a protein crosslinker delivery device includes a body and a protein crosslinker held in a synthetic or natural biodegradable polymer . the body , a coating on the body , or an attachment to the body can contain the protein crosslinker holding biodegradable polymer . the release rate of the crosslinker and total amount of crosslinker released can be controlled by varying the concentration of the crosslinker and by varying the composition and structural characteristics of the degradable polymer . surface eroding , bulk eroding and naturally occurring biodegradable polymers can be used in conjunction with a variety of nontoxic or minimally - toxic protein crosslinking agents . the devices can be used to treat mechanically damaged , deformed , and nutritionally deficient connective or soft tissues such as the knee meniscus , the spinal disc , the cornea , ligaments and tendons , the soft palate , and skin .