilage repair and methods of using the same are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel class of self-assembling peptides, compositions thereof, methods for the preparation thereof and methods of use thereof. The invention also encompasses methods for tissue regeneration, increasing the production of extracellular matrix proteins, and methods of treatment comprising administering self-assembling peptides.

Abstract: Flowable graft materials are provided which comprise collagen powder and a liquid in an amount sufficient to impart a flowable consistency to the material. The graft materials are sufficiently formable and pliable so as to provide both superior contact with and easier access to a surgical site than typical, more rigid grafts such as collagen sheets. These flowable materials may also be in a fluidized, paste-like and/or gel-like state and may be moldable and/or ejectable. The flowable collagen materials reduce and/or eliminate post implantation problems associated with other materials, e.g. synthetic dural sealants (hemostasis products), such as product swelling after application and implantation. The flowable graft materials are particularly useful as a dural graft.

Abstract: An injectable composition having dermal filling and tissue expanding activity comprises (1) a quantity of elastin sufficient to bring about dermal filling and tissue expansion when injected into a subject in need of dermal filling and tissue expansion, and (2) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition can further comprise collagen, in other alternatives, the composition can further comprise hyaluronic acid, and one or more of the elastin, the collagen, and the hyaluronic acid, if present can be cross-linked, either intramolecularly or intermolecularly.

Abstract: A method for restructuring a biological tissue comprising collagen fibrils selected from a venous tissue, a cardiac valvular tissue, a cutaneous or subcutaneous tissue, a tissue of a muscular tendon, a tissue of a muscular fascia or a tissue of a muscular aponeurosis, comprising the following operational steps: a) bringing into contact a biological tissue comprising collagen fibrils with a cross-linking chemical composition able to induce cross-linking of collagen fibrils consequent to activation through electromagnetic radiation; b) activating said cross linking chemical composition through exposure to an electromagnetic radiation; c) cross-linking the collagen fibrils of said biological tissue in order to obtain a restructured biological tissue. The method according to the invention can be applied to recover a venous continence and both a venous and a cardiac valve diameter.

Abstract: Ceramic/structural protein composites and methods of preparation are disclosed, including coatings and films. Ceramic/structural protein coatings can be fabricated on the surface of substrates, including the surface of implantable medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a leg ulcer comprising contacting the leg ulcer with a collagen biofabric. The leg ulcer may be a venous, arterial, diabetic or decubitus (pressure) ulcer. The invention further provides kits comprising one or more pieces of collagen biofabric for the treatment of a leg ulcer.

Abstract: A method of repairing a meniscal tear of a subject includes providing a sheet of collagen membrane material having on one side thereof a smooth barrier face which inhibits cell adhesion thereon and inhibits passage of cells therethrough. The sheet has a fibrous face opposite the smooth barrier face, the fibrous face allowing cell growth thereon. The collagen is predominantly collagen I. The sheet of collagen membrane material is fixed over a meniscal tear so that the fibrous face is oriented toward the meniscal tear.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a polysaccharide which is excreted by the Vibrio diabolicus species for the regeneration and protection of the non-mineralised connective tissue of the periodontium.

Abstract: The invention provides composition and methods for repairing a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

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.

Abstract: A macroporous hydrogel sponge is provided selected from: (i) a synthetic polymer hydrogel sponge, and (ii) a synthetic polymer-polypeptide conjugate hydrogel sponge, the macroporous hydrogel sponge being at least 20% porous and having a pore diameter of 50-1000 ?m, wherein said synthetic polymer is crosslinked to an extent determined by effecting the crosslinkig of the synthetic polymer or synthetic polymer-polypeptide conjugate in the presence of at least about 30% by weight crosslinking agent.

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: 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: 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: Compositions comprising poly(hydroxyalkanoates) and agents for use with medical articles are described.

Abstract: A method of promoting wound healing, treating fibrosis and/or promoting angiogenesis is provided. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a procollagen, thereby promoting wound healing, treating fibrosis and/or promoting angiogenesis in the subject.

