Scleroproteins, E.g., Fibroin, Elastin, Silk, Etc. Patents (Class 530/353)
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Patent number: 8048446Abstract: Non-woven fibrous scaffolds made by electrospinning from the synthetic biodegradable polymer such as, for example, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and natural proteins, such as, for example, gelatin (denatured collagen) and elastin and a method of making thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Peter I. Lelkes, Mengyan Li, Mark Mondrinos, Frank Ko
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Patent number: 8048989Abstract: A biodegradable biopolymer material consists of silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm; silk fibroin from wild silkworm; a composite material comprising silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm and silk fibroin from wild silkworm; or a composite material comprising either silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm or silk fibroin from wild silkworm and at least one secondary substance selected from the group consisting of cellulose, chitin, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, keratin from wool and polyvinyl alcohol. The material may be prepared by, for instance, casting an aqueous solution of domesticated silkworm silk fibroin on the surface of a substrate and then cast drying the applied solution. The biodegradable biopolymer material is effectively used as, for instance, a metal ion-adsorbing material, a sustained release substrate for a useful substance such as a medicine, a biological cell-growth substrate and a biodegradable water-absorbing material.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: National Institute of Agrobiological SciencesInventors: Masuhiro Tsukada, Takayuki Arai
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Patent number: 8048859Abstract: A personal care composition is provided and includes an effective amount of a repeat sequence protein polymer. The personal care composition may be a hair care composition, a skin care composition, a nail care composition, a cosmetic composition, or an over-the-counter pharmaceutical composition.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Danisco US Inc.Inventors: Manoj Kumar, William A. Cuevas
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Publication number: 20110253984Abstract: An electronic grade silk solution, an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) and a metal-insulator-metal capacitor with silk protein as the insulating material manufactured by use of the silk solution, and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The OTFT of the present invention comprises: a substrate; a gate disposed on the substrate; a gate insulating layer containing silk protein, which is disposed on the substrate and covers the gate; an organic semiconductor layer; and a source and a drain, wherein the organic semiconductor layer, the source and the drain are disposed over the gate insulating layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Jenn-Chang HWANG, Chung Hwa Wang, Chao Ying Hsieh
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Publication number: 20110217750Abstract: An activatable functionalised Nth generation dendrimer having: a core comprising a first monomer having at least two carboxylic acid functional groups; and N successive generations, where N=0 to 10, wherein each generation comprises: a second monomer having at least two alcohol functional groups, wherein at least one alcohol group is bonded to a carboxylic acid group of the first monomer of the prior generation, and an additional first monomer attached to a second alcohol function group of said second monomer of that generation; and the final generation having attached thereto at said second alcohol functional group of said second monomer, a moiety having a dicarboxylic acid functional group, activatable by treatment with a carboxylic acid activating reagent such that reactivity of the carboxylic acid functional group is increased. The dendrimer, when activated, may be used in applications such as polymer crosslinking and/or nanoshell production.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2009Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, GALWAYInventors: Abhay Pandit, Gildas Rethore, Hemantkumar Naik
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Patent number: 8012692Abstract: Methods for producing and using protein/peptide fingerprints, allowing identification and investigation of disease-associated proteins/peptides that can be linked to specific drug targets, or to specific drug target combinations. The methods are particularly useful for studies relating to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), especially for the enzyme MMP12.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: AstraZeneca ABInventors: Per Broberg, Thomas Fehniger, György Marko-Varga, Stephan Uebel
