Continuous open-cell polymeric foams containing living cells

Abstract

A polymeric foam with continuous, open-cell pores containing living cells suitable for medical applications and methods for preparing these foams. The microporous foams are of controlled pore size that may be utilized in a variety of applications. In general, the foams are characterized in that the pores are continuous and open-celled. In preparing the foams, an organic polymer is melted and combined with a selected solid crystalline fugitive compound, that melts above about 25.degree. C. and/or that sublimates at above about 25.degree. C. or can be extracted, to produce a substantially isotropic solution. The solution is cooled under controlled conditions to produce a foam precursor containing the solidified fugitive composition dispersed through a matrix of the organic polymer. Crystals of fugitive composition are then removed by solvent extraction and/or sublimation, or a like process to produce microcellular foams having a continuous, open-cell structure. After removing the fugitive composition, living cells capable of producing biologically active products are added to the pores to produce a foam containing living cells.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.