Abstract

The present invention relates to a medical device, particularly a vascular graft or an arteriovenous (AV) graft for haemodialysis. The medical device comprises a layer of porous silk fibroin matrix and a layer of knitted silk fibres. The invention further relates to processes of manufacture of such medical devices and methods of use of such devices.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61L 27/22 - Polypeptides or derivatives thereof
• A61L 31/04 - Macromolecular materials
• A61F 2/08 - MusclesTendonsLigaments

Abstract

A method for demineralizing wild silk cocoons under mild conditions making it possible both to reel cocoons from species which can only be carded with the prior arts and to wet reel cocoons from species which can only be dry reeled or semi-dry reeled with the prior arts. This, in both cases reduces damage caused in processing and results in single brins and baves with markedly improved consistency in mechanical properties and increased strength and elongation to break. The method also allows substantially all of the silk to be wet reeled from cocoons. For species where the current invention enables silk to be reeled where the prior arts only enabled the carding and spinning of silk the invention makes it possible to form singles, twists and yarns with very long staple lengths and hence greatly superior properties including greater strength, toughness, consistency of diameter, and lustre compared with the short staple fibres prepared according to the prior arts. Demineralisation according to the invention also enables regenerated silk solutions to be prepared under milder conditions compared with the prior arts reducing costs and improving the properties of materials formed from the regenerated silk. The method of demineralizing wild silks according to the present invention also produces materials with reduced or abolished toxicity and allergenicity.

IPC Classes  ?

• D01C 3/02 - De-gumming silk
• D01B 7/02 - Cleaning or classifying silk cocoons

Abstract

A cartilaginous tissue repair device with a biocompatible, bioresorbable three-dimensional silk (8) or other fibre lay and a biocompatible, bioresorbable substantially porous silk- based or other hydrogel partially or substantially filling the interstices of the fibre lay; with or without an integral means of firmly anchoring the device to a patient's bone.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61L 27/12 - Phosphorus-containing materials, e.g. apatite
• A61L 27/22 - Polypeptides or derivatives thereof
• A61L 27/48 - Composite materials, i.e. layered or containing one material dispersed in a matrix of the same or different material having a macromolecular matrix with macromolecular fillers
• A61F 2/30 - Joints
• C12N 5/00 - Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell linesTissuesCultivation or maintenance thereofCulture media therefor