Conjugated polymeric material and uses thereof

Abstract

Disclosed are compositions comprising collagen covalently bound to particles, wherein covalent bonds are formed between reactive groups of the collagen and reactive groups of the particles, and wherein the particles have an average particle diameter ranging from 20 to 1000 nanometers. Also disclosed are various methods that utilize the compositions.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method for bulking articular cartilage by increasing tissue volume in a person, comprising administering to a person in need thereof a composition comprising collagen covalently bound to particles, wherein covalent amide bonds are formed between free carboxylic acid groups of the collagen and amine reactive groups of the particles, and wherein the particles have an average particle diameter size ranging from 50 to 1000 nanometers, wherein the composition is administered by injection into a joint capsule. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the collagen is cross-linked and porous and has an average pore size ranging from 500 nanometers to 200 micrometers. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the particles have an average particle diameter between 50 and 150 nanometers. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the reactive group is mercapto ethyl amine or cystamine or both. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the ratio of particles to collagen is a range of 1×10 9  particles per 1 mg of collagen to 2×10 10  particles per 1 mg of collagen. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the composition is a gel, solution, paste, or dehydrated rigid structure. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein 15 to 20% of the free carboxylic acid groups of the collagen are covalently bound to the particles through an amide bond. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein 2 to 4 mg of a carbodiimide cross-linking agent per 30 mg of collagen is used to form the covalent bonds. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein 0.5 to 0.2 mg of a carbodiimide cross-linking agent per 1×10 9 -2×10 10  particles is used to form the covalent bonds. 
     
     
         29 . A method for filling voids, defects, or increasing tissue volume in a person, comprising administering to a person in need thereof a composition comprising collagen covalently bound to particles, wherein covalent amide bonds are formed between free carboxylic acid groups of the collagen and amine reactive groups of the particles, and wherein the particles have an average particle diameter size ranging from 50 to 1000 nanometers, wherein the composition is administered by intradermal or subcutaneous injection. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the void is a facial fine line, wrinkle, crease, pit, or nodule, and wherein the appearance of the facial fine line, wrinkle, crease, pit, or nodule is reduced after administration of the composition. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the composition is administered to a person's lip, and wherein the volume of the lip is increased after administration of the composition. 
     
     
         32 . A method of reducing collagen degradation in vitro or in vivo by enzymatic breakdown comprising conjugating collagen with particles having reactive amine groups and having an average particle diameter ranging from 50-1000 nanometers, wherein covalent amide bonds are formed between free carboxylic acid groups of the collagen and the reactive amine groups on the particles, and wherein degradation of the collagen by collagenase is thereby reduced.