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Patent number: 8008439Abstract: A biodegradable biopolymer material consists of silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm; silk fibroin from wild silkworm; a composite material comprising silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm and silk fibroin from wild silkworm; or a composite material comprising either silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm or silk fibroin from wild silkworm and at least one secondary substance selected from the group consisting of cellulose, chitin, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, keratin from wool and polyvinyl alcohol. The material may be prepared by, for instance, casting an aqueous solution of domesticated silkworm silk fibroin on the surface of a substrate and then cast drying the applied solution. The biodegradable biopolymer material is effectively used as, for instance, a metal ion-adsorbing material, a sustained release substrate for a useful substance such as a medicine, a biological cell-growth substrate and a biodegradable water-absorbing material.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: National Institute of Agrobiological SciencesInventors: Masuhiro Tsukada, Takayuki Arai
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Publication number: 20110201783Abstract: The present invention relates to a thread preparation process from silk proteins including an apparatus which is appropriate for performing the method. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the threads obtained therewith as well as the use thereof. The invention uses a diffusion unit leading to the production of high-quality silk threads with high yield.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: AMSILK GMBHInventors: Thomas Scheibel, Daniel Huemmerich
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Publication number: 20110189773Abstract: The present invention provides a novel silk-fiber-based matrix having a wire-rope geometry for use in producing a ligament or tendon, particularly an anterior cruciate ligament, ex vivo for implantation into a recipient in need thereof. The invention further provides the novel silk-fiber-based matrix which is seeded with pluripotent cells that proliferate and differentiate on the matrix to form a ligament or tendon ex vivo. Also disclosed is a bioengineered ligament comprising the silk-fiber-based matrix seeded with pluripotent cells that proliferate and differentiate on the matrix to form the ligament or tendon. A method for producing a ligament or tendon ex vivo comprising the novel silk-fiber-based matrix is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.Inventors: Gregory H. Altman, David L. Kaplan, Rebecca L. Horan, David J. Horan
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Publication number: 20110177997Abstract: The present invention relates to silk proteins which can be used to produce silk with a cross-beta structure, as well as nucleic acids encoding such proteins. The present invention also relates to recombinant cells and/or organisms which synthesize silk proteins. Silk proteins of the invention can be used for a variety of purposes such as in the production of personal care products, plastics, textiles, and biomedical products.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2008Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Tara D. Sutherland, Victoria S. Haritos, Alagacone Sriskantha, Sarah Weisman, Shoko Okada, Holly Trueman, Ajay Pundalikrao Niranjane
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Publication number: 20110177151Abstract: A method for the preparation of a regenerated silk fibroin solution comprises the steps of: treating silk or silk cocoons with an ionic reagent comprising an aqueous solution of monovalent cations and monovalent anions, the cations and anions having ionic radii of at least 1.05 Angstroms and a Jones-Dole B coefficient of between ?0.001 and ?0.05 at 25° C.; and subsequently degumming the treated silk or silk cocoons; or alternatively, degumming silk or silk cocoons; and subsequently treating the degummed silk or silk cocoons with an ionic reagent comprising an aqueous solution of monovalent cations and monovalent anions, the cations and anions having ionic radii of at least 1.05 Angstroms and a Jones-Dole B coefficient of between ?0.001 and ?0.05 at 25° C. The invention also extends to fibroin solution, a fibroin material and an implant useful for cartilage repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: David Philip Knight, Nicholas James Vavasour Skaer, Andrew Michael Collins, Tom Louis Dirk Gheysens, Christopher Holland
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Publication number: 20110171239Abstract: This invention provides for compositions, methods and devices for rapidly converting silk fibroin solution into a silk fibroin gel using direct application of voltage, in a process called electrogelation. The silk fibroin gel may be reversibly converted back to liquid form by applying reverse voltage or may be converted further to ?-sheet structure by applying shear force or other treatments. The electrogelated silk may be used as an extracted bulk gel, spray or stream of gel for processing into materials or devices, or may be used as silk gel coating to devices. Active agents may be embedded in the silk gel for various medical applications. This invention also provides for methods and compositions for preparing adhesive silk pH-gels. For example, the method comprises reducing pH level of a silk fibroin solution to increase the bulk or local proton concentration of the silk fibroin solution, thereby forming adhesive silk gels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGEInventors: David L. Kaplan, Tuna Yucel, Tim Jia-Ching Lo, Gary G. Leisk
