| abstract |
The present invention provides an implantable biodegradable device containing a fibrous matrix, which matrix is constructed from fibers A and fibers B, wherein fibers A biodegrade faster than fibers B, and fibers A and fibers B are present in relative amounts and are organized such that the fibrous matrix possesses properties desirable for seeding and subsequent transplantation of cells bearing at least one characteristic of a pancreatic cell. The present invention also provides an implantable biodegradable device containing a fibrous matrix, which matrix has been seeded with cells bearing at least one characteristic of a pancreatic cell. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for treating diabetes by implanting a device with seeded cells in a diabetic patient. |