| abstract |
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a composition for use in implantation in an animal, comprising a biodegradable biocompatible polymer that forms a hydrogel upon crosslinking. In a preferred embodiment, a mixture wherein the polymer is cross-linked by polyvalent ions, more preferably by a polyvalent ion sparingly soluble salt and a polyvalent ion sparingly soluble salt, wherein these components form a partially crosslinked injectable hydrogel. And the consistency of the mixture is suitable for implanting a partially crosslinked hydrogel mixture into an animal body, wherein the implanted partially crosslinked hydrogel forms a fully crosslinked hydrogel in situ. The mixture preferably further contains a biocompatible sequestering agent that competes with the biocompatible polymer for binding of the multivalent crosslinking ions. The compositions of the present invention may or may not include living cells. The present invention further provides a method for implanting the composition of the present invention into an animal body, optionally as an implant containing live cells. |