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Publication number: 20110172394Abstract: A method for the preparation of an implantable material for the repair, augmentation or replacement of bone from a fibroin solution, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a gel from the fibroin solution; preparing a material by subjecting the gel to one or more steps of freezing and thawing the gel, wherein the step of preparing the gel from the fibroin solution is performed in the presence of phosphate ions. The material may be treated with calcium ionstoform a fibroin-apatite. A further method comprises the step of treating the material with an isocyanate. The invention also extends to a method for the preparation of an implantable material, wherein a regenerated fibroin solution is used. Also, there is an implantable material and an implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: ORTHOX LIMITEDInventors: David Knight, Nicholas Skaer, Andrew Collins, Tom Louis Dirk Gheysens
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Publication number: 20110117168Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: AFFINERGY, INC.Inventors: Ganesan Sathya, Michelle Steffen Jansen, Paul Theodore Hamilton, Jonathan Allen Hodges, Shrikumar Ambujakshan Nair, Hanne Gron
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Publication number: 20110117167Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: AFFINERGY, INC.Inventors: Isaac Gilliam Sanford, Michelle Steffen Jansen, Paul Theodore Hamilton, Jonathan Allen Hodges, Shrikumar Ambujakshan Nair, Yuchen Chen, Martyn Kerry Darby, Hanne Gron, Ganesan Sathya
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Patent number: 7928069Abstract: Described herein are crosslinked compounds useful in numerous treatments. Described herein are methods of making crosslinked compounds via (1) die oxidative coupling of two or more thiol compounds or (2) by the reaction between at least one thiol compound with at least one thiol-reactive compound.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: Glenn D. Prestwich, Xiao Zheng Shu, Yi Luo, Kelly R. Kirker, Yanchun Liu
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Patent number: 7888430Abstract: The modifying powder is silk powder having an average particle diameter of 10 ?m or less, oil absorption of 130 ml/100 g or less and particle diameter of 80 ?m or less on the basis of dispersion degree evaluation with a grind gauge according to JIS K5400; or polysaccharide powder having an average particle diameter of 10 ?m or less, and ink viscosity of less than 15 Pa·s or oil absorption of 85 ml/100 g or less. Such modifying powders can be obtained through a method comprising a first pulverization process for pulverizing a starting material for modifying material using a dry-type mechanical pulverizer such as a ball mill, and a second pulverization process for pulverizing the obtained pulverized product with a jet mill to fine particles having an average particle diameter of 10 ?m or less, wherein pulverization treatment time in the first pulverization process is determined to be 40 hours or more.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Idemitsu Technofine Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shigeru Oyama
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Patent number: 7887572Abstract: Implantable devices (e.g., stent) having a protein patterning or bioactive patterning for accelerated healing and method of forming and using the same are provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Syed F. A. Hossainy, Florian Niklas Ludwig, David Gale
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Publication number: 20110021752Abstract: The invention relates to derivatives of tropoelastin and variants of those derivatives. The invention further provides expression products and hybrid molecules of the derivatives and variants of the invention. The invention further provides methods for the production of the derivatives, variants, expression products and hybrid molecules. Further provided are formulations, cross-linked structures and implants comprising the derivatives, variants, expression products and hybrid molecules of the invention. Further provided are uses of the derivatives, variants, expression products and hybrid molecules of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: University of SydneyInventor: Anthony S. Weiss
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Patent number: 7858009Abstract: An aqueous sericin solution and a polar organic solvent are mixed together to prepare a sericin-containing solution, then the sericin-containing solution is added into a synthetic resin solution, followed by drying, to produce an synthetic leather wherein sericin is present as discrete particles of not larger than 3 ?m in diameter within the synthetic resin of a skin layer almost uniformly at least 1.0×106 particles per square centimeter. The skin layer of the synthetic leather has a soft and moist touch like that of the natural leather and is superior in moisture absorbing and releasing properties and further superior in processing stability.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Seiren Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norihiko Yoshida, Yukari Suzuki
