A composite scaffold having a highly porous interior with increased surface area and void volume is surrounded by a flexible support structure that substantially maintains its three-dimensional shape under tension and provides mechanical reinforcement during repair or reconstruction of soft tissue while simultaneously facilitating regeneration of functional tissue.

A composite scaffold having a highly porous interior with increased surface area and void volume is surrounded by a flexible support structure that substantially maintains its three-dimensional shape under tension and provides mechanical reinforcement during repair or reconstruction of soft tissue while simultaneously facilitating regeneration of functional tissue.

Encapsulation devices, systems and methods are provided. In some embodiments, encapsulation devices for housing cells and providing various therapeutic benefits to a patient or host are provided. Encapsulation devices are provided that include a matrix or scaffold within a cell-receiving area or void, and methods of forming and preparing such a matrix are disclosed. Encapsulation devices that include channels are further provided, and the channels of the present disclosure are operable to convey fluid to internal areas of devices without restricting vascularization.

A structure of aligned (e.g., radially and/or polygonally aligned) fibers, and systems and methods for producing and using the same. One or more structures provided may be created using an apparatus that includes one or more first electrodes that define an area and/or partially circumscribe an area. For example, a single first electrode may enclose the area, or a plurality of first electrode(s) may be positioned on at least a portion of the perimeter of the area. A second electrode is positioned within the area. Electrodes with rounded (e.g., convex) surfaces may be arranged in an array, and a fibrous structure created using such electrodes may include an array of wells at positions corresponding to the positions of the electrodes.

A structure of aligned (e.g., radially and/or polygonally aligned) fibers, and systems and methods for producing and using the same. One or more structures provided may be created using an apparatus that includes one or more first electrodes that define an area and/or partially circumscribe an area. For example, a single first electrode may enclose the area, or a plurality of first electrode(s) may be positioned on at least a portion of the perimeter of the area. A second electrode is positioned within the area. Electrodes with rounded (e.g., convex) surfaces may be arranged in an array, and a fibrous structure created using such electrodes may include an array of wells at positions corresponding to the positions of the electrodes.

The invention provides a novel approach in which zwitterionic networks are used to sequester and deliver ionic biomolecules, such as proteins, without compromising their native conformation and bioactivity. Zwitterionic networks are designed to effectively retain and deliver ionic or polar biomolecules for guided tissue regeneration. The invention represents a conceptual advance and enables a novel strategy for the utilization of zwitterionic motifs as therapeutics delivery vehicles and tissue engineering scaffolds.

The invention provides a novel approach in which zwitterionic networks are used to sequester and deliver ionic biomolecules, such as proteins, without compromising their native conformation and bioactivity. Zwitterionic networks are designed to effectively retain and deliver ionic or polar biomolecules for guided tissue regeneration. The invention represents a conceptual advance and enables a novel strategy for the utilization of zwitterionic motifs as therapeutics delivery vehicles and tissue engineering scaffolds.

A pulverulent semisynthetic material, derived from a natural marine biomaterial, namely the aragonitic inner layer of the shell of bivalve molluscs selected from Pinctadines, notably Pinctada maxima, margaritifera, and Tridacnes, notably Tridacna gigas, maxima, derasa, tevaroa, squamosa, crocea, Hippopus hippopus, Hippopus porcelanus, in pulverulent form, with the addition of insoluble and soluble biopolymers and calcium carbonate transformed by carbonation.

A pulverulent semisynthetic material, derived from a natural marine biomaterial, namely the aragonitic inner layer of the shell of bivalve molluscs selected from Pinctadines, notably Pinctada maxima, margaritifera, and Tridacnes, notably Tridacna gigas, maxima, derasa, tevaroa, squamosa, crocea, Hippopus hippopus, Hippopus porcelanus, in pulverulent form, with the addition of insoluble and soluble biopolymers and calcium carbonate transformed by carbonation.

A delivery system comprising an agent and a foldable covering including a first surface disposed with the agent and a second surface connectable with the first surface to intra-operatively dispose the covering in a selected configuration.