Abstract: A bone gel composition consists of cortical bone. The cortical bone is made from cut pieces freeze-dried then ground into particles and demineralized then freeze-dried. A volume of the particles is placed in a solution of sterile water to create a mixture, the water volume being at least twice the particle volume, the mixture is autoclaved under heat and pressure to form a gelatin, the resulting bone gel is formed into sheets having a thickness (t).

Abstract: A manufacturing method for porous resin microparticles comprising steps of: heating a polyester thermoplastic resin having biodegradability to a temperature of 80° C. or higher and 200° C. or lower in a glycol ether solvent to obtain a solution, and cooling the solution to precipitate the polyester thermoplastic resin as porous resin microparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed are a biological tissue matrix material, a preparation method therefor and the use thereof in an otological repair material. The biological tissue matrix material comprises an extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix comprises a collagen fiber, a growth factor and fibronectin. The biological tissue matrix material has a low amount of DNA residue, a low immunogenicity, a high anti-infection ability, and a strong repair capability.

Abstract: A biological composition has a mixture of mechanically selected allogeneic biologic material derived from bone marrow. The mixture has non-whole cellular components including vesicular components and active and inactive components of biological activity, cell fragments, cellular excretions, cellular derivatives, and extracellular components. The mixture including non-whole cell fractions including one or more of exosomes, transcriptosomes, proteasomes, membrane rafts, lipid rafts. The mixture is compatible with biologic function.

Abstract: A polymerisable dental composite material comprising (i) 60 to 85% by weight of an inorganic filler component comprising at least one tectosilicate and optionally at least one dental glass and/or at least one amorphous metal oxide, (ii) 10 to 40% by weight of a mixture of at least two different urethane(meth)acrylates, (iii) 0.01 to 5% by weight of at least one di-, tri-, tetra- or multi-functional monomer not being a urethane(meth)acrylate, (iv) 0.01 to 10% by weight of at least one initiator, an initiator system and optionally at least one stabiliser and optionally at least one pigment, wherein the total composition of the composite material amounts to 100% by weight, and a polymerised composite material having a flexural strength of greater than or equal to 240 MPa and an elastic modulus of 16 to 20 GPa for the production of indirect dentures.

Abstract: An expansile member that may be used on a delivery device or may be used for occlusive purposes within the vasculature.

Abstract: A composite implant comprising an injectable matrix material which is flowable and settable, and at least one reinforcing element for integration with the injectable matrix material, the at least one reinforcing element adding sufficient strength to the injectable matrix material such that when the composite implant is disposed in a cavity in a bone, the composite implant supports the bone.

Abstract: A silicone prosthesis delivery apparatus and associated methods are disclosed for facilitating the transport and subsequent insertion of a silicone prosthesis into a surgically developed pocket of a patient. In at least one embodiment, a flexible, substantially funnel-shaped delivery sleeve is configured for receiving and subsequently expelling the prosthesis therefrom. The delivery sleeve provides a substantially conical-shaped entry portion and a substantially conical-shaped exit portion, the entry portion and exit portion opposingly positioned and joined with one another so as to form a relatively larger diameter middle section. A tapered free end of the entry portion provides an entry opening configured for allowing the prosthesis to selectively pass therethrough when the prosthesis is inserted into the delivery sleeve.

Abstract: Hydrogel compositions prepared from amine components and glycidyl ether components are provided which are biocompatible and suitable for use in vivo due, in part, to their excellent stability.

Abstract: Among other things, the present disclosure provides compositions and methods for an elastomeric cross-linked polyester material. Such an elastomeric cross-linked polyester material, in some embodiments, comprises a plurality of polymeric units of the general formula (-A-B-)p, wherein p is an integer greater than 1; and a plurality of urethane cross-links each of which covalently links two polymeric units to one another, which two linked polymeric unit each had at least one free hydroxyl or amino group prior to formation of the crosslink.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments relate to compositions of inherently radiopaque, biocompatible, bioresorbable polymeric particles and methods of using them for embolizing a body lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition that can produce an article having an inner surface and an outer surface, both of which are slippery, and a method for preparing the same. By using the coating composition according to the present invention, it is possible to produce the article having the inner surface and the outer surface, both of which are slippery, only with a simple process of molding and curing a polymer resin by the technique of the prior art. The article produced using the coating composition of the present invention can solve an ice removal on a surface of the machinery such as an aircraft and an automobile, a biofouling problem in a blood vessel, a problem requiring self-cleaning, and the like, and thus can be used in various industries.

