An object is to provide a zwitterionic compound having an excellent protein adsorption inhibitory effect. The zwitterionic compound is a polymer comprising a unit represented by the following formula (1):

##STR00001##

wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R.sup.2 is OH or O.sup.−, X.sup.1 is —O— or —N(Q.sup.1)-, Q.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, m is an integer of 1 to 12, and n is an integer of 1 to 4.

The present disclosure provides a method of bioprinting a 3-D structure comprising one or more biologically-relevant materials on a super-hydrophobic surface. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a composition having one or more biologically-relevant materials dispersed within a biocompatible medium. A pattern comprising a hydrophilic material is deposited on a defined area of the super-hydrophobic surface, wherein the pattern is modeled after a biological structure. The composition having the one or more biologically-relevant materials is then bioprinted atop the hydrophilic surface to form a 3-D structure, wherein the hydrophilic surface maintains the 3-D structure in a desired position or shape on the super-hydrophobic surface.

The present disclosure provides a method of bioprinting a 3-D structure comprising one or more biologically-relevant materials on a super-hydrophobic surface. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a composition having one or more biologically-relevant materials dispersed within a biocompatible medium. A pattern comprising a hydrophilic material is deposited on a defined area of the super-hydrophobic surface, wherein the pattern is modeled after a biological structure. The composition having the one or more biologically-relevant materials is then bioprinted atop the hydrophilic surface to form a 3-D structure, wherein the hydrophilic surface maintains the 3-D structure in a desired position or shape on the super-hydrophobic surface.

Methods of making decellularized tendon matrix (DTM) and DTM hydrogels are provided. These compositions and hydrogels are useful for repairing tendon injuries and in some cases may be used by injection, arthroscopic procedures, or as adjuncts to traditional surgical repair.

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a plasma spraying material with which it is possible to form an HAp film that has high hardness and is not susceptible to abrasion, even under conditions involving plasma spraying with low flame energy. In the present invention, an HAp powder having an average particle diameter (D.sub.50) of 15-40 μm and a pore volume of 0.01-0.30 cc/g at a pore diameter of 2000 nm or less as measured through mercury intrusion makes it possible to form an HAp film that has high hardness, is not susceptible to abrasion, and can be subjected to plasma spraying, even under conditions involving plasma spraying with low flame energy.

Compositions-of-matter comprising a matrix made of one or more, preferably two or more elastic layers and one or more viscoelastic layer are disclosed. The compositions-of-matter are characterized by high water-impermeability and optionally by self-recovery. Processes of preparing the compositions-of-matter and uses thereof as tissue substitutes or for repairing damaged tissues are also disclosed.

The inventions provided herein relate to compositions, methods, delivery devices and kits for repairing or augmenting a tissue in a subject. The compositions described herein can be injectable such that they can be placed in a tissue to be treated with a minimally-invasive procedure (e.g., by injection). In some embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a compressed silk fibroin matrix, which can expand upon injection into the tissue and retain its original expanded volume within the tissue for a period of time. The compositions can be used as a filler to replace a tissue void, e.g., for tissue repair and/or augmentation, or as a scaffold to support tissue regeneration and/or reconstruction. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used for soft tissue repair or augmentation.

The inventions provided herein relate to compositions, methods, delivery devices and kits for repairing or augmenting a tissue in a subject. The compositions described herein can be injectable such that they can be placed in a tissue to be treated with a minimally-invasive procedure (e.g., by injection). In some embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a compressed silk fibroin matrix, which can expand upon injection into the tissue and retain its original expanded volume within the tissue for a period of time. The compositions can be used as a filler to replace a tissue void, e.g., for tissue repair and/or augmentation, or as a scaffold to support tissue regeneration and/or reconstruction. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used for soft tissue repair or augmentation.

The present disclosure provides an intraocular lens (IOL) or ophthalmic device including an optic and at least one haptic, at least a portion of which is formed from a photoresponsive shape memory polymer network, such as a polydomain azo liquid crystalline polymer network (PD-LCN). The present disclosure further provides systems and methods for adjusting the position of such an IOL or other ophthalmic device using polarized laser radiation.

The present disclosure provides an intraocular lens (IOL) or ophthalmic device including an optic and at least one haptic, at least a portion of which is formed from a photoresponsive shape memory polymer network, such as a polydomain azo liquid crystalline polymer network (PD-LCN). The present disclosure further provides systems and methods for adjusting the position of such an IOL or other ophthalmic device using polarized laser radiation.