Non-woven graft materials for use in specialized surgical procedures such as neurosurgical procedures, methods for making the non-woven graft materials, and methods for repairing tissue such as neurological tissue using the non-woven graft materials are disclosed. More particularly, disclosed are non-woven graft materials including at least two distinct fiber compositions composed of different polymeric materials, methods for making the non-woven graft materials and methods for repairing tissue in an individual in need thereof using the non-woven graft materials.

The present invention is directed to a nerve regeneration conduit including a resorbable tube having a matrix therein. The matrix is characterized by substantially parallel, axially aligned pores extending the length of the matrix. The matrix is formed by the axial freezing of a slurry having little or no significant radial thermal gradient during the freezing process. The matrix is used to bridge the gap between the severed ends of a nerve and provide a scaffold for nerve regeneration.

A method of providing a channel in nervous tissue filled with an aqueous gel for implantation of a microelectrode or other medical device lacking sufficient physical stability for direct implantation by insertion, comprises providing an apparatus comprising an oblong rigid pin covered by a dry gel forming agent; locating a target in the tissue; defining a straight insertion path a desired tissue insertion point and the target; aligning the pin with its end foremost with the insertion path; inserting the pin into the tissue to a position near or at the target; allowing sufficient time to pass for a gel to be formed around the pin, withdrawing the pin. Also disclosed is a corresponding channel; a method of implantation of a microelectrode or microprobe into nervous tissue via the channel; a corresponding method of implantation of living cells; a corresponding apparatus for forming the channel.

A flat self-curling rollable composite sheet membrane, and methods for preparing such membranes. The sheet membrane includes a flat layer of collagen and a bioactive agent, such as a calcium phosphate-based mineral. The flat layer self-curls into a predetermined shape upon absorption of an aqueous fluid. The methods for preparing the membranes include the steps of adding mineral to a collagen dispersion, forming a composite collagen matrix having mineral particles dispersed therein, compressing the composite matrix between two plates to form a flat sheet, and drying the flat sheet to yield a rollable composite sheet membrane.

The present invention is drawn to a 3-dimensional cell-produced scaffold construct comprising cells and the extracellular matrix that has been produced and arranged by these cells.

Described herein is the method of preparation for amnion-based tissue conduits. Amnion based tissue conduits are obtained from placental and umbilical cord tissue. Wherein said tissues are separated into one or more layers of amnion, chorion and umbilical cord and incised into predetermined measurements. By incising tissues, the quantified measurements will be less readily able to degrade bioactive properties during the predetermined duration of exposure of super critical carbon dioxide sterilization and a disinfectant wash of amnion, chorion and umbilical cord.

Neurosupportive materials that possess strong tissue adhesion were synthesized by photocrosslinking two polymers, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and methacryloyl-substituted tropoelastin (MeTro). The engineered materials exhibited tunable mechanical properties by varying the GelMA/MeTro ratio. In addition, GelMA/MeTro hydrogels exhibited 15-fold higher adhesive strength to nerve tissue ex vivo compared to traditionally used fibrin-based materials. Furthermore, the composites were shown to support Schwann cell (SC) viability and proliferation, as well as neurite extension and glial cell participation in vitro, which are essential cellular components for nerve regeneration. Finally, subcutaneously implanted GelMA/MeTro hydrogels exhibited slower degradation in vivo compared with pure GelMA, indicating its potential to support the growth of slowly regenerating nerves. Thus, GelMA/MeTro composites may be used as clinically relevant biomaterials to regenerate nerves and reduce the need for microsurgical suturing during nerve reconstruction.

Provided herein are scaffold biomaterials comprising a decellularised plant or fungal tissue from which cellular materials and nucleic acids of the tissue are removed, the decellularised plant or fungal tissue comprising a cellulose- or chitin-based 3-dimensional porous structure. Methods for preparing such scaffold biomaterials, as well as uses thereof as an implantable scaffold for supporting animal cell growth, for promoting tissue regeneration, for promoting angiogenesis, for a tissue replacement procedure, and/or as a structural implant for cosmetic surgery are also provided. Therapeutic treatment and/or cosmetic methods employing such scaffolds are additionally described.

A method for making a culture medium for culturing neural cells is provided. An original carbon nanotube structure is provided. The original carbon nanotube structure includes a drawn carbon nanotube film including a number of carbon nanotubes joined end to end by van der Waals force. The carbon nanotubes are substantially oriented along the same direction. A carbon nanotube structure including a number of carbon nanotube wires spaced from each other is formed by treating the original carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure is fixed on a substrate.

Provided subject matter relates to tissue engineering. More specifically provided are kits, devices and methods for in situ repair and regeneration of guided and functional growth of cells and cell components by providing into the injury site biomaterial solution including the cell(s), magnetic particles and solidifying the biomaterial while applying the magnetic field.