Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial hair and a method for producing same. The method for producing an artificial hair according to the present invention comprises: a step of mixing polyamide 6 powder and a master batch at a predetermined weight ratio; a step of drawing an artificial hair from the mixture; a step of forming a loop part by knotting a distal end of the drawn artificial hair; a step of cutting the distal end of the artificial hair, leaving just 1-1.5 mm from the knotted part of the loop part; a step of trimming the artificial hair to a predetermined length after the cutting; and a step of bundling a plurality of the trimmed artificial hair.

Abstract: Extension devices for attaching hair extension elements to artificial hair elements that protrude from a subcutaneously implanted hair implant anchor body. One extension device involves a cylindrical structure having respective cavities on opposing ends. One cavity receives the distal end of the artificial hair element while the other cavity receives the hair extension therein. Another extension device involves a hair extension element forming a first portion of the device while a second opposite portion includes a projection that is received inside a hollow interior of the artificial hair element. A third extension device involves a core having a hair extension element projecting from one side of the core while a single cavity is located on a second side, opposite the one side, and which receives the distal end of the artificial implanted hair element therein. The hair extension may comprise ancillary hair elements and bud structures.

Abstract: A micro-implanter for hair follicle includes a plunger and a hair follicle holding tube coaxially fitted around the plunger. A hair follicle may be positioned in the hair follicle holding tube below the plunger. The plunger is provided at a lower end with a stopper for limiting a depth by which the hair follicle is implanted into a mini implanting slit cut on a bald scalp. The hair follicle holding tube has a lower end formed into a tapered and narrowed section to facilitate easy insertion of the hair follicle holding tube into the mini implanting slit. When the hair follicle holding tube has been inserted into the mini implanting slit on the scalp, the plunger may be pushed forward to implant the hair follicle into the mini implanting slit.

Abstract: A hair implant includes: (a) a hair strand anchor including: an anchor body; first and second hair chambers disposed within the anchor body; and at least one tunnel through the anchor body between the first and second hair chambers, where the tunnel is free of a hair; and (b) at least one hair strand having a portion thereof retained in at least one of the hair chambers; wherein the tunnel is configured to support collagen ligature growth after subcutaneous implantation by receiving and retaining collagen ligatures that anchor the hair implant to a hair implant recipient. Also disclosed is a hair implant including an anchor with first and second anchor bodies and at least one bridge connecting the anchor bodies and bridging at least one void between the anchor bodies, wherein the bridge supports and retains collagen ligature growth. Anchors, hair restoration and manufacturing methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The method of implanting hair grafts in which implant wounds are made at sites for implanting the hair grafts and the implantation is delayed while the implant wounds are allowed a period to heal. The period for healing may be at least 18 hours after the wounds are made.

Abstract: A system includes a flexible member and a tissue engaging member fixed to the flexible member. The tissue engaging member includes a barb preformed to extend rearward from a distal end of the flexible member at an acute angle relative to the flexible member.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting follicular units (FUs) into a body surface while suppressing expulsion of previously-implanted FUs. The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are implanted in a body surface from an implant tool or needle that may be incorporated within an automated or robotic system, or may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus. An anti-popping member prevents expulsion of the FUs adjacent to the location at which an FU is being implanted. The anti-popping member may be carried on the implant device, or may be a flexible membrane applied to the body surface. If on the device, the anti-popping member may be arranged near the distal tip thereof and may be shaped and mounted so as to conform to uneven body surfaces.

Abstract: An improved skin substitute is presented comprised of a silicone layer backed up with a woven nylon fabric layer, the silicone layer possessing a regular pattern of slits that permit the porosity of the skin substitute to be adjusted by clinicians by means of applying tension to the skin substitute that differentially opens the slits. A variety of therapeutic substances can be applied to the skin substitute to promote healing, including aloe and other medicinal preparations.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for regulating hair growth. Specifically, the invention relates to regulating hair growth by regulating the activity one of the prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) receptors, DP-2 (GPR44). Compositions and methods for regulating hair growth include inhibiting hair growth by administering a DP-2 agonist, or stimulating hair growth by administering a DP-2 antagonist.

