BIOCOMPATIBLE IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND ATTACHING THE SAME
First Claim
1. A silicone article treated with a biocompatible compound that facilitates bonding to living tissue, comprising:
- a silicone substrate having at least one activated surface formed by irradiation with laser light at a wavelength and power sufficient to eject organic species from the silicone substrate, andat least one compound capable of binding to one or more integrins, coupled to the activated surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides a biocompatible silicone implant that can be securely affixed to living tissue through interaction with integral membrane proteins (integrins). A silicone article containing a laser-activated surface is utilized to make the implant. One example is an implantable prosthesis to treat blindness caused by outer retinal degenerative diseases. The device bypasses damaged photoreceptors and electrically stimulates the undamaged neurons of the retina. Electrical stimulation is achieved using a silicone microelectrode array (MEA). A safe, protein adhesive is used in attaching the MEA to the retinal surface and assist in alleviating focal pressure effects. Methods of making and attaching such implants are also provided.
40 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A silicone article treated with a biocompatible compound that facilitates bonding to living tissue, comprising:
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a silicone substrate having at least one activated surface formed by irradiation with laser light at a wavelength and power sufficient to eject organic species from the silicone substrate, and at least one compound capable of binding to one or more integrins, coupled to the activated surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A biocompatible, implantable prosthesis, comprising:
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an implantable prosthesis partially or completely covered by a silicone having at least one activated surface; and at least one biocompatible compound capable of binding to one or more integrins, coupled to said at least one activated surface. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of making a biocompatible, implantable prosthesis, comprising:
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providing an implantable prosthesis; partially or completely covering the implantable prosthesis with a silicone having at least one activated surface; coupling at least one biocompatible compound capable of binding to one or more integrins to said at least one activated surface. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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19. A method of securing an implantable prosthesis to living tissue, comprising:
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providing an implantable prosthesis partially or completely covered by a silicone having at least one activated surface, said activated surface being coupled to at least one biocompatible compound capable of binding to one or more integrins; and allowing the at least one compound to interact with cellular membrane proteins in the tissue, thereby securing the implantable prosthesis to the tissue. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification