Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises (i) a macromer prepared by reacting an unsaturated diacid having a carbon-carbon double bond and a saturated diacid, and (ii) a bioactive ceramic grafted to the macromer. In one embodiment, the unsaturated diacid having a carbon-carbon double bond is fumaric acid, the saturated diacid is compatible with fumaric acid and poly(propylene fumarate) such as succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid and mixtures thereof, and the bioactive ceramic is hydroxyapatite. In another embodiment, hydroxyapatite is grafted with a biodegradable and crosslinkable macromer comprising silane units alternating with furnarate and adipate units.

Abstract: A biodegradable copolymer network, which is particularly suited for use in applications such as interbody implants for bone fusion, is provided. The biodegradable copolymer network of the present invention is biodegradable yet provides sufficient mechanical strength for use in procedures such as spinal fusion. Also provided are methods of producing said biodegradable copolymer network, methods of delivery of biologically active substances, implants comprising said biodegradable copolymer network and methods of administering bioactive and in particular, osteoinductive, substances.

Abstract: Compositions for tissue engineering and drug delivery have been developed based on solutions of two or more polymers which form semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks upon exposure to active species following injection at a site in a patient in need thereof. The polymers crosslink to themselves but not to each other; semi-interpenetrating networks are formed when only one of the polymers crosslink. The resulting viscous solutions retain the biologically active molecules or cells at the site of injection until release or tissue formation, respectfully, occurs. As a result of studies conducted with polymer-cell suspensions forming interpenetrating polymer networks, it has been determined that polymer solutions can be formulated wherein the active species is provided by exposure of the polymer solution to an exogenous source of active species, typically electromagnetic radiation, preferably light.

Abstract: A hydrophobic acidic group-containing polymeric monomer (a); a water-soluble polymeric monomer (b); water (c); a photopolymerization initiator (d); an aromatic tertiary amine (e) having an electron-withdrawing group; a cross-linkable polymeric monomer (f); and a basic compound (g) for producing a water-soluble salt through a reaction with a part of the hydrophobic acidic group-containing polymeric monomer (a) are included as essential compounding ingredients. A one-part dental adhesive composition that exhibits high adhesive strength and high storage stability in adhesion between a teeth, and more particularly enamel or dentine, and a dental repairing material, and more particularly a resin material, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition for dental, orthopedic and drug delivery purpose. Specifically, it relates to composition comprising an admixture of a resorbable bone substitute and a crosslinkable prepolymer. It also relates to the composition formed by crosslinking the admixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition for dental, orthopedic and drug delivery purpose. Specifically, it relates to composition comprising an admixture of a resorbable bone substitute and a crosslinkable prepolymer. It also relates to the composition formed by crosslinking the admixture.

Abstract: A cationically curable composition for dental use containing a cationic polymerization initiator (I) and cationically polymerizable monomers (II), the cationically polymerizable monomers (II) containing an oxetane compound and an epoxy compound or an alkenyl ether compound at a ratio of amounts that satisfy the conditions expressed by the following formula, (a×A):(b×B)=91:9 to 45:55 wherein A is a mol number of the oxetane compound, “a” is an average number of the oxetane functional group contained in one molecule of the oxetane compound, B is a mol number of the epoxy compound or the alkenyl ether compound, and “b” is an average number of the epoxy functional group contained in one molecule of the epoxy compound or an average number of the alkenyl ether functional group contained in one molecule of the alkenyl ether compound.

Abstract: A visible light cationically photopolymerizable composition is provided. This composition includes an expanding monomer and a dioxirane. More specifically, the expanding monomer used in this composition is one or more dioxiranyl tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecanes. The composition of the present invention may be used as a matrix resin for dental restorative materials. Another embodiment of the present invention is various novel dioxiranyl tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecanes.

Abstract: Orthopedic compositions are provided that include a homogeneous mixture of a biocompatible polymer and a bioactive particulate ceramic wherein the ceramic has an average particle size of not more than 500 nm are provided. The compositions may be used to form bone cement or various spinal implants, including spinal spacers, interbody fusion cages, bone plates and bone screws. Methods for stabilizing a spine, for correcting a bone defect, and for promoting fusion of adjacent vertebrae are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heterophasic composition which essentially consists of three immniscible components, A, B and C, and the production method of the same. The component A is some body compatible polymer, the component H is a water soluble or hydrolytically degradable substance which produces cavities or network like porosity after disappearing through solubilization or degradation, and a bioactive substance C which at least component B contains in form of particles as a blend component and which still exists in the pores or their walls after the degradation or solubilization of the component B.

