Abstract:
An immunoisolatory vehicle for the implantation into an individual of cells which produce a needed product or provide a needed metabolic function. The vehicle is comprised of a core region containing isolated cells and materials sufficient to maintain the cells, and a permselective, biocompatible, peripheral region free of the isolated cells, which immunoisolates the core yet provides for the delivery of the secreted product or metabolic function to the individual.
Abstract:
Implantable therapy systems are disclosed for the local and controlled delivery of a biologically active factor to the brain, spinal cord and other target regions of a subject suffering from a dibilatating condition. The method of the invention involves surgically exposing an insertion site, generally located above a predetermined treatment site (12), in a patient. A cannula (20), having an obturator (30) or dilator (104) positioned therein, is inserted at the insertion site, defining a pathway to the treatment site. In some instances, the cannula can be inserted along the path of a guidewire (102) previously positioned at the treatment site. The cannula (20) is preferably a low friction polymeric material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. The cannula (20) generally has an open proximal end for receiving the obturator (30) or dilator (104), and an open distal end, preferably a tapered end, for delivery of neurologically active factors to the treatment site (12). The obturator (30) is then removed from the cannula (20), and a biocompatible tethered vehicle (40) containing a biologically active material is inserted into the cannula along the passageway. A pusher can be inserted within the cannula, behind the vehicle (40), to position the proximal end of the vehicle at the proximal tip of the cannula (20b). Once the vehicle (40) is positioned near the proximal end of the cannula (20), the cannula is removed from the passageway, followed by the pusher, leaving the vehicle (40) positioned at the treatment site (12).
Abstract:
Methods are disclosed for the alleviation of movement disorders via the implantation of static devices which focally release neuroinhibitory compounds to preselected brain areas. Pathological conditions to be treated by these methods include parkinsonian movement disorders, Huntington's chorea, and epileptiform seizure activity. In the treatment of parkinsonism, target areas implantation include the subthalamic nucleus, the globus pallidus internus, and the substantia nigra pars reticulata. In the treatment of epilepsy, implants may be placed in an epileptogenic focus area of neural over-activity. The devices may be polymeric implants that release neuroinhibitory compounds such as GABA, GABA agonists, GABA potentiators, action potential blockers and voltage dependent calcium channel blockers, and glutamate antagonists. Alternatively, the devices may contain living cells which secrete neuroinhibitory compounds.
Abstract:
This invention relates to methods and compositions of controlling cell distribution within a bioartificial organ by exposing the cells to a treatment that inhibits cell proliferation, promotes cell differentiation, or affects cell attachment to a growth surface within the bioartificial organ. Such treatments include (1) genetically manipulating cells, (2) exposing the cells to a proliferation-inhibiting compound or a differentiation-inducing compound or removing the cells from exposure to a proliferation-stimulating compound or a differentiation-inhibiting compound; exposing the cells to irradiation, and (3) modifying a growth surface of the BAO with ECM molecules, molecules affecting cell proliferation or adhesion, or an inert scaffold, or a combination thereof. These treatments may be used in combination.
Abstract:
A bioartificial three-dimensional hydrogel extracellular matrix derivatized with a cell adhesive peptide fragment is provided for use in tissue regeneration or replacement. The choice of adhesive peptide fragment depends on the desired target cell type. Cartilage or tendon can be regenerated by implanting a matrix containing adhesive peptide fragments that favor chondrocyte invasion. The matrix can be pre-seeded with cells, and tissue can be reconstituted in vitro and then implanted. A cell-seeded matrix can be encapsulated in a semi-permeable membrane to form a bioartificial organ. An agarose hydrogel matrix having an agarose concentration of 0.5-1.25% (w/v) and an average gel pore radius between 120 nm and 290 nm is preferred. The peptide fragment preferably contains the sequence, ArgGlyAsp or TyrIleGlySerArg or IleLysValAlaVal, and is covalently immobilized to the matrix. A nerve guidance channel for use in regenerating severed nerve is prepared containing a tubular semi-permeable membrane having openings adapted to receive the ends of a severed nerve, and an inner lumen containing the matrix having an adhesive peptide fragment through which the nerve can regenerate.
Abstract:
A method of forming an implantable and retrievable immunoisolatory vehicle is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of first forming a jacket of biocompatible thermoplastic or hydrogel, and then loading the jacket with a core comprising a volume of at least 1 .mu.l and at least 10.sup.4 cells capable of secreting a biocompatible matrix comprising a hydrogel or extracellular matrix, said jacket having a molecular weight cutoff permitting passage of molecules thereacross to provide said biologically active product or said function.
Abstract:
This invention relates to methods and compositions of controlling cell distribution within a bioartificial organ by exposing the cells to a treatment that inhibits cell proliferation, promotes cell differentiation, or affects cell attachment to a growth surface within the bioartificial organ. Such treatments include (1) genetically manipulating cells, (2) exposing the cells to a proliferation-inhibiting compound or a differentiation-inducing compound or removing the cells from exposure to a proliferation-stimulating compound or a differentiation-inhibiting compound; exposing the cells to irradiation, and (3) modifying a growth surface of the BAO with ECM molecules, molecules affecting cell proliferation or adhesion, or an inert scaffold, or a combination thereof. These treatments may be used in combination.
Abstract:
A method of providing a biologically active molecule or metabolic or immunologic function to a patient, comprising implanting into the body of the patient at least one immunoisolatory vehicle comprising a core comprising a volume in excess of 1 .mu.l and at least about 10.sup.4 living cells dispersed in a biocompatible matrix formed of a hydrogel or extracellular matrix components, said cells being capable of secreting a biologically active product or of providing a metabolic or immunologic function to the patient; and an external jacket surrounding said core, said jacket being formed from a thermoplastic or hydrogel, said jacket being free of said cells projecting externally therefrom, said jacket being biocompatible and having a molecular weight cutoff permitting passage of molecules between the patient and the core through said jacket to provide said biologically active product of function.
Abstract:
Methods and compositions are provided for controlling cell distribution within a bioartificial organ by exposing the cells to a treatment that inhibits cell proliferation, promotes cell differentiation, or affects cell attachment to a growth surface within the bioartificial organ. Such treatments include (1) genetically manipulating cells, (2) exposing the cells to a proliferation-inhibiting compound or a differentiation-inducing compound or removing the cells from exposure to a proliferation-stimulating compound or a differentiation-inhibiting compound; exposing the cells to irradiation, and (3) modifying a growth surface of the bioartificial organ with extracellular matrix molecules, molecules affecting cell proliferation or adhesion, or an inert scaffold, or a combination thereof. These treatments may be used in combination. In a preferred treatment, cells are exposed to and then removed from exposure to a proliferation-stimulating and differentiation inhibiting compound prior to encapsulation of the cells in a semipermeable biocompatible jacket to form a bioartificial organ. Upon in vivo implantation of the bioartificial organ in a host, cellular proliferation is inhibited and cellular differentiation is promoted.