Native protein mimetic fibers, fiber networks and fabrics for medical use

Abstract

The present disclosure provides spun fibers of proteins useful for the fibers, fiber networks and nonwoven fabrics for medical use, with these materials characterized by good biocompatibility properties (e.g., low tendency toward thromboses and inflammation when implanted into a human or animal). These materials can be fabricated from gelatin, collagen or elastin-mimetic proteins, functionalized proteins of the foregoing types, crosslinked functionalized proteins of the foregoing types, and there may be incorporated nonproteinaceous polymers and/or therapeutic proteins or other medicinal compounds. Additionally, there may be living cells colonized on the material of the present invention or living cells may be incorporated during the fabrication process. These materials can be used in medical applications including, without limitation, vascular grafts, reinforcement of injured tissue, wound healing, artificial organs and tissues, prosthetic heart valves and prosthetic ureters.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.