Abstract: An improved demineralized bone matrix (DBM) or other matrix composition is provided that has been mixed with a stabilizing agent that acts as (1) a diffusion barrier, (2) a enzyme inhibitor, (3) a competitive substrate, or (4) a masking moiety. A diffusion barrier acts as a barrier so as to protect the osteoinductive factors found in DBM from being degraded by proteolytic and glycolytic enzymes at the implantation site. Stabilizing agents may be any biodegradable material such as starches, modified starches, cellulose, dextran, polymers, proteins, and collagen. As the stabilizing agents degrades or dissolves in vivo, the osteoinductive factors such as TGF-?, BMP, and IGF are activated or exposed, and the activated factors work to recruit cells from the preivascular space to the site of injury and to cause differentiation into bone-forming cells. The invention also provides methods of preparing, testing, and using the inventive improved osteodinductive matrix compositions.

Abstract: Kit for the preparation of dental prostheses which contains (i) polymerizable matrix material, (ii) filler and (iii) at least one dye composition in physically separate form.

Abstract: A permanent, biocompatible material for soft tissue augmentation. The biocompatible material comprises a matrix of smooth, round, finely divided, substantially spherical particles of a biocompatible ceramic material, close to or in contact with each other, which provide a scaffold or lattice for autogenous, three dimensional, randomly oriented, non-scar soft tissue growth at the augmentation site. The augmentation material can be homogeneously suspended in a biocompatible, resorbable lubricious gel carrier comprising a polysaccharide. This serves to improve the delivery of the augmentation material by injection to the tissue site where augmentation is desired. The augmentation material is especially suitable for urethral sphincter augmentation, for treatment of incontinence, for filling soft tissue voids, for creating soft tissue blebs, for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis, and for mammary implants. It can be injected intradermally, subcutaneously or can be implanted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to microdispersions and pharmaceutical compositions containing a synthetic, bioabsorbable, biocompatible liquid polymer that is the reaction product of a polybasic acid or derivative thereof, a polyol and a fatty acid, the liquid polymer having a melting point less than about 40° C., as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, and a synthetic, bioabsorbable, biocompatible polymeric wax comprising the reaction product of a polybasic acid or derivative thereof, a fatty acid and a polyol, the polymeric wax having a melting point less than about 70° C., as determined by differential scanning calorimetry.

Abstract: Bioactive spinal implant materials having optimized radiopacity, stiffness, and bioactivity properties for formulation of shaped bodies capable of withstanding large dynamic, compressive loads are provided. The invention also provides methods of making the optimized implant materials.

Abstract: Implant compositions are disclosed consisting of a biocompatible carrier medium such as a saline or dextran solution and particles of collagenous material dispersed therein. The collagenous material is derived from tissue which has been milled to provide fragments of collagen fibers which preserve the architecture of the original fibers and their molecular structure. The collagenous material is also substantially free of non-fibrous tissue proteins, glycoproteins, cellular elements and lipids or lipid residues, and is non-cytotoxic. By suitable choice of particle size and concentration, the composition may be presented in injectable form or as a paste. The compositions are suitable for application in cosmetic and reconstruction surgery.

Abstract: Novel polymer compositions that are useful in the manufacture of medical implants, implants having osteogenic properties and methods of making said implants are disclosed. Polymer compositions comprise a base material including a polymer matrix of resorbable polymer(s) or copolymer(s), and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), wherein NMP is present in an amount imparting osteogenic properties for the composition.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an antibiotic/antibiotics preparation for resorbable and non-resorbable implants for human and veterinary medicine, for the treatment of local microbial infections in hard and soft tissue.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described that provide three dimensional porous matrices as structural templates for cells. The porous matrices of the present invention have desirable mechanical properties suitable to a variety of applications, including platforms for in vitro cell cultivation, implants for tissue and organ engineering, and materials suitable for chromatography and filtration.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for augmenting bone formation by administering isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with a ceramic material or matrix or by administering hMSCs; fresh, whole marrow; or combinations thereof in a resorbable biopolymer which supports their differentiation into the osteogenic lineage. Contemplated is the delivery of (i) isolated, culture-expanded, human mesenchymal stem cells; (ii) freshly aspirated bone marrow; or (iii) their combination in a carrier material or matrix.

