| abstract |
Polymerized type I and/or III collagen based compositions for medical use as vascular sealants and wound dressings, and the preparation thereof, are described. Prior to polymerization, the collagen monomers are prepared recombinantly whereby chemical modifications of the collagen are not needed to form such monomers. The type I and/or III collagen compositions, which include gelatin comprised of type I and type III collagens, are useful as medical adhesives for bonding soft tissues and as sealants for a variety of medical uses. In a further aspect of the present invention, the polymerized type I and/or III collagen compositions include agents which induce wound healing or provide for additional beneficial characteristics desired in a tissue sealant or wound dressing. The compositions of the present invention are also useful in non-adhesive form. |