Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional bioprinter for fabricating cellular constructs such as tissues and organs using electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at or above 405 nm. The bioprinter includes a material deposition device comprising a cartridge for receiving and holding a composition which contains biomaterial that cures after exposure to EMR. The bioprinter also includes an EMR module that emits EMR at a wavelength of about 405 nm or higher. Also provided is a bioprinter cartridge which contains cells and a material curable at a wavelength of about 405 nm or greater. The cells are present in a chamber and are extruded through an orifice to form the cellular construct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a semi-IPN composite, the method including polymerizing a hydrophilic monofunctional acrylate (b1) and a polyfunctional acrylate (b2) in a solution of a polyurethane (A) prepared using an aromatic polyisocyanate as a raw material. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a moisture-permeable film that is obtained by drying the semi-IPN composite obtained by the above production method. One object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a semi-IPN composite excellent in moisture permeability, water-swelling resistance, and stain resistance. The semi-INP composite obtained by the production method of the present invention is excellent in moisture permeability, water-swelling resistance, and stain resistance. Therefore, the semi-IPN composite can be preferably used for moisture-permeable waterproof fabrics for clothing, medical, and sanitary use and for skin and topcoat layers of synthetic leathers.

Abstract: The present application provides dental fillers, and methods of making and using dental fillers that include a treated surface that includes a phosphate salt. Dental compositions including such dental fillers can be useful for delivering ions to the oral environment. Dental compositions, and methods of using dental compositions that include a phosphate salt and a hardenable resin or a water-dispersible, polymeric film former are also provided.

Abstract: This invention uses mesoporous silica nanoparticles and other nanostructured materials to formulate polyacrylate-based bone cement for achieving an enhanced and controlled elution of active ingredients such as antibiotics. This invention overcomes the limitation of low antibiotic release from commercial polyacrylate-based bone cements using for example, PMMA. In certain aspects, the formulation enables a sustained release of antibiotics from the bone cement over a period of 80 days and achieves 70% of total drug release, whereas the commercial antibiotic bone cement (e.g., SmartSet GHV) only releases about 5% of the antibiotics on the first day and subsequently an almost negligible amount. In addition, the mechanical properties of our formulated bone cements are well retained. The inventive bone cement exhibits good antibacterial properties and has very low cytotoxicity to mouse fibroblast cells.

Abstract: A non-resorbable wound dressing can include a plug made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The plug can have a three-dimensional shape. The plug can be substantially cylindrical. The PTFE can have a high density and be expanded. The PTFE can be non-porous or have a porosity of less than about 0.4 microns. The PTFE can also be unsintered and unexpanded. A method of regenerating alveolar bone includes placing a PTFE plug in a cavity formed in an alveolar bone. Placing the plug in the cavity can include contacting at least a portion of a peripheral surface of the plug with the gingival tissue surrounding the cavity. The method can also include inserting a bone graft material in the cavity before placing the plug in the cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydrogel composition and methods of using the same. The hydrogel composition may include precursors that react with each other upon contact as well as precursors that react upon contact with an initiator. In embodiments, the resulting hydrogels may have varying levels of crosslinking with both denser and less dense regions.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inducing reversible chain cleavage of polymer chains in a crosslinked polymeric material or during polymerization of a polymeric material. Reversible cleavage of the polymer backbone is capable of relieving stress in the polymeric material as the bonds reform in a less stressed state. The invention also provides mixtures for making crosslinked polymeric materials, methods for making polymeric materials capable of reversible chain cleavage, materials made by the methods of the invention, and linear monomers containing reversible chain cleavage groups which are useful in the materials and methods of the invention. The mixtures of the invention may be dental restorative compositions used for forming dental restorative materials.