Abstract: The present invention enables three-dimensional nanofabrication by isotropic shrinking of patterned hydrogels. A hydrogel is first expanded, the rate of expansion being controlled by the concentration of the crosslinker. The hydrogel is then infused with a reactive group and patterned in three dimensions using a photon beam through a limited-diffraction microscope. Functional particles or materials are then deposited on the pattern. The hydrogel is then shrunk and cleaved from the pattern.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and composition to form biodegradable polymer implant arrays in the live tissue. Artificial cavities are created in the live tissue by using laser ablation, oscillating needle, microneedle array and other methods. The cavities are then filled with biodegradable polymer solution. The solvent in the polymer solution is dissipated in the tissue to form a biodegradable polymer implant in artificial cavities. The cavities and implants formed are arranged to form of an array of implants. The biodegradable polymer in the cavity can also be loaded with drug to form biodegradable drug delivery array in the live tissue.

Abstract: Methods have been discovered that make it possible to continuously extrude tubes of P4HB and copolymers thereof. These methods allow tubes of P4HB and copolymers thereof to be produced without radial deformation of the tubes despite the slow crystallization of the polymer and copolymers. The methods can produce tubes of P4HB and copolymers thereof with tightly defined outside and inside diameters which are required for medical application. These tubes are produced by radial expansion at temperatures above the melting temperature of P4HB and copolymers thereof, and using low tube cooling temperatures and prolonged cooling times. The tubes made from P4HB and copolymers thereof are flexible, and can be prepared with high elongation to break values.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable medical device having a body comprising a composite material. The body has a variable cross section along a length, a first portion which forms a part of a surface of said body, and a packing portion. An insert is provided in the packing portion for providing an increased thickness to at least a part of the body.

Abstract: Among other things, the present disclosure provides compositions and methods for an elastomeric cross-linked polyester material. Such an elastomeric cross-linked polyester material, in some embodiments, comprises a plurality of polymeric units of the general formula (-A-B—)p, wherein p is an integer greater than 1; and a plurality of urethane cross-links each of which covalently links two polymeric units to one another, which two linked polymeric unit each had at least one free hydroxyl or amino group prior to formation of the crosslink.

Abstract: A double network hydrogel consists of a first network and a second network, where the first network is, or includes, a first polymer that is formed, at least in part, of —CH2—CH(OH)— units, and the second network is, or includes, a second polymer that is formed, at least in part, of carboxyl (COOH)-containing units or salts thereof, sulfonyl (SO3H)-containing units or salts thereof, and at least one of hydroxyl (OH)-containing units or amino (NH2)-containing units, where the hydrogel may be used as a cartilage replacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fumarate polymersomes. The polymersomes are capable of targeting immune cells and then hydrolysing to release the immunomodulatory compound fumarate. The polymersomes can thus be used methods for the treatment of prevention of diseases, including immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and psoriasis.

Abstract: The present invention provides surface-modified metals such as metal medical devices, e.g., guide wires, syringe needles, and metal tubes in medical devices or equipment, in which a lubricant layer is firmly bonded to the surface to impart lubricity to the surface, and further to improve the durability of the lubricant layer on the surface, thereby reducing deterioration of sliding properties, as well as methods for modifying a metal surface. The present invention relates to a surface-modified metal having a surface at least partially treated by polymerizing a monomer in the presence of a hydrogen abstraction type photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: A mixture includes at least two radically curable compounds as a backbone resin, and is useful in reactive resins. In particular, the mixture reduces the viscosity of such reactive resin-containing mixtures and thus the dispensing forces required for ejecting the reactive resin components produced therefrom. The mixture also increases the performance of the reactive resins containing such mixtures and of the reactive resin components produced therefrom. Further, said reactive resins and the reactive resin components thereof are useful for construction purposes, in particular for chemical fastening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a medical material for replacing a hard tissue defect and a medical material produced therefrom. More specifically, in the present invention, powders of bioactive glass are press-molded, and are then subjected to a first heat treatment at a relatively low temperature below the glass transition temperature of bioactive glass. Then, the resultant is processed into a desired shape and then subjected to a second heat treatment at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of bioactive glass. Accordingly, the present invention provides a medical material which can be customized to a desired shape of a hard tissue defect in a living body and minimize thermal shock, and which is capable of exhibiting a bone fusion property, while overcoming the low compressive strength drawback of hydroxyapatite, which is an existing hard tissue replacement material currently in use.

