A soft film, a sponge, or a sheet in the dried state is provided, which is capable of forming a hydrogel absorbing water or blood. The film is obtainable by preparing a film-state material in the dried state from either a solution of poly(acrylic acid) or a solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone, and bringing the film-state material into contact with the other remaining solution, and then drying or freeze-drying it.

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a chitosan matrix having good mechanical properties comprising the steps of a) preparing a solution of chitosan, b) pouring the solution of a) into a mould in order to form a layer, c) lyophilizing the layer of b) in order to obtain a matrix of chitosan, d) sterilizing the matrix obtained in c) by water vapor treatment. The invention also relates to the matrices obtained and to surgical implants comprising such matrices. The invention further relates to a method for increasing the suture retention strength of a chitosan matrix obtained by lyophilization of a chitosan solution, and to a method for for decreasing the solubilization rate in hydrochloric acid of a chitosan matrix obtained by lyophilization of a chitosan solution, comprising the step of sterilizing said matrix by a water vapor treatment.

Provided herein is a single component sealant formulation (e.g. in a liquid form), methods for its preparation, and use. The formulation includes fibrinogen; vitamin K-dependent clotting zymogens comprising at least Factor II (FII) and Factor X (FX).

Disclosed are micronized hydrophilic systems of highly concentrated, cross-linked biopolymers. The system is created by combining a biopolymer with a cross-linking agent under mechanical kneading and allowing the biopolymer to undergo a cross-linking process followed by purification, drying and milling. The resulting micronized biopolymer system has an increased biopolymer concentration and increased longevity within the body.

The present invention provides a novel biomaterial which is a hybrid, self-assembling biopolymeric networked film that is functionalized through hydrophobic interactions with vesicles loaded with bioactive agents. The biomaterial compound is a polymeric network of hydrophobically modified chitosan scaffolds that is taken from solution and formed as a solid film. This solid state film is capable of hydrophobic interactions with the functionalized vesicles. The vesicles include one or more lamellar structures forming one or more nano-compartments that are capable of containing similar or alternative active moieties within. Use of the film results in a degradation of the chitosan scaffold thereby releasing the active moieties within the vesicles from the scaffold. Application of the current invention occurs through various delivery mechanisms and routes of administration as will be described herein.

A sprayable polymeric foam hemostat for both compressible and non-compressible (intracavitary) acute wounds is disclosed. The foam comprises hydrophobically-modified polymers, such as hm-chitosan, or other amphiphilic polymers that anchor themselves within the membrane of cells in the vicinity of the wound. By rapidly expanding upon being released from a canister pressurized with liquefied gas propellant, the foam is able to enter injured body cavities and staunch bleeding. The seal created is strong enough to substantially prevent the loss of blood from these cavities. Hydrophobically-modified polymers inherently prevent microbial infections and are suitable for oxygen transfer required during normal wound metabolism. The amphiphilic polymers form solid gel networks with blood cells to create a physical clotting mechanism that prevent loss of blood.

Compositions and methods for achieving hemostasis. Hemostatic compositions comprise a phospholipid, and optionally, an anti-infective agent. The hemostatic composition can be administered to a bleeding bone to achieve hemostasis.

The present invention relates to an implant (10) comprising: -a substrate (1) the surface of which comprising oxidized cellulose, said oxidized cellulose having a degree of oxidation ranging from 0.0 to 1, and -a multilayer coating covering said substrate, said multilayer coating comprising at least a first layer (2) adjacent said substrate, said first layer being formed of chitosan, and a second layer (3) adjacent said first layer, said second layer being formed of oxidized cellulose having a degree of oxidation ranging from 0.5 to 1. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such an implant.

The invention provides a wound dressing made by an ex vivo formed combination of fibrinogen and/or fibrin containing-liquid formulation and an oxidized cellulose (OC) backing; and use thereof.

The present invention provides an improved tissue adhesive to repair defects in soft tissue. Following ASTM standard tests, crosslinked methacryloyl-substituted gelatin hydrogels of the present invention (GelSEAL) were shown to exhibit adhesive properties, i.e. wound closure strength, shear resistance and burst pressure, that were superior to clinically used fibrin- and poly(ethylene glycol)-based glues. Chronic in vivo experiments in rats proved GelSEAL to effectively seal large lung leakages without additional sutures or staples, presenting improved performance as compared to fibrin and poly(ethylene glycol) glues. Furthermore, subcutaneous implantation in rats revealed high biocompatibility of GelSEAL as evidenced by low inflammatory host response. Advantageously, the tissue adhesives of the present invention are low cost and easy to produce, making them a promising substance to be used as a sealant for fluid leakages in soft tissue, as well as an easily tunable platform to further optimize the adhesive characteristics.