Instruments and methods for the implantation of cell-seeded substrates

An instrument for an implantation of a substrate into a target tissue of a subject, comprising:

• a handpiece comprising a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end comprising an orifice;
• an outer housing extending in a distal direction from said handpiece, a distal end of the outer housing terminating in a bevel;
• an internal shaft configured to be longitudinally moveable within said outer housing and said handpiece;
• forceps connected with the internal shaft;
• a shaft movement control mechanism;
• and
• a planar substrate having a tail and a body of a same thickness as the tail,
• wherein activation of said movement control mechanism causes longitudinal movement of said internal shaft and forceps;
• wherein movement of said internal shaft in a proximal direction is configured to cause said forceps to grasp the tail of the substrate, induce a rolling of the substrate against the bevel of said outer housing, and retract the substrate within said outer housing, and
• wherein movement of said internal shaft in a distal direction is configured to cause the substrate to exit said outer housing and unroll and cause said forceps to open.