Abstract: An injectable, high potency (high capillary force) composite comprised of bioceramic spheres having a smooth porous macroarchitecture and porous microarchitecture with interconnected pores and may be combined with various electrospun polymer fibers, thus achieving a biphasic composite implant device whereby a primary phase stabilizes, reinforces, restricts and constricts the expansion of dysfunctional and diseased cardiac muscle tissue, and a secondary phase providing a matrix structure within the bioceramic composite for the regeneration of dysfunctional and diseased cardiac tissue; an injectable composite implant material containing pharmaceutical agents or may contain stem cells, and other DNA materials; an injectable, high potency, bioceramic composite material providing a specific means to alter cardiac muscle geometry so as to normalize cardiac wall stress, aid in the reduction of local stresses in the border zone or in the actual infarct as well as multiple peri-infarct border zone modifications that h

Abstract: Foam-formed collagen strands and methods for forming strands involve depositing a dispersed solution of an isolated cleaned, de-fatted, enzymatically-treated (or non-enzyme treated) human-derived collagen product having a preserved amount of its natural constituents into grooves of a grooved plate, and processing the dispersed collagen product to provide a foam-formed collagen strand. Foam-formed collagen strands may be processed into threads having a matrix of reticulated pores to conduct biological materials in and through the strand, the collagen of the collagen strand comprising isolated, enzymatically-treated human derived collagen having a preserved amount of its natural collagen constituents.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of accelerating osteogenic differentiation and a composition thereof. The method comprises a step of adding type II collagen into stem/progenitor cells or osteoblasts to accelerate the osteogenic differentiation of the added cells, and the composition comprises type II collagen, and stem/progenitor cells or osteoblasts. Type II collagen can accelerate osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) much faster than does type I collagen. The said composition is effective to facilitate bone repair upon introduction of the composition into various osseous defects.

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: The invention discloses a bone implant and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of the bone implant comprises a step of coating or mixing type II collagen with at least one porous bone material comprising metals, bio-ceramics, natural biopolymers and synthetic polymers. Another manufacturing method of the bone implant comprises the steps of loading type II collagen with or without at least one porous bone material in a container, and lyophilizing the type II collagen to generate a type II collagen sponge construct with or without the porous bone material as the bone material. The manufactured bone implants are effective, with or without loading cells having differentiation tendency towards osteogenesis, to facilitate bone repair upon introduction of the bone implant into various osseous defects.

Abstract: Provided herein are a composition for promoting cartilage formation or regeneration comprising a NELL gene product and a method of treating cartilage-related conditions using such a composition.

Abstract: The present application discloses matrix compositions to support the repair of tissue defects such as an injury to tendon tissue, ligament tissue, vascular tissue, dermal tissue, or muscle tissue. A matrix described herein comprises a polyester polymer entangled with a polysaccharide polymer. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a matrix, and methods of using a matrix in the repair of tissue. In certain configurations, a matrix can comprise a polyester cross-linked with a polysaccharide, which can be an oxidized polysaccharide. In some configurations, a matrix can further comprise one or more additional components, such as a growth factor or an anti-infective agent. In some configurations, a matrix can be a viscous fluid or a paste, while in other configurations a matrix can be comprised by a solid such as a plug, a granule or a membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant protein enriched in a heparin binding site and/or a heparan sulfate binding site. Such recombinant protein is used as an in vivo controlled release system of a protein of interest.

Abstract: A fluid matrix comprising cross-linked remodelable collagen from a donor vertebrate animal is useful for regenerating hydrodynamic function in damaged intervertebral discs in vivo. The matrix may be injectable and may comprise cells and a plurality of purified cell growth factors. The matrix promotes cell growth and elaboration of proteoglycans to facilitate regeneration of native tissues. The collagen in the matrix may be cross-linked using photooxidative catalysis and visible light, and purified cell growth factors are preferably at least partly bone-derived.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogel type cell delivery vehicle composition for wound healing and to a preparation method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hydrogel type cell delivery vehicle composition in which non-ionic surfactants, growth factors or substance-P, human-derived cells, and the like are distributed in aqueous media, to a use thereof for wound healing, and to a preparation method thereof. The hydrogel type composition of the present invention appropriately delivers cells and/or substance-P to the wound part, and has moistening effects, effects of preventing contraction of the wound, and effects of protecting cells, and can be used in an easy and convenient manner. The cells in the composition are delivered to the wound part to effectively heal the wound when the composition of the present invention is applied to or injected into the wounded body part.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment a method to promote healing of a wound is provided comprising contacting the wound with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative and gelatin. In another embodiment a wound dressing is provided comprising a scaffold coated with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative. In a further embodiment, a system is provided for treating a tissue site of a patient, the system comprising a reduced-pressure source to supply reduced pressure, a manifold to distribute reduced pressure to a tissue site and a scaffold coated with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative. Methods for producing such a system and scaffold are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides branched polymers which can be used as lubricants or shock absorbers in vivo. For example, the inventive polymers can be used as viscosupplements, viscoelastics, tissue space fillers, and/or anti-adhesive agents. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive polymers and methods of using them including, for example, in the treatment of arthritic and sport-injured knee joints; in reconstruction or cosmetic procedures, intervertebral disc repair, treatment of vocal cord problems, treatment of urinary incontinence, and prevention of adhesion formation following abdominal or gynecological surgery.

