The present invention relates to a gel composition containing at least one selected from the group consisting of an extracellular matrix component and a fragmented extracellular matrix component, and an ion of a metal element.

Provided herein are compositions and medical devices, and in particular, biodegradable scaffolds capable of repairing and replacing cartilagenous meniscuses. Also provided herein are methods of using scaffolds for treating degenerative tissue disorders. In certain embodiments, such scaffolds can promote tissue regeneration of a temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) meniscus.

A composite material can include a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for healing a soft tissue defect can include applying a composite material to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a composite material for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel and disposing nanofibers within the gel.

A gradient mineralized cancellous bone matrix material and a preparation method thereof are provided, and the preparation method includes: processing naturally-derived bone tissue with an immunogenicity removal treatment for decellularization, and processing an obtained decellularzed bone with a gradient demineralization treatment to obtain the gradient mineralized cancellous bone matrix material. The present invention expands a porosity of the bone matrix material and a collagen exposure degree on a surface thereof, which effectively releases growth factors and improves adhesion of the material to the cells, so as to up-regulate genes and proteins related to cell regeneration. The present invention not only retains the biomechanical properties and three-dimensional microstructure of natural bone ECM scaffolds, but also plays an active role for osteogenesis, angiogenesis and collagen mineralization in the early stage of fracture, thereby increasing engraftment adhesion of cells and promoting differentiation induction of cells.

Provided herein are bioactivated polymer/extracellular matrix (ECM) composites and methods of preparation and use thereof. In particular, heparinized cysteine-polymer/ECM composites, and methods of preparation and use thereof, are provided. In some embodiments, provided herein are compositions comprising a composite of: (a) extracellular matrix (ECM), and (b) a polyester covalently linked to a bioactive agent. In some embodiments, the composite is a homogeneous composite. In some embodiments, the ECM is decellularized ECM. In some embodiments, the ECM is not substantially crosslinked.

The present invention involves implants suitable for surgical implantation into subjects. In some embodiments the implants comprise a biocompatible scaffold material and blood vessels containing engineered endothelial cells—such as E4ORF1+ engineered endothelial cells or engineered endothelial cells that express certain marker molecules. The present invention provides implants, methods for preparing such implants, and methods of treatment utilizing such implants.

A tissue graft comprising two or more layers of material wherein each layer comprises extracellular matrix (ECM) or polymeric material and wherein the layers are laminated together by interlocking portions of one layer with portions of another layer. In one embodiment, a tissue graft comprises a first layer of material having multiple lugs and a second layer of material having multiple holes, each lug of the first layer being located through a hole in the second layer, the holes and the lugs having dimensions so that the lugs engage with a surface of the second layer and interlock the first layer with the second layer. In further embodiments, a method of preparing a tissue graft by laminating and interlocking two or more layers, the use of a tissue graft for replacing or repairing tissue in a human or animal, and an apparatus comprising a mould, a lug cutting means, a piercing means and a means for pushing lugs through piercings in layers of a tissue graft.

The present application provides methods of functionalizing an organ or tissue of a mammal by administering a nutrient (e.g., peracetylated N-azido galactosamine Ac4GalNAz) to the mammal or by culturing an organ or tissue in a bioreactor containing such nutrient. The present application also provides methods of selectively functionalizing extracellular matrix (ECM) of an organ or tissue of a mammal by administering a nutrient (e.g., peracetylated N-azido galactosamine Ac4GalNAz) to the mammal. In some aspects, the present application provides a decellularized scaffold of a mammalian organ or tissue comprising an extracellular matrix, wherein the extracellular matrix of the decellularized scaffold is functionalized with a chemical group that is reactive in a bioorthogonal chemical reaction, such as an azide chemical group. The present application also provides biological prosthetic mesh and mammalian organs and tissues for transplantation prepared according to the methods of the application.

A transfer device designed to extract an amorphous or semi-solid structure, tissue, or construct from supporting media while maintaining the spatial integrity/organizational architecture thereof. The transfer device can include a controller, an actuator assembly, a plunger, and a needle. The controller can move the transfer device and the plunger independently.

The present disclosure describes the use of nerve conduits as scaffolds for nerve regeneration, including spinal cord regeneration. The conduit may be hollow or contain a luminal filler such as agar or other biocompatible material.