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AssigneeAdvanced Tissue Sciences, Inc.
InventorsAnthony F. Purchio, Michael Zimber, Noushin Dunkelman, Gail K. Naughton, Brian A. Naughton
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The present invention relates to a method of stimulating the proliferation and appropriate cell maturation of a variety of different cells and tissues in three-dimensional cultures in vitro using TGF-.beta. in the culture medium. In accordance with the invention, stromal cells, including, but not limited to, chondrocytes, chondrocyte-progenitors, fibroblasts, fibroblast-like cells, umbilical cord cells or bone marrow cells from umbilical cord blood are inoculated and grown on a three-dimensional framework in the presence of TGF-.beta.. Stromal cells may also include other cells found in loose connective tissue such as endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, adipocytes, pericytes, reticular cells found in bone marrow stroma, etc. The stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attach to and substantially envelope the framework composed of a biocompatible non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells. The living stromal tissue so formed provides the support, growth factors, and regulatory factors necessary to sustain long-term active proliferation of cells in culture and/or cultures implanted in vivo. When grown in this three-dimensional system, the proliferating cells mature and segregate properly to form components of adult tissues analogous to counterparts in vivo.
A method for preparing a living cartilage tissue in vitro, comprising culturing cartilage-producing stromal cells inoculated onto a three-dimensional framework in a nutrient medium, so that the stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attach to and substantially envelope the framework composed of a biocompatible, non-living material formed into a three dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells to form into a three-dimensional cartilage construct.
A living cartilage tissue prepared in vitro, comprising cartilage-producing stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attached to and substantially enveloping a three-dimensional framework composed of a biocompatible, non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells.
A composition for growing new cartilage comprising mesenchymal stem cells in a polymeric carrier suitable for proliferation and differentiation of the cells into cartilage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.