Abstract: A composition includes at least one biologically active agent covalently attached to a first polymerizing molecule that is adapted to undergo a free radical polymerization. The first polymerizing molecule retains the ability to undergo free radical polymerization after attachment of the bioactive agent thereto. The first polymerizing molecule is preferably biocompatible. The polymerizing molecule can, for example. be dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (DOPA) or tyrosine. The composition can also include a second component synthesized by reacting at least one core molecule having a plurality of reactive hydrogen groups with at least one multi-isocyanate functional molecule to create a conjugate including terminal isocyanate groups. The conjugate molecule is reacted with a second polymerizing molecule that is adapted to undergo a free radical polymerization. The second polymerizing molecule includes a reactive hydrogen to react with the isocyanate groups of the conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of using a heat responsive mixture to produce inorganic interconnected 3D open-cell bone substitutes which can be applied in the orthopedic or dental field for treatment of bone damage. The invention provides a simple and easily-controlled process of preparing porous inorganic bone substitute materials.

Abstract: Described are packaged, sterile medical graft products containing controlled levels of a growth factor such as Fibrob-last Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2). Also described are methods of manufacturing medical graft products wherein processing, including sterilization, is controlled and monitored to provide medical graft products having modulated, known levels of a extracellular matrix factor, such as a growth factor, e.g. FGF-2. Preferred graft materials are extracellular matrix materials isolated from human or animal donors, particularly submucosa containing extracellular matrix materials. Further described are ECM compositions that are or are useful for preparing gels, and related methods for preparation and use.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition for promoting the production of type I collagen by human skin fibroblasts, and the present invention relates to a composition for promoting type I collagen production containing silybin and a peptide that promotes collagen production (peptide having an amino acid sequence of Gly-Pro-Hyp, Gly-His-Lys, Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser (SEQ ID NO: 1) or Gly-Glu-Pro-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 2).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for tissue repair are provided including cell binding peptides and growth factor binding peptides. The cell binding peptides bind to one or more of stem cells, fibroblasts, or endothelial cells. The growth factor binding peptides include platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) binding peptides and growth differentiation factor (GDF) binding peptides. The tissue for repair includes tendon, muscle, connective tissue, ligament, cardiac tissue, vascular tissue, or dermis. Implantable devices for tissue repair are provided to which the cell and growth factor binding peptides are attached, such as acellular extracellular matrix having attached binding peptide.

Abstract: Medicaments and therapeutic compositions contain (1) at least one omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid derivative or mixtures thereof, (2) undenatured Type II collagen and, optionally, (3) glucosamine sulfate. One source of the fatty acids or derivatives thereof is fish oil. The compositions are useful for promoting joint health in a subject.

Abstract: Medicaments and therapeutic compositions contain (1) at least one omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid derivative or mixtures thereof, (2) glucosamine sulfate, and (3) undenatured Type II collagen. One source of the fatty acids or derivatives thereof is fish oil. The compositions are useful for promoting joint health in a subject.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a tissue-engineered construct comprising: providing a tissue-engineered construct, wherein the tissue-engineered construct is derived from a xenogenic source; and decellularizing the tissue-engineered construct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to double-crosslinked collagen materials, methods for preparing double-crosslinked collagen materials, and methods of using double-crosslinked

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a biomaterial composite not having risks of pathogen infection and unfavorable side effects such as rejection response. According to the invention, there is provided a biomaterial composite, which comprises a polypeptide and a calcium phosphate compound, said peptide comprising the units of Formulas (I) to (III): [—(OC—(CH2)m—CO)p-(Pro-Y-Gly)n-]a??(I) [—(OC—(CH2)m—CO)q-(z)r-]b??(II) [—HN—R—NH—]c??(III) wherein m, p, q, Y, n, Z, r, R, a, b and c are as defined in the specification. The composite of the invention is particularly suitable for an artificial bone due to its high biocompatibility, high endurance and mechanical strength. Further, the invention can provide a process of the composite according to the invention can for preparation of the composite having excellent mechanical characteristics by a simple procedure.

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.