International Technology Management Associates, Ltd.

Columbia University

Aegis Biosciences, L.l.c.

Laurence Berlowitz-Tarrant

Gary E Wnek

Shuichi Mizuno

Timothy N Tangredi

Satya Shivkumar

Robert J Nicolosi

Toshimasa Tukumo

Anthony Ratcliffe

The present invention relates to the use of an ECM-altering enzymatic activity, such as a proteoglycanase or a protease, to stimulate the generation of cartilage tissue by inducing chondrocytes to synthesize new cartilage matrix. It has been discovered that treating chondrocytes with an enzymatic activity that modifies the territorial ECM of the cell, especially cell surface proteoglycans, can in and of itself be sufficient to stimulate cartilage production by the chondrocytes. The subject invention can be employed therapeutically to correct or prevent degeneration of connective tissue. For instance, the present method can be used in the treatment of disorders comprising cartilage such as found in an diarthroidal joint (e.g. articular and interarticular cartilage), as well as in the treatment of tendon and ligamental tissues. Such disorders can range from chronic degeneration brought about by disease, overuse, or trauma, to plastic or reconstructive surgery. Moreover, the subject method may also be applied to both the development and implantation of prosthetic devices.

Methods of repairing connective tissues

Sulfonated multiblock copolymers, and uses thereof, are disclosed. The sulfonated copolymers are useful for providing non-thrombogenic coatings, e.g., for medical devices, and for promoting cell growth, differentiation, or production of normal cell products. The sulfonated copolymers are also useful for administration of therapeutic agents.

Sulfonated multiblock copolymer and uses therefor

This invention pertains to foamed and solid algal plastics and products made therefrom, and methods for making algal plastics. The invention also pertains to algal plastic resin precursors for generating the foamed and solid algal plastics and algal plastic products. The foamed algal plastics comprise a foamed and stabilized filamentous algal fiber matrix having substantial dimensional stability. The foamed algal plastics can be used, for instance, to generate packing materials, such as molded packings or foamed particles packings (e.g. packing peanuts). The solid algal plastics comprise a stabilized filamentous algal fiber matrix having substantial dimensional stability. They can be formed from any plastic forming process, such as molding, extrusion, calendering, casting and thermoforming and can be used to make a wide variety of solid plastics, such as, for example, films, rods, tubes, sheets, containers, and shaped forms, such as golf tees. The invention also pertains to cements comprising a stabilized filamentous algal fiber matrix having substantial water retentive capability.

Algal plastics

Growing community of inventors

Harvard, MA, United States of America

Laurence Berlowitz-Tarrant