| abstract |
The present invention is a method and means whereby large volumes of cells having a desired function are attached to, and, optionally, proliferated, on a biocompatible degradable, non-degradable or combination degradable-non-degradable scaffolding and transferred with mininal trauma and blood loss into a patient at a site appropriate for attachment, growth and function to produce a functional organ equivalent in the absence of vascularization of the implanted cell mass. In the preferred embodiment, multiple cell-matrix structures are implanted between folds of the mesentery. The method is particularly well suited for growth of endocrine structures, including liver, pancreas, and adrenal gland, as well as other tissues. The preferred material for forming the matrix or support structure is a biodegradable artificial polymer. Materials such as angiogenesis factors can be incorporated into degradable matrices for use in preparing the implantation sites prior to, or at the time of, implanting the cells. The function and viability of the attached cells can also be manipulated by treatment or coatiing of the matrix structure to increase the number of attachment sites. |