1888 results about "Dextran" patented technology

The present invention relates to the discovery that biocompatible anionic polymers can effectively inhibit fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions. The invention is predicated on the discovery that anionic polymers effectively inhibit invasion of cells associated with detrimental healing processes, and in particular, that the effectiveness of an anionic polymer at inhibiting cell invasion correlates with the anionic charge density of the polymer. Thus the present invention provides a large number of materials for use in methods of inhibiting fibrosis and fibroblast invasion. Anionic polymers for use in the invention include but are not limited to natural proteoglycans, and the glycosaminoglycan moieties of proteoglycans. Additionally, anionic carbohydrates and other anionic polymers may be used. The anionic polymers dextran sulfate and pentosan polysulfate are preferred. In a more preferred embodiment, dextran sulfate, in which the sulfur content is greater than about 10% by weight, may be used. In a more preferred embodiment, the average molecular weight is about 40,000 to 500,000 Daltons. The present invention provides compositions and methods to inhibit fibrosis and scarring associated with surgery. The invention further provides compositions and methods to inhibit glial cell invasion, detrimental bone growth and neurite outgrowth. In a preferred embodiment, the inhibitory compositions further comprise an adhesive protein.

In a process for producing an iron-dextran compound for use in parenteral treatment of iron-deficiency in humans or animals a stable compound of desired relatively low molecular weight is obtained by using first hydrogenation and then oxidation to convert reducing terminal groups on the dextran molecules before reaction with the iron. By varying the ratio of hydrogenated groups to oxygenated groups the average molecular weight of the resulting iron-dextran compound can be varied.

Connective tissue regenerative compositions and methods of repairing and regenerating connective tissue using such compositions are provided. The compositions generally comprise a bioactive hydrogel matrix comprising a polypeptide, such as gelatin, and a long chain carbohydrate, such as dextran. The hydrogel matrix may further include polar amino acids, as well as additional beneficial additives. Advantageously, the compositions include further components, such as osteoinductive or osteoconductive materials, medicaments, stem or progenitor cells, and three-dimensional structural frameworks. The compositions are useful for regenerating connective tissue, and can be administered to an area having injury to, or a loss of, connective tissue, such as bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament.