The present invention provides novel compositions comprising multipotent cells or microvascular tissue, wherein the cells or tissue has been sterilized and/or treated to inactivated viruses, and related methods of using these compositions to treat or prevent tissue injury or disease in an allogeneic subject.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cell structure for brain damage treatment which does not contain glutaraldehyde and in which it is possible to exhibit a sufficient effect of treating brain damage, a production method thereof, and a brain damage treatment agent. According to the present invention, there is provided a cell structure for brain damage treatment which contains biocompatible macromolecular blocks and at least one kind of cell and in which a plurality of the biocompatible macromolecular blocks are disposed in gaps between a plurality of the cells, in which the tap density of the biocompatible macromolecular block is 10 mg/cm.sup.3 to 500 mg/cm.sup.3 or a value obtained by dividing a square root of a cross-sectional area in a two-dimensional cross-sectional image of the biocompatible macromolecular block by a peripheral length is 0.01 to 0.13.

Implantable devices for spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury are described. The implants include a three-dimensional printed structure having stem cells disposed therein. Also disclosed are methods of treating neuronal injuries with the disclosed implants.

A medical device for repairing a lesion in a spinal cord or in a peripheral nerve is provided. The medical device has a flexible support made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Stem cells suitable for being oriented along a first growth direction or a second growth direction are at least partially embedded on the flexible support that is suitable for taking an extended configuration and a wound configuration. In the wound configuration, the flexible support is suitable for being wound around the spinal cord so that the first and second growth directions are substantially statistically parallel to a neuronal extension direction of neurons of the spinal cord. Surgical methods of treating a spinal injury involving using the medical device are also provided.

Provided herein is a system, e.g., a living electrode, comprising a biocompatible construct comprising a matrix, and a plurality of auditory neurons. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the system, and methods of using the same for implantation in a subject, for modulating an auditory neuron in the subject, and/or for treating or alleviating a symptom of a hearing loss disorder. Further provided herein are kits comprising the system described herein.

Nerve scaffolds are described that include a tubular outer housing fabricated from a biocompatible polymer, within which are disposed a plurality of carbon nanofiber yarns. The carbon nanofiber yarns, which can be separated by distances roughly corresponding to an average nerve fiber diameter, provide surfaces on which nerve fibers can regrow. Because the proximate carbon nanofiber yarns can support individual nerve fibers, a nerve can be regenerated with a reduced likelihood of undesirable outcomes, such as nerve pain or reduced nerve function.

Nerve scaffolds are described that include a tubular outer housing fabricated from a biocompatible polymer, within which are disposed a plurality of carbon nanofiber yarns. The carbon nanofiber yarns, which can be separated by distances roughly corresponding to an average nerve fiber diameter, provide surfaces on which nerve fibers can regrow. Because the proximate carbon nanofiber yarns can support individual nerve fibers, a nerve can be regenerated with a reduced likelihood of undesirable outcomes, such as nerve pain or reduced nerve function.

The present invention includes biomimetic nerve conduits that can be used as nerve regeneration pathways. The present invention further provides methods of preparing and using biomimetic nerve conduits. The disclosed compositions and methods have a broad range of potential applications, for example replacing a missing or damaged section of a nerve pathway of a mammal.

This invention of new biomaterials of alternating block polyurethanes (AltPU) based on biodegradable polyester blocks and hydrophilic blocks such as polyethers are created through a selectively coupling reaction between aliphatic polyester diols and diisocyanate-terminated hydrophilic polyethers or between aliphatic polyester diols and diisocyanate-terminated aliphatic polyester blocks under catalysis of organic tin compounds. AltPU possess well-controlled and defined chemical structures as well as regular polymer chain architecture and surface microstructures. The alternating block polyurethane designs endow materials with more special and intriguing properties, such as better biocompatibility, higher hydrophilicity, and favorable mechanical and material processing properties. Medical devices made of AltPU biomaterials show outstanding performance in peripheral nerve repair. In peripheral nerve repair (NGC), NGCs made of AltPU exhibit even better repair results than autograft, without adding any additional growth factors or proteins on SD rat model. The NGCs can also contain bioactive substances. The AltPU biomaterials can be widely used for many medical and non-medical applications including but not limited to tissue regeneration of soft and hard tissues, medical tubings and catheters, device coatings, and other applications.

A method includes covering or contacting a portion of a parathyroid of a subject with a shield including biologic tissue. The covering or contacting occurs during a neck or reconstructive surgery of the subject.