The invention relates to a scaffold material composition for forming a solid tissue scaffold, the composition comprising a plurality of hollow polymer pellets, each pellet comprising an open hollow extending through the pellet, and wherein the plurality of hollow polymer pellets are capable of interlinking and setting into a solid scaffold. The invention further relates to associated compositions, uses, method of treatment and kits associated with such material.

Described are particles configured for intravascular delivery of pharmaceutical agents to a diseased site.

Methods for treating damaged cardiac tissue by delivering biological formulations proximate the pericardial space of a mammalian heart that (i) enhance and supplement the properties provided by the GATA6.sup.+ macrophages in the serous fluid and/or (ii) restore, enhance and supplement the properties provided by the GATA6.sup.+ macrophages when the pericardial space is breached and the serous fluid is expelled.

A 3D printed tubular construct, such as a nephron, with or without embedded vasculature as well as methods of printing tubular tissue constructs are described.

The invention comprises 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.

Disclosed herein are platelet-like particles incorporating antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles. The platelet-like particles include an ultra-low crosslinked polymeric microgel and fibrin targeting moiety. The antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles can be covalently or noncovalently incorporated into the platelet-like particles. The particles are useful to stop bleeding and to promote wound healing while at the same time suppressing bacterial infections that can accompany tissue damage.

A method of corneal implantation with cross-linking is disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of: (i) prior to implantation, treating an implant formed from donor corneal tissue or a tissue culture grown corneal stroma with a solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X-100, benzalkonium chloride (BAK), Igepal, genipin, 100% glycerol, or alcohol for making the implant acellular, and for killing any bacteria, viruses, or parasites prior to implantation; (ii) implanting the implant into a recipient cornea; (iii) applying laser energy to the implant so as to modify the refractive power of the implant while being monitored using a Shack-Hartmann wavefront system so as to achieve a desired refractive power for the implant; and (iv) applying a cross-linking solution and irradiating the implant to cross-link the implant to prevent an immune response to the implant and/or rejection of the implant by a patient.

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.

Nanostructures having a lipid layer which are useful for delivering nitric oxide are provided herein. Methods of treating disease using the nanostructures are also provided, including methods of treating vascular diseases, angiogenesis, ischemia- reperfusion, etc. Implantable devices coated with the nanostructures are also encompassed within the invention.

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.