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US 7,622,298 B2Granted
Method for creating perfusable microvessel systems
AssigneeNorits, Inc.
InventorThomas Neumann
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Microvessel networks are produced in vitro from tissue-engineered parent vessels sprouting into a supporting matrix, as for example gels, of extracellular matrix proteins. The microvessel systems are integrated into devices that allow for controlled perfusion with fluids. The vessels may include cells from one cell type, for example, endothelial cells, or from combinations of two or more cell types.
Claims18
A method for creating networks of perfusable microvessels in vitro, said method comprising the steps of:
- first creating at least one parent vessel in vitro by attaching endothelial cells to at least one mandrel;
- next embedding the at least one mandrel with the at least one parent vessel into a matrix, such that endothelial cells of the at least one parent vessel are in direct contact with the matrix;
- next extracting the at least one mandrel from the matrix, whereby the at least one parent vessel remains embedded within the matrix;
- next perfusing the at least one parent vessel within the matrix;
- next adding stimuli to cause the at least one parent vessel to form sprouts in the matrix;
- and
- next subjecting the at least one parent vessel and sprouts to luminal perfusion, thereby forming a network of perfusable microvessels.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.