Methods of forming a connective tissue-to-bone interface scaffolds (e.g., ligament-to-bone interface scaffolds, tendon-to-bone interface scaffolds, etc.). These scaffolds (grafts) may be formed from in such a way as to provide both a mineralized and demineralized layer in which the entire graft is flexible, compressible and compliant.

The present invention provides novel biomaterial compositions and methods having a technology to improve retention of hyaluronic acid (HA). The biomaterial compositions utilize small HA binding peptides that is tethered to synthetic biocompatible polymers. When tethered to the polymers, the peptide region allows the polymers to bind to HA. The biocompatible polymers are modified to contain a crosslinking group so that the HA can be incorporated into a scaffold and retained in place. The novel biomaterial 1 compositions can be made into hydrogel compositions and used in a variety of tissue applications, using mild crosslinking conditions and they also have the ability to be degraded with hyaluronidase if needed. Furthermore, the novel biomaterial compositions will enable enhanced interaction between the scaffold and encapsulated cells for a wide variety of tissue engineering applications. Methods of making hydrogel compositions and their use are also provided. The present invention also provides bifunctional biopolymer compositions comprising a biologically compatible polymer having at least one amine reactive moiety and at least one thiol reactive moiety and provides thiolated HA binding peptides which can be used together to coat or chemically modify cartilage or tissues having amine reactive residues with a biologically compatible polymer having HA binding peptides, which allow HA to bind to the surface of the cartilage or tissues. Methods of using same are also provided.

Described herein are stem cells and stem cell compositions that can be used to treat soft tissue injuries, including tendon and ligament injuries. Also described herein are cellular scaffolds that can contain a stem cell or stem cell compositions described herein. Also described herein are soft tissue bioreactor devices. Also described herein are methods of using the stem cells, stem cell compositions, and soft tissue bioreactors and methods of treating tendon and ligament injuries.

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.

Implantable medical devices and prosthesis for rapid regeneration and replacement of tissues, and methods of making and using the devices, are described. The medical devices include a complex three-dimensional braided scaffold with a polymer composition and structure tailored to desired degradation profiles and mechanical properties. The composite three-dimensional braided scaffolds are braided from yarn bundles of biodegradable and bioresorbable polymeric fibers and/or filaments. Monofilament fibers and/or multifilament fibers can be twisted/plied in different combinations to form multifilament yarns, composite multifilament yarns, or composite yarns. The medical devices are useful as both structural prosthetics taking on the function of the tissue as it regenerates and as in vivo scaffolds for cell attachment and ingrowth.

A braided structure that includes a core and a sheath is provided. The core includes a yarn formed at least in part from an aromatic polymer (e.g., an aromatic polyester/liquid crystalline polymer or an aramid polymer), and the sheath, which includes a plurality of ultra high molecular weight polyolefin yarns, is braided around the core. The sheath has an overall diameter ranging from about 60 micrometers to about 650 micrometers. Despite its small diameter, the braided structure can be creep resistant and abrasion resistant while at the same time exhibiting low elongation, a high load at break, and high stiffness. The braided structure can be used in medical applications such as sutures, load bearing orthopedic applications, artificial tendons/ligaments, fixation devices, actuation cables, components for tissue repair, etc.

The present invention relates to a sutureless method of repairing soft tissue defects in soft tissue including ligaments such as anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs). In particular, the present invention relates a sutureless method of repairing soft tissue defect comprising: (i) providing a collagen-containing patch adapted to enclose at least a portion of said soft tissue defect; (ii) contacting said soft tissue defect and/or collagen-containing patch with a sensitizer; (Hi) enclosing said soft tissue defect in said collagen-containing patch to produce a bioactive chamber; and (iv) adhering said collagen-containing patch to said soft tissue defect without sutures.

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.

There is disclosed a collagen construct comprising a plurality of elongate strips, wherein each strip contains a plurality of collagen fibres that are substantially aligned along the length of the respective strips, and the strips are braided or woven together to produce a collagen construct in the form of a rope that can be used for replacing tendons or ligaments, such as cruciate ligaments. Also disclosed is a method for making or producing the collagen construct from a collagen membrane having a plurality of collagen fibres being substantially aligned parallel to each other in a common direction. The membrane is cut along cut lines that are orientated substantially parallel to that common direction, thereby to separate elongate strips from the membrane. The strips are then braided or woven together to form the collagen construct.

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.