Abstract: A skin weft with artificial hair attached thereto to provide various styling options or ample volumetric feeling. The skin weft comprises a stitched portion formed by stitching on a side edge of artificial hair composed of human hair or resin hair, a resin tape welded to a surface of the stitched portion, and a bonding component attached to a surface of the resin tape. The method for manufacturing the skin weft comprises the steps of forming a stitched portion by stitching one side edge of human hair or resin hair arranged and conveyed in the form of a sheet, and supplying a resin tape onto a surface of the stitched portion to form a bonding portion. Automatic mass production is achieved, thereby improving productivity and significantly reducing manufacturing costs. Additional means are unnecessary in the manufacturing process, thereby enabling an unskilled person to perform the task.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layered biological in vitro tissue containing: dermis layer, containing a collagen biomatrix with fibroblasts embedded therein and epidermis layer, containing epithelial cells. It is provided that latently virally infected neuronal cells are integrated at least into the dermis layer.

Abstract: A prosthesis for eyelash replacement, restoration, or augmentation includes an implantable base serving a substrate at a ciliary implant site in proximity to a native eyelash line, and a plurality of artificial eyelash hairs secured to the implantable base at intervals along and extending from the implantable base to mimic the look of real human eyelashes. The implantable base may be composed of an absorbable material or a non-reactive, non-absorbable substance and may be curvilinear, rectangular, or round with an annular cross-section in shape. The plurality of artificial eyelash hairs are of a flexible material, preferably composed of a keratin-base or inert fiber, secured, knotted, permanently fixed to the implantable base to mimic native eyelash.

Abstract: A fitting and a method for utilizing one or more of such fittings are described for securing supplemental hair to a person's head, along the outer surface of the person's scalp, to create an enhanced, natural appearance independent of the population and location of any natural hair on the person's head. Each fitting includes a base member having a resiliently flexible flange, and a post rising from the flange and carrying a flexible filament establishing a loop providing a lateral path for a ligature. Each base member is embedded beneath the outer surface of the person's scalp to secure the corresponding fitting at a selected strategic location on the person's head with the filament projecting from the outer surface to provide a corresponding attachment site. Supplemental hair is juxtaposed with and secured to each filament with a corresponding ligature passed through the loop of each corresponding filament.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.

Abstract: A hair transplantation material prepared by a process comprising: refrigerating a hair portion comprising a hair shaft, a hair root, and a cell-collagen layer; and sterilizing the refrigerated hair.

Abstract: A method for producing a regenerative hair follicle germ for transplantation, in which a color of hair that grows after transplantation is controlled, includes preparing a first cell mass containing mesenchymal cells; preparing a second cell mass containing epithelial cells; preparing a cell mass containing pigment stem cells; binding the cell mass containing the pigment stem cells to at least one among the first cell mass and the second cell mass, and closely contacting the first cell mass and the second cell mass, at least one of which has been bound to the cell mass containing the pigment stem cells, and culturing them within a support.

Abstract: The creation and implantation of an artificial nail in the treatment of deformed or missing nails includes preparing the nail bed. A polypropylene mesh is applied and anchored to the nail bed. Nail restoration material is applied to the polypropylene mesh. The nail restoration material is secured by regenerated nail tissue growing through the openings of the mesh whereby the mesh acts as an interface for the nail bed and the nail restoration material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO to may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.

Abstract: The invention provides acellular tissue matrices made from collagen-containing tissues of animals genetically modified so as to be deficient in the galactose 1,3-galactose epitope and methods of making and using such acellular tissue matrices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silicone elastomer composition for an artificial integument which satisfies the following formula: tan ??0.23?0.006X wherein tan ? represents the loss tangent of a cured product of the aforementioned composition; and X represents the Asker C hardness of a cured product of the aforementioned composition. With the composition of the present invention, an artificial integument which has not only a similar outer appearance, but also a similar flexible feeling on touch to the skin, can be obtained by a simple process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.

Abstract: A convertible chair, for example, a hair transplantation chair that permits movement of the patient during a procedure while the patient's head remains substantially stationary. The chair may include a head support and a plurality of body supports that may be mounted on a base, or on a cradle movably attached to the base. The chair can be configured for a follicular unit harvesting procedure and it could be also converted into a hair implantation configuration for hair implantation procedure. The patient remains in the chair during the procedure with his head substantially stationary, while various parts of his body may be repositioned, for example, by rotation of the cradle. The chair may be automated, or assisted with pneumatics, motors, foot pumps and the like. The chair is particularly useful for assisting robotic hair transplantation procedures.

