One embodiment of the present invention provides a nonwoven fabric containing silk fibers in which an abs intensity ratio [abs (1650)/abs (1620)], which is a ratio of an intensity of a peak positioned in a vicinity of 1650 cm.sup.−1 [abs (1650)] in an infrared absorption spectrum to an intensity of a peak positioned in a vicinity of 1620 cm.sup.−1 [abs (1620)] in an infrared absorption spectrum, is larger than 0.65 and 1.90 or less, and a method for producing the nonwoven fabric containing silk fibers.

Systems and methods for biofilm inoculation including a feeding tube having a distal end for placement in the gut of a patient, and a biofilm coated or otherwise provided on the distal end of the feeding tube for introducing the biofilm to the gut of the patient. In example embodiments, the biofilm can be colostrum, breast milk or one or more probiotics.

Provided herein is a method of reducing a microbial infection of a heparinized surface wherein heparin precipitation is reduced as compared to a control. In some embodiments a composition comprising ethanol and isopropanol is applied to the surface. In other embodiments, two or more ethanol compositions are applied and removed sequentially from the surface prior to contacting the surface with a biological fluid, tissue or vessel, wherein the composition in each successive administration comprises an increased amount of ethanol. Also provided is a method of reducing a microbial infection of a surface comprising applying a mucilage extract from an Opuntia ficus indica species to the surface.

An implantable bioreactor containing a barrier which is designed to allow the release of cell-derived biomolecules, but restricts the entry of immunologic and other cells, or the egress of the cells contained within the bioreactor. Two broad classes of implantable bioreactors are envisioned, encompassing devices for both systemic delivery of the bio-products and local delivery at the target tissue. Bioreactors of both classes can be implanted via surgery, through percutaneous techniques, or other techniques which effect implantation.

This document provides methods and materials for treating a mammal (e.g., a human) having one or more stenotic blood vessels. For example, amnion coated balloons that can be used in balloon angioplasty are provided.

The present invention relates to novel compositions and methods for reducing or eliminating the thrombogenicity of a graft by modifying the graft with a cell-derived extracellular matrix lacking thrombospondin-2 (TSP2-null ECM) to render it non-thrombogenic when transplanted to a subject in need thereof. The invention also provides a method for improving the biocompatibility of a medical device or an implant by modifying the medical device or implant with a cell-derived TSP2-null ECM, whereby the medical device or implant is rendered non-thrombogenic and pro-migratory.

The present invention relates to novel compositions and methods for reducing or eliminating the thrombogenicity of a graft by modifying the graft with a cell-derived extracellular matrix lacking thrombospondin-2 (TSP2-null ECM) to render it non-thrombogenic when transplanted to a subject in need thereof. The invention also provides a method for improving the biocompatibility of a medical device or an implant by modifying the medical device or implant with a cell-derived TSP2-null ECM, whereby the medical device or implant is rendered non-thrombogenic and pro-migratory.

An intravascular multi-side hole catheter containing a bioscaffold capable of housing therapeutic cells is provided. The catheter comprises a plurality of side holes distributed along the length of the catheter in a spiraling corkscrew pattern. The bioscaffold inside the catheter is designed with a plurality of macropores capable of encapsulating therapeutic cells for cellular therapy. Upon placement of the catheter in a vein, the side holes allow blood to flow though the catheter thereby supplying oxygen and nutrients to any loaded cellular cargo and also providing for the removal of waste products. Methods of producing the intravascular catheter and methods of using the intravascular catheter in cellular therapy, including for delivery of insulin-secreting cells such as beta cells or stem cell-derived islets into blood vessels for treating type 1 diabetes are also disclosed.

Hygienic Hydrophilic coatings, hydrophilic coating formulations and wetting fluids that include an anti-infective agent.

Hygienic Hydrophilic coatings, hydrophilic coating formulations and wetting fluids that include an anti-infective agent.