Abstract: The invention describes a low shrinking polymerizable dental material, comprising a mixture of a polymerizable resin, a polymerizable monomer, a polymerization initiator and/or sensibilizer and a filler in a content of about 20 to about 85 percent. The volumetric shrinkage during polymerization is less than about 1.5 Vol.- % due to its rheopex behavior.

Abstract: An implant composition having controlled resorption rate in vivo for stimulating bone growth, a method of making the implant composition, and a kit of implant materials are disclosed. The implant composition includes a calcium sulfate compound, polymer containing particles, and a setting agent for setting the calcium sulfate compound and the polymer containing particles into a heterogeneous solid composition. Upon setting, the calcium sulfate compound forms a matrix and the polymer containing particles settled within the matrix. The resorption rate of the implant composition in vivo can be controlled of between eight and twenty-four weeks, which substantially matches the rate of bone growth. The implant composition of the present invention can be used for the repair, augmentation, and other treatment of bone.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid pharmaceutical composition and methods for use in the treating of bone diseases, the composition being an aqueous solution comprising 0.05% to 35% by weight of ibandronaic acid or salts thereof; 0.1% to 5% by weight of a pH regulating agent; 1% to 15% by weight of a co-solvent; 0.005% to 0.5% by weight of a conserving agent; 1% to 90% by weight of a deionized water; and excipients and pharmaceutically acceptable stabilizers, wherein the composition has a pH of about 2 to 7. The composition is formulated for sublingual administration and enteric administration.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species.

Abstract: A filler comprising a substantially amorphous cluster comprising non-heavy metal oxide particles and heavy metal oxide. The filler can be mixed into a hardenable resin to provide radiopaque dental materials having desirable strength and aesthetic character.

Abstract: Shaping cap made of ceramic, metal or plastic material, which is suitable as a solid constituent of dental pin structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass ionomer for enhancing mineralization of hard tissue of mammals. The glass ionomer comprises, a inert biocompatible ceramic and a bioactive ceramic. The invention also relates to a method for enhancing mineralization of hard tissue of mammals with the aid of said glass ionomer. The invention further relates to the use of said glass ionomer for the preparation of products intended for treatment of defects of soft and hard tissue as well as the use of said glass ionomer for the preparation of a variety of products wherein the ability to enhance mineralization is advantageous.

Abstract: A solvent dehydrated microbially-derived cellulose material is described for use as an implantable material in general and plastic surgery.

Abstract: A composition for use as a bioactive bone cement having a powder component including strontium-containing hydroxy apatite and formulated to create a settable fluid substance when mixed with a liquid component. The liquid component includes a Bisphenol A diglycidylether dimethacrylate resin which when mixed with the powder component creates a bioactive bone cement. The bioactive bone cement can alternatively be in the form of a two paste component system in which a first paste component including strontium-containing hydroxy apatite, Bisphenol A diglycidylether dimethacrylate resin and a polymerization initiator is formulated to create a settable paste substance when mixed with a second paste component. The second paste component includes strontium-containing hydroxy apatite, Bisphenol A diglycidylether dimethacrylate resin, and a polymerization accelerator which when mixed together with the first paste component creates a bioactive bone cement.

Abstract: The invention describes a low shrinking polymerizable dental material, comprising a mixture of a polymerizable resin, a polymerizable monomer, a polymerization initiator and/or sensibilizer and a filler in a content of about 20 to about 85 percent. The volumetric shrinkage during polymerization is less than about 1.5 Vol.-% due to its rheopex behavior.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic, biocompatible, bioabsorbable, porous foam tissue scaffolds possessing physicochemical properties suitable for use in the repair and regeneration of dermal tissue and to methods of preparing such foam scaffolds.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate materials are provided which are suitable for repair of soft tissue, augmentation, and as viscosupplements in animals, particularly humans. The materials comprise liquid polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer compositions or polyhydroxyalkanoate microdispersions. Devices also are provided for storage and delivery of the polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions in vivo. Methods are provided for repairing or augmenting soft tissue in animals using the materials. In a preferred embodiment, the method include the steps of (a) selecting the animal soft tissue to be repaired or augmented; and (b) placing an injectable, liquid polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer or a polyhydroxyalkanoate microdispersion into the animal soft tissue, preferably using a minimally-invasive method such as injection. In another embodiment, the liquid polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer compositions or polyhydroxyalkanoate microdispersions are used as viscosupplements.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for augmenting bone formation by administering isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with a ceramic material or matrix or by administering hMSCs; fresh, whole marrow; or combinations thereof in a resorbable biopolymer which supports their differentiation into the osteogenic lineage. Contemplated is the delivery of (i) isolated, culture-expanded, human mesenchymal stem cells; (ii) freshly aspirated bone marrow; or (iii) their combination in a carrier material or matrix.