Abstract: Article of manufacture comprising a substrate and a coating layer. The coating layer comprises at least one coating material, and is stably affixed to the substrate to form a stable, coated surface. The coated surface has a texture that mimics the topography of mammalian keratinous tissue and demonstrates at least one physical property representative of mammalian keratinous tissue, selected from the group consisting of a total surface energy of from about 15 mJ/m2 to about 50 mJ/m2, a dispersive component of the surface energy of from about 15 mJ/m2 to about 50 mJ/m2, a polar component of the total surface energy of from about 1 mJ/m2 to about 14 mJ/m2, a zeta-potential at a pH of about 5.0 of from about ?40 mV to about 30 mV, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissues derived from animals, which lack any expression of functional alpha 1,3 galactosyltransferase (alpha-1,3-GT). Such tissues can be used in the field of xenotransplantation, such as orthopedic reconstruction and repair, skin repair and internal tissue repair or as medical devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.

Abstract: Article of manufacture comprising a substrate and a coating layer. The coating layer comprises at least one coating material, and is stably affixed to the substrate to form a stable, coated surface. The coated surface has a texture that mimics the topography of mammalian keratinous tissue and demonstrates at least one physical property representative of mammalian keratinous tissue, selected from the group consisting of a total surface energy of from about 15 mJ/m2 to about 50 mJ/m2, a dispersive component of the surface energy of from about 15 mJ/m2 to about 50 mJ/m2, a polar component of the total surface energy of from about 1 mJ/m2 to about 14 mJ/m2, a zeta-potential at a pH of about 5.0 of from about ?40 mV to about 30 mV, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fitting and a method for utilizing one or more of such fittings are described for securing supplemental hair to a person's head, along the outer surface of the person's scalp, to create an enhanced, natural appearance independent of the population and location of any natural hair on the person's head. Each fitting includes a base and a longitudinal bridge rising from the base to establish an eye providing a lateral path beneath the bridge. Each base is embedded beneath the outer surface of the person's scalp to secure the corresponding fitting at a selected strategic location on the person's head with the bridge projecting from the outer surface to provide a corresponding attachment site. Supplemental hair is juxtaposed with and secured to each bridge with a corresponding ligature passed through the eye of each corresponding bridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro cultured skin substitutes, and in particular to in vitro cultured skin substitutes that have improved barrier function. In some embodiments, improved barrier function is a result of improved culture conditions, while in other embodiments, improved barrier function results from genetic modification of keratinocytes. Improved culture conditions to improve barrier function include organotypic culture in the presence of linoleic acid and/or linoleic acid at about 75% humidity. Suitable genetic modifications for improving barrier function includes transfection with a DNA construct capable of expressing GKLF.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a bioscaffold from natural tissues by oxidizing a decellularized tissue to produce a bioscaffold having pores therein. The pore size and porosity is increased to better accommodate intact cells so that live cells can better infiltrate and inhabit the bioscaffold. The bioscaffold may be freeze-dried or lyophilized, sterilized and (optionally) aseptically packaged for subsequent use. A further aspect of the present invention is a bioscaffold produced by the processes described herein. Methods of treatment using the bioscaffold as a graft or as a biomedical implant for implantation are also provided. Also provided are methods of seeding a bioscaffold with mammalian cells, wherein the seeding carried out either in vitro or in vivo, and wherein a bioscaffold produced as described herein is utilized for said seeding.

