Neuronal stimulation using electrically conducting polymers
First Claim
1. A method for altering the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of cells comprising:
- attaching or abutting cells to a surface comprising an electrically conducting polymer for a sufficient time to alter the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of the cells attached to or abutting the polymer, without damaging the cells,wherein the cells are selected from the group consisting of endothelial cells, parenchymal cells, cells forming bone or cartilage, and neurons.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and support systems are provided for modifying the regeneration, differentiation, or function of cells. In one embodiment, electrically conducting biocompatible polymers may be used alone or in combination with a polymeric support for in vitro nerve cell regeneration, or in vivo to aid in healing nervous tissue defects. The conductive polymers may implanted adjacent to or seeded with nerve cells. Voltage or current is applied to the polymer in a range which induces the desired effect on the cells while not damaging the cells. The methods and systems can be used in a variety of applications to enhance in vivo or in vitro growth or regeneration of nervous tissue.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for altering the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of cells comprising:
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attaching or abutting cells to a surface comprising an electrically conducting polymer for a sufficient time to alter the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of the cells attached to or abutting the polymer, without damaging the cells, wherein the cells are selected from the group consisting of endothelial cells, parenchymal cells, cells forming bone or cartilage, and neurons. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A device for altering the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of neurons comprising:
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a) an electrically conducting polymer in the form of a structure selected from the group consisting of sutures, tubes, sheets, films, and scaffolds for tissue engineering, and b) first and second electrodes for inducing a voltage or current across the polymer, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically coupled with the polymer, wherein the device is configured and arranged to accept said neurons onto said electrically conducting polymer for a sufficient time and is capable of the alteration of regeneration, differentiation, or differentiated cell function of neurons without damaging the cells when the device is attached to or abuts neurons and an effective amount of a voltage or current to alter the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of the neurons is applied to the neurons for a sufficient time. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification