Montana Patent of the Month – March 2023

Bacterin International, Inc., a company focused on developing innovative medical products, has patented a new hydration medium that can be used for the storage and rehydration of biological tissue products. The solution is formulated with specific concentrations of dissolved ions to preserve the inherent characteristics of biological tissues while keeping them in a hydrated state.

The retention of physical properties of biological tissues is essential in various medical applications, and the hydration medium developed by Bacterin International aims to address this need. By preserving the characteristics of biological tissues, it allows for improved patient outcomes and more efficient medical procedures.

The hydration medium contains sodium phosphate, calcium silicate, and water. It can also include at least one of potassium, chloride, and magnesium, as well as an additional solvent such as ethanol, dimethylsulfoxide, or glycerol. The pH of the solution is between 7.0 and 7.7, and the osmolality is between 200 and 400 milliosmoles per kilogram. These specific metrics are crucial to maintaining the tissue’s viability.

The method of using the hydration medium involves placing the biological tissue product in the solution, removing it, and implanting it into a patient. The duration of contact between the tissue and the hydration medium can vary from less than 48 hours to up to five years, depending on the desired outcome.

Bacterin’s hydration medium can be used to store and rehydrate various biological tissues, including bone, connective tissue, and cartilage. The storage temperature can range from -135°C to 60°C, allowing for a wide range of applications.

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