Compositions and methods for enhancing healing and regeneration of bone and soft tissue
The invention features biodegradable materials, and in vitro and in vivo methods of using such compositions to promote bone and soft tissue growth and healing.
1. A composition comprising:
a) 100 parts by weight of a biodegradable polymer comprising gelatin or collagen,
b) honey in an amount of 15 to 100 parts by weight relative to the 100 parts by weight of the polymer, wherein the honey has a Unique Manuka Factor rating of at least 10; and
c) hydroxyapatite present in an amount of 5 to 20 parts by weight relative to the 100 parts by weight of the polymer, wherein the composition promotes regeneration of soft tissue in a subject when the composition is contacted with the soft tissue,
wherein the composition is degradable in vivo, and
wherein the composition is a solid and is configured for implantation in a subject.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises an additional protein.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises gelatin.
4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises collagen.
5. The composition of any of claims 1 or 2 through 4 , wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises poly(lactic acid), polydioxanone (PDO) or a blend thereof with gelatin or collagen.
6. The composition of claim 1 further comprising at least one additional filler or at least one additional antibiotic.
7. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is lyophilized.
8. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the hydroxyapatite has an average diameter of from 1 nm to 10 μm.
9. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the hydroxyapatite has an average diameter of from 200 nm to 2 μm.
10. A method of promoting soft tissue healing in a damaged tissue, the method comprising contacting the damaged tissue with the composition of claim 1 .