The Invention features an implantable cell device that includes a membrane defining and enclosing a chamber; a distance body within the chamber for reducing the diffusion distance for a biological active factor to or across the membrane; and a support scaffold within the chamber for increasing the cell support surface area per unit volume of the chamber for distributing cells.

Drug-eluting polymer coatings for biomedical implants are disclosed, as well as assemblies and kits containing same. The polymer coatings are deposited on the biomedical implants via a solvent-free, chemical vapor deposition process. The polymer coatings exhibit controlled release of the drug with substantially no burst release and substantially linear release over time. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the coatings, assemblies, and kits.

This invention relates to a pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of compromised tissue such as skin wounds and ulcers in humans and animals and a method of preparation. This is a multifunctional natural matrix meant for the treatment of compromised tissues which also relates to the anti-cancer transdermal patch for melanoma therapy. Further, the invention comprises for the treatment of Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis also. The composition consists of water-solubilized nano-sized formulation of non-aqueous solvent extract of phytopharmaceuticals in herbal, animal or synthetic biocompatible gel or on matrix coated or both. The composition is used as a topical device for the treatment of compromised tissues in its preferred embodiment.

A non-synthetic, hydrophilic, biodegradable, biocompatible polysaccharide based non-toxic anti-adhesion hydrogel barrier is disclosed herein. The barrier of the present invention is formed by constructing a unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network with a unique porosity. Furthermore, the barrier of the present invention is comprised of tunable biopolymers for controllable mechanical robustness and degradation. The barrier of the present invention effectively reduces unwanted adhesions using non-synthetic components.

The present application relates to an elastomeric article, such as a glove, comprising: (i) an elastomeric film comprising one or more film layers, and including an external surface and an internal surface, (ii) an antimicrobial agent that is effective against both beneficial and harmful microorganisms on the external surface of the elastomeric film, and (iii) a skin-protective agent selected from a probiotic, a prebiotic, or a combination thereof on the internal surface of the elastomeric film; wherein the inner surface of the film is free of an antimicrobially-effective amount of an antimicrobial agent that is effective against both beneficial and harmful microorganisms. The elastomeric articles may further comprise a barrier film layer that provides separation between the antimicrobial agent and the skin-protective agent. Also described are methods for the manufacture of such articles.

Provided is a slow release composition to promote bone growth, the slow release composition comprising: an oxysterol encapsulated in a biodegradable polymer to control the release of the oxysterol. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for manufacturing SC- cell, and isolated populations of SC- cells for use in various applications, such as cell therapy.

A wound covering is provided that comprises a substrate and vitamin D, or analogues or metabolites thereof, embedded in the substrate. Methods of making a wound covering are also provided and include the steps of providing a solution that includes a polymer; adding vitamin D, or analogues or metabolites thereof, to the solution to form a mixture; and forming one or more fibers from the mixture that are then embedded with the vitamin D, or analogues or metabolites thereof. Methods of treating a subject are further provided and include the step of applying a wound covering including one or more fibers embedded with vitamin D, or analogues or metabolites thereof, to a site on a subject.

A process for making lipid-coated substrates including the steps of a. providing a lipid solution (A) of phospholipids in a water miscible organic solvent at a phospholipid concentration between 25 and 450 mg/ml; b. provide an aqueous solution (B) having pH between 4 and 8; c. agitate the aqueous solution (B) and dispense the lipid solution (A) into the aqueous solution (B) to prepare an aqueous dispersion including lipid vesicles (C) having a number average size between 80 and 120 nm (measured according to dynamic light scattering) at a phospholipid concentration between 0.05 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml; and d. applying the aqueous dispersion (C) to a substrate and formation of a lipid-based coating; wherein aqueous dispersion (C) contains at least 95 wt. % water. Medical devices including a lipid-based coating, for example contact lenses and catheters.

The present invention is an inflatable balloon which is enclosed by an expandable cover which becomes increasingly porous/permeable during expansion. The balloon is coated or enclosed with a matrix which contains a pharmaceutically active agent. During expansion of the balloon, the pharmaceutically active agent is released or extruded through the expandable cover into a body cavity such as an artery or vein. The present invention also provides for a method of treating a disease or condition by delivering the inflatable balloon to a particular body cavity.