Lyophilized polymer scaffold compositions, processes for preparation and use in anabolic wound repair

A lyophilized mechanically rigid, 3-dimensional solid macroscopically visible scaffold intra-articular implant composition comprising at least one polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of chitosan, dextran and combinations thereof, wherein said mechanically rigid, 3-dimensional solid, macroscopically visible scaffold intra-articular implant has a solid state capable of being formed into a desired shape, and a microparticle dispersion state when said mechanically rigid, 3-dimensional solid scaffold intra-articular implant is contacted with at least one of a neutral aqueous solution, blood, blood derived fluid and combinations thereof;

• wherein the at least one polysaccharide contains free amine groups and has a protonation level between 70% and 100% protonation of said free amine groups resulting in controlled rehydration of said mechanically rigid, 3-dimensional solid macroscopically visible scaffold intra-articular implant in a time interval between 1 and 60 minutes, said mechanically rigid, 3-dimensional solid macroscopically visible scaffold intra-articular implant contacted with said at least one of a neutral aqueous solution, blood, blood derived fluid and combinations thereof exhibiting at least one of the following:
• i) stimulates tissue remodeling;
• ii) stimulates anabolic wound repair;
• iii) stabilizes a clot, a fibrin clot, blood clot or combination thereof;
• iv) stimulates neutrophil chemotaxis;
• v) stimulates macrophage chemotaxis;
• vi) stimulates angiogenesis;
• vii) stimulates mesenchymal cell chemotaxis;
• viii) suppresses fibrosis;
• ix) stimulates osteoclast formation and bone resorption;
• x) stimulates woven bone repair;
• and combinations thereof.