Photoactivated crosslinking of a protein or peptide

Abstract

A method of crosslinking a protein or peptide for use as a biomaterial, the method comprising the step of irradiating a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor in the presence of the protein or peptide, thereby initiating a cross-linking reaction to form a 3-dimensional matrix of the biomaterial.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A biomaterial comprising a 3-dimensional matrix of a protein or peptide crosslinked through irradiation a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor in the presence of the protein or peptide, thereby initiating a cross-linking reaction to form a 3-dimensional matrix of the biomaterial. 
     
     
         31 . A biomaterial as claimed in  claim 30  wherein the biomaterial is shaped to form a prosthesis. 
     
     
         32 . A biomaterial as claimed in  claim 30  wherein the biomaterial is in the form of a sheet or mat. 
     
     
         33 . A biomaterial as claimed in  claim 30  wherein the biomaterial is a membrane, sponge or foam. 
     
     
         34 . A biomaterial as claimed in  claim 30  wherein the biomaterial is produced in the form of fibers or beads. 
     
     
         35 . A biomaterial as claimed in  claim 30  wherein the biomaterial is a scaffold. 
     
     
         36 . A biomaterial as claimed in  claim 30  wherein the biomaterial further comprises one or more agents selected from the group consisting of: cells, growth factors, bioactive agents, drugs, therapeutic agents, and nutrients. 
     
     
         37 - 52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . A biomaterial as claimed in  claim 30 , wherein the protein or peptide comprises an at least partially denatured protein. 
     
     
         54 . A biomaterial as claimed in  claim 53 , wherein denaturation of the protein or peptide occurs as the result of application of heat, physical or mechanical agitation, acid/alkali treatment, or as a result of chemical modification. 
     
     
         55 . A biomaterial as claimed in  claim 53 , wherein the at least partially denatured protein comprises fibrinogen, fibrin, collagen, fibronectin, keratin, laminin, serum albumin, or admixtures thereof. 
     
     
         56 . A biomaterial as claimed in  claim 53 , wherein the at least partially denatured protein comprises gelatin. 
     
     
         57 . A medical implant structure comprising:
 a biomaterial comprising a crosslinked 3-dimensional matrix of a protein or peptide; and   a substrate, wherein said biomaterial is coated on a surface of said substrate.   
     
     
         58 . A medical implant structure as claimed in  claim 57 , wherein said substrate is a tissue portion. 
     
     
         59 . A medical implant structure as claimed in  claim 57 , wherein the medical implant structure is in the form of a sheet. 
     
     
         60 . A medical implant structure as claimed in  claim 57 , wherein the biomaterial further comprises one or more agents selected from the group consisting of: cells, growth factors, bioactive agents, drugs, therapeutic agents, and nutrients. 
     
     
         61 . A medical implant structure as claimed in  claim 57 , wherein the protein or peptide comprises an at least partially denatured protein. 
     
     
         62 . A medical implant structure as claimed in  claim 61 , wherein denaturation of the protein or peptide occurs as the result of application of heat, physical or mechanical agitation, acid/alkali treatment, or as a result of chemical modification. 
     
     
         63 . A medical implant structure as claimed in  claim 61 , wherein the at least partially denatured protein comprises fibrinogen, fibrin, collagen, fibronectin, keratin, laminin, serum albumin, or admixtures thereof. 
     
     
         64 . A medical implant structure as claimed in  claim 61 , wherein the at least partially denatured protein comprises gelatin. 
     
     
         65 . A medical implant structure as claimed in  claim 57 , wherein said crosslinked 3-dimensional matrix is formed by irradiation of a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor in the presence of the protein or peptide, thereby initiating a cross-linking reaction.