This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application
to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect
of this invention is a fibrous component (e.g., collagen, chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic
acid, poly-lactic acid, poly-capralactone, and polyurethane) that provides unique
mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a
vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic
polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are
substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the
suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing
said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate
through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming
a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient
length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation
of said polymer fibers.