The growth factor profile, connective tissue matrix constituents, and immunoprivileged status of urodele extracellular matrix (ECM) and accompanying cutaneous tissue, plus the presence of antimicrobial peptides there, render urodele-derived tissue an ideal source for biological scaffolds for xenotransplantation. In particular, a biological scaffold biomaterial can be obtained by a process that entails (A) obtaining a tissue sample from a urodele, where the tissue comprises ECM, inclusive of the basement membrane, and (B) subjecting the tissue sample to a decellularization process that maintains the structural and functional integrity of the extracellular matrix, by virtue of retaining its fibrous and on-fibrous proteins, glycoaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans, while removing sufficient cellular components of the sample to reduce or eliminate antigenicity and immunogenicity for xenograft purposes. The resultant urodele-derived biomaterial can be used to enhance restoration of skin homeostasis, to reduce the severity, durations and associated damage caused by post-surgical inflammation, and to promote progression of natural healing and regeneration processes. In addition, the biomaterial promotes the formation of remodeled tissue that is comparable in quality, function, and compliance to undamaged human tissue.

Methods of decellularization of tissue, such as mammalian tissue, are provided, along with methods of making an extracellular matrix (ECM) preparation. Systems and apparatus useful in performing the methods are also provided.

Disclosed herein is a method of producing acellular cartilage grafts. The method includes steps of, subjecting a cartilage matrix derived from an animal to alkaline, disinfection and decelluarization treatments. The thus produced cartilage graft is devoid of any cellular matters, while maintaining the porosity and integrity of collagen fibers therein, thus is suitable as a xenograft for host cells to grown thereon. Also disclosed herein is a method for treating osteochondral disease of a subject, in which the present acellular cartilage graft is applied to a lesion site of the subject.

A cutting device is provided having multiple evenly-spaced cutting blades and which is useful for producing tissue forms comprising membranous tissue fragments which are relatively uniformly sized and shaped. The present invention also relates to methods for using the cutter device to quickly and efficiently produce such tissue forms which are useful as grafts and can be flowable and easily passable through a luer-slip tip syringe or needle.

A hybrid scaffold is disclosed which is made of materials that define peripheral layers designed to interface with the tissues in the implant site and one or more intermediate layers. The materials are combined to give the scaffold mechanical properties suitable for withstanding the stresses of the implant site. The materials are fibroin for the peripheral layers and polyurethane combined with fibroin for each intermediate layer.

The present invention provides compositions for treating soft tissue injuries comprising a collagen matrix and mesenchymal stem cells adhered to the collagen matrix. Methods of making and using compositions comprising a collagen matrix and mesenchymal stem cells adhered to the collagen matrix are also provided.

The present invention discloses a braided silk scaffold with adjustable mechanical and degradation properties, and a preparation method and use thereof, belonging to the field of three-dimensional scaffold materials for tendon/ligament repair. The preparation method includes braiding at least one silk strand to form a silk core; placing 1-6 bundles of silk cores in a braiding machine, and braiding at least one layer of silk cladding on the surface of the silk cores to form a silk base frame; removing sericin from the silk base frame; soaking the silk base frame in a collagen solution with a concentration of 3-20 mg/ml, and cross-linking the silk base frame in a vacuum thermal cross-linking machine to obtain the silk scaffold. The braided silk scaffold with adjustable mechanical and degradation properties according to the present invention has good mechanical properties and biocompatibility.

Devices and methods for reinforcing a regenerative heart valve are provided. A reinforcing element can provide structure and rigidity to withstand stresses that occur within the aortic root. In some instances, a support ring is attached to a regenerative heart valve. In some instances, a tubular wall is provided surrounding a regenerative heart valve.

Provided herein are scaffold biomaterials comprising a decellularised fungal tissue from which cellular materials and nucleic acids of the tissue are removed, the decellularised fungal tissue comprising a cellulose- or chitin-based 3-dimensional porous structure. Methods for preparing such scaffold biomaterials, as well as uses thereof as an implantable scaffold for supporting animal cell growth, for promoting tissue regeneration, for promoting angiogenesis, for a tissue replacement procedure, and/or as a structural implant for cosmetic surgery are also provided. Therapeutic treatment and/or cosmetic methods employing such scaffolds are additionally described.

A valved conduit including a bioprosthetic valve, such as a heart valve, and a tubular conduit sealed with a bioresorbable material. The bioprosthetic heart valve includes prosthetic tissue that has been treated such that the tissue may be stored dry for extended periods without degradation of functionality of the valve. The bioprosthetic heart valve may have separate bovine pericardial leaflets or a whole porcine valve. The sealed conduit includes a tubular matrix impregnated with a bioresorbable medium such as gelatin or collagen. The valved conduit is stored dry in packaging in which a desiccant pouch is supplied having a capacity for absorbing moisture within the packaging limited to avoid drying the bioprosthetic tissue out beyond a point where its ability to function in the bioprosthetic heart valve is compromised. The heart valve may be sewn within the sealed conduit or coupled thereto with a snap-fit connection.