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Publication number: 20100323421Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for chemically modifying biopolymer and polypeptide with a hydrophobic compound or a compound which causes degradation or reaction under basic condition. The present invention provides a method for producing a chemically modified biopolymer or polypeptide, wherein a biopolymer or polypeptide is chemically modified in a reaction solution containing an organic fluorine compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2008Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Shouji Ooya, Tetsuo Hiratou, Kentaro Nakamura
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Patent number: 7851441Abstract: A low-molecular-weight water-soluble elastin having a molecular weight of about 10,000 to 30,000 and a high-molecular-weight water-soluble elastin having a molecular weight of about 30,000 to 300,000 are provided, 79% to 84% of the constituent amino acids of the elastin comprising proline, glycine, alanine, and valine, 2% to 3% comprising aspartic acid and glutamic acid, 0.7% to 1.3% comprising lysine, histidine, and arginine, and 0.2% to 0.4% comprising desmosine and isodesmosine. The low-molecular-weight water-soluble elastin that is obtained may be used in a functional food or a medicine. Such a high-purity water-soluble elastin may be produced by obtaining pure insoluble elastin by subjecting animal body tissue to a collagen removal treatment and then fragmenting the insoluble elastin by means of a solubilizing liquid. It may be produced simply, merely by adjusting the concentration of an alkaline solution and the reaction time without recovering insoluble elastin from the animal body tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Kyushu Institute of TechnologyInventors: Kouji Okamoto, Hiroshi Yamada, Iori Maeda
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Publication number: 20100294716Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preparing a fibrous protein smectic hydrogel by way of a solvent templating process, comprising the steps of pouring an aqueous fibrous protein solution into a container comprising a solvent that is not miscible with water; sealing the container and allowing it to age at about room temperature; and collecting the resulting fibrous protein smectic hydrogel and allowing it to dry.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Trustees of Tufts CollegeInventors: Hyoung-Joon Jin, Jae-Hyung Park, Regina Valluzzi
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Publication number: 20100298877Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant spider silk proteins, nucleic acids, coding for these recombinant spider silk proteins, as well as hosts suitable for expressing those nucleic acids. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a method of aggregation of spider silk proteins and the use of the proteins in the field of biotechnology and/or medicine and other industrial fields, in particular in the manufacture of automotive parts, in the aircraft construction, in the processing of textiles and leather, as well as in the manufacture and processing of paper and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: AMSILK GMBHInventors: THOMAS SCHEIBEL, DANIEL HUEMMERICH, CHRISTIAN ACKERSCHOTT
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Publication number: 20100256042Abstract: The present application discloses a method of treating a disease that is treatable by therapeutic angiogenesis comprising administering to a needy subject an effective amount of a chimeric coiled coil molecule comprising a coiled-coil domain linked to a receptor binding domain of a ligand.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Gou Young KOH, Chung-Hyun Cho
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Publication number: 20100255056Abstract: A protein scaffold based on a consensus sequence of the tenth fibronectin type III (FN3) repeat from human fibronectin, including isolated nucleic acids that encode a protein scaffold, vectors, host cells, and methods of making and using thereof have applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices. In particular, protein scaffold molecules binding to IgG based on the consensus sequence have been identified as useful for diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Steven Jacobs, Karyn O'Neil
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Publication number: 20100230339Abstract: A chiral particulate material and method of making the same are provided. The material includes a fibrous protein or chiral synthetic polymer, optionally crosslinked, organized into a multilayered chiral structure including nanoscale chiral pores or channels. The particles are useful for performing chiral separations, including in chromatographic applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2006Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: Evolved Nanomaterial Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Regina Valluzzi, Liya Liu, Christopher Sprout, Benjamin Chaloner-Gill
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Publication number: 20100222553Abstract: The disclosure provides spider silk dragline polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the same. Methods of using such polypeptides and polynucleotides and designing novel biomaterials using repeat units of the polypeptides and polynucleotides.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2008Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Cheryl Y. Hayashi, Jessica E. Garb, Nadia A. Ayoub