Abstract: Compositions useful for repairing osseous defects and healing of wounds and burns include particulate bioactive and biocompatible glass including 40 to 58% by weight silica, 10 to 32% by weight calcia, 10 to 32% by weight soda, 2 to 10% by weight phosphorus pentoxide and 0 to 8% by weight silver oxide. The particles have a size distribution of: less than 500 microns. Methods for repairing osseous defects, healing wounds and burns utilizing such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution to the problems with known cements by providing a composition comprising (a) microscopic anhydrous pellets or particles containing the most important components of biological fluids or synthetic biological fluids (SBFs), (b) bioactive glass or other bioactive ceramic particles and (c) an appropriate resin such as, but not limited to, bisphenol-alpha-glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA), to form a bone-forming cement which enhances (accelerates) bone production and bone bonding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell growth substrate polymer that is obtainable by polymerizing a polymerizable component comprising least one hydrophilic monomer or macromer which is devoid of a sulfo group, at least one sulfo-group-containing monomer, and optionally a crosslinker in a weight ratio as defined in the claims. The polymers of the invention are useful, for example, as substrates for the attachment and growth of mammalian cells and tissue and in particular as materials for the manufacture of biomedical devices and prostheses, including implanted devices.

Abstract: A permanent, biocompatible material for soft tissue augmentation. The biocompatible material comprises a matrix of smooth, round, finely divided, substantially spherical particles of a biocompatible ceramic material, close to or in contact with each other, which provide a scaffold or lattice for autogenous, three dimensional, randomly oriented, non-scar soft tissue growth at the augmentation site. The augmentation material can be homogeneously suspended in a biocompatible, resorbable lubricious gel carrier comprising a polysaccharide. This serves to improve the delivery of the augmentation material by injection to the tissue site where augmentation is desired. The augmentation material is especially suitable for urethral sphincter augmentation, for treatment of incontinence, for filling soft tissue voids, for creating soft tissue blebs, for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis, and for mammary implants. It can be injected intradermally, subcutaneously or can be implanted.

Abstract: The invention relations to a hydroxylapatite gel obtained through a sol-gel process, in which an alkaline aqueous solution of a calcium salt is reacted with an alkaline aqueous solution of a phosphate salt in a calcium and phosphorous molar ratio in the range of 1.67 to obtain a sol. The sol is then transformed into a gel by hydrothermal treatment. The hydroxylapatite gel thus obtained exhibits excellent properties for use as a binding agent in moldable hydroxylapatite materials, comprising a granular filling material containing calcium in addition to the gel. The filling material is also preferably a hydroxylapatite material. Shaped bodies can be obtained from the hydroxylapatite material, which are most suitable for use in bone surgery as filtering materials. The invention further relates to a metal implant comprising a coating of the inventive hydroxylapatite material. The invention also concerns a method for producing the hydroxylapatite gel, the shaped bodies and the coated metal implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition which comprises a polymer or polymer solution that forms a gel under controlled parameters and a ceramic matrix, the composition being fluid under non-physiological conditions and non fluid under physiological conditions. Polymers may be resorbable or non-resorbable, natural or synthetic and the solution aqueous or non-aqueous. Preferred polymers are poly saccharides, polyamides or polyamino acids, however any polymer or polymer solution that is biologically compatible and that is fluid under nonphysiological conditions and increases in viscosity under physiological conditions is suitable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymerizable, cross-linkable composition which contains: (A) 1-99.99 wt.-% of at least one conversion product of OH-functional (meth)acrylates with (i) oligomers from unsaturated rings or heterocyclic rings and maleic anhydride and/or with (ii) at least one ring-shaped polycarboxylic acid with at least 4 ring-carbon atoms and/or the anhydrides thereof with a saturated ring system, at least 4 carboxyl groups, and 0 or 1 heterocyclic ring atoms from the group N, O, S, whereby at least one carboxyl group and/or anhydride group of the above described substance groups is reacted with unsaturated polymerizable groups; (B) 0 to 98.99 wt.-% of one or more polymerizable, unsaturated organic compounds with at least one CH2═C(R10)—COO-group, whereby R10 represents H or methyl; (C) 0.01 to 5 wt.-% initiators and optional activators; (D) 0 to 90 wt.-% common solvents; (E) 10 to 90 wt.

