A method that includes the general steps of injecting a fluid matrix of materials which chondrocytes can use to re-grow cartridge and which encourage chondrocytes to re-grow cartilage, mechanically causing the fluid matrix to travel toward chondrocytes, such as by use of a pressure cuff, an ultrasonic transducer, or other means, and exposing the chondrocytes to photonic stimulation in the range of 165 nm to 280 nm.

The present invention is directed to a stabilized bioactive hydrogel matrix coating for substrates, such as medical devices. The invention provides a coated substrate comprising a substrate having a surface, and a bioactive hydrogel matrix layer overlying the surface of the medical device, the hydrogel matrix comprising a first high molecular weight component and a second high molecular weight component, the first and second high molecular weight components each being selected from the group consisting of polyglycans and polypeptides, wherein at least one of the first and second high molecular weight components is immobilized (e.g., by covalent cross-linking) to the surface of the substrate.

This invention concerns a method for the production of amorphous, nano- or microparticular materials based on inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) and calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate that show osteogenic activity. In one aspect of the invention, the inventor shows that amorphous calcium polyphosphate (Ca-polyP) microparticles can be used for biological functionalization of titanium alloy surfaces. The inventive method allows the fabrication of a durable and stable, almost homogeneous and morphogenetically active Ca-polyP layer on titanium oxidized Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds that supports the growth and enhances the functional activity of bone cells, in contrast to biologically inert non-modified titanium surfaces. A preferred aspect relates to the formation of amorphous calcium phosphate (CaP) particles in the presence of low concentrations of sodium polyP. This material causes a strong upregulation of the expression of proteins involved in bone formation. A further aspect of the invention concerns a material containing polyP-stabilized ACC and small amounts of vaterite that exhibits osteogenic activity and supports the regeneration of the implant region in animal experiments. The amorphous materials according to this invention have the potential to be used for bone implants.

This invention provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by a specific fluid uptake capacity value of at least 75%, which specific fluid uptake capacity value is determined by establishing a spontaneous fluid uptake value divided by a total fluid uptake value. This invention also provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by having a contact angle value of less than 60 degrees, when in contact with a fluid. This invention also provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which said substrate is characterized by a substantial surface roughness (Ra) as measured by scanning electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy. The invention also provides for processes for selection of an optimized coral-based solid substrate for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function and applications of the same.

Provided is a nanofiber composite membrane for guided bone regeneration, which includes: spinning a spinning solution by an electrospinning method to produce nanofibers; accumulating the nanofibers, to prepare a certain thickness of a nanofiber web; and drying and thermally calendering the nanofiber web to sterilize the nanofiber web, wherein the spinning solution contains a biocompatible plasticizer to maintain physical properties, flexibility and elasticity of the membrane, by suppressing an increase in brittleness in a sterilization treatment.

The present invention relates to a flowable bone graft material including an inorganic composition comprising calcium phosphate having a particle size of about 100 m to about 1,000 m, bioactive glass, and one or more biocompatible polymers comprising carboxymethyl cellulose and a fluid.

The present disclosure provides a bone-implantable device and methods of use. The bone-implantable device comprises a body having an exterior surface, wherein a portion of the exterior surface includes a cured osteostimulative material comprising MgO.

A mixing system is disclosed in which the system comprises a source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material, a liquid source, and a vacuum source, at least one of the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the liquid source being in communication with the vacuum source. A valve assembly also forms part of the system, the valve assembly having a valve movable between a first position in which a first fluid passageway is created between the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the vacuum, and a second position in which a second fluid passageway is created between the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the liquid source, wherein, in the second position, the valve seals off the first fluid passageway, the vacuum source being adapted to generate a negative-pressure environment, relative to atmospheric pressure, within the valve assembly while the valve is in the first position. Methods of utilizing the aforementioned system are also disclosed.

Methods have been discovered that make it possible to continuously extrude tubes of P4HB and copolymers thereof. These methods allow tubes of P4HB and copolymers thereof to be produced without radial deformation of the tubes despite the slow crystallization of the polymer and copolymers. The methods can produce tubes of P4HB and copolymers thereof with tightly defined outside and inside diameters which are required for medical application. These tubes are produced by radial expansion at temperatures above the melting temperature of P4HB and copolymers thereof, and using low tube cooling temperatures and prolonged cooling times. The tubes made from P4HB and copolymers thereof are flexible, and can be prepared with high elongation to break values.

An endoprosthetic component which is set up in the implanted state to penetrate in a controlled manner into adjoining bone material.