Disclosed is a method for filling a root canal in a tooth. The method includes positioning a fiber in the root canal of the tooth, filling at least a portion of the root canal with an unset hydrogel composition, such that the unset hydrogel composition contacts at least a portion of the fiber, setting the hydrogel composition, thereby forming a set hydrogel, and removing the fiber from the set hydrogel, thereby leaving a channel in the set hydrogel. Methods and kits for repairing teeth are also described.

Bioprinting is the layer-by-layer construction of synthetic tissues or scaffolds. Described herein is a motorized extruder which can precisely extrude and retract extrudate such as bioinks in a compact and rapidly-loadable form-factor. This includes a compact bioprinter using a stepper motor coupled with a threaded shaft to directly move the plunger of an extruder. This pneumatic-mechanical system obviates the needs for pneumatic tubing, rods, or other complex elements of existing designs. The direct drive design further allows for a lighter, smaller gantry that is capable of more precise fabrication of bioprinted constructions. This includes delicate vasculature systems that are beyond limits of existing bioprinting technologies.

A method of making an organ or tissue comprises: (a) providing a first dispenser containing a structural support polymer and a second dispenser containing a live cell-containing composition; (b) depositing a layer on said support from said first and second dispenser, said layer comprising a structural support polymer and said cell-containing composition; and then (c) iteratively repeating said depositing step a plurality of times to form a plurality of layers one on another, with separate and discrete regions in each of said layers comprising one or the other of said support polymer or said cell-containing composition, to thereby produce provide a composite three dimensional structure containing both structural support regions and cell-containing regions. Apparatus for carrying out the method and composite products produced by the method are also described.

Scaffolds for use in bone tissue engineering include a skeleton and a host component. Methods of preparation of scaffolds include identification of biodegradation properties for the skeleton and the host component. The skeleton is constructed to form a three-dimensional shape. The skeleton is constructed of a first material and has a first rate of biodegradation. The host component fills the three-dimensional shape formed by the skeleton. The host component is constructed of a second material and has a second rate of biodegradation. The first rate of biodegradation is slower than the second rate of biodegradation.

This application relates to biologically compatible porous cartilage templates for in vitro and in vivo generation of bone with enhanced structural characteristics. Provided herein are compositions having an internal structure desirable for the generation and regeneration of bone, along with methods of preparation and use.

The technology relates to a prophylactic bandage contact lens that prevents microbial infections in an eye as well as treats infection by dispensing antimicrobial medication at controlled rates. In one embodiment, the invention provides a bandage with nanostructures, and provides a continuous treatment over 10 days and shields the eye from the environment, significantly diminishing the risk of infection while allowing damaged tissues to heal.

Disclosed is a bioresorbable implant with enhanced bone ingrowth and tissue integration utilizing an inside-out resorption mechanism and a method to manufacture a bioresorbable implants for use in osteotomies and bone-soft tissue reconstruction surgeries. The bioresorbable implant includes a polymer A (e.g., an aliphatic polymer matrix) and/or poly(propylene fumarate)), a carbohydrate B (e.g., a bioresorbable natural carbohydrate filler) and a ceramic C. The implant may be a porous scaffold structures with suitable porosity, pore size, pore interconnectivity, and mechanical properties for enhanced osteoblast penetration and bone formation to fabricate tissue integrating bioresorbable implants. The implant may be shaped as wedges, bone void fillers, and soft tissue fixation implant like screws, rods and/or anchors. In some embodiments, the implant may be a putty.

A biologic material is disclosed. The biologic material comprises a crosslinked structural protein and macrophages seeded on the crosslinked structural protein. A method of use of the biologic material for an immunoregenerative treatment in a patient in need thereof also is disclosed. The method comprises steps of: (1) seeding the macrophages on the crosslinked structural protein, thereby obtaining the biologic material; and (2) implanting the biologic material into the patient.

Described herein are injectable composite inks composed of a hydrogel continuous phase with a plurality of microgels present within the hydrogel continuous phase. The inks described herein have unique chemical and physical properties that enable them to be printed into a number of different types of articles. The articles produced by the injectable composite inks have numerous medical applications.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition, wherein the composition is a porous scaffold, wherein the pores of the scaffold are from 1 to 500 microns, the composition comprising: a) a cross-linkable protein selected from the group consisting of collagen and gelatin; b) a cross-linker which induces cross-linking of the cross-linkable protein; and c) a liquid.