Provided herein are methods for directing differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into a three-dimensional multilayered skin composition comprising an epidermal layer, a dermal layer, and a plurality of cells capable of forming a functional hair follicle. Also provided herein are three-dimensional, multilayered engineered skin compositions and methods of using the same for drug screening, for screening compounds for effects on hair growth, and for other applications.

The present invention provides tissue sealant compositions and vasculature closure devices useful for the optical detection of tissue seal and/or clot formation. Compositions and devices of the present invention comprise optical dyes which undergo an observable change as the compositions and/or devices are incorporated into a tissue seal and/or clot, for example a change in fluorescence quantum yield and/or a change in visual color including a change in emission and/or absorption wavelength. Tissue sealants and vasculature closure devices of the present invention are useful for visualizing seal and/or clot formation, for example, during or after surgical procedures, after catheter removal, etc. The present invention further provides methods for formation and optical detection of tissue seals or vasculature puncture closures as well as medical kits useful for the formation and optical detection of tissue seals or vasculature puncture closures.

An intraocular lenses having a plurality of drug-containing microspheres attached to the intraocular lens. The intraocular lenses can be used for patients undergoing cataract surgery and reduces the need for recurrent surgery, follow-up treatment or postoperative eye-drops. Also provides a method for manufacturing such an intraocular lens and the use of an intraocular lens in the treatment of cataract.

Luminal grafts and methods of making and using the same. An exemplary luminal graft of the present disclosure is configured as a generally tubular element configured for nerve cells to grow therethrough and comprises at least one sheet of biological tissue having elastin fibers and collagen fibers, with the elastin fibers being a dominant component thereof; and a plurality of microchannels formed on a surface of the at least one sheet of biological tissue, each of the microchannels extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end of the at least one sheet of biological tissue and configured to provide intraluminal structural guidance to nerve cells proliferating therethrough.

Bacteria-responsive core-shell nanofibers and a process for the preparation thereof are described. The nanofibers release of an antibacterial agent in response to the presence of bacteria. The core of the nanofiber comprises a biocompatible polymer together with an antibacterial agent such as a quaternary ammonium compound, for example benzyl dimethyl tetradecyl ammonium chloride (BTAC). Surrounding the core is shell comprised of a bacterially degradable polymer, which is susceptible to break-down by bacterial enzymes such as lipase, or to acidic pH conditions. The shell may comprise, for example, polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(ethylene succinate) (PES). The nanofibers may be incorporated into wound dressings.

This invention is directed to novel compositions containing a source of precursors to Type I collagen, an collagenic organic acid, an aldehyde, a polyol, an aldose, esters or salts or any combinations thereof, a blend of collagenic monomers or short-chain polymers, and a thickening agent to optimize the viscosity of the delivery system and methods of using such compositions for promoting collagen synthesis in the annular region of intervertebral disc.

Provided herein are methods for directing differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into a three-dimensional multilayered skin composition comprising an epidermal layer, a dermal layer, and a plurality of cells capable of forming a functional hair follicle. Also provided herein are three-dimensional, multilayered engineered skin compositions and methods of using the same for drug screening, for screening compounds for effects on hair growth, and for other applications.

The present disclosure provides compositions including alginate microspheres capable of self-degradation upon rehydration, the alginate microspheres comprising alginate, alginate lyase, and divalent metal ions. The present disclosure also provides methods of making compositions including alginate microspheres capable of self-degradation upon rehydration, comprising alginate, alginate lyase, and divalent metal ions. The present disclosure also provides methods of inducing an embolism in a subject in thereof, and syringes containing the compositions of the present disclosure for use in the methods thereof.

The present invention is directed to an implantable device comprising a biocompatible and biodegradable matrix impregnated with a bioactive complex suitable for selectively targeting the lymphatic system, wherein the bioactive complex comprises one or more particle forming materials and one or more bioactive agents. The invention is further directed to methods of using and the process of preparing, the implantable device.

The present invention provides tissue sealant compositions and vasculature closure devices useful for the optical detection of tissue seal and/or clot formation. Compositions and devices of the present invention comprise optical dyes which undergo an observable change as the compositions and/or devices are incorporated into a tissue seal and/or clot, for example a change in fluorescence quantum yield and/or a change in visual color including a change in emission and/or absorption wavelength. Tissue sealants and vasculature closure devices of the present invention are useful for visualizing seal and/or clot formation, for example, during or after surgical procedures, after catheter removal, etc. The present invention further provides methods for formation and optical detection of tissue seals or vasculature puncture closures as well as medical kits useful for the formation and optical detection of tissue seals or vasculature puncture closures.