The present invention addresses the problem of providing a method for obtaining Schwann cells directly (by direct reprogramming) without passing through pluripotent stem cells, such as ES cells or iPS cells. As a means for solving this problem, the present invention provides a method for preparing Schwann cells that includes a step of introducing into somatic cells of a mammal at least one gene selected from the group consisting of SOX10 genes and KROX20 genes, or an expression product thereof.

A composite comprising: a barrier, said barrier being configured to selectively pass water, and said barrier being degradable in the presence of water; a matrix material for disposition within said barrier, wherein said matrix material has a flowable state and a set state, and wherein said matrix material is degradable in the presence of water; and at least one reinforcing element for disposition within said barrier and integration with said matrix material, wherein said at least one reinforcing element is degradable in the presence of water, and further wherein, upon the degradation of said at least one reinforcing element in the presence of water, provides an agent for modulating the degradation rate of said matrix material in the presence of water.

This invention relates to microgel compositions, and in particular, to gel compositions fanned by binding a plurality of individual microgel particles together. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of these compositions and their use for particular applications, especially medical applications such as the repair of damaged, degenerated or inappropriately formed load-beating tissue (such as, for example, intervertebral discs).

This invention relates to microgel compositions, and in particular, to gel compositions fanned by binding a plurality of individual microgel particles together. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of these compositions and their use for particular applications, especially medical applications such as the repair of damaged, degenerated or inappropriately formed load-beating tissue (such as, for example, intervertebral discs).

A method of modifying a surface of a medical device for implantation or disposition inside a patient is described. The medical device comprises a structure having at least one surface. The method includes the steps of: placing the medical device into a plasma chamber substantially free from contaminants and substantially sealing the plasma chamber from the atmosphere; removing at least an outermost layer of any oxide layer from the at least one surface of the structure by a plasma oxide-removal process, whilst maintaining the plasma chamber under seal from the atmosphere; and subsequently forming a new oxide layer at the least one surface of the structure by introducing at least one gas into the plasma chamber, whilst maintaining the plasma chamber under seal from the atmosphere. A medical device including a bulk material and an oxide layer disposed over at least one surface of the medical device. The oxide layer is substantially pure and free from contaminants.

This invention relates to microgel compositions, and in particular, to gel compositions formed by binding a plurality of individual microgel particles together. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of these compositions and their use for particular applications, especially medical applications such as the repair of damaged, degenerated or inappropriately formed load-bearing tissue (such as, for example, intervertebral discs).

This invention relates to microgel compositions, and in particular, to gel compositions formed by binding a plurality of individual microgel particles together. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of these compositions and their use for particular applications, especially medical applications such as the repair of damaged, degenerated or inappropriately formed load-bearing tissue (such as, for example, intervertebral discs).

A device includes a substrate and a hydrophilic polymer layer made of a hydrophilic polymer having a hydroxyl group. The hydrophilic polymer layer having a hydroxyl group is fixed to at least a part of a surface of the substrate and the hydrophilic polymer further has an amide group. A liquid film retention time of the device is 15 seconds or more. The device has a surface of a substrate which is hydrophilized. A method for producing the device by a simple method is also disclosed.

A device includes a substrate and a hydrophilic polymer layer made of a hydrophilic polymer having a hydroxyl group. The hydrophilic polymer layer having a hydroxyl group is fixed to at least a part of a surface of the substrate and the hydrophilic polymer further has an amide group. A liquid film retention time of the device is 15 seconds or more. The device has a surface of a substrate which is hydrophilized. A method for producing the device by a simple method is also disclosed.

An injectable bifunctional hydrogel has antibacterial activity. The bifunctional hydrogel is a hydrogel prepared by dissolving nucleoside analogues in a solvent. The nucleoside analog has a structure of formula I. It can be a candidate drug for the local injection treatment of periodontal disease, and it also has potential application prospects in the minimally invasive treatment of craniofacial bone tissue defects.

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