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Publication number: 20100209405Abstract: The present invention provides a novel silk-fiber-based matrix having a wire-rope geometry for use in producing a ligament or tendon, particularly an anterior cruciate ligament, ex vivo for implantation into a recipient in need thereof. The invention further provides the novel silk-fiber-based matrix which is seeded with pluripotent cells that proliferate and differentiate on the matrix to form a ligament or tendon ex vivo. Also disclosed is a bioengineered ligament comprising the silk-fiber-based matrix seeded with pluripotent cells that proliferate and differentiate on the matrix to form the ligament or tendon. A method for producing a ligament or tendon ex vivo comprising the novel silk-fiber-based matrix is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.Inventors: Gregory H. Altman, David L. Kaplan, Rebecca Horan, David J. Horan
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Publication number: 20100196432Abstract: The invention described herein relates to biopolymer structures. The biopolymer structures are spatially organized from the nanometer to centimeter length scales and incorporate functionally active cells. Applications of the biopolymer structures include use with stem cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2007Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Adam W. Feinberg, Kevin Kit Parker
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Patent number: 7763448Abstract: The present invention provides a porous body high in safety against environment and living bodies and having a strength high enough to withstand practical use, said porous body comprising, as a skeleton constituent thereof, sericin with an average molecular weight of 30000 to 400000, and having a recovery rate of 10 to 100% after 50% compression.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Seiren Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoichi Kato, Kazuhisa Tsujimoto, Hideyuki Yamada
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Publication number: 20100178304Abstract: This invention provides for a process of rapidly forming silk fibroin gelation through ultrasonication. Under the appropriate conditions, gelation can be controlled to occur within two hours after the ultrasonication treatment. Biological materials, including viable cells, or therapeutic agents can be encapsulated in the hydrogels formed from the process and be used as delivery vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGEInventors: Xiaoqin Wang, Jon Kluge, Gary G. Leisk, David L. Kaplan
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Patent number: 7751985Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for controllably producing silk particles including the steps of designing a particle size, setting parameters to create the particle size except one unknown parameter, calculating the unknown parameter using algorithm, dissolving a silk peptide in a solvent, adding a cleavage agent, and hydrolyzing the peptide to produce the particle in the desired size.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityInventors: Yi Li, Lok Yuen Lo, Jun Yan Hu
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Patent number: 7727542Abstract: A bioactive material is made using fibroin solutions and suspensions that can be used alone or as a composite with particles such as core/shell particles. The material is designed to support the constructions, repair, regeneration or augmentation of bone and other tissues of the body. The solutions and suspensions can be loaded with core/shell-type particles comprising inorganic core materials that are coated with biodegradable polymers with an outer coating of a calcium phosphate precursor. The fibroin solutions, suspensions, and composites can be injected to fill cavities or to replace missing tissue. After injection, the materials can produce a scaffold capable of promoting tissue regeneration while degrading. The degradation of the particles, when present, can generate additional porosity within the scaffold and release other compounds in a controlled manner to enhance growth and activation of the cells necessary for tissue repair.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: University of ConnecticutInventors: Anthony T. DiBenedetto, Samuel Jien-shek Huang, Claudio Migliaresi, Antonella Motta
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Publication number: 20100100975Abstract: The present invention provides silk proteins, as well as nucleic acids encoding these proteins. The present invention also provides recombinant cells and/or organisms which synthesize silk proteins. Silk proteins of the invention can be used for a variety of purposes such as in the manufacture of personal care products, plastics, textiles, and biomedical products.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2006Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Tara D. Sutherland, Victoria S. Haritos, Holly Trueman, Alagacone Sriskantha, Sarah Weisman, Peter M. Campbell
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ENHANCED SILK PROTEIN MATERIAL HAVING IMPROVED MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME
