Gradient scaffolding and methods of producing the same
First Claim
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1. A solid, non-uniformly porous biocompatible gradient scaffold, comprising at least one synthetic or natural polymer, ceramic, metal, extracellular matrix protein or an analogue thereof.
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Abstract
This invention relates to gradient scaffolds, methods of producing the same, and methods of use thereof, in particular for applications in tissue engineering, repair and regeneration. The gradient scaffolding includes, inter-alia, scaffolds, which are varied in terms of their pore diameter, chemical composition, crosslink density, or combinations thereof, throughout the scaffolding.
81 Citations
123 Claims
- 1. A solid, non-uniformly porous biocompatible gradient scaffold, comprising at least one synthetic or natural polymer, ceramic, metal, extracellular matrix protein or an analogue thereof.
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2. (canceled)
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5. (canceled)
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19. A process for preparing a non-uniformly porous, solid, biocompatible gradient scaffold, comprising at least one extracellular matrix component or an analog thereof, comprising the steps of:
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(a) Freeze-drying a solution of at least one extracellular matrix component or an analog thereof, under conditions producing a gradient in the freezing temperature; and
(b) Sublimating ice-crystals formed within the slurry in step (a), prior to achievement of thermal equilibrium during said freeze-drying;
Wherein ice-crystals are formed along a gradient as a function of the gradient freezing temperature, whereby sublimation of said ice-crystals results in the formation of pores arranged along said gradient. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47)
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22. (canceled)
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48-100. -100. (canceled)
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101. A process for preparing a solid, porous biocompatible gradient scaffold, comprising at least one extracellular matrix components or analogs thereof, comprising the steps of:
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(a) Preparing a solution of a graft copolymer of at least one extracellular matrix components or analogs thereof;
(b) Freeze-drying the solution in step (a) to yield a solid, porous scaffold of uniform composition; and
(c) Exposing the scaffold formed in step (b) to a temperature gradient Wherein exposing said scaffold to said temperature gradient, results in the creation of a gradient in crosslink density in said scaffold, thereby producing a solid, porous biocompatible gradient scaffold. - View Dependent Claims (102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108)
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109. A process for preparing a solid, porous biocompatible gradient scaffold, comprising at least one extracellular matrix component or analogs thereof, comprising the steps of:
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(d) Preparing a solution of a graft copolymer of one or more extracellular matrix components or analogs thereof;
(e) Freeze-drying the solution in step (a) to yield a solid, in porous scaffold of uniform composition; and
(f) Exposing the scaffold formed in step (b) to a gradient of solutions, which are increased in their concentration of cross-linking agent Wherein exposing said scaffold to said gradient of solutions, which are increased in their concentration of cross-linking agent, results in the creation of a gradient in crosslink density said scaffold, thereby producing a solid, porous, biocompatible gradient scaffold. - View Dependent Claims (110, 111, 112, 113)
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123-129. -129. (canceled)
Specification