A composite lumen includes a braided structure infused with an impermeable elastic sealer. The braided structure has an inner diameter of 3 mm or less and a braid angle greater than 100°. The braided structure also has a wall thickness to inner diameter ratio greater than 0.02, picks per inch from between about 25 and about 135, and a number of ends between about 12 and about 48, with a braid pattern that is selected from 1×1, 2×2, or 2×1 and with an effective yarn denier (yarn denier×ply number) greater than 45.

Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.

A three-dimensional electrospun nanofiber scaffold for use in repairing a defect in a tissue substrate is provided. The three-dimensional electrospun nanofiber scaffold includes a first layer formed by a first plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers and a second layer formed by a second plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers. The second layer is coupled to the first layer using a coupling process and includes a plurality of varying densities formed by the second plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers. The first and second layers are configured to degrade via hydrolysis after at least one of a predetermined time or an environmental condition. The three-dimensional electrospun nanofiber scaffold is configured to be applied to the tissue substrate containing the defect.

An implantable drug-delivery device for repairing a crushed peripheral nerve. The drug-delivery device includes a matrix formed of a biopolymer and an erythropoietin (EPO) entrapped in the matrix. After in vivo implantation of the drug-delivery device, the EPO elutes over a period of 1 day to 12 weeks. Also disclosed is a method for repairing a crushed peripheral nerve using the implantable drug-delivery device.

The present disclosure pertains to membranous tissue grafts comprising one or more pre-made attachment points. The one or more pre-made attachment points may include pre-made markings and/or pre-made suture holes. The membranous tissue grafts can be in the form of a tube. The membranous tissue grafts can also be rectangular in shape and can be used in a nerve repair by wrapping the severed or damaged nerve. In some embodiments, the membranous tissue grafts are suitable for repairing severed nerves that have a short gap or no gap with a gap of less than 5 mm between the severed stumps. Accordingly, methods are provided for repairing a damaged or severed nerve by implanting the membranous tissue grafts on to the damaged or severed nerve.

Provided herein is technology relating to materials having microscale and/or nanoscale features and particularly, but not exclusively, to porous materials comprising microscale features, methods for producing porous materials comprising microscale features, drug delivery vehicles, and related kits, systems, and uses.

A nerve conduit loaded with adipose-derived stem cells and a preparation method thereof are provided. The preparation method includes: S1, adding polycaprolactone and polyvinylpyrrolidone into a binary organic solvent, performing ultrasonic treatment, and then adding reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles to obtain a spinning solution; S2, electrospinning with the spinning solution and then washing for several times to obtain a semi-finished conduit product; and S3, injecting a cell mixture into the semi-finished conduit product to obtain the nerve conduit. A fiber surface of the nerve conduit has groove structures, and thus a specific surface area and cell adhesion sites are increased, and adhesion and proliferation of cells are facilitated. By loading the adipose-derived stem cells, neurotrophic phenotypic effect of peripheral nerve scaffold is improved, and can effectively avoid immunological rejection of transplantation, promote orientational growth of axons into the nerve conduit and promote myelination effect of Schwann cells.

A protein-modified PLGA microsphere can be used to construct tissue-engineered nerve. The microspheres are loaded with active substances for treating peripheral nerve injury and are bound to tissue-engineered nerves. It has been shown that the prepared tissue-engineered nerve effectively promotes nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury.

To achieve in vivo repair of severed mammalian nerve tissue, a system can be employed to induce distraction neurogenesis. At least a portion of the system can be anchored at an injury site, such as between distal and proximal nerve ends. The system can be attached to the proximal nerve end and can place the nerve under micro-tension for an extended period of treatment. The system may also deliver medication or treatment to encourage neurogenesis and to reduce pain in the subject receiving treatment. After the course of treatment, the device can be removed from the injury site, and the nerve ends rejoined.

Disclosed herein, in certain instances, are tissue grafts derived from UCAM. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, are use for tissue grafts derived from UCAM.