초록 ▼

A polymeric foam with continuous, open-cell pores containing living cells suitable for medical applications and methods for preparing these foams. The microporous foams are of controlled pore size that may be utilized in a variety of applications. In general, the foams are characterized in that the

A polymeric foam with continuous, open-cell pores containing living cells suitable for medical applications and methods for preparing these foams. The microporous foams are of controlled pore size that may be utilized in a variety of applications. In general, the foams are characterized in that the pores are continuous and open-celled. In preparing the foams, an organic polymer is melted and combined with a selected solid crystalline fugitive compound, that melts above about 25°C. and/or that sublimates at above about 25°C. or can be extracted, to produce a substantially isotropic solution. The solution is cooled under controlled conditions to produce a foam precursor containing the solidified fugitive composition dispersed through a matrix of the organic polymer. Crystals of fugitive composition are then removed by solvent extraction and/or sublimation, or a like process to produce microcellular foams having a continuous, open-cell structure. After removing the fugitive composition, living cells capable of producing biologically active products are added to the pores to produce a foam containing living cells.

대표청구항 ▼

A foam comprising: an organic polymeric matrix with continuous, open-cell pores dispersed therein; and living cells producing at least one product, the living cells contained in the pores, the foams produced by a process comprising the steps of: combining an organic polymer with a fugitive compositi

A foam comprising: an organic polymeric matrix with continuous, open-cell pores dispersed therein; and living cells producing at least one product, the living cells contained in the pores, the foams produced by a process comprising the steps of: combining an organic polymer with a fugitive composition that is a solid cristalline material that melts above 25°C. co-melting and co-dissolving the fugitive composition with the polymer to produce a substantially isotropic solution; solidifying the isotropic solution to produce a foam precursor containing crystals of the fugitive composition; removing the crystals of the fugitive composition from the foam precursor to produce a continuous, open-cell foam; and adding selected living cells to the foam for inhabiting the pores and producing at least one product.