Disclosed are an artificial biomembrane using a silk matrix and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein the artificial biomembrane is configured such that a silk matrix having a cross-section with a first thickness, produced from silkworms, is subjected to planar division into two or more silk matrix pieces having a predetermined shape with the first thickness. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is relatively simple, thus reducing the manufacturing cost compared to when manufacturing typical artificial biomembranes, and moreover, the artificial biomembrane can exhibit outstanding cell culture capacity, is biocompatible, and has superior tensile strength and elongation, which are required of biomembranes.

Disclosed herein is an anti-adhesion kit comprised of: (i) a fibrinogen solution component comprising: fibrinogen at a concentration of about 5 to 25 mg/ml; and free calcium ions at a concentration ranging from 0.1 μM to 1 mM; and (ii) a thrombin component containing thrombin. Further disclosed is an anti-adhesion kit comprised of: (i) a fibrinogen solution component containing fibrinogen at a concentration of 8% to 25% of total protein by weight, and optionally free calcium ions at a concentration ranging from 0.1 μM to 1 mM; wherein a total protein concentration ranges from about 80 to 120 mg/ml; and (ii) a thrombin component containing thrombin. Methods of using the kits e.g., to provide anti-adhesion curable compositions are also disclosed.

The present invention relates to peptides capable of forming a gel and to their use in tissue engineering and bioprinting. The present invention furthermore relates to a gel comprising a peptide in accordance with the present invention, to a method of preparing such gel and to the use of such gel. In one embodiment, such gel is a hydrogel. The present invention furthermore relates to a wound dressing or wound healing agent comprising a gel according to the present invention and to a surgical implant or stent comprising a peptide scaffold formed by a gel according to the present invention. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic composition, to a biomedical device or an electronic device comprising the peptide according to the present invention.

Disclosed herein is an anti-adhesion kit comprised of: (i) a fibrinogen solution component comprising: fibrinogen at a concentration of about 5 to 25 mg/ml; and free calcium ions at a concentration ranging from 0.1 μM to 1 mM; and (ii) a thrombin component containing thrombin. Further disclosed is an anti-adhesion kit comprised of: (i) a fibrinogen solution component containing fibrinogen at a concentration of 8% to 25% of total protein by weight, and optionally free calcium ions at a concentration ranging from 0.1 μM to 1 mM; wherein a total protein concentration ranges from about 80 to 120 mg/ml; and (ii) a thrombin component containing thrombin. Methods of using the kits e.g., to provide anti-adhesion curable compositions are also disclosed.

In some aspects, the present invention provides surgical procedures that comprise applying compositions into and/or onto tissue, including supporting tissues (e.g., ligaments, connective tissue, muscles, etc.) for pelvic organs, among other tissues. In other aspects, the present disclosure pertains to compositions that are useful for performing such procedures. In still other aspects, the present disclosure pertains to kits that are useful for performing such procedures.

Meshes for use to control the movement of bodily fluids, such as blood, are described herein. The mesh can be partially or completely biodegradable or non-biodegradable. In one embodiment, the mesh is formed from one or more self-assembling peptides. The peptides can be in the form of fibers, such as nanofibers. The peptides can be assembled prior to formation of the mesh or after the mesh has been formed but before it is applied. Alternatively, the mesh can be prepared from unassembled peptides, which assemble at the time of application. The peptides can assemble upon contact with bodily fluids (e.g., blood) or can be contacted with an ionic solution to initiate assembly.

A method and kit for stopping cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, comprising penetrating and passing through a dural tissue an applicator to access an interior dural space, injecting from the applicator a fibrinogen-containing solution into said dural space, applying a sealing member containing a fibrinogen polymerizing agent onto an exterior surface of the dural tissue, and forming a polymerized fibrinogen or polymerized fibrin clot by contacting the injected fibrinogen-containing solution and the fibrinogen polymerizing agent.

The instant invention provides electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more polymers and one or more biologically active agents. In specific embodiments, the biologically active agents are nerve growth factors. In certain embodiments, the electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more biologically active agents are on the surface of a film, or a tube. The tubes comprising the electrospun fiber compositions of the invention can be used, for example, as nerve guide conduits.

Hydrogels, bioplastics, and techniques for generating the same are described herein. An example method includes generating a resin including a globular protein, a co-monomer, water, and a photoinitiator. A hydrogel is generated by exposing the resin to light, thereby polymerizing the globular protein and the co-monomer. Further, the example method includes dehydrating the hydrogel by removing at least a portion of the water; and rehydrating the hydrogel in the presence of a hydrogen bonding agent.

Provided herein are chemical compounds, methods for their discovery, and their therapeutic and research use. Further provided herein are antiviral and antimicrobial lectin compounds and methods of their use.