Collagenous tissue repair device
AssigneeNortheastern University
InventorsJeffrey A. Paten, Jeffrey W. Ruberti
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and devices for tissue remodeling and repair of collagenous tissues, including tendons, ligaments, and bone, as well as scalable connective tissue manufacturing, are provided. Collagen fibers are assembled by extensional strain-induced flow crystallization of collagen monomers. Extensional strain also drives the fusion of already formed short collagen fibrils to produce long-range, continuous fibers. Wearable devices for controlled tissue remodeling and wound healing deliver a tissue remodeling solution to a tissue repair site. The remodeling solution, together with appropriate application of strain to the tissue remodeling site, accelerate healing, prevent injury, and reduce scar formation.
Claims34
A method of promoting collagenous tissue remodeling in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) administering to a tissue remodeling site in the subject a tissue remodeling solution comprising collagen monomers and initially devoid of pre-existing collagen fibrils;
- and
- (b) inducing strain or strain rate in the tissue remodeling solution at the tissue remodeling site, whereby collagen incorporation of the collagen monomers, collagen fibril assembly, collagen fibril fusion, and/or collagen fibril disassembly is stimulated at the tissue remodeling site.
A device for promoting tissue remodeling in a subject in need thereof, the device comprising:
- (i) a dispensing module, comprising:
- a reservoir for a tissue remodeling solution;
- an infusion pump for transporting the tissue remodeling solution from the reservoir and returning an extracellular fluid from the subject;
- (ii) a delivery catheter for transporting the tissue remodeling solution from the infusion pump to a tissue remodeling site in the body of the subject;
- and
- (iii) a programmable control module for controlling the pump and/or the composition of the tissue remodeling solution, wherein the control module is programmed to control tissue remodeling by regulating delivery and/or composition of the tissue remodeling solution to the tissue remodeling site, so as to promote collagen fibril assembly, fusion, disassembly, and/or realignment at the tissue remodeling site;
- and
- wherein the dispensing module further comprises a mixing system for mixing the returned extracellular fluid with the tissue remodeling solution and/or with one or more additional reagents for transport to the tissue remodeling site through the delivery catheter.
An in vitro method of producing one or more collagen fibrils, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a collagen solution comprising collagen monomers and initially devoid of collagen fibrils;
- and
- (b) inducing strain in the solution, whereby collagen monomers from the solution assemble into one or more collagen fibrils.
A method to aid in preventing injury or tissue damage in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) administering to a tissue remodeling site in the subject a tissue remodeling solution comprising collagen monomers and initially devoid of pre-existing collagen fibrils, wherein the tissue remodeling site is suspected of being subject to future injury or tissue damage;
- and
- (b) inducing strain or an extensional strain rate in the tissue remodeling solution at the tissue remodeling site, whereby collagen incorporation of the collagen monomers, collagen fibril assembly, collagen fibril fusion, and/or collagen fibril disassembly is stimulated at the tissue remodeling site.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.