Abstract: A fitting and a method for utilizing one or more of such fittings are described for securing supplemental hair to a person's head, along the outer surface of the person's scalp, to create an enhanced, natural appearance independent of the population and location of any natural hair on the person's head. Each fitting includes a base and a longitudinal bridge rising from the base to establish an eye providing a lateral path beneath the bridge. Each base is embedded beneath the outer surface of the person's scalp to secure the corresponding fitting at a selected strategic location on the person's head with the bridge projecting from the outer surface to provide a corresponding attachment site. Supplemental hair is juxtaposed with and secured to each bridge with a corresponding ligature passed through the eye of each corresponding bridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure of a natural or artificial hair for a hair transplant and, more particularly, to a processed structure of a natural or artificial hair for transplantation, comprising: a number of fixing cut parts formed lengthwise on the outer circumferential surface line of a lower end part of a natural or artificial hair to be transplanted to a scalp of a person, that is, on the outer circumferential surface line of an insertion part to be inserted inside the scalp, the fixing cut part cut perpendicular to the outer circumferential surface line of the insertion part and formed along the outer circumference surface of the insertion part while having a predetermined angle toward the center of the hair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a tissue graft material. The invention also relates to a multipurpose tissue graft material and to methods of using same as a replacement for vascular and non-vascular tissue.

Abstract: This present invention describes methods and compositions useful for the reconstruction of various soft tissue features such as lips, areola, and many other features by taking a mold of the skin feature to be replaced, such as the areola, prior to surgical resection, re-creating the size and shape of the soft tissue feature, for example, the nipple and areola, and making a polymer or biopolymer scaffold that is biocompatible, has the ability to allow the epithelization of the skin cells over the polymer, the capability of cell integration into the body of the scaffold, as well as the capability of infiltration of surrounding nerve fibers into the substance of the scaffold, so that the patient may have the benefit of a reconstructed soft tissue feature that not only has the same size and shape and appearance as the native tissue, but also has functional sensation.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of producing hair folliclesin vitro, compositions for producing hair follicles in vitro, in vitro produced hair follicles, methods of providing an in vitro produced hair shaft at an interfollicular or intrafollicular site, methods of treating hair loss by providing an in vitro produced hair shaft at an interfollicular or intrafollicular site and assays for studying the effect of test agents on hair biology. The invention also provides the similar methods and products which are, or use, immature follicles (“defined herein as proto-hairs”). The invention provides a method for in vitro production of a hair follicle or a proto-hair comprising co-culturing dermal papilla cells with keratinocytes, and optionally with melanocytes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro Organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.

Abstract: An method for enhanced follicular tissue transplantation and management is provided. Follicular tissue is first obtained from a donor during a dedicated harvesting procedure or as a by-product of another cosmetic surgery procedure, then cryopreserved and stored. When implantation is desired, the cryopreserved tissue is thawed, and the tissue that survived the cryopreservation and thawing processes is implanted in the recipient. In another aspect of the invention, the harvesting process is conducted when the quality of donor follicular tissue is as optimal as possible, and is stored in cryopreserved form until the donor requires implantation thereof, such that the newly implanted thawed follicular tissue is of higher quality than the recipient's current follicular tissue. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for managing the business aspects of the transplantation process, including harvested follicular tissue grading, cataloguing and banking is provided.

Abstract: Porous, bioabsorbable scaffolds for tissue engineering of human hair follicles, methods for their manufacture and methods of their use in creating new hair.

Abstract: Percutaneous skin access devices include a plurality of locked connecting units mounted to the exterior surface of an implantable medical object which, in position, is configured to penetrate the skin of a subject. The locked connecting units may be mounted directly onto the desired surface of the exterior of the device or may be held on a substrate sheet, which is mounted to the exterior surface of the device. In position, the locked connecting units engage with soft tissue which can include the skin to form a bio-junction layer which includes mechanical and bio-sealing connection between the device body and the soft tissue. The configuration at the bio-junction layer secures the medical object in location in the subject even for long-term indwelling applications in a manner, which inhibits soft tissue infection. The locked connecting units may be rigid or semi-rigid for longer-term indwelling applications, and semi-rigid and/or resilient for shorter term indwelling applications.

Abstract: A lip implant and lip instrument. The lip implant is formed of solid silicone and is shaped to be received in the lip of a patient. The lip instrument includes a pair of arms coupled together having clamping members to grasp and retain the lip implant. A method for insertion of the lip implant into the patient is further described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro cultured skin substitutes, and in particular to in vitro cultured skin substitutes that have improved barrier function. In some embodiments, improved barrier function is a result of improved culture conditions, while in other embodiments, improved barrier function results from genetic modification of keratinocytes. Improved culture conditions to improve barrier function include organotypic culture in the presence of linoleic acid and/or linoleic acid at about 75% humidity. Suitable genetic modifications for improving barrier function includes transfection with a DNA construct capable of expressing GKLF.

