Clemson University

Narendra R Vyavahare

Dan T Simionescu

Jason Isenburg

Nasim Nosoudi

Saketh Karamched

Vaideesh Parasaram

Devanathan Raghavan

Charles D Rice

Antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that specifically recognize and bind an epitope of elastin that is exposed and accessible in degraded elastic fiber are described. The antibodies and/or antigen binding fragments can be operably linked to a secondary component, including biologically active agents such as therapeutics and/or imaging agents. Optionally, the antibodies and/or antigen binding fragments thereof can be attached to a surface of a carrier, such as a particle, for specific binding and delivery of the carried agents to degraded elastic fiber.

Anti-elastin antibodies and methods of use

A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps.

Elastin stabilization of connective tissue

Disclosed are implantable tissues including one or more enzyme inhibitors bound in the tissues, bioprostheses including the tissue, and methods for incorporating enzyme inhibitors in implantable tissues. Disclosed tissue can exhibit increased resistance to degradation, and specifically, degradation due to enzyme activity following implantation. Moreover, the disclosed methods can lead to increased levels of beneficial components bound in implantable tissues following a fixation/stabilization protocol. Increased levels of beneficial agents in an implantable tissue can further improve the implantable tissues and bioprostheses incorporating the tissues through improved mechanical characteristics and longer lifespan.

Implantable devices including fixed tissues

A biomaterial useful for bioprostheses such as bioprosthetic heart valves is provided in which the fixed tissue has improved elastic properties. The high elastin-containing biomaterial is further characterized by having anisotropic properties wherein the biological material has a greater stiffness in one direction and a greater elasticity in a cross direction. For instance, the biological material has an elastin content of about 30% by weight. In one embodiment, the biological material is vena cava tissue.

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Easley, SC, United States of America

Narendra R Vyavahare