The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for processing tissue to produce a natural, acellular replacement tissue that is immunocompatible with a recipient. According to the subject invention, harvested tissue is subjected to wash solutions wherein only amphoteric detergent(s) are used (e.g., anionic detergents are excluded). Following extraction by amphoteric detergent(s), the tissue is washed with a buffer system to facilitate the clearance of cellular components and detergent. In one embodiment, the subject invention pertains to a replacement tissue that is a nerve graft that supports axonal regeneration, guides axons toward the distal nerve end and/or is immunologically tolerated. Preferably, the nerve graft retains essential extracellular matrix scaffolding as well as biological components that promote nerve regeneration through the nerve graft.

The problem of attaching a donor nerve stump to a recipient nerve for an end-to-side coaptation is solved by the use of a tissue connector. The tissue connector can have a body for receiving the donor nerve stump and one or more overflaps for attaching the tissue connector with the donor nerve stump therein to the epineurium on the side of the recipient nerve. Sutures can also be used to secure the tissue connector and nerves in place.

The subject invention provides devices and methods for alleviating discomfort associated with neuroma formation. The devices and methods of the invention effectively use the body's natural response of reconstructing implanted biomaterials to minimize the size of, isolate, and protect a neuroma. In preferred embodiments, the subject device is a cylindrical cap, wherein the internal chamber of the cylindrical cap physically partitions the nerve to enable an arrangement of nerve fibers (as opposed to haphazardly arranged nerve fibers often produced in neuromas). In addition, the cap's material remodels into a tissue cushion after implantation, which protects the neuroma from being stimulated and inducing pain.

There is described a material comprising tapes, ribbons, fibrils or fibers characterized in that each of the ribbons, fibrils or fibers have an antiparallel arrangement of peptides in a -sheet tape-like substructure.

The present invention relates to chitosan hydrogel microparticles of a median size d50 comprised between 1 and 500 m (obtained from a number distribution), the chitosan having a degree of acetylation of less than equal to 20% and its concentration in the hydrogel being comprised between 0.25 and 5% by weight based on a total weight of the hydrogel, for use in neuron regeneration and/or in the repair of the nervous system, advantageously of the central nervous system, and/or in the grafting of neurons and/or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and/or in the treatment of paralyses. It also relates to an implant comprising an aqueous suspension of microparticles mixed with Schwann cells and/or stem cells and/or trophic factors.

The present invention is directed to a device and method for a nanofiber wrap to minimize inflation and scarring of nerve tissue and maximize the nutrient transport. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a novel semi-permeable nanofiber construct prepared from biocompatible materials. The nanofiber construct is applied around a nerve repair site following end-to-end anastomosis. The nanofiber construct is porous and composed of randomly oriented nanofibers prepare using an electrospinning method. The nanofiber construct has a wall that is approximately 50-100 m thick with pores smaller than 25 m. The nanofiber construct prevents inflammatory cells from migrating into the nerve coaption site, while still permitting the diffusion of growth factors and essential nutrients. The nanofiber construct allows for enhanced neuroregeneration and optimal function outcomes.

Disclosed are injectable, biodegradable neuroscaffolds formed in situ by self-assembling biodegradable polymeric microparticles, nanoparticles, or any combination thereof, via copper-free click chemistry or Michael-type addition coupling reactions. The injectable, biodegradable neuroscaffolds provide 3-D structural support, neuroprotection, and/or subsequent regeneration in a subject with a spinal cord injury or a focal neurological disorder.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cell structure for brain damage treatment which does not contain glutaraldehyde and in which it is possible to exhibit a sufficient effect of treating brain damage, a production method thereof, and a brain damage treatment agent. According to the present invention, there is provided a cell structure for brain damage treatment which contains biocompatible macromolecular blocks and at least one kind of cell and in which a plurality of the biocompatible macromolecular blocks are disposed in gaps between a plurality of the cells, in which the tap density of the biocompatible macromolecular block is 10 mg/cm.sup.3 to 500 mg/cm.sup.3 or a value obtained by dividing a square root of a cross-sectional area in a two-dimensional cross-sectional image of the biocompatible macromolecular block by a peripheral length is 0.01 to 0.13.

An improved device and method for extended repair and regeneration of muscle tissue. An exemplary device comprises (a) a scaffold comprising an ECM component; (b) a combination of growth factors such as VEGF and IGF; and (c) a population of myogenic cells. Implantation of the device leads to muscle regeneration and repair over an extended period of time.

The present disclosure relates to tissue matrix products. The products can includes tissue matrices that have holes or perforations located at certain positions to improve certain in vivo functions without substantial loss of strength or other important properties.