| abstract |
Polymerized type I collagen based compositions for medical use as vascular sealants and wound dressings, 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 collagen and/or type III collagen compositions, which include gelatin comprised of type I collagen and type III collagen, 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 collagen and/or type 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. |