Cartilage growth from cell seeded ceramic compositions
AssigneeEtex Corporation
InventorsDosuk D. Lee, Christian Rey, Maria Aiolova
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Abstract
The present invention provides a synthetic, poorly-crystalline apatitic (PCA) calcium phosphate material seeded with cells. Preferably, the cells are tissue-forming or tissue-degrading cells. The compositions provided by the present invention are useful for a variety of applications, including in vivo and in vitro tissue growth (preferably bone or cartilage), osseous augmentation, and methods of diagnosing disease states by assaying tissue-forming potential of cells isolated from a host. The invention also provides in vitro cell culture systems and cell encapsulation matrices.
Claims27
A method of growing cartilage in vivo comprising:
- a. providing a hydrated precursor comprising:
- i. at least one amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP);
- ii. at least one cartilage-forming cell or precursor thereof;
- and
- iii. a sufficient amount of aqueous solution so that the hydrated precursor has a consistency selected from the group consisting of a paste consistency and a putty consistency, the aqueous solution being compatible with the at least one cartilage-forming cell or precursor thereof;
- b. introducing the hydrated precursor into a site in vivo;
- and
- c. after step a, allowing the hydrated precursor to harden.
A method of growing cartilage in vivo comprising:
- a. providing a hydrated precursor comprising:
- i. at least one amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP);
- and
- ii. a sufficient amount of aqueous solution so that the hydrated precursor has a consistency selected from the group consisting of a paste consistency and a putty consistency;
- b. introducing the hydrated precursor into a site in vivo;
- c. promoting conversion of the ACP into a poorly crystalline apatitic (PCA) calcium phosphate after the step of introducing;
- and
- d. allowing cartilage-forming cells or precursors thereof to enter the implanted material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.