초록 ▼

A cell-scaffold composition is prepared in vitro for implanting to produce functional organ tissue in vivo. The scaffold is three-dimensional and is composed of fibers of a biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic polymer. Cells derived from vascularized organ tissue are attached in vitro to the surf

A cell-scaffold composition is prepared in vitro for implanting to produce functional organ tissue in vivo. The scaffold is three-dimensional and is composed of fibers of a biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic polymer. Cells derived from vascularized organ tissue are attached in vitro to the surface of the fibers uniformly throughout the scaffold in an amount effective to produce functional vascularized organ tissue in vivo. Fibers of the scaffold are spaced apart such that the maximum distance over which diffusion of nutrients and gases must occur through a mass of cells attached to the fibers is between 100 and 300 microns. The diffusion provides free exchange of nutrients, gases and waste to and from cells proliferating throughout the scaffold in an amount effective to maintain cell viability throughout the scaffold in the absence of vascularization. Cells attached to the fibers may be lymphatic vessel cells, pancreatic islet cells, hepatocytes, bone forming cells, muscle cells, intestinal cells, kidney cells, blood vessel cells, thyroid cells or cells of the adrenal-hypothalamic pituitary axis. Hollow or solid fibers are made from a polyanhydride, polyorthoester, polyglycolic acid or polymethacrylate, and the fibers may have a coating which enhances cell attachment.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A cell-scaffold composition prepared in vitro for growing cells to produce functional vascularized organ tissue in vivo, comprising:a fibrous three-dimensional scaffold composed of fibers of a biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic polymer; andcells derived from a vascularized tis

[ We claim:] [1.] A cell-scaffold composition prepared in vitro for growing cells to produce functional vascularized organ tissue in vivo, comprising:a fibrous three-dimensional scaffold composed of fibers of a biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic polymer; andcells derived from a vascularized tissue attached in vitro to the surface of the fibers of the scaffold uniformly throughout the scaffold;wherein the fibers of the scaffold provide sufficient surface area to permit attachment in vitro of an amount of the cells effective to produce the functional vascularized organ tissue in vivo;wherein the fibers of the scaffold are spaced apart such that the maximum distance over which diffusion of nutrients and gases must occur through a mass of cells attached to the fibers is between 100 and 300 microns; andwherein the diffusion provides free exchange of nutrients, gases and waste to and from the cells uniformly attached to the fibers of the scaffold and proliferating throughout the scaffold in an amount effective to maintain cell viability throughout the scaffold in the absence of vascularization.