Powder compositions for generating cross-linked protein foams and methods of using thereof
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition, wherein the composition is a porous scaffold, wherein the pores of the scaffold are from 2 to 500 microns, the composition comprising: a) a cross-linkable protein selected from the group consisting of collagen and gelatin; b) a cross-linker which induces cross-linking of the cross-linkable protein; and c) a liquid.
1. A composition, comprising:
a closed-cell foam;
wherein the composition comprises:
a. cross-linkable gelatin;
b. a cross-linker; and
c. a liquid,
wherein the composition is a porous scaffold, having a pore size from 2 to 500 microns,
wherein the cross-linkable gelatin is introduced into the composition as a hygroscopic gelatin powder, having a particle size between 5 to 200 microns,
wherein the cross-linkable gelatin is present in the composition in the range of 0.5 wt % to 25 wt %, and
wherein the cross-linker is present in the composition in the range of 0.0001 wt % to 2 wt %.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the liquid is a physiological buffer.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is formed in situ in a patient at a site where the patient is in need of treatment of a tissue defect.
4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is formed prior to introducing the composition into a patient at a site where the patient is in need of treatment of a tissue defect.
5. A composition, comprising:
a closed-cell foam;
wherein the composition comprises:
a. cross-linkable gelatin;
b. a transglutaminase which induces cross-linking of the cross-linkable gelatin; and
c. a liquid,
wherein the composition is a porous scaffold, having a pore size from 2 to 500 microns,
wherein the cross-linkable gelatin is introduced into the composition as a hygroscopic gelatin powder, having a particle size between 5 to 200 microns,
wherein the cross-linkable gelatin is present in the composition in the range of 0.5 wt % to 25 wt %, and
wherein the transglutaminase is present in the composition in the range of 0.0001 wt % to 2 wt %.
6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a solution at a temperature of 4° C. to 37° C.