Prevascularized constructs for implantation to provide blood perfusion
AssigneeArizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona
InventorsStuart Williams, James Hoying, Benjamin Shepherd
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Abstract
This application discloses methods and materials for preparing functional microvascular beds in the laboratory. These prevascularized constructs can be used to vascularize engineered tissue constructs or to revascularize damaged or diseased tissues or organs following implantation. The prevascularized constructs may also deliver genetically engineered gene products to the bloodstream.
Claims33
A method for producing a vascularized tissue, comprising the step of:
- combining a tissue with a prevascularized construct under conditions and for a time suitable for the vascularization of said tissue.
A method for producing a vascularized tissue in a subject, comprising the steps of:
- (a) combining cells from a selected tissue with a prevascularized construct;
- and
- (b) implanting said combined cells and prevascularized construct into said subject, thereby vascularizing said selected tissue in vivo.
A method for expanding the vasculature of a diseased tissue in a subject, comprising the step of:
- combining a prevascularized construct with said diseased tissue in the subject, thereby expanding the vasculature of the diseased tissue in vivo.
A method for vascularizing a natural tissue in a subject, comprising the steps of:
- (a) combining a prevascularized construct containing autologous microvessel fragments in a biocompatible three dimensional culture matrix with said natural tissue in vitro;
- and
- (b) implanting said natural tissue into said subject.
A method for expanding microvessel fragments into functional microvessel beds, comprising the steps of:
- a. isolating said microvessel fragments, and
- b. combining the microvessel fragments of step (a) with a biocompatible three dimensional culture matrix under conditions and for a time suitable for the formation said functional microvessel beds.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.