Cryogel bioscaffold

Abstract

A three-dimensional oxygen-generating bioscaffold capable of supplying cells with a continuous, controlled, and steady source of oxygen and methods of using such an oxygengenerating bioscaffold to prevent hypoxia-induced damage to cells following transplantation are disclosed. In particular, a collagen-based cryogel bioscaffold having calcium peroxide (CPO) incorporated into its matrix is provided, wherein the CPO produces oxygen upon exposure to water. The collagen-based cryogel is designed with a plurality of macropores capable of encapsulating therapeutic cells for cellular therapy. Methods of producing oxygen-generating bioscaffolds and tissue grafts comprising therapeutic cells contained in such oxygen-generating bioscaffolds as well as their use in cellular therapy are also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.