| abstract |
Naturally-derived bioprosthetic materials are treated with epoxide crosslinking agents. In some embodiments, the tissue is crosslinked with low molecular weight epoxides in aqueous solutions at high pH levels. In other embodiments, the tissue is crosslinked at physiologic pH levels with epoxide crosslinking agents catalyzed with tertiary or quaternary amines, such as Tris or imidazole. In an advantageous embodiment, bioprosthetic tissue is crosslinked and derivatized with an anticalcification agent, such as a polyphosphonate anticalcification agent, using a polyphosphonate:polyepoxide monoadduct. |