Described herein are hydrogels with improved mechanical properties. The hydrogels are composed of two polymer networks covalently crosslinked with one another. The addition of a multivalent cation and/or polycation to the hydrogels further crosslinks the polyphosphate network and can modulate the mechanical properties of the hydrogels as needed. Methods for making and using the hydrogels described herein are presented below.

An implantable medical product and method of use for substantially reducing or eliminating harsh biological responses associated with conventionally implanted medical devices, including inflammation, infection and thrombogenesis, when implanted in in a body of a warm blooded mammal. The bioremodelable pouch structure is configured and sized to receive, encase and retain an electrical medical device therein and to allow such device to be inserted into the internal region or cavity of the pouch structure; with the pouch structure formed from either: (a) first and second sheets, or (b) a single sheet having first and second sheet portions. After receiving the electrical device, the edges around the opening are closed by suturing or stapling. The medical device encased by the bioremodelable pouch structure effectively improves biological functions by promoting tissue regeneration, modulated healing of adjacent tissue or growth of new tissue when implanted in the body of the mammal.

The present invention includes a method for treating penile implant infections that uses a synthetic high-purity calcium sulfate mixed with antimicrobials, which is capable of providing prolonged exposure of antimicrobials to the infection site and capable of acting as an intracorporal filler preventing fibrosis and loss of phallic length. The technique is especially useful for high-risk patients, and provides another medium for which antimicrobial agents can be delivered to a surgical infection site while at the same time acting as a filler, preventing fibrosis, and loss of the space. The antimicrobial cast lasts 4-6 weeks, making timely re-implantation easier, and preventing intracorporal fibrosis and loss of phallic length.

Compositions or an assembly of a series of biomimetic compounds include chemical structures that mimic or structurally resemble a nucleic acid base pair. Complexes of nanotubes and agents are useful to deliver agents into the cells or bodily tissues of individuals for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Exemplary compounds include those of Formula (I), (III), (V) or (VII), or of Formula (II), (IV), (VI) or (VIII).

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Expanded, nanofiber structures are provided as well as methods of use thereof and methods of making.

Methods and systems and related devices particles and compositions are described for controlled ballistic delivery of particles to a target region of a multilayered tissue, the method comprising determining a velocity v.sub.o,j of the set of substantially spherical particles by iterating v.sub.o,i=√{square root over (Y.sub.a/ρ.sub.p)}((1/k)(d*/D.sup.m)(μ.sub.a.sup.m-1)(√{square root over (Y.sub.aρ.sub.p)}).sup.1-m(ρ.sub.a/ρ.sub.p)).sup.1/n.sup.i from i=0 to j, where n.sub.0=0.826 and n.sub.i=n.sub.0−q(v.sub.0,i-1√{square root over (ρ.sub.a/Y.sub.a)}), until |(v.sub.0,i−v.sub.0,i-1)/v.sub.o,i-1|<0.1; selecting the D.sub.p, ρ.sub.p and v.sub.o,j when v.sub.o,j is less than 1,500 m/sec; and ballistically delivering a set of substantially spherical therapeutic particles having the selected D.sub.p and ρ.sub.p at velocity v.sub.o,j to the accessible surface of the apical layer of the bilayer tissue to deliver into the target region at least 30% of the set of substantially spherical particles.

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising an aminoglycosidic antibiotic and at least one zinc-chelating agent in a specified concentration, and methods of inhibiting bacterial colonization, biofilm formation and if treating bacterial infections utilizing the compositions are provided. Topical formulations suitable for wound care, and surface-applicable formulations suitable for medical, industrial and household disinfecting needs are also described.

An article. The article includes a substrate, wherein the substrate having two opposing major surfaces; and particles coated with a metal oxide on the substrate: particles coated with a metal on the substrate; wherein the coated particles are randomly distributed on or in the substrate; and wherein at least some of coated particles are discrete particles.

Provided are methods and compositions for inducing periapical tissue regeneration and repair.

Thus, the present invention provides a composition in powder form comprising highly dispersed silica particles, polymethylsiloxane particles, and a cationic surfactant, wherein at least 25% by weight of the cationic surfactant is present in primary polymethylsiloxane particles carrying the cationic surfactant on their surface and/or in agglomerates of these primary particles.