PHOTOACTIVATED CROSSLINKING OF A PROTEIN OR PEPTIDE
A method of crosslinking a protein or peptide for use as a biomaterial, the method comprising the step of irradiating a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor in the presence of the protein or peptide, thereby initiating a cross-linking reaction to form a 3-dimensional matrix of the biomaterial.
1 - 29 . (canceled)
30 . A biomaterial comprising a 3-dimensional matrix of a protein or peptide crosslinked through irradiation a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor in the presence of the protein or peptide, thereby initiating a cross-linking reaction to form a 3-dimensional matrix of the biomaterial.
31 . A biomaterial as claimed in claim 30 wherein the biomaterial is shaped to form a prosthesis.
32 . A biomaterial as claimed in claim 30 wherein the biomaterial is in the form of a sheet or mat.
33 . A biomaterial as claimed in claim 30 wherein the biomaterial is a membrane, sponge or foam.
34 . A biomaterial as claimed in claim 30 wherein the biomaterial is produced in the form of fibers or beads.
35 . A biomaterial as claimed in claim 30 wherein the biomaterial is a scaffold.
36 . A biomaterial as claimed in claim 30 wherein the biomaterial further comprises one or more agents selected from the group consisting of: cells, growth factors, bioactive agents, drugs, therapeutic agents, and nutrients.
37 - 52 . (canceled)
53 . A biomaterial as claimed in claim 30 , wherein the protein or peptide comprises an at least partially denatured protein.
54 . A biomaterial as claimed in claim 53 , wherein denaturation of the protein or peptide occurs as the result of application of heat, physical or mechanical agitation, acid/alkali treatment, or as a result of chemical modification.
55 . A biomaterial as claimed in claim 53 , wherein the at least partially denatured protein comprises fibrinogen, fibrin, collagen, fibronectin, keratin, laminin, serum albumin, or admixtures thereof.
56 . A biomaterial as claimed in claim 53 , wherein the at least partially denatured protein comprises gelatin.
57 . A medical implant structure comprising:
a biomaterial comprising a crosslinked 3-dimensional matrix of a protein or peptide; and
a substrate, wherein said biomaterial is coated on a surface of said substrate.
58 . A medical implant structure as claimed in claim 57 , wherein said substrate is a tissue portion.
59 . A medical implant structure as claimed in claim 57 , wherein the medical implant structure is in the form of a sheet.
60 . A medical implant structure as claimed in claim 57 , wherein the biomaterial further comprises one or more agents selected from the group consisting of: cells, growth factors, bioactive agents, drugs, therapeutic agents, and nutrients.
61 . A medical implant structure as claimed in claim 57 , wherein the protein or peptide comprises an at least partially denatured protein.
62 . A medical implant structure as claimed in claim 61 , wherein denaturation of the protein or peptide occurs as the result of application of heat, physical or mechanical agitation, acid/alkali treatment, or as a result of chemical modification.
63 . A medical implant structure as claimed in claim 61 , wherein the at least partially denatured protein comprises fibrinogen, fibrin, collagen, fibronectin, keratin, laminin, serum albumin, or admixtures thereof.
64 . A medical implant structure as claimed in claim 61 , wherein the at least partially denatured protein comprises gelatin.
65 . A medical implant structure as claimed in claim 57 , wherein said crosslinked 3-dimensional matrix is formed by irradiation of a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor in the presence of the protein or peptide, thereby initiating a cross-linking reaction.