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University of Utah Research Foundation

Larry J Stensaas

Philip M Triolo

R Joseph Todd

Kenneth W Horch

Russell H Griffiths

A method of forming material including alternating layers of fibrin and collagen, formed into tubes, is disclosed for use in repairing transected nerve fibers either by tubulization of the approximated nerve ends, or as an artificial graft which are placed in the severed ends of the nerve, for promotion of nerve growth and regeneration. The new material is treated to reduce antigenicity and is resorbed into the body following regeneration of the nerve fibers.

Method of forming fibrin-collagen nerve and body tissue repair material

The present invention is directed to prosthesis and methods for promoting nerve regeneration. The proximal and distal ends of a severed nerve are brought into close proximity and are enclosed by a tubular prosthesis. In one preferred embodiment, a epineurial or endoneurial monosuture is used to hold the nerve ends in close proximity. A tight seal is formed between the prosthesis and the injured nerve so as to isolate the injured nerve within the prosthesis from the rest of the body of the host. Additionally, in one preferred embodiment, nerve grafts may be incorporated into the prosthesis and nerve regeneration promoting substances may be incorporated within the nerve graft to further enhance nerve regeneration. In another preferred embodiment, a prosthesis is coated with a material which is slippery with relation to the surrounding body tissue and the prosthesis is formed of or coated with a material around the inside of the prosthesis which will substantially adhere to the severed nerve ends so as to prevent substantial movement of the severed nerve ends within the prosthesis. In yet another preferred embodiment, such an outside coating around the prosthesis terminates in two longitudinal flaps which serve to form a fluid-tight seal along the tubular prosthesis. In still another preferred embodiment, the ends of the prosthesis overlap and are formed so as to bias against each other in a spiral tube configuration, thereby providing for firm closure of the prosthesis around a variety of sizes of injured nerves. Also disclosed are various devices and methods for inhibiting the formation of neuromas, such as an open-ended tube or a neuroma-inhibition device formed as a cap member having a reservoir formed therein.

Prostheses and methods for promoting nerve regeneration and for

The present invention is directed to prostheses and methods for promoting nerve regeneration. The proximal and distal ends of a severed nerve are brought into close proximity and are enclosed by a tubular prosthesis. In one preferred embodiment, a monosuture is used to hold the nerve ends in close proximity. A tight seal is formed between the prosthesis and the injured nerve so as to isolate the injured nerve within the prosthesis from the rest of the body of the host. Additionally, in one preferred embodiment, nerve grafts may be incorporated into the prosthesis and nerve regeneration promoting substances may be incorporated within the nerve graft to further enhance nerve regeneration. Prostheses and methods for inhibiting the formation of neuromas are also disclosed.

Prostheses and methods for promoting nerve regeneration

A package and method of its production, providing a means for transferring soluble phosphorus from a source supply to plant root systems without loss of phosphorus to surrounding soil structure by use of microorganisms. A source of soluble phosphorus is supported along with a plant seed and dormant, plant-beneficial microorganisms within the cell matrix of a cellulosic support device which may be formed into a configuration such as a capsule or ribbon. The cellulosic support device may also contain nutrients for encouraging plant growth upon germination of the plant seed. The fungal inoculum is obtained by propagation of the microorganism in symbiotic association with the root systems of host plants either hydroponically, or in soil, depending upon the microorganism species used. Spores, cryoprotected hyphae and the seed of a vector plant are combined at low temperature with a cellulosic material which is used to form the packages. The formed packages are rapidly freeze-dried, and stored. The carrier system is inoculated into soil and, under proper environmental conditions, the plant seed germinates and the microorganisms become active and develop a symbiotic relationship with the growing plant. Growth of the fungus in association with the roots of the vector plant distributes the microorganisms within the soil and serves to introduce them to other plants, allowing the microorganisms to recover phosphorus and other constituents from the soil and to deliver them to their host plant by a process of translocation. The growing plant provides a vehicle for inoculating other nearby plant roots with the microorganisms.

Microbiological systems for phosphate extraction and distribution to

A primary package, and method of its production, for transferring soluble phosphorus from a secondary package within the primary package to plant root systems without adsorptive loss of phosphorus to surrounding soil constituents. The secondary package contains insoluble rock phosphate particles and a second contingent of microorganisms in a nutrient hydrogen mocroenvironment which allows the microorganisms to act on those phosphate particles to create soluble forms of phosphorus. Alternatively, the secondary package contains granules of commercially refined phosphorus fertilizer packaged to dissolve in a regulated, timed-release fashion. The primary package comprises a cellulosic support device which may be wet, moist or dry, and within which the secondary package is supported along with a vector plant seed or seedling and propagules of primary, plant-beneficial microorganisms. The primary package may be formed into desired configurations and may contain self-adhesive or gel-forming materials. The primary package system is introduced into soil and, under proper environmental conditions, a vector plant develops and the microorganisms become active and form a symbiotic relationship with the vector plant. The growing plant provides a vehicle for inoculating other nearby plant roots with the microorganisms. The microorganisms then transfer soluble phosphorus from the secondary package to the vector plant and then to other plants by a process of translocation. The vector plant may also serve as a buffer for soluble phosphorus and as an agent for the conversion of inorganic to organic forms of soluble phosphorus through its conversion to biomass.

Plant fertilization using a microbiological system for phosphorus

A large first package, and method of its production, for providing soluble plant macronutrients and micronutrients in a timed-release form from a contained second package to an extensive plant community. The bale-like first package comprises a biodegradable cellulosic matrix of municipal waste or other energy-rich organic matter within which the second package is supported. The second package contains insoluble rock mineral and rock phosphate particles and bacterial second microorganisms in a nourishing and hydrated microenvironment which allows the microorganisms to grow, and to produce enzymes and organic acids which act on the mineral particles and thereby create soluble nutrient compounds. Alternatively, the second package contains commercially refined fertilizers packaged to dissolve in a timed-release fashion. The biodegradable package functions as it is introduced onto/into soil in association with vector plants. Upon hydration its microbial components become active so that macronutrients and micronutrients emanating from it are transferred first to the vector plants and thence to a series of recipient plants. Plants linked together by interroot microorganisms which provide for the distribution of nutrients to an extensive plant association and constitute active elements in a 'radial cascade' of nutrients along concentration gradients. The microbial interlinked 'source' and 'sink' plants not only serve to buffer and transfer nutrients, but they also protect the soluble nutrient compounds from adsorption and loss to soil constituents.

Growing community of inventors

Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Larry J Stensaas