Abstract: A collagen material is characterized in being constituted of collagen gel fragments. Furthermore, the collagen gel fragments may have an orientation. A method for producing a collagen material is characterized in comprising a step for preparing collagen gel fragments, a step for arranging the collagen gel fragments in a desired shape, and a step for drying the collagen gel fragments arranged in the desired shape. Moreover, in one embodiment of the method for producing a collagen material a step may include imparting an orientation to the collagen gel fragments.

Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, wherein the substrate is porous, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; treating the double-network hydrogel with an organic solvent with a volatile and water-miscible organic solvent to replace a majority of water within the double-network hydrogel; evaporating the organic solvent while the double-network hydrogel is still elongated to form a substantially-dried double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, wherein the substrate is porous, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; treating the double-network hydrogel with an organic solvent with a volatile and water-miscible organic solvent to replace a majority of water within the double-network hydrogel; evaporating the organic solvent while the double-network hydrogel is still elongated to form a substantially-dried double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: A biodegradable cross-linked polymer and methods of preparing same are provided. The biodegradable cross-linked polymer is formed from a biodegradable polymeric material having two or more arms, which is a random copolymer formed of a first monomer and a second monomer different from the first monomer. The first monomer is selected from the group consisting of L-lactide, DL-lactide, glycolid, ?-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, p-dioxanone, amino acid-derived polycarbonates and polyorthoesters. The second monomer is one or two selected from the group consisting of D-lactide, DL-lactide, glycolide, ?-caprolactone, trimethyl carbonate, salicylic acid, carbonates, amino acids and derivatives thereof. The biodegradable polymeric material has a molecular weight of from 5,000 to 1,200,000 and an intrinsic viscosity of from 0.1 to 9.0 dl/g. Each of the terminal groups on the arms of the biodegradable polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl amino and carboxyl groups.

Abstract: Described herein is a degradable linking agent of formula Photo1-LG-Photo2, wherein Photo1 and Photo2 independently represent at least one photoreactive group and LG represents a linking group comprising one or more silicon atoms or one or more phosphorous atoms. The degradable linking agent includes a covalent linkage between at least one photoreactive group and the linking group, wherein the covalent linkage between at least one photoreactive group and the linking group is interrupted by at least one heteroatom. A method for coating a support surface with the degradable linking agent, coated support surfaces and medical devices are also described.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments relate to compositions of inherently radiopaque, biocompatible, bioresorbable polymeric particles and methods of using them for embolizing a body lumen.

Abstract: A preparation at least useful as a bone implant is provided, which contains a solid component including a lithium compound and a calcium compound. The preparation shows an anti-bacterial ability in comparison with a preparation contains the calcium compound but free of the lithium compound.

Abstract: An accommodating IOL comprises an optic adapted to focus light toward a retina of an eye, and a movement assembly coupled to the eye to provide effective accommodating movement, preferably axial movement, of the optic. At least a portion of the movement assembly is made from a material that is less stiff and/or more resilient than the material used to make the optic. Optionally, an outer ring or support portion made at least partially from either a relatively stiff material such as the material used in the optic or a relatively resilient material such as the material used in the movement assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of preparing bioactive composites are described. Also described are methods of molding such composites. Shaped bodies comprising bioactive composites are further described.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to melt-stabilized materials including ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), methods of making the same, and medical implants including the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of melt-stabilizing a material including UHMWPE. The method includes obtaining or providing a solid material including UHMWPE including a first concentration of free-radicals. The method includes coating at least part of the solid material with a liquid composition including at least one antioxidant, to provide a coated solid material. The method includes heating the coated solid material in an environment including oxygen, the heating being sufficient to melt at least part of the UHMWPE, to provide a heated material.

