The present disclosure relates to tissue engineering, and more particularly to a method for treating or repairing rotator cuff or other tendon tears or damage using scaffold-free 3-dimensional engineered tendon constructs.

The present disclosure relates to tissue engineering, and more particularly to a method for treating or repairing rotator cuff or other tendon tears or damage using scaffold-free, 3-dimensional engineered tendon constructs.

A ligament repair device and method is particularly suited to the demands of UCL repair using a scaffold device for surgical implantation across a torn ligament section. The implantable device includes an encapsulation of a therapeutic element for increasing cell proliferation and growth eluted through a controlled release storage element adapted to release the therapeutic agent over time as the cell growth progresses and the scaffold structure degrades or is absorbed in favor of the new cell growth for ligament repair. Reduced recovery time is afforded by the need for only an relatively small incision for implantation. The introduction of a physiologically relevant drug delivery scaffold encourages more rapid cell growth over passive, physical repairs to the connective tissue.

The present invention relates to a method for fabrication of an extracellular matrix-induced self-assembly and to fabrication of an artificial tissue using same. The method for fabrication of an extracellular matrix-induced self-assembly comprise the steps of: (a) decellularizing and powdering a tissue-derived extracellular matrix (ECM); and (b) adding the decellularized extracellular matrix powder to cells and culturing the cells to form a cell-extracellular matrix powder self-assembly. Accordingly, the self-assembly has characteristics similar to those of extracellular matrix tissues and can be fabricated into three-dimensional artificial tissues 1 cm or greater in size, thus finding advantageous applications as a cell therapy product and an artificial tissue implant.

Injectable compositions and methods for treating an injured tendon in an animal or human are disclosed herein. The injectable compositions include an effective amount of a carbohydrate to increase osteotendinous hydration and lubrication.

The present invention provides a method for treating spinal cord injury and repairing or regenerating a damaged spinal cord tissue comprising administering a composition comprising a sulfated alginate or sulfated hyaluronan optionally affinity-bound to one or more growth factors.

The invention provides natural multi-composite bone implants such as bone-connective tissue-bone and osteochondral implants for the replacement and/or repair of, for example and in particular a damaged or defective bone-meniscus-bone joint or a bone-patella tendon-bone joint or osteochondral lesions, methods of preparing the composites and uses thereof. The invention also provides natural or native composite bone-connective tissue-bone and osteochondral matrices or scaffolds that are substantially decellularised for subsequent transplantation/implantation.

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.

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.

A biocompatible scaffold construct includes a plurality of collagen fiber strands, a first portion of which have been coated by a first biocompatible solution and, optionally, a second portion of which have been coated by a second biocompatible solution different than the first biocompatible solution. The coatings may include cells. And the scaffold is constructed on rotating frame collectors.