Publication number: 20100068517Abstract: The invention provides an enhanced silk fiber rivaling spider silk in mechanical performance, in combination with a very low-cost method for producing it from the usual silkworms. The method provides for the simple application of an electric field which results in an enhancement of over (?) 40% in the strength, and of 200% in the breaking energy with respect to ordinary silkworm silk. The critical elasticity is enhanced to the level of the dragline spider silk. The provided enhanced silk protein material has the same protein primary structure, fiber diameter and length of the customary silk. The method of formation offers the following advantages in comparison to other methods available in the prior art. Industrial scale production can be readily and cost-effectively achieved, given the wide-range availability of silkworms. The provided method relies largely on the present standard production processes of silkworm silk, and hence a low level of investment is required.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2007Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPOREInventors: Xiang Yang Liu, Ning Du -
Patent number: 7674882Abstract: The present invention provides an all-aqueous process and composition for production of silk biomaterials, e.g., fibers, films, foams and mats. In the process, at least one biocompatible polymer, such as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) (a well-documented biocompatible material), was blended with the silk protein prior to processing e.g., electrospinning. We discovered that this step avoids problems associated with conformational transitions of fibroin during solubilization and reprocessing from aqueous solution which lead to embrittled materials. Moreover, the process avoids the use of organic solvents that can pose problems when the processed biomaterials are exposed to cells in vitro or in vivo.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignees: Trustees of Tufts College, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: David L. Kaplan, Hyoung-Joon Jin, Gregory Rutledge, Sergey Fridrikh
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Publication number: 20100055184Abstract: The present invention provides hydrogels and compositions thereof for vocal cord repair or augmentation, as well as other soft tissue repair or augmentation (e.g., bladder neck augmentation, dermal fillers, breast implants, intervertebral disks, muscle-mass). The hydrogels or compositions thereof are injected into the superficial lamina propria or phonatory epithelium to restore the phonatory mucosa of the vocal cords, thereby restoring a patient's voice. In particular, it has been discovered that hydrogels with an elastic shear modulus of approximately 25 Pa are useful in restoring the pliability of the phonatory mucosa. The invention also provides methods of preparing and using the inventive hydrogels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Steven M. Zeitels, Robert Edward Hillman, Sandeep Sidram Karajanagi, Robert S. Langer
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Publication number: 20100055438Abstract: The present invention provides for concentrated aqueous silk fibroin solutions and an all-aqueous mode for preparation of concentrated aqueous fibroin solutions that avoids the use of organic solvents, direct additives, or harsh chemicals. The invention further provides for the use of these solutions in production of materials, e.g., fibers, films, foams, meshes, scaffolds and hydrogels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGEInventors: David L. Kaplan, Ung-Jin Kim, Jaehyung Park, Hyoung-Joon Jin
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Patent number: 7671178Abstract: Silk is dissolved in an ionic liquid and is regenerated in a range of structural forms without requiring the use of harmful solvents. Silk solubility can be controlled by the selection of the ionic liquid constituents, with small cations and halide or pseudohalide anions favoring solution. The rinse solvent exercises a significant influence over the final properties of the regenerated silk.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: David M. Phillips, Robert A. Mantz, Paul C. Trulove, Hugh C. DeLong
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Publication number: 20100029553Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method of controlling the phase separation of one or a mixture of two or more spider silk proteins, leading to the defined and controllable assembly of the said silk protein(s) to defined morphologies, such as spheres, nano fibrils, threads, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHENInventor: Thomas Scheibel
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Publication number: 20100021440Abstract: The present invention relates to tropoelastin and to tissue repair and restoration using elastic materials. Disclosed is a process for producing an elastic material from tropoelastin including heating a solution of tropoelastin having an alkaline pH to form an elastic material from the tropoelastin in the solution. Also disclosed are elastic materials prepared according to this process and their applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: The University of SydneyInventors: Anthony Steven Weiss, Suzanne Marie Mithieux
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Patent number: 7635755Abstract: The present invention provides for concentrated aqueous silk fibroin solutions and an all-aqueous mode for preparation of concentrated aqueous fibroin solutions that avoids the use of organic solvents, direct additives, or harsh chemicals. The invention further provides for the use of these solutions in production of materials, e.g., fibers, films, foams, meshes, scaffolds and hydrogels.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Trustees of Tufts CollegeInventors: David L. Kaplan, Ung-Jin Kim, Jaehyung Park, Hyoung-Joon Jin
