Collagenous tissue repair device
AssigneeNortheastern University
InventorsJeffrey A. PATEN, Jeffrey W. RUBERTI
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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.
Claims84
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;
- and
- (b) inducing strain or strain rate at the tissue remodeling site, whereby collagen incorporation, collagen fibril assembly, collagen fibril fusion, and/or collagen fibril disassembly is stimulated at the tissue remodeling site.
The method of claim 1 which is performed using the device of claim 47.
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;
- (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 optionally 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.
An in vitro method of producing one or more collagen fibrils, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a collagen solution initially devoid of collagen fibrils;
- and
- (b) inducing strain in the solution, whereby collagen from the solution assembles 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, 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 at the tissue remodeling site, whereby collagen incorporation, 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.