Systems, methods, and compositions for mixing and applying lyophilized biomaterials

Abstract

A method of treating tissue lyophilizes a biocompatible polymer having a functionality equal to or greater than three. The method provides a protein solution. The method mixes the protein solution with the lyophilized polymer to reconstitute the polymer and form a mixture, wherein, upon mixing, the protein solution and the polymer cross-link to form a material composition. The method applies the material composition to a tissue region. The biocompatible polymer can comprise, e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) PEG. The protein solution can comprise, e.g., albumin.

1 . A method comprising 
 providing a first container holding a biocompatible polymer in lyophilized form, the biocompatible polymer having a functionality equal to or greater than three,    providing a second container holding a protein solution    introducing the protein solution into the first container for mixing with the polymer in lyophilized form to reconstitute the polymer and form a mixture, wherein, upon mixing, the protein solution and the polymer cross-link.    
   
   
       2 . A method according to  claim 1   wherein the biocompatible polymer comprises poly(ethylene glycol) PEG.    
   
   
       3 . A method according to  claim 1   wherein the protein solution comprises albumin.    
   
   
       4 . A system comprising 
 a first container holding a biocompatible polymer in lyophilized form, the biocompatible polymer having a functionality equal to or greater than three,    a second container holding a protein solution    an applicator to introduce the protein solution into the first container for mixing with the polymer in lyophilized form to reconstitute the polymer and form a mixture, wherein, upon mixing, the protein solution and the polymer cross-link.    
   
   
       5 . A system according to  claim 4   wherein the biocompatible polymer comprises poly(ethylene glycol) PEG.    
   
   
       6 . A system according to  claim 4   wherein the protein solution comprises albumin.    
   
   
       7 . A method of treating tissue comprising 
 lyophilizing a biocompatible polymer having a functionality equal to or greater than three;    providing a protein solution,    mixing the protein solution with the lyophilized polymer to reconstitute the polymer and form a mixture, wherein, upon mixing, the protein solution and the polymer cross-link to form a material composition, and    applying the material composition to a tissue region.    
   
   
       8 . A method according to  claim 7   wherein the biocompatible polymer comprises poly(ethylene glycol) PEG.    
   
   
       9 . A method according to  claim 7   wherein the protein solution comprises albumin.    
   
   
       10 . A method comprising 
 lyophilizing a biocompatible polymer having a functionality equal to or greater than three,    providing a protein solution, and    mixing the protein solution with the lyophilized polymer to reconstitute the polymer and form a mixture, wherein, upon mixing, the protein solution and the polymer cross-link to form a material composition.    
   
   
       11 . A method according to  claim 10   wherein the biocompatible polymer comprises poly(ethylene glycol) PEG.    
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 10   wherein the protein solution comprises albumin.    
   
   
       13 . A method of treating tissue comprising lyophilizing a biocompatible polymer having a functionality equal to or greater than three, 
 providing a protein solution,    providing a catheter,    mixing the protein solution with the lyophilized polymer to reconstitute the polymer and form a mixture, wherein, upon mixing, the protein solution and the polymer cross-link to form a material composition, and    applying the material composition through the catheter to a tissue region.    
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 13   wherein the biocompatible polymer comprises poly(ethylene glycol) PEG.    
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 13   wherein the protein solution comprises albumin.