초록 ▼

A method is provided whereby cells having a desired function are seeded on and into biocompatible, biodegradable or non-degradable porous polymer scaffolding matrix, previously implanted in a patient and infiltrated with blood vessels and connective tissue, to produce a functional organ equivalent.

A method is provided whereby cells having a desired function are seeded on and into biocompatible, biodegradable or non-degradable porous polymer scaffolding matrix, previously implanted in a patient and infiltrated with blood vessels and connective tissue, to produce a functional organ equivalent. The resulting organoid is a chimera formed of parenchymal elements of the donated tissue and vascular and matrix elements of the host. The matrix should be compression resistant and a non-toxic, porous template for vascular ingrowth. The pore size, usually between approximately 100 and 300 microns, should allow vascular and connective tissue ingrowth throughout approximately 10 to 90% of the matrix, and the injection of cells such as hepatocytes without damage to the cells or patient. The introduced cells attach to the connective tissue and are fed by the blood vessels. Immediately prior to matrix implantation portacaval shunts can be created to provide trophic stimulatory factors to the implanted matrix to enhance replication and function.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A method enhancing in vivo survival of parenchymal cells in an implanted scaffold comprising:a. implanting into the body of a patient a porous three-dimensional scaffold composed of a biocompatible polymer and having generally interconnected pores of between approximately 100 and

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A method enhancing in vivo survival of parenchymal cells in an implanted scaffold comprising:a. implanting into the body of a patient a porous three-dimensional scaffold composed of a biocompatible polymer and having generally interconnected pores of between approximately 100 and 300 microns in diameter throughout the scaffold,wherein the pores of the scaffold provide sufficient surface area to the scaffold to permit attachment of an amount of the cells effective to produce functional vascularized organ tissue in vivo,wherein the scaffold is resistant to compression within the patient, to thereby maintain the pore size of the scaffold between approximately 100 and 300 microns, andwherein the structure of the scaffold allows the introduction of cells into the vascularized scaffold without damage to the cells or patient;b. maintaining the scaffold in the patient until the scaffold is between 10% and 90% vascularized and infiltrated with viable connective tissue; andc. introducing viable parenchymal cells into the vascularized scaffold, wherein survival of the parenchymal cells in the vascularized scaffold is enhanced relative to survival of parenchymal cells in an unvascularized scaffold.