Abstract: Absorbable polyurethanes, polyamides and polyester urethanes prepared from at least one compound selected from: or the corresponding diamines or diisocyanates thereof, wherein each X independently represents —CH2COO—, —CH(CH3)COO—, —CH2CH2OCH2COO—, —CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2COO—, —(CH2)yCOO— where y is 2 to 4 or 6 to 24, or —(CH2CH2O)z?CH2COO— where z? is 2 to 24; each Y represents —COCH2O—, —COCH(CH3)O—, —COCH2OCH2CH2O—, —COCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2O—, —CO(CH2)mO— where m is 2 to 4 or 6 to 24, or —COCH2O(CH2CH2O)n— where n is 2 to 24; R? is hydrogen, benzyl or straight-chained or branched alkyl; p is 1 to 4; and Rn represents one or more members selected from H, alkoxy, benzyloxy, aldehyde, halogen, carboxylic acid and —NO2, which is attached directly to an aromatic ring or attached through an aliphatic chain. Absorbable polymers prepared from these compounds are useful for drug delivery, tissue engineering, tissue adhesives, adhesion prevention and other implantable medical devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new biocompatible, biodegradable removable and repositionable adhesive composition, its preparation method and various uses thereof, including its use as surgical aid. The invention also discloses a matrix comprising such composition, such as e.g. a solid support covered, impregnated or saturated by said adhesive composition. Adhesive compositions according to the invention comprise at least one chitin and/or chitosan containing material. In a particular embodiment said adhesive composition further comprises at least one adhesive-enhancing agent whereby said agent is provided in a granular form, and preferably is a chitin and/or chitosan containing material as defined herein. The present adhesive composition and matrix comprising such composition can be used as gluing composition, in particular in wound-healing and/or surgical applications.

Abstract: A strain-hardened interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel is provided. The interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel is based on two different networks. The first network is a non-silicone network of preformed hydrophilic non-ionic telechelic macromonomers chemically cross-linked by polymerization of its end-groups. The second network is a non-silicone network of ionizable monomers. The second network has been polymerized and chemically cross-linked in the presence of the first network and has formed physical cross-links with the first network. An aqueous salt solution having a neutral pH is used to ionize and swell the second network in the interpenetrating polymer network. The swelling of the second network is constrained by the first network, and this constraining effect results in an increase in effective physical cross-links within the interpenetrating polymer network, and, in turn, an increase its elastic modulus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous scaffold for use as a substrate in soft tissue applications, in particular for preparing annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue. In aspects, the present invention also relates to an engineered biological material comprising AF tissue; constructs comprising one or more engineered biological materials; methods for producing the biological materials and constructs; and methods of using the biological materials and constructs.

Abstract: A method of forming and the resulting membrane composition for securement to a patient's bone or tissue to reduce the formation of tissue adhesions following a surgical procedure comprises a first component and a second component. The first component comprises a hydrogel including at least one crosslinked polymer. The second component comprises a textile component. The composition has a thickness between about two tenths of a millimeter (0.2 mm) to about six tenths of a millimeter (0.6 mm), a suture retention strength between about one Newton (1 N) to about thirteen Newtons (13 N), a static coefficient of friction between about one hundredth (0.01) and about one-half (0.5), a kinetic coefficient of friction between about one hundredth (0.01) and about one-half (0.5) and a flexibility of less than thirty millimeters (30 mm) bend length. A method of reducing the occurrence of tissue adhesions following surgery comprises applying the membrane composition to a surgical site.

Abstract: A bioactive and osteoconductive bone cement is produced from polyacrylates or polymethylacrylates by addition of small amounts of polymerizable monomers containing anionic groups which cause the cement surface to mineralize after being incubated in simulated body fluid. The obtained mineralized layers contain calcium phosphate phases such that the formation of fibrous intermediate layers is prevented once the bone cement has been implanted in bones. Optionally, other additives, e.g. biocompatible calcium salts, biocompatible buffering substances, or x-ray contrast agents, antibiotics, antimicrobial agents, and/or anti-inflammatory agents can be added in order to improve the properties of the cement for individual purposes. The bone cement can be used for anchoring prosthesis components in the bone, stiffening bones, filling and reconstructing all types of bone defects, as dowels for bone screws, or as an implant material for anchoring screws and other implants used for osteosynthesis.

Abstract: Granules or pellets comprising polymeric materials such as polyaryletherketones and ceramic materials may be prepared and used to make a variety of different parts of components for use in medical applications, by melt-processing. The ceramic material may be a bioactive glass and/or a controlled-release glass, and may include less than 20 mole % sodium oxide and/or be water soluble.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising an ethylenically unsaturated acidic compound, water, a functionalized silane, an initiator, optionally comprising a sensitising agent, a non-surface treated filler, optionally a solvent, optionally an ethylenically unsaturated compound, optionally additives selected from the group consisting of stabilizer(s), photobleachable colorant(s), fluoride release agent(s), pigments. The invention also relates to a process of producing such a composition by in-situ silanization of the non-surface treated filler.