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Publication number: 20090286959Abstract: Disclosed are a fibroin with increased molecular weight and improved antioxidant activity, tyrosinase inhibitory ability and cytotoxicity to cancer cells, which has a molecular structure modified by irradiation, a method for production thereof, use of the irradiated fibroin in various applications for enhancing antioxidant activity, tyrosinase inhibitory ability and/or cytotoxicity to cancer cells such as foods, cosmetics, medicines, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: Korea Atomic Energy Research InstituteInventors: Ju-Woon LEE, Jong-Il Choi, Jae-Hun Kim, Beom-Seok Song, Myung-Woo Byun, Eui-Baek Byun, Nak-Yun Sung
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Publication number: 20090281044Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for the therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment of Elastin comprising tissues. Therapeutic and cosmetic compositions comprising an elastin digest stimulate the endogenous production of Elastin and appear to enhance the elasticity of the skin and provide an external supply of peptide precursors of Elastin that penetrate into the tissue to which it is applied. The present invention describes compositions containing an elastin digest derived from proteolytic digestion of insoluble elastin derived from mammalian ligaments with a protein digesting composition, such as proteinase K. The elastin digest is a mixture of elastin peptides wherein the elastin peptide mixture comprises peptides of the sequence GXXPG, wherein X represents one of the natural amino acids. The elastin digest of the present invention may also comprise epitopes of cytokines, growth factors and di-peptides.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: Thomas Mitts, Felipe Jimenez
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Publication number: 20090246283Abstract: A nanocomposite of a repeat sequence protein polymer, such as a copolymer of silk and elastin, is produced by Supercritical Antisolvent Precipitation with Enhanced Mass Transfer (SAS-EM). The nanocomposite may include an active agent, such as a protein or hormone, that is releasably bound to the repeat sequence protein polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2007Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventor: Manoj Kumar
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Patent number: 7591841Abstract: Implantable devices (e.g., stent) having a protein patterning or bioactive patterning for accelerated healing and method of forming and using the same are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Syed Faiyaz Ahmed Hossainy, Florian Niklas Ludwig, David Gale
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Publication number: 20090232963Abstract: A method for modifying silk polymer by coupling a chemical moiety to a tyrosine residue of a silk polymer is described herein for the purpose of altering the physical properties of the silk protein. Thus, silk proteins with desired physical properties can be produced by the methods described herein. These methods are particularly useful when the introduction of cells to a mammal is desired, since modifications to the silk protein affect the physical properties and thus the adhesion, metabolic activity and cell morphology of the desired cells. The silk protein can be modified to produce, or modify, a structure that provides an optimal environment for the desired cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGEInventors: David L. Kaplan, Amanda Murphy
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Publication number: 20090226969Abstract: The invention provides an isolated major ampullate spidroin protein, which consists of from 150 to 420 amino acid residues and is defined by the formula KEP-CT. KEP is a repetitive, N-terminally derived protein fragment having from 80 to 300 amino acid residues. CT is a C-terminally derived protein fragment having from 70 to 120 amino acid residues. The invention further provides an isolated fusion protein consisting of a first protein fragment, which is a major ampullate spidroin protein, and a second protein fragment comprising a fusion partner and a cleavage agent recognition site. The first protein fragment is coupled via said cleavage agent recognition site to the fusion partner. The invention also provides a method of producing a major ampullate spidroin protein and polymers thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: SPIBER TECHNOLOGIES ABInventors: Jan Johansson, Göran Hjälm, Margareta Stark, Anna Rising, Stefan Grip, Wilhelm Engström, My Hedhammar
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Patent number: 7572894Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preparing a fibrous protein smectic hydrogel by way of a solvent templating process, comprising the steps of pouring an aqueous fibrous protein solution into a container comprising a solvent that is not miscible with water; sealing the container and allowing it to age at about room temperature; and collecting the resulting fibrous protein smectic hydrogel and allowing it to dry.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Trustees of Tufts CollegeInventors: Hyoung-Joon Jin, Jae-Hyung Park, Regina Valluzzi