| abstract |
A synthetic organ suitable for transplantation into a biological organism is provided. This synthetic organ includes a three-dimensional polymer scaffold, wherein the shape and dimensions of the polymer scaffold are based on a native organ, wherein the polymer scaffold further includes at least one layer of polymer fibers that have been deposited by electrospinning, and wherein the orientation of the fibers in the scaffold relative to one another is generally parallel, random, or both; and wherein the polymer scaffold has been preseeded with at least one type of biological cell prior to implantation into a biological organism, and wherein the at least one type of biological cell is operative to facilitate integration of the polymer scaffold into the organism so that the polymer scaffold may function in a manner significantly similar to or the same as the native organ. |