Abstract: Autologous cultured keratinocytes are grown on a biosynthetic and biocompatible substratum following pre-seeding with autologous or allogenic dermal fibroblasts. The resultant composite material may then be applied on the neodermis of artificial skin which had been previously engrafted on the patient. The composite material, and specifically Composite Biocompatible Skin Graft (CBSG) material comprises autologous keratinocytes A and allogenic or autologous dermal fibroblasts grown on an artificial skin. A method for cultivating the CBSG includes the application of dermal fibroblasts onto the substratum as a feeder layer and then the inoculation of autologous keratinocytes on the resultant structure. A method for engraftment comprises first applying an artificial skin with a protective silicone membrane on a wound area, thereby allowing vascularization; and following vascularization, removing the silicone membrane and engrafting the CBSG material onto the vascularized artificial skin.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for use in the treatment of male pattern baldness and other conditions involving hair loss by facilitating the growth of new hair in the dermis of a living subject. The method involves the steps of atraumatically injecting follicle progenitor cells into the interface between the dermis and the epidermis and allowing the cells to grow into new hair follicles.

Abstract: Porous, bioabsorbable scaffolds for tissue engineering of human hair follicles, methods for their manufacture and methods of their use in creating new hair.

Abstract: Disclosed are a dermal scaffold comprising alkaline pre-treated free amine-containing chitosan matrix, alkaline pre-treated free amine-containing chitosan and alkaline pre-treated collagen mixed matrix, or alkaline pre-treated free amine-containing chitosan and alkaline pre-treated collagen mixed matrix containing chitosan fabrics, which has excellent wound healing effect by constituting microenvironments suitable for migration and proliferation of fibroblasts and vascular cells surrounding the wound to be extremely useful as wound healing dressings, and a bioartificial dermis comprising the dermal scaffold and human fibroblasts, particularly useful for healing broad wound sites such as burns.

Abstract: A synthetic or natural human hair end is encapsulated with a biodegradable implantable material, to form an artificial follicle suitable for implantation. The biodegradable material can be programmed to be reabsorbed by the body in a predetermined term of time. Once the material is substantially absorbed by the body the hair shaft will lose its anchor hold into the derma. The degenerated hair will shed by simply combing or washing the hair. The created artificial hair must be implanted individually to create a natural appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to connective tissue substitute implant and method of preparation thereof. The implant is essentially composed of two bone anchors joined at the proximal ends by matrix layers and/or filaments coated by supplementary biocompatible matrix coating layer which can contain living stem cells isolated from injured connective tissue.

Abstract: A device for eyelash replacement is described having a band portion, having at least one layer front outer layer of material simulating human skin on a first side of the band, the band having a second side opposite from the first said, the second side being removeably adherable to at least a portion of a user's upper or lower eyelid. A plurality of follicles is coupled to the layer of the band and the band is affixed to a user by adhering the band portion second side to a user's eyelid. A method is also described for affixing a hair follicle having a near end and a distal end to a band having at least one layer of simulated human skin. The method involves perforating the layer of simulated human skin so as to create an aperture having a pre-determined diameter, inserting the follicle near end through the aperture such that a length of follicle is under the layer, and, knot-tying the length of the follicle near end into a knot of a size diametrically larger than the diameter of the aperture.

Abstract: A monofilament fabricated by a process in which a melt spinning and drawing treatment are carried out after particles of silver ceramics are mixed with a resin material for a fiber having a principal component of polybutylene terephthalate. The particles of the silver ceramics have a size of 5.0 &mgr;m or less, and the content of the particles of the silver ceramics in the mixture is within a range of 0.3% to 3.0%. The monofilament thus obtained is suitably cut and a root part is formed at one end of the monofilament. Then, the surface of the monofilament is subjected to a mechanical delustering treatment, thus obtaining artificial hair having low bacterial infection rate, high fixation rate of implanted hairs, and high durability, such that the hair does not break at a point near the root part even after having been used for a long period of time after implantation.