The present invention relates to a peripheral nerve-specific hydrogel material, which is deliverable in a minimally invasive fashion, sustains the growth of neurons, and speeds recovery following surgical reconstruction.

The present invention relates to preparation and use of nanocellulose fibrils or crystals such as disintegrated bacterial nanocellulose, tunicate-derived nanocellulose, or plant-derived nanocellulose, together with carbon nanotubes, as a biocompatible and conductive ink for 3D printing of electrically conductive patterns. Biocompatible conductive bioinks described in this invention were printed in the form of connected lines onto wet or dried nanocellulose films, bacterial cellulose membrane, or tunicate decellularized tissue. The devices were biocompatible and showed excellent mechanical properties and good electrical conductivity through printed lines (3.8.Math.10.sup.1 S cm.sup.1). Such scaffolds were used to culture neural cells. Neural cells attached selectively on the printed pattern and formed connective networks. The devices prepared by this invention are suited as bioassays to screen drugs against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, study brain function, and/or be used to link the human brain with electronic and/or communication devices. They can also be implanted to replace neural tissue or stimulate guiding of neural cells. They can also be used to stimulate the heart by using electrical signaling or to repair myocardial infarction and/or damage related thereto.

A hybrid hydrogel including a hydrogel material and a plurality of first hybrid nanoparticles is provided. The plurality of first hybrid nanoparticles are conjugated to the hydrogel material, wherein each of the first hybrid nanoparticles includes a first positive-charged polysaccharide and a first negative-charged polysaccharide. The first positive-charged polysaccharide is located at an inner core of the first hybrid nanoparticles. The first negative-charged polysaccharide is located at an outer shell of the first hybrid nanoparticles and carries a plurality of first growth factors. The first negative-charged polysaccharide and the first positive-charged polysaccharide are electrostatically attracted to form the first hybrid nanoparticles. A method of fabricating the hybrid hydrogel is also provided.

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a nerve conduit containing cells, more particularly to a method for preparing a porous nerve conduit containing cells, having micropores formed in microchannels, wherein the nerve conduit containing cells prepared according to the present invention can be usefully used in in-vitro and in-vivo researches on nerves.

In one aspect, apparatuses for providing chemical gradients are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus described herein comprises a conduit having a first end and a second end, one or more microchannels disposed in the conduit and extending from the first end toward the second end, and a fiber coiled around the exterior of at least one microchannel, wherein the fiber comprises an active agent that is operable to diffuse into the interior of the microchannel.

A compression and kink resistant tubular implant for nerve repair. The implant includes a tubular biopolymeric membrane and a polymeric supporting filament. Also provided is a shaped compression resistant implant for ridge augmentation in dental surgery. Methods for producing the implants are also provided.

Provided is a non-tubular brain damage recovery material which is used to cover and/or fill a damaged part of the brain, the brain damage recovery material including: (A) a cross-linked body with which a bioabsorbable polysaccharide having a carboxyl group in a low endotoxin molecule is covalently bonded and cross-linked with at least one crosslinking reagent selected from among a compound represented by general formula (I) and salts thereof; and (B) a bioabsorbable polymer. R.sup.1HN(CH.sub.2).sub.nNHR.sup.2 (I) [in the formula, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a group represented by formula of COCH(NH.sub.2)CH.sub.2].sub.4NH.sub.2, and n represents an integer from 2 to 18]. Accordingly, provided is a medical material which can recover a damaged part of the brain.

Dural repair devices that are configured to effectively and reliably repair the damage of a dural tear due to incidental durotomies are provided, along with methods of use. The devices and methods enhance the ability of a surgeon to repair a patients dura mater, or dura, during surgery of the central nervous system. The dural repair device has a multi-layer structure configured to exert a pressure or tamponade effect to compress a patient's dura to its state prior to the spinal surgery. Thus, the dural repair devices and methods of use may reduce the patients risk morbidity, further surgery, spinal headaches, or other injuries and discomforts.

The invention provides bioresorbable nerve guidance conduits made from polymer blends which include polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). In particular, the invention provides nerve guidance conduits having a body which comprises a polymer blend comprising: (a) from 60 to 98 wt. % of a first component which is a PHA copolymer comprising two or more different medium chain length hydroxyalkanoate monomer units; and (b) from 2 to 40 wt. % of a second component which is either a PHA homopolymer containing a short chain length hydroxyalkanoate monomer unit, or a polylactide (PLA). The invention further relates to polymer blends comprising (a) and (b).

Ophthalmic implants and methods of use that provide structural support to the optic nerve are disclosed herein. An adhesive and/or ophthalmic implant may be delivered to an optic nerve of an eye to relieve pressure on the optic nerve. The ophthalmic implant may include a base portion that includes a first surface and a second surface opposing the second surface and a protrusion from the second surface for extending into a cup of an optic nerve in an eye.