A spinal cage for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes a polymer composition that includes a polyetherimide. The polyetherimide includes repeating units of the formula ##STR00001##

The present invention relates to a fibrous nerve conduit for promoting nerve regeneration, comprising a channel, the channel having diameter controllable ends, the channel is adjustable to suturing to a proximal and distal end of a severed nerve, the conduit further comprises a PCL (MW: 70 KDa) with concentration of 10-15% and PLGA (MW: 50 KDa, 50:50) with concentration of 10-18%.

The present invention relates to a fibrous nerve conduit for promoting nerve regeneration, comprising a channel, the channel having diameter controllable ends, the channel is adjustable to suturing to a proximal and distal end of a severed nerve, the conduit further comprises a PCL (MW: 70 KDa) with concentration of 10-15% and PLGA (MW: 50 KDa, 50:50) with concentration of 10-18%.

Methods of post-loading ceramic particles with antimicrobial metal cations are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the post-loaded particles are zeolites, wherein the zeolites have been incorporated into a resin and the combination is used as an implantable device. In certain embodiments, the polymer is a thermoplastic polymer such as polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK). In certain embodiments, the source of antimicrobial activity includes ion-exchangeable cations contained in a zeolite. In certain embodiments, disclosed are methods of imparting antimicrobial activity to devices by controlling the delivery of certain cations through ion-exchange via a zeolite incorporated in the device.

Methods of post-loading ceramic particles with antimicrobial metal cations are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the post-loaded particles are zeolites, wherein the zeolites have been incorporated into a resin and the combination is used as an implantable device. In certain embodiments, the polymer is a thermoplastic polymer such as polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK). In certain embodiments, the source of antimicrobial activity includes ion-exchangeable cations contained in a zeolite. In certain embodiments, disclosed are methods of imparting antimicrobial activity to devices by controlling the delivery of certain cations through ion-exchange via a zeolite incorporated in the device.

Disclosed herein are methods for transferring carbon nanotubes on a hydrogel scaffold. Carbon nanotubes are formed on a substrate and directly transferred onto a hydrogel surface. Carbon nanotubes transferred according to the present disclosure can be used in tissue engineering applications and electrode coating applications.

A composite comprising: a barrier, said barrier being configured to selectively pass water, and said barrier being degradable in the presence of water; a matrix material for disposition within said barrier, wherein said matrix material has a flowable state and a set state, and wherein said matrix material is degradable in the presence of water; and at least one reinforcing element for disposition within said barrier and integration with said matrix material, wherein said at least one reinforcing element is degradable in the presence of water, and further wherein, upon the degradation of said at least one reinforcing element in the presence of water, provides an agent for modulating the degradation rate of said matrix material in the presence of water.

A composite implant comprising an injectable matrix material which is flowable and settable, and at least one reinforcing element for integration with the injectable matrix material, the at least one reinforcing element adding sufficient strength to the injectable matrix material such that when the composite implant is disposed in a cavity in a bone, the composite implant supports the bone.

A method for treating a bone, the method comprising: selecting at least one reinforcing element to be combined with an injectable matrix material so as to together form a composite implant capable of supporting the bone; positioning the at least one reinforcing element in a cavity in the bone; flowing the injectable matrix material into the cavity in the bone so that the injectable matrix material interfaces with the at least one reinforcing element; and transforming the injectable matrix material from a flowable state to a non-flowable state so as to establish a static structure for the composite implant, such that the composite implant supports the adjacent bone.

The present invention relates to preparation and use of nanocellulose fibrils or crystals such as disintegrated bacterial nanocellulose, tunicate-derived nanocellulose, or plant-derived nanocellulose, together with carbon nanotubes, as a biocompatible and conductive ink for 3D printing of electrically conductive patterns. Biocompatible conductive bioinks described in this invention were printed in the form of connected lines onto wet or dried nanocellulose films, bacterial cellulose membrane, or tunicate decellularized tissue. The devices were biocompatible and showed excellent mechanical properties and good electrical conductivity through printed lines (3.8.Math.10.sup.1 S cm.sup.1). Such scaffolds were used to culture neural cells. Neural cells attached selectively on the printed pattern and formed connective networks. The devices prepared by this invention are suited as bioassays to screen drugs against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, study brain function, and/or be used to link the human brain with electronic and/or communication devices. They can also be implanted to replace neural tissue or stimulate guiding of neural cells. They can also be used to stimulate the heart by using electrical signaling or to repair myocardial infarction and/or damage related thereto.

Polymers suitable for forming carbon nanotube-functionalized reverse thermal gel compositions, compositions including the polymers, and methods of forming and using the polymers and compositions are disclosed. The compositions have reverse thermal gelling properties and transform from a liquid/solution to a gele.g., near or below body temperature. The polymers and compositions can be injected into or proximate an area in need of treatment.