A device for the reconstruction of the rotator cuff including a flat element having at least two opposite ends and adapted to be connected to at least one of the damaged tendons of the rotator cuff of a patient at the ends; the flat element is made of a multilayer silicone membrane.

Described herein are methods of preparing human amniotic membrane tissue grafts derived from the placenta. The grafts are composed of three layers as seen in the amniotic membrane in utero. These grafts are processed using physiologic solutions, lyophilized and terminal sterilized (via gamma irradiation in a frozen state) that thereby preserves the graft in such a manner as to retain the naturally occurring biological properties of the amniotic membrane and offer a sterile graft for transplantation. By dehydration via lyophilization and terminal sterilization in a frozen state, the graft has the advantage of storage at ambient temperatures for prolonged periods of time prior to transplantation.

A composite containing a fabric and a polyampholyte hydrogel is provided. In the composite, the polyampholyte hydrogel is a hydrogel of a polymer containing randomly dispersed cationic and anionic repeat groups and at least a part of the fabric is coated with the polyampholyte hydrogel. A method of preparation of the composite involves steps (a) to (c): (a) providing a monomer mixture for preparation of a polyampholyte hydrogel; (b) immersing a fabric in the monomer mixture solution; and (c) polymerizing monomers in the monomer mixture solution to obtain a precursor of the composite.

Methods for preparing and using collagen extracts and collagen scaffolds are provided. Additionally methods and related kits for the repair of articular tissue using the collagen material are provided.

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.

Compositions comprising a condensed mesenchymal cell body and a hydrogel are provided. The compositions may further include drugs or growth factors. The condensed mesenchymal cell body may include a connective tissue cell, or even a progenitor cell capable of producing connective tissue extracellular matrices such collagen and glycosaminoglycan. Also provided are methods of treating connective tissue defects, cartilage injury, and cartilage degradation.

The disclosure is directed to scaffolds comprising nanofibers of graphene nanoplatelets and a biocompatible polymer, as well as methods for making and using such scaffolds.

Anti-biofilm osseointegrating and/or tissue-integrating implantable biomaterial devices that optionally can elute therapeutic ions such as magnesium, silver, copper and/or zinc. In certain embodiments, the devices are engineered to produce structures suitable as implants having a relatively high surface population of zeolite. Methods of producing the devices are also disclosed.

A method of preparing a decellularized placental membrane is provided. The method comprises removing cells from a pre-decellularized placental membrane comprising an amnion layer and a chorion layer to produce a decellularized placental membrane without separating the amnion layer from the chorion layer. The pre-decellularized placental membrane is obtained from an amniotic sac, and the decellularized placental membrane comprises the amnion layer and the chorion layer. Also provided is a decellularized placental membrane and a placenta-derived graft comprising the decellularized placental membrane. Further provided are the uses of the decellularized placental membrane or the placenta-derived graft.

Compositions and blends of biopolymers and copolymers are described, along with their use to prepare biocompatible scaffolds and surgically implantable devices for use in supporting and facilitating the repair of soft tissue injuries.