| abstract |
A device for the effective release of cellular moieties, including hormones, wherein a matrix containing a hormone producing cellular moiety is encapsulated with a nonimmunogenic polymeric material of poly-para-xylylene or other aromatic based polymeric moiety having a membrane portion with a porosity blocking passage therethrough of immunogenic agents and permitting passage therethrough of effective nutrients for said cellular moiety and the hormone produced thereby, an improved matrix for the storage, manufacture, functional testing, and viral infection testing of cellular moieties wherein a collagen based hydrogel is processed to present a liquid phase at host temperature and functions as a substrate for cellular attachment with additives effective for limiting thermal and pressure trauma, and an improved method for the harvesting tissue from organs. |