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.

An antimicrobial medical device that includes a substrate having a metal surface that is made from a metal or metal alloy that may include stainless steel, cobalt, and titanium. Disposed on the metal surface is a first antimicrobial oxide layer that includes an antimicrobial metal that may include silver, copper, and zinc, and combinations thereof. The atoms of antimicrobial metal in the first antimicrobial oxide layer are of a first concentration. The first antimicrobial oxide layer is positioned in a direction opposite that of the metal surface. The device further includes a second antimicrobial oxide layer that includes an antimicrobial metal that may be silver, copper, and zinc, and combinations thereof. The atoms of the antimicrobial metal present in the second antimicrobial oxide layer are of a second concentration. The first concentration and the second concentration are not equal. Methods for making the antimicrobial medical device are also disclosed.

An artificial cornea is fabricated by separately culturing live stromal cells, live corneal endothelial cells (CECs) and live corneal epithelial cells (CEpCs), and 3D bioprinting separate stromal, CEC and CEpC layers to encapsulate the cells into separate hydrogel nanomeshes. The CEC layer is attached to a first side of the stromal layer and the CEpC layer to a second side of the stromal layer to define the artificial cornea.

The present disclosure relates generally to materials and medical devices impregnated with antimicrobial compounds. More specifically, the materials are medical matrix materials comprising nanopores or nanochannels in which the antimicrobial compounds are disposed. In other embodiments, medical matrix materials comprises nanomaterials and antimicrobials distributed throughout the material. The materials described herein are useful for a broad spectrum of medical devices and consumer products. The present disclosure further provides methods of making the antimicrobial materials and medical devices disclosed herein.

A medical implant is provided that has a first and a second electrospun component with the same type of biodegradable electrospun polymers. In one example, the second electrospun component is separately manufactured from the first electrospun component. Furthermore, the implant is structured such that the first electrospun component and the second electrospun component are assembled or joint together by the same type biodegradable electrospun polymers as in the first electrospun component and the second electrospun component. The assembled implant is a porous, biodegradable medical implant capable of being replaced by naturally ingrown tissue over time upon implantation. Advantages are the avoidance of sutures and the problems associated with the use of sutures, capability of ETR, avoidance of the need for extra materials, allowance for more precise and reproducible assembled structures for which the process could be automated.

The present invention provides compositions and methods that modulate the immune system in a subject.

The present disclosure is directed to modified metal materials for implantation and/or bone replacement, and to methods for modifying surface properties of metal substrates for enhancing cellular adhesion (tissue integration) and providing antimicrobial properties. Some embodiments comprise surface coatings for metal implants, such as titanium-based materials, using (1) electrochemical processing and/or oxidation methods, and/or (2) laser processing, in order to enhance bone cell-materials interactions and achieve improved antimicrobial properties. One embodiment comprises the modification of a metal surface by growth of in situ nanotubes via anodization, followed by electrodeposition of silver on the nanotubes. Other embodiments include the use of LENS™ processing to coat a metal surface with calcium-based bioceramic composition layers. These surface treatment methods can be applied as a post-processing operation to metallic implants such as hip, knee and spinal devices as well as screws, pins and plates.

The invention relates to methods of preparing a bone matrix solution, a bone matrix implant, and variants thereof. The invention also relates to methods of cell culture using the same. The invention further relates to bone matrix scaffolds comprising one or more bone matrix nanofibers, methods of preparing, and methods of use thereof. The invention also relates to methods of culturing cells and promoting differentiation of stem cells using the same.

The invention is an improved biocompatible surface for a variety of medical purposes. The biocompatible surface employs a unique tight microstructure that demonstrates enhanced cellular response in the body, particularly when placed in contact with blood. As a blood contact surface, the present invention can be beneficially employed in a wide variety of implantable devices and in many other devices and equipment that come in contact with blood.

The invention relates to medical devices and, more in particular, to medical devices suitable for use as stents that contain an antimicrobial coating and, optionally, a drug customized to patients requirements. The invention also relates to methods for obtaining devices having the above features.