Abstract: Disclosed are biomedical implants comprising surface-modified metal particles and biodegradable polymers; its use for suppressing inflammation; and a method for preparing a biomedical material, comprising: (a) modifying surface of basic metal particles with a polymer to obtain surface-modified metal particles; and (b) mixing the surface-modified metal particles with a biodegradable polymer, followed by manufacturing a biodegradable biomedical implant, or coating the resulting mixture on a conventional biomedical implant.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of promoting bone growth are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of promoting bone growth described herein comprises promoting cell differentiation or phenotype progression in a population of bone cells by providing a citrate-presenting composition to the population of bone cells. In some embodiments, the citrate-presenting composition is provided to the bone cells at a first stage of cell development selected to obtain a first cell differentiation or phenotype progression. Additionally, in some cases, a second citrate-presenting composition is further provided to the bone cells at a second stage of cell development selected to obtain a second cell differentiation or phenotype progression.

Abstract: Among other things, the present disclosure provides compositions and methods for an elastomeric cross-linked polyester material. Such an elastomeric cross-linked polyester material, in some embodiments, comprises a plurality of polymeric units of the general formula (-A-B—)p, wherein p is an integer greater than 1; and a plurality of urethane cross-links each of which covalently links two polymeric units to one another, which two linked polymeric unit each had at least one free hydroxyl or amino group prior to formation of the crosslink.

Abstract: Described herein is the synthesis of adhesive complex coacervates and their use thereof. The adhesive complex coacervates are composed of a mixture of one or more polycations and one or more polyanions. The polycations and polyanions in the adhesive complex coacervate are crosslinked with one another by covalent bonds upon curing. The adhesive complex coacervates have several desirable features when compared to conventional bioadhesives, which are effective in water-based applications. The adhesive complex coacervates described herein exhibit good interfacial tension in water when applied to a substrate (i.e., they spread over the interface rather than being beaded up). Additionally, the ability of the complex coacervate to crosslink intermolecularly increases the cohesive strength of the adhesive complex coacervate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane for guided regeneration of bone and tissue comprising an organic base material and a new bone formation guide layer on one or both sides of the organic base material, the new bone formation guide layer containing a hydrophilic polymer and calcium phosphate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental curable composition used for dental filling restorative materials, dental crown prosthesis materials such as inlays, crowns, and bridges, materials for constructing anchor teeth, block materials for dental CAD/CAM, etc. More specifically, the present invention provides a dental curable composition comprising a curable resin (A), a porous inorganic filler (B), and a polymerization initiator (C), wherein the porous inorganic filler (B) comprises a silicon dioxide, and an oxide comprising at least one kind of the other metallic elements, and a ratio (I1/I2) of a maximum absorbance (I1) of 3730 to 3750 cm?1 to a maximum absorbance (I2) of 3000 to 3600 cm?1 in infrared absorption spectrum of the porous inorganic filler (B), is not less than 1 and not more than 3.

Abstract: To provide a multilayer resin material for dental milling and machining, comprising an inorganic filler in a content of 40% by weight or more and a plurality of layers different in transparency and color tone from each other, wherein the thickness of the uppermost layer (U) and the thickness of the lowermost layer (L) are each 1 mm or more, the contrast ratios (uppermost layer: CU, lowermost layer: CL) as indices for the transparency of the uppermost layer (U) and the transparency of the lowermost layer (L) satisfy the following relations: 0.30?CU?0.60 0.55?CL?0.

Abstract: A calcium-based bone cement formula having a powder component and a setting liquid component with a liquid to powder ratio of 0.20 ml/g to 0.50 ml/g is provided, wherein the powder component includes tetracalcium phosphate. The bone cement formula further contains, based on the total weight of the bone cement formula, 0.01-1% of poly(acrylic acid) having a repeating unit of —(CH2—C(COOH)H)n-, wherein n=50-50000.

Abstract: A system and method to present global and local context sensitive augmented content in accordance with multiple criteria, including one or more user's preferences, and present the augmented content via a transparent layer on top of the original content for less obtrusive and more efficient browsing, knowledge discovery and exploration experience. The original content remains visible to the user while the augmented content is being viewed or interacted with. The global context sensitive augmented content is generated using metrics based on the overall document or content being viewed, while the local context sensitive augmented content is generated using metrics based on the currently viewed or selected object within the document or content being viewed. Real-time and theme based augmentation are used to further enhance the user's experience.