Abstract: A composition for the induction of bone growth is disclosed. The composition includes a substrate, bone growth protein, and sources of calcium and phosphate. The composition is acidic which promotes high activity of the bone growth protein. The calcium and phosphate sources can be provided as an acidic calcium phosphate salt. Also disclosed are methods of the making the composition and methods of using it.

Abstract: Biological-based polyurethanes and methods of making the same. The polyurethanes are formed by reacting a biodegradable polyisocyanate (such as lysine diisocyanate) with an optionally hydroxylated biomolecule to form polyurethane. The polymers formed may be combined with ceramic and/or bone particles to form a composite, which may be used as an osteoimplant.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inducing reversible chain cleavage of polymer chains in a crosslinked polymeric material. Reversible cleavage of the polymer backbone is capable of relieving stress in the polymeric material as the bonds reform in a less stressed state. The invention also provides methods for making polymeric materials capable of reversible chain cleavage, materials made by the methods of the invention, and linear monomers containing reversible chain cleavage groups which are useful in the materials and methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a hydrogel from a hydrophilic polymer having one or more functional groups which are capable of co-reacting in a condensation reaction which method comprises the steps of: (i) preparing a solution of the polymer; (ii) heating the solution to a temperature sufficient for the condensation reaction to take place for a period of time sufficient for the hydrogel to cross-link wherein where the hydrophilic polymer comprises a first and a second hydrophilic polymer, step (i) comprises a step of mixing the hydrophilic polymers to prepare a homogeneous intimate mixture of the polymers; and wherein the heating step (ii) is carried out at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The method of the invention is advantageous because it is relatively low cost, it is a safer procedure with less health & safety concerns, it is carried out in a liquid state and is not limited by film thickness.

Abstract: This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are related to fillers that are placed within an extraction site in need of bone augmentation and preservation. The fillers encourage sufficient new bone growth in order that normal jaw bone deterioration following tooth removal is prevented. The fillers create, arrange, and assemble an ideal growth environment for new bone growth to rapidly grow and preserve the original contours of an individual's jaw bone. Further embodiments described herein are related to dental implants that are arranged to provide a scaffold upon which a damaged or missing dental papilla may regrow. The dental implants may include a micro-pattern to facilitate directional cell growth.

Abstract: The disclosed is a biodegradable copolymer, an amphiphilic diblock copolymer, composed of a hydrophilic segment and a hydrophobic segment. The hydrophilic segment is an endcapped PEG or derivatives thereof. The hydrophilic segment is a random polymer polymerized of lactone or cyclic C3-C6 molecule and lactic acid/glycolic acid. There is no coupling agent between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments, and the biodegradable copolymer is formed by one-pot ring-opening polymerization. The biodegradable copolymer can be dissolved in water to form a thermosensitive material having a phase transfer temperature of 25 to 50° C., thereby being applied to biological activity factor delivery, tissue engineering, cell culture and biological glue.

Abstract: A biomaterial comprising a ceramic material, the ceramic material having a plurality of connecting micropores of an average diameter of between 1 ?m and 10 ?m, substantially evenly distributed through the biomaterial. The ceramic particles are preferably partially fused to one or more adjacent ceramic particles to form a lattice defining micropores. Each particle preferably has an average diameter of 1 ?m and 10 ?m and may comprise a plurality of elongated macropores having an average diameter of between 150 ?m and 500 ?m. Further, the material may additionally contain midi-pores which are substantially spherical and have an average diameter of 5 ?m and 150 ?m.

Abstract: The invention features a dental composition containing a polycyclic aromatic compound, such as 2-ethyl 9,10-dimethoxy anthracene (EDMOA), in an amount that provides the composition with fluorescence mimicking that of natural teeth.

Abstract: A thermally modified microbial-derived cellulose material is described for use as an implantable material in general surgery, plastic surgery and neurosurgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides dental fillers having the optical and/or mechanical characteristics required to dental materials, a method of producing the same, and a dental composite material prepared with use of the dental filler. More specifically, the present invention provides a dental filler containing a zirconium silicate compound, especially a zirconium trisilicate compound with a wadeite type crystalline structure and having an average particle diameter in the range from 2 to 50,000 nm, a method of producing the same, a dental composite material containing the dental filler and a hardenable resin selected from an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a vinyl resin, a urethane resin and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition, which may be used to form contact lenses, comprising at least one silicone containing component, at least one hydrophilic component, at least one high molecular weight hydrophilic polymer and at least one diluent with an alpha value of about 0.5 to about 1 and a Hansen solubility parameter of less than about 10.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dental filling material with dual hardening mechanism, wherein i) a first hardening mechanism is based on a photocuring reaction, preferably a radical reaction, and ii) a second hardening mechanism is dependent on H2O as a reactant, especially as a ligand. Preferably, the second hardening mechanism is a gypsum-type reaction. Owing to the expansion of the composition an excellent marginal seal can be achieved, while the first hardening mechanism allows for a rapid cure on demand.

Abstract: Described are osteogenic paste compositions with enhanced osteoinductive properties for use in bone repair. Compositions comprising a quickly resorbable paste carrier, a more slowly resorbed mineral matrix, and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) or other osteogenic factor are described which enable increased osteoinductive activity while retaining a reliable scaffold for the formation of new bone at the implant site. Methods for making and methods for therapeutic use of the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Implants include a porous layer made from a composition including a compound wherein collagen is cross-linked to a glycosaminoglycan, the porous layer being optionally joined to a collagen film.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydrogel composition and methods of using the same. The hydrogel composition may include precursors that react with each other upon contact as well as precursors that react upon contact with an initiator. In embodiments, the resulting hydrogels may have varying levels of crosslinking with both denser and less dense regions.

Abstract: The present invention includes tailored fiber-reinforced hydrogel composites for implantation into a subject. The present invention also includes systems and methods for controlling the relative percent volume of the hydrogel and fibers, cross-linking, fiber orientation, weave and density, such that the material properties of the composite can be controlled and/or customized to match particular tissue types. The composites of the present invention are suitable for repairing or replacing musculoskeletal tissues and/or fibrocartilage, such as the meniscus, ligaments and tendons.

Abstract: A dental filler and dental resin restorative composition containing the dental filler is provided. The dental filler is prepared by pre-treating an acid-reactive filler with a polymerizable monomer or oligomer pre-treatment chemical having at least one acid or acid-precursor functional group, at least one polymerizable unsaturated carbon-carbon bond, and a molecular weight of about 1,000 grams per mole or less.

Abstract: A hardening composition comprising a particulate glass, said glass comprising 10-35% by weight of silica, 10-35% by weight of alumina, 3-30% by weight of zinc oxide, 4-30% by weight of P2O5 and 3-25% by weight of fluoride, and an acidic copolymer reactive with the particulate glass under aqueous conditions.

Abstract: A material can be molded into part made of a biocompatible binder containing one or several compounds for adding calcium and phosphorus It has been subjected to a surface pickling operation intended to ensure surface application and hence surface access of the elements added to the binder, in particular calcium and phosphorus. This material may advantageously be used for the realization of endo-bone implants or bone prostheses.

Abstract: The invention features dental compositions comprising at least one hybrid monomer that comprises a cyclic allylic sulfide moiety attached to a (meth)acryloyl moiety. These two functional moieties are typically joined either directly to each via a chemical bond or through some chemical structure or spacer molecule. The composition may optionally contain additional polymerizable compounds, such as ethylenically unsaturated compounds, that are typically used in dental compositions.

Abstract: A method for creating 3D structures using two-photon direct writing includes mixing a resin having a monomer structure with a solvent to create a resin-solvent mixture. A chromophore initiator is added to the resin-solvent mixture to create a second mixture, where the chromophore initiator is comprised of a first constitutional unit derived from a compound having the formula Two-photon lithography is applied to the second mixture to produce a 3D structure.

Abstract: Polymer containing calcium sulfate particles as an implant material are provided. The polymer containing calcium sulfate particles include a calcium sulfate compound coated with a therapeutic polymer containing salicylate, with a coating thickness from about 2 ?m to about 50 ?m. The therapeutic polymer in the particles is in a range from about 0.1% to about 22% (w/w). The resorption of the particles in vivo is from about four weeks to about twenty weeks. The polymer containing calcium sulfate particles can be used as an implant material for bone repairing and bone augmentation.

Abstract: Methods and devices relating to polymer blend/bioceramic composite implantable medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved compositions comprising a mixture of gutta-percha and a hydraulic material containing calcium silicate, calcium aluminate, calcium phosphate, and calcium sulfate compounds are provided. Preferably, the composition includes hydroxylapatite mineral. The composition is particularly suitable for obturating and sealing dental root canals. The composition should provide a stable barrier to bacterial and fluid leakage in the root canal system of a tooth. In addition, the composition should help promote the growth of new bone and tissue surrounding the root tip area.

Abstract: Ophthalmic devices are provided based on an interpenetrating (IPN) double network hydrogel of a first network physically entangled with a second network. The first network is an entangled network of self-linked hydrophilic telechelic macromonomers and hydrophobic moieties. The second network is a hydrophilic network of crosslinked polyacrylic acid. The IPN double network hydrogels including the hydrophobic moieties are characterized by being optically clear and having refractive indices above 1.34.

Abstract: Poly(propylene fumarate) is copolymerized with poly(caprolactone) diol to produce a block copolymer of poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(caprolactone). The biocompatible and bioresorbable block copolymer of poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(caprolactone) is useful in the fabrication of injectable and in-situ hardening scaffolds for tissue and/or skeletal reconstruction. The block copolymer can be crosslinked by redox or photo-initiation, with or without an additional crosslinker. Thus, the copolymer is both self-crosslinkable (without the use of any crosslinkers) and photocrosslinkable (in the presence of photons such as UV light).

Abstract: A hydrogel is obtained by combining acrylamide and methylene bis-acrylamide, radical initiation and washing with pyrogen-free water or saline solution to give less than 3.5% by weight polyacrylamide, based on the total weight of the hydrogel. The hydrogel may be used as a soft tissue filler endoprosthesis. Also disclosed is a method of filling a soft tissue in a mammal using the endoprosthesis, and a prosthetic device comprising the polyacrylamide hydrogel.

Abstract: Hardenable and hardened dental compositions, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. In some embodiments, the hardenable dental compositions include an acid-generating component and an acid-reactive component including one or more acid-reactive groups. Upon irradiating, and optionally heating, the hardened compositions are useful, for example, for reducing the bond strength of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.

Abstract: A bone substitute composition includes glass flake and a hardenable material. The glass flake is a particle with an aspect ratio of, at least, 20:1. The preferred thickness of the glass flake is in the range from 200 to 1,000 nm and the average particle size is, preferably, from 20 to 60 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, kits and systems for determining one or more cement material properties. In one variation, a color change agent is introduced into bone cement to allow a physician to determine when a cement has the desired viscosity for insertion into a patient. In another variation, the composition comprises one or more curable bioactive agents and one or more color change agents. The curable bioactive agent(s) may be one or more bone cement(s). These Bone cements contain a color change agent that allows a physician to tell when the cement has reached the property viscosity for insertion of the bone cement into a patient at the bone site.

Abstract: A stable, phase-pure magnesium-substituted crystalline hydroxyapatite containing from about 2.0 to about 29 wt % magnesium, wherein at least 75 wt % of the magnesium content is substituted for calcium ions in the hydroxyapatite lattice structure.

Abstract: A dental material primer and a dentin-regenerating pulp-capping agent which exhibit an excellent dentin-regenerating action, are disclosed. The dental material primer includes a hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in which collagen is immobilized and the dentin-regenerating pulp-capping agent includes a hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, in which collagen is immobilized, and a binder.

Abstract: Dental materials which contain a radically polymerizable organic binder, at least one radical polymerization initiator and at least one radical polymerization accelerator, both the initiator and the accelerator each having at least one radically polymerizable group.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a water-swellable IPN or semi-IPN including a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer and an ionic polymer, articles made from such composition and methods of using such articles. The invention also includes a process for producing a water-swellable IPN or semi-IPN from a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer including the steps of placing an ionizable monomer solution in contact with a solid form of the hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer; diffusing the ionizable monomer solution into the hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer; and polymerizing the ionizable monomers to form a ionic polymer inside the hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer, thereby forming the IPN or semi-IPN.