In some aspects, the disclosure pertains to injectable particles that contain at least one pH-altering agent that is configured to be released from the injectable particles in vivo, upon embolization of an intratumoral artery of a tumor with the injectable particles. In certain instances, the pH-altering agent may be a basic agent having a pH value of 7.5, a buffering agent having a pKa value of 7.6 or more, or both. Other aspects of the disclosure pertain to preloaded containers containing such injectable particles and methods of using such injectable particles.

This invention elates to polysaccharide materials and more particularly to microbial-derived cellulose having the porosity and containing pores of the desired size making it suitable for cellular infiltration during implantation and other desirable properties for medical and surgical applications. The invention also relates to the use of porous microbial-derived cellulose as tissue engineering matrices, human tissue substitutes, and reinforcing scaffolds for regenerating injured tissues and augmenting surgical procedures The invention outlines various methods during and after fermentation to create porous microbial cellulose capable of allowing cell infiltration while preserving the physical properties of the microbial-cellulose.

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.

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.

Methods for increasing the patency of biodegradable, synthetic vascular grafts are provided. The methods include administering one or more cytokines and/or chemokines that promote outward tissue remodeling of the vascular grafts and vascular neotissue formation. The disclosed methods do not require cell seeding of the vascular grafts, thus avoiding many problems associated with cell seeding. Biodegradable, polymeric vascular grafts which provide controlled release of cytokines and/or chemokines at the site of vascular graft implantation are also provided.

Compositions and blends of biopolymers and copolymers are described, along with their use to prepare biocompatible scaffolds and surgically implantable devices for use in supporting and facilitating the repair of soft tissue injuries.

The present disclosure is directed to intracameral implants for treating and/or preventing corneal disorders, diseases, and/or conditions, such as corneal endothelial dystrophies. The intracameral implants can be configured to provide a sustained release of a therapeutic agent, such as a Rho kinase inhibitor, for a prolonged period of time. The intracameral implants can include a non-bioresorbable anchor or a bioresorbable matrix.

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including combination therapy systems for the treatment of infections. These systems comprising: an ultrasound device capable of producing ultrasonic acoustic pressure; and a biodegradable piezoelectric film comprising polymer-based piezoelectric material, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofiber mesh configured to, when placed in an electrolytically conductive environment comprising water and stimulated with the ultrasonic acoustic pressure, vibrate generating electricity to locally decomposes the water into reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce a broad-spectrum bactericidal effect.

Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions related to repair of weakenings or openings in a tissue of an individual, including at least a muscular wall, for example. In specific cases, a mesh comprising phosphate crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer (PVA-P) is utilized for such methods, including for hernia repair of any kind. In particular embodiments, one side of the mesh comprises decellularized gel matrix to provide for enhanced tissue healing.

The present invention relates to a method of treating a bone defect site in a patient. The method includes applying to the bone defect site a bone graft composition comprising a scaffold having a desired shape. The scaffold includes a biodegradable polymer and a ceramic material. The scaffold includes interconnected pores and an average porosity range of about 50% to about 90%, wherein the porosity is substantially uniform throughout the scaffold. The scaffold is bioresorbable and exhibits advantageous mechanical properties that mimic those found in natural bone. Methods of preparing the scaffolds and using them in skeletal tissue engineering applications (e.g., as bone grafts to repair osteochondral defects and ligaments) is also described.