Abstract: An impoved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, tissue is stained with a photoinitiator, then the polymer solution or gel having added thereto a defined amount of the same or a different photoinitiator is applied to the tissue. On exposure to light, the resulting system polymerizes at the surface, giving excellent adherence, and also forms a gel in the rest of the applied volume. Thus a gel barrier of arbitrary thickness can be applied to a surface while maintaining high adherence at the interface. This process is referred to herein as “priming”. The polymerizable barrier materials are highly useful for sealing tissue surfaces and junctions against leaks of fluids. In another embodiment, “priming” can be used to reliably adhere preformed barriers to tissue or other surfaces, or to adhere tissue surfaces to each other.

Abstract: A film degradable in natural environment and high in both flexibility and transparency. A biodegradable film comprises a polymer of polylactic acid family and an aliphatic polyester other than polylactic acid in a weight ratio of from 70:30 to 20:80, said film having a tensile modulus of not more than 250 kg/mm2 and a light transmittance of not less than 65%.

Abstract: A composition for the promotion of adhesion between a rubber formulation and a textile substrate is provided. The inventive composition comprises either a mixture of specific amine functional silanes and organo-functional silanes having reactive groups or groups with an affinity for rubber. The inventive method entails the use of the inventive composition or a silane compound having both an amine moiety and a reactive group having an affinity for rubber formulations, particularly an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond. The composition may be utilized to adhere any standard reinforcement-type textile, such as polyester or polyamide, to a standard rubber composition, such as SBR, NBR, or EPDM. A method for adhering textiles to rubber formulations is also provided involving a pre-dip, -spray, -coat, and the like, of the inventive composition on a reinforcement-type textile surface followed by the contacting of the rubber formulation.

Abstract: A composition for the promotion of adhesion between a rubber formulation and a textile substrate is provided. The inventive composition comprises either a mixture of specific amine functional silanes and organo-functional silanes having reactive groups or groups with an affinity for rubber. The inventive method entails the use of the inventive composition or a silane compound having both an amine moiety and a reactive group having an affinity for rubber formulations, particularly an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond. The composition may be utilized to adhere any standard reinforcement-type textile, such as polyester or polyamide, to a standard rubber composition, such as SBR, NBR, or EPDM. A method for adhering textiles to rubber formulations is also provided involving a pre-dip, -spray, -coat, and the like, of the inventive composition on a reinforcement-type textile surface followed by the contacting of the rubber formulation.

Abstract: Compositions comprising macromers having a backbone comprising units having a 1,2-diol and/or 1,3-diol structure for tissue bulking and coating. Such polymers include poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and hydrolyzed copolymers of vinyl acetate, for example, copolymers with vinyl chloride, N-vinylpyrrolidone, etc. The backbone polymer contains pendant chains bearing crosslinkable groups and, optionally, other modifiers. When crosslinked, the macromers form hydrogels having many properties advantageous for use as agents to bulk and coat tissues.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a bioactive composite material comprising thin layers of bioactive glass reinforced with thin ductile metallic layers, and the use of this material in bone replacement procedures.

Abstract: An improved biocompatible composition consisting of physiologically-stable, isotropic carbon beads or particles carried in a lubricative suspension, solution, other fluid or gel. The composition is intended to be delivered into the body through a small-bored needle, cannula, or other catheter into a tissue site for the purpose of augmenting the tissue. In particular, the composition is useful for augmenting tissue in the area of the cardiac orifice of the stomach to reduce gastric reflux, in the area of the internal or external sphincter of the anal canal to reduce fecal incontinence or in the area of urethral tissue for the purpose of treating urinary incontinence.

Abstract: An improved implantable pharmaceutical depot for the prolonged release of at least one biologically active substance, the depot comprising a polymeric carrier and the biologically active substance, the improvement wherein the depot is coated or surface modified with a biologically active and biocompatible glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic material, the coating or modified surface being capable of forming a bond to soft tissue upon implantation. Methods for forming the biologically active and biocompatible glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic coating or modified surface on the silicone based depot are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of making novel porous and solid polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels. These hydrogels are particularly suited for use in the replacement and augmentation of soft tissue or non-load bearing bone of the face, head and cranium.