NERVE REGENERATION EMPLOYING KERATIN BIOMATERIALS

• US 20110137329A1
• Filed: 01/18/2011
• Published: 06/09/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mark E. Van Dyke
• Original Assignee: Mark E. Van Dyke
• Inventors: Dyke, Mark E. Van
• Granted Patent: US 8,968,764 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/152
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/185 Nerve growth factor [NGF]; Brain derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]; Ciliary neurotrophic factor [CNTF]; Glial derived neurotrophic factor [GDNF]; Neurotrophins, e.g. NT-3
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/414 Growth factors
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2430/32 for nerve reconstruction
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/227 Other specific proteins or polypeptides not covered by A61L27/222, A61L27/225 or A61L27/24
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/26 Mixtures of macromolecular compounds
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/54 Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances A61L27/227 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/58 Materials at least partially resorbable by the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 25/00 Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 524/916 Hydrogel compositions

Abstract

A keratin hydrogel matrix serves as an effective acellular scaffold for axonal regeneration and facilitates functional nerve recovery.

Claims

1. A device for promoting the growth of a nerve in a mammal, comprising:

a support structure having an elongate opening formed therein and configured for placement around a damaged region of a nerve; and

a physiologically acceptable matrix composition in said opening, said matrix composition comprising a keratin.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said keratin comprises alpha keratose.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said keratin comprises acidic alpha keratose.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said matrix composition further comprises a nerve growth factor.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said nerve growth factor is provided in a concentration of 1-100 ng/mL of said matrix composition.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said support structure is formed from a bioabsorbable material.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said support structure is formed from an inert polymeric material.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more electrodes operatively associated with said support structure.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said keratin is provided in a concentration from 0.01 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL.

10-21. -21. (canceled)

22. A kit comprising:

(a) a support structure having an elongate opening formed therein and configured for placement around a damaged region of a nerve;

(b) a container, wherein said support structure is packaged in said container sterile form; and

(c) a physiologically acceptable matrix composition, wherein said matrix composition is sterile, and wherein said matrix composition comprises a keratin.

23. The kit of claim 22, wherein said matrix composition is packaged separately from said support structure, and wherein said matrix composition is provided in hydrated or dehydrated form.