Abstract: A medical device that may be implanted in a patient's body is disclosed. An illustrative medical device has an elongated structure that includes a material loaded with a radiopaque material. The radiopaque material includes radiopaque particles having multiple sets of radiopaque particles. The multiple sets of radiopaque particles may include a first set of radiopaque particles having particles with particle sizes in a first particle size range and a second set of radiopaque particles having particles with particle sizes in a second particle size range. The second set of radiopaque particles may have particles configured to fit within interstitial spaces between particles of the first set of radiopaque particles.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to polymer ligands that are optimally suited for surface-functionalizing magnetic nanoparticles. The amphiphilic polymers are prepared by coupling several amine-terminated anchoring groups, polyethylene glycol moieties, and reactive groups onto a poly(isobutylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PIMA) chain. The reaction of maleic anhydride groups with amine-containing molecules is highly-efficient and occurs in one-step. The availability of several dopamine groups in the same ligand greatly enhances the ligand affinity, via multiple-coordination, to the magnetic NPs, while the hydrophilic and reactive groups promote colloidal stability in buffer media and allow subsequent conjugation with target biomolecules. Nanoparticles ligated with terminally reactive polymers have been easily coupled to target dyes and tested in live cell imaging with no measurable cytotoxicity.

Abstract: A nanocomposite hydrogel formed from free radical dissociation of an initiator and polymerization of a water soluble monomer. The resulting hydrogel finds particular application within the medical field for both soft and hard tissue repair in human and animals. The hydrogel is particularly advantageous for spinal disc repair.

Abstract: A method for preparing placenta membrane tissue grafts for medical use, includes obtaining a placenta from a subject, cleaning the placenta, separating the chorion tissue from the amniotic membrane, mounting a selected layer of either the chorion tissue or the amniotic membrane onto a drying fixture, dehydrating the selected layer on the drying fixture, and cutting the selected layer into a plurality of tissue grafts. Preferably, the drying fixture includes grooves or raised edges that define the outer contours of each desired tissue graft, after they are cut, and further includes raised or indented logos that emboss the middle area of the tissue grafts during dehydration and that enables an end user to distinguish the top from the bottom side of the graft. The grafts are comprised of single layers of amnion or chorion, multiple layers of amnion or chorion, or multiple layers of a combination of amnion and chorion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymerizable dental material containing a) at least one curable aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic monomer system having a refractive index that is measured at 23° C. and a wavelength of 589 nm of less than or equal to 1.50 that contains at least one aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic bis(meth)acrylate and/or at least one aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic bis(meth)acrylamide; and b) 15 to 80% by weight relative to the total mass of the dental material of at least one filler selected from the group of fused silica having a refractive index that is measured at 23° C. and a wavelength of 589 nm of 1.45 to 1.47, or cristobalite with a refractive index that is measured at 23° C. and a wavelength of 589 nm of 1.48 to 1.49, or combinations thereof. The radically polymerizable dental material has excellent storage properties and is formulated, in particular, as a two-component mixture containing components A and B.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having an anti-microbial agent embedded therein.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a biocompatible composition, suitable for use in soft or hard tissue augmentation, wherein the composition is an aqueous suspension containing a carrier fraction of ceramic particles of less than 15 ?m and an augmentation fraction of ceramic particles of at least 20 ?m. The ceramics typically include calcium phosphate. The composition is a may be used in soft tissue repair as well as hard bone replacement. It advantageously avoids the need for foreign body materials which are conventionally applied to stabilize augmentation suspensions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, bi-functional PEG molecules are attached to adjacent CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. Additional embodiments include PEG/CMC compositions where the PEG is a multi-branch PEG and/or a multi-arm PEG. PEG/CMC compositions can be made with desired viscoelastic properties, and such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, drug delivery vehicles or lubrication of tissues and medical instruments.

Abstract: Chelating monomers and fluoride-releasing compositions are disclosed that may be incorporated into dental composite restorative materials, dental bonding agents or other dental materials, to produce materials with high fluoride release rates, and high fluoride recharge capability. Such dental restorative materials may help reduce the level of dental caries in patients, particularly the level of caries occurring on the margins of the restorative materials.