The present invention provides an improved tissue adhesive to repair defects in soft tissue. Following ASTM standard tests, crosslinked methacryloyl-substituted gelatin hydrogels of the present invention (GelSEAL) were shown to exhibit adhesive properties, i.e. wound closure strength, shear resistance and burst pressure, that were superior to clinically used fibrin- and poly(ethylene glycol)-based glues. Chronic in vivo experiments in rats proved GelSEAL to effectively seal large lung leakages without additional sutures or staples, presenting improved performance as compared to fibrin and poly(ethylene glycol) glues. Furthermore, subcutaneous implantation in rats revealed high biocompatibility of GelSEAL as evidenced by low inflammatory host response. Advantageously, the tissue adhesives of the present invention are low cost and easy to produce, making them a promising substance to be used as a sealant for fluid leakages in soft tissue, as well as an easily tunable platform to further optimize the adhesive characteristics.

A modified starch material for biocompatible hemostasis, biocompatible adhesion prevention, tissue healing promotion, absorbable surgical wound sealing and tissue bonding, when applied as a biocompatible modified starch to the tissue of animals. The modified starch material produces hemostasis, reduces bleeding of the wound, extravasation of blood and tissue exudation, preserves the wound surface or the wound in relative wetness or dryness, inhibits the growth of bacteria and inflammatory response, minimizes tissue inflammation, and relieves patient pain. Any excess modified starch not involved in hemostatic activity is readily dissolved and rinsed away through saline irrigation during operation. After treatment of surgical wounds, combat wounds, trauma and emergency wounds, the modified starch hemostatic material is rapidly absorbed by the body without the complications associated with gauze and bandage removal.

Described herein are fluid complex coacervates that produce solid adhesives in situ. Oppositely charged polyelectrolytes were designed to form fluid adhesive complex coacervates at ionic strengths higher than the ionic strength of the application site, but an insoluble adhesive solid or gel at the application site. When the fluid, high ionic strength adhesive complex coacervates are introduced into the lower ionic strength application site, the fluid complex coacervate is converted to a an adhesive solid or gel as the salt concentration in the complex coacervate equilibrates to the application site salt concentration. In one embodiment, the fluid complex coacervates are designed to solidify in situ at physiological ionic strength and have numerous medical applications. In other aspects, the fluid complex coacervates can be used in aqueous environment for non-medical applications.

Embolic materials, suspensions, kits and related methods useful for embolization are disclosed. An embolic material can comprise a resorbable microsphere including cross-linked gelatin as its primary ingredient and having a substantially spherical shape with a diameter of about 50 micrometers to about 1,500 micrometers, inclusive. The microsphere can optionally include one or both of a marker or an active agent. The microsphere can be cross-linked, such as with glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde, which can affect the microsphere's in vivo degradation profile and ability to withstand a sterilization process at certain temperatures. In an embodiment, the microspheres can resorb during an in vivo time period of between about 24 hours and about 15 weeks, inclusive. An embolization suspension can include a plurality of resorbable microspheres and a liquid carrier, and the suspension can be disposed in a syringe, vial or other applicator for administration to a patient.

The present invention relates to a dry composition, which upon addition of an aqueous medium forms a substantially homogenous paste suitable for use in haemostasis procedures. The paste forms spontaneously upon addition of the liquid, hence no mechanical mixing is required for said paste to form. The invention further relates to methods of preparing said dry composition, a paste made from said dry composition and use of said paste for medical and surgical purposes.

The present invention discloses compositions and methods for repair and reconstruction of defects and injuries to soft tissues. Some aspects of the disclosure provide methods for corneal reconstruction by applying an engineered bioadhesive, glycidyl methacrylate-substituted gelatin and a visible light activated photoinitiator in presence of visible light to the corneal defect.

The present invention relates generally to agents and devices for promoting hemostasis and, more particularly, to bioresorbable hemostatic pads or patches releasably supported on non-resorbable scaffolds for ease of delivery in the field. A sealant and/or hemostat delivery device comprises a resorbable hemostatic pad having a wound facing side and an opposite back side, with a hemostatic and/or wound sealing agent disposed on the wound facing side; a non-resorbable scaffold having an attachment zone on said scaffold; wherein said hemostatic pad is releasably attached with the back side to the attachment zone. The bond between the scaffold and the resorbable hemostatic pad or wound dressing is either (i) severed prior to removal of the scaffold or (ii) is weakened due to the adhesive bonding them together being moisture-deactivated, or (iii) is released by mechanical disentanglement.

The present invention relates to a dry composition, which upon addition of an aqueous medium forms a substantially homogenous paste suitable for use in haemostasis procedures. The paste forms spontaneously upon addition of the liquid, hence no mechanical mixing is required for said paste to form. The invention further relates to methods of preparing said dry composition, a paste made from said dry composition and use of said paste for medical and surgical purposes.

A bioadhesive formulation, comprising gelatin, alginate and a coupling agent, capable of forming a bioadhesive matrix, which is characterized by rapid curing, optimal viscosity, high bonding strength, flexibility, biocompatibility and biodegradability, is disclosed. Further disclosed is such a bioadhesive formulation which further comprises a bioactive agent, and a drug-eluting bioadhesive matrix formed therefrom, the bioadhesive matrix being capable of delivering the bioactive agent to a bodily site. Methods utilizing the bioadhesive formulations and matrices in various biological and medical procedures are also disclosed.

A tissue sealant for use in surgical and medical procedures for sealing the tissues of a living mammal is provided. The tissue sealant comprises a hydrogel which is formed by gelation of a premix disposed on the tissue to be sealed. The premix comprises alkylated chitosan or a gelatin, and a polybasic carboxylic acid or an oxidized polysaccharide, in an aqueous medium. The premix can also include a dehydrating reagent, a carboxyl activating reagent, or both. A specific use of the tissue sealant is in the repair of the dura mater after brain surgery to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The tissue sealant may include a therapeutic or protective agent such as an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory drug.