Biodegradable foams for cell transplantation
AssigneeThe Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
InventorsKam W. Leong, Hungnan Lo, Sudhakar Kadiyala
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Abstract
A structurally rigid biodegradable foam scaffold useful for cell transplantation is provided. The foam can be loaded with nutrients and/or drugs that elute from the foam during transplant to promote growth of the cells. The foam, which features a continuous network of pores, is fabricated using a novel method involving phase separation and consequent expansion upon sublimation of a liquid solvent, preferably naphthalene.
Claims24
A method for producing a biocompatible and biodegradable porous foam comprising:
- a) dissolving from about 0.5 to 10 weight percent of a biocompatible polymer in a liquid solvent having a melting point in the range from about 30.degree. to about 90.degree. C. to form a polymer solution;
- b) placing the solvent solution onto a form under conditions promoting spinodal decomposition in the solution;
- c) quenching the polymer solution in the form;
- d) sublimating the solvent in the solution;
- and
- e) obtaining a biocompatible porous foam comprising a substantially continuous polymer phase and a substantially continuous gas phase with substantially uniform pore size and pore distribution and having an average pore size in the range from about 20 to 500 .mu.m, in diameter.
A three dimensional biocompatible and biodegradable porous foam comprising a substantially continuous polymer phase and a substantially continuous gas phase with substantially uniform pore size and pore distribution and having an average pore size in the range from about 20 to 500 .mu.m;
- and cultured tissue cells contained within the pores.
A biodegradable and biocompatible porous foam comprising a substantially continuous polymer phase and a substantially continuous gas phase with substantially uniform pore size and pore distribution, said foam also including a cell growth nutrient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.