The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 26, 1999
Filed:
Dec. 01, 1995
Universite Laval, Cite Universitaire, Quebec, CA;
Abstract
Biomaterials like collagen can be designed for use as scaffolds for connective tissue reconstruction. It is known that proteins conjugated with PEGs exhibit a decrease in their biodegradation rate and their immunogenicity. Different concentrations and molecular weights of PEGs (PEG-750 and PEG-5000) were conjugated by chemical or irradiation means to collagen materials (films or sponges) which were then investigated by physicochemical assays, collagenase assay, fibroblast cell culture and subcutaneous implantation. PEG-conjugation delayed the degradation by collagenase and preserved a normal fibroblasts morphology and confluency in culture. In vivo, the porous structure of non-modified sponges was collapsed by day 15 with few observable fibroblasts between the collagen fibers. In PEG-modified collagen sponges, the porous structure remained stable for at least 30 days. Cell infiltration was particularly enhanced in PEG-750-conjugated collagen sponges. In conclusion, PEGs conjugated onto collagen sponges stabilize the porous structure without deactivating the biological properties of collagen. These porous composite materials could advantageously function as a scaffold to organize tissue ingrowth. Therefore, the present invention relates to a porous biomaterial whose porosity is stabilized by conjugation to PEG-derivatives. Biopolymers other than collagen may be used in the making of such composite materials.