Process for producing an implant from cell cultures

A process for producing an implant, said process comprising the sequential steps of:

• pre-forming a three-dimensional, hollow, thin-walled, self-supporting structure with an inner cavity having a large cohesive inner surface and a predetermined stable shape, from a biosorbably biocompatible material selected to permit passage of a nutrient solution thereinto;
• introducing a suspension of tissue cells, which form an intercellular matrix and are homogeneic to a recipient patient, in a culture medium in which the cells have been propagated, into the cavity of the supporting structure, to fill and take the shape of the cavity, so that the cellular suspension is enclosed by said inner surface of the cavity;
• and
• perfusing a nutrient solution through the supporting structure and cellular suspension therein in vitro until an intercellular matrix forms in the cavity to bind the cells therein together so that the combined intercellular matrix with cells bound therein will maintain the desired shape of the implant despite absorption of the supporting structure.