Modified solder for delivery of bioactive substances and methods of use thereof

An improved solder wherein the protein is heat stabilized albumin, and the heat stabilizing compounds are removed from the albumin prior to exposure to light or radiofrequency energy.

An improved method for joining tissue using energy to weld a solder formed of a protein denatured upon exposure to localized heating at less than 90.degree. C., the improvement comprising

• mixing with and administering to the site where the protein solder is applied, a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic bioactive agent having biological activity after exposure to 80.degree. C. heat for at least one tenth second, selected from the group consisting of proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, vitamins, and synthetic organic molecules, and
• welding the protein solder by exposure to a temperature up to 80.degree. C. heat.

An improved solder formed of a protein denatured upon exposure to localized heating at less than 90.degree. C. for use in tissue welding, the improvement comprising

• a therapeutically effective mount of a therapeutic bioactive agent having biological activity after exposure to 80.degree. C. heat for at least one tenth second, selected from the group consisting of proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, vitamins, and synthetic organic molecules, to promote wound healing, accelerate or enhance functional strength of the repair, inhibit infection or decrease bleeding at the site.

A method for repairing open or chronic wounds comprising applying to the wound a solder formed of a protein denatured upon exposure to localized heating at less than 90.degree. C.,

• applying to the wound an effective amount of growth effector molecules to promote wound healing or to accelerate or enhance functional strength of the repair, and
• applying electromagnetic energy to the solder to denature the protein under conditions wherein the activity of the growth effector molecules is retained.

A method for repairing a fistulae or filling a lumen comprising

• administering into the fistulae or lumen a solder formed of a protein denatured upon exposure to localized heating at less than 90.degree. C., wherein the concentration of the solder allows passage of energy prior to denaturation, and exposing the solder to electromagnetic energy at a wavelength under conditions wherein the energy passes through the solder to cause denaturation at the point furthest from the energy source moving towards the energy source as a function of denaturation or solidification of the solder.