Implantable bioartificial active secretion system

• US 6,511,473 B2
• Filed: 01/30/2001
• Issued: 01/28/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Biodepo Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Biodepo Incorporated
• Inventors: Tang, Yin S., Bartha, John M., Zeltser, Gregory, Balint, Lehel, Bunzel, Arthur
• Primary Examiner(s): Yuen, Henry C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nicolas, Frederick C.
• Application Number:
  US09/772,702
• Publication Number:
  US 20020103475A1
• Time in Patent Office: 728 Days
• Field of Search: 604/890.1, 604/891.1, 604/892.1, 604/153, 604/93.01, 623/23.64, 623/23.65
• US Class Current: 604/891.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 2035/126 Immunoprotecting barriers, e.g. jackets, diffusion chambers
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 35/12 Materials from mammals; Compositions comprising non-specified tissues or cells; Compositions comprising non-embryonic stem cells; Genetically modified cells vaccines or medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies A61K39/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 5/0677 Three-dimensional culture, tissue culture or organ culture; Encapsulated cells

Abstract

An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing a physiological secretion such as insulin necessary for functionality of a physiologic activity such as glucose metabolism of a living-being host. The system includes a housing implantable within the host in fluidic communication with tissue fluid indicative of secretion need. A chamber within the housing contains a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing the physiological secretion. A periodically operating pump apparatus moves tissue fluid into contact with the secretory cells for pick up of the regulating physiological secretion for subsequent physiologically-effective dispensing into the host while avoiding immunorejection of the host body or of the host to the secretory cells.

Claims

1. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing a physiological regulating secretion necessary for functionality of a physiologic activity of a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with tissue fluid of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said tissue fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing the physiological secretion;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus for drawing initial tissue fluid through the inlet from the host for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of the physiological regulating secretion, and for dispensing resulting tissue fluid bearing said physiological secretion through the outlet and into the host; and

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells of the host.

2. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pump apparatus comprises a plurality of sequentially disposed, sequentially peristaltic-like activated pump tubes for peristaltic-like moving within said tubes the initial tissue fluid and the tissue fluid bearing the physiological secretion through the housing.

3. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells of the host.

4. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing a physiological secretion necessary for functionality of a physiologic activity of a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with peritoneal fluid within a peritoneal cavity of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said peritoneal fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing the physiological secretion;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus disposed for drawing initial peritoneal fluid through the inlet from the peritoneal cavity for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of the physiological secretion, and for dispensing resulting peritoneal fluid bearing said physiological regulating secretion through the outlet and into the peritoneal cavity; and

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host.

5. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the pump apparatus comprises a plurality of sequentially disposed, sequentially peristaltic-like activated pump tubes for peristaltic-like moving within said tubes the initial peritoneal fluid and the peritoneal fluid bearing the physiological secretion through the housing.

6. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 4 additionally comprising an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents, cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host.

7. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing insulin as necessary for metabolism of glucose within a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with tissue fluid of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said tissue fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing insulin;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus for drawing initial tissue fluid through the inlet from the host for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of insulin, and for dispensing resulting tissue fluid bearing said insulin through the outlet and into the host; and

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host.

8. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the pump apparatus comprises a plurality of sequentially disposed, sequentially peristaltic-like activated pump tubes for peristaltic-like moving within said tubes the initial tissue fluid and the tissue fluid bearing insulin through the housing.

9. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 7 additionally comprising an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host.

10. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing insulin necessary for carbohydrate metabolism within a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with peritoneal fluid inside a peritoneal cavity of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said peritoneal fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing insulin;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus regulated by a controller for drawing initial peritoneal fluid through the inlet from the peritoneal cavity for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of regulating insulin, and for dispensing resulting peritoneal fluid bearing said insulin through the outlet and into the peritoneal cavity; and

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host.

11. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the pump apparatus comprises a plurality of sequentially disposed, sequentially peristaltic-like activated, elasticized pump tubes for peristaltic-like moving within said tubes the initial peritoneal fluid and the peritoneal fluid bearing insulin through the housing.

12. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 10 additionally comprising an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement systemcomponents of the host.

13. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the physiologically active secretory pancreatic beta-islet cells are provided from human allogenic and/or xenogenic and/or gene development technology sources.

14. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the physiologically active secretory cells are provided as pancreatic islet beta cells.

15. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the periodically operating pump apparatus is driven by electromagnetic impulse energy.

16. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the controller is programmable and regulates administration of said electromagnetic pulse energy.

17. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 16 wherein said controller is integral with the housing.

18. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 16 wherein said controller is remote from the housing.

19. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing a physiological secretion necessary for functionality of a physiologic activity of a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with tissue fluid of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said tissue fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing the physiological secretion, the plurality of physiologically active secretory cells being divided into sub-pluralities whereby each sub-plurality of physiologically active secretory cells is disposed on a tray, a plurality of such trays being situated into a column, and a plurality of such columns being horizontally spaced from each other with respective inter-column spaces there between;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus for drawing initial tissue fluid through the inlet from the host for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of the physiological secretion, and for dispensing resulting tissue fluid bearing said physiological secretion through the outlet and into the host; and

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells of the host.

20. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the pump apparatus comprises a plurality of sequentially disposed, persistaltic-like activated and deactivated, elasticized pump tubes for peristaltic-like moving within said tubes the initial tissue fluid and the tissue fluid bearing the physiological secretion through the housing.

21. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 19 wherein each sub-plurality of physiologically active secretory cells is encapsulated with a permeable medium through which nutrient for and metabolic waste from each cell can pass and through which said physiological secretion can pass.

22. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing a physiological secretion necessary for functionality of a physiologic activity of a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with tissue fluid of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said tissue fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing the physiological secretion;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus for drawing initial tissue fluid through the inlet from the host for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of the physiological secretion, and for dispensing resulting tissue fluid bearing said physiological secretion through the outlet and into the host; and

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells of the host, the filter comprising at least one nano-capillary bundle constructed of glass or silica through which entering tissue fluid must pass.

23. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing a physiological secretion necessary for functionality of a physiologic activity of a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with tissue fluid of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said tissue fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing the physiological secretion;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus for drawing initial tissue fluid through the inlet from the host for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of the physiological secretion, and for dispensing resulting tissue fluid bearing said physiological secretion through the outlet and into the host;

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells of the host; and

e) an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells of the host, the outlet filter comprising at least one nano-capillary bundle constructed of glass or silica through which exiting tissue fluid must pass.

24. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing a physiological secretion necessary for functionality of a physiologic activity of a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with tissue fluid of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said tissue fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing the physiological secretion;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus for drawing initial tissue fluid through the inlet from the host for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of the physiological secretion, and for dispensing resulting tissue fluid bearing said physiological secretion through the outlet and into the host;

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells of the host; and

e) an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells of the host, the outlet filter comprising capillaries of nano-capillary bundles arranged in quadrangular or triangular configuration in reference to each other.

25. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the filter comprises at least one nano-capillary bundle constructed of glass or silica through which entering tissue fluid must pass.

26. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing a physiological secretion necessary for functionality of a physiologic activity of a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with peritoneal fluid within a peritoneal cavity of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said peritoneal fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing the physiological secretion, the plurality of physiologically active secretory cells being divided into sub-pluralities whereby each sub-plurality of physiologically active secretory cells is disposed on a tray, a plurality of such trays being situated into a column, and a plurality of such columns being horizontally spaced from each other with respective inter-column spaces there between;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus disposed for drawing initial peritoneal fluid through the inlet from the peritoneal cavity for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of the physiological secretion, and for dispensing resulting peritoneal fluid bearing said physiological regulating secretion through the outlet and into the peritoneal cavity; and

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host.

27. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the pump apparatus comprises a plurality of sequentially disposed, peristaltic-like activated and deactivated, elasticized pump tubes for peristaltic-like moving within said tubes the initial peritoneal fluid and the peritoneal fluid bearing the physiological secretion through the housing.

28. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 26 wherein each sub-plurality of physiologically active secretory cells is encapsulated with a permeable medium through which nutrient for and metabolic waste from each cell can pass and through which said physiological secretion can pass.

29. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing a physiological secretion necessary for functionality of a physiologic activity of a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with peritoneal fluid within a peritoneal cavity of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said peritoneal fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing the physiological secretion;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus disposed for drawing initial peritoneal fluid through the inlet from the peritoneal cavity for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of the physiological secretion, and for dispensing resulting peritoneal fluid bearing said physiological regulating secretion through the outlet and into the peritoneal cavity;

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host; and

e) an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents, cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host, the outlet filter comprising nano-capillary bundle constructed of glass or silica through which exiting tissue fluid must pass.

30. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing a physiological secretion necessary for functionality of a physiologic activity of a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with peritoneal fluid within a peritoneal cavity of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said peritoneal fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing the physiological secretion;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus disposed for drawing initial peritoneal fluid through the inlet from the peritoneal cavity for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of the physiological secretion, and for dispensing resulting peritoneal fluid bearing said physiological regulating secretion through the outlet and into the peritoneal cavity;

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host; and

e) an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents, cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host, the outlet filter comprising capillaries of nano-capillary bundles arranged in quadrangular or triangular configuration in reference to each other.

31. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 30 wherein each sub-plurality of physiologically active secretory cells is encapsulated with a permeable medium through which nutrient for and metabolic waste from each cell can pass and through which insulin can pass.

32. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing insulin as necessary for metabolism of glucose within a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with tissue fluid of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said tissue fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing insulin, the plurality of physiologically active secretory cells being divided into sub-pluralities whereby each sub-plurality of physiologically active secretory cells is disposed on a tray, a plurality of such trays being situated into a column, and a plurality of such columns being horizontally spaced from each other with respective inter-column spaces there between;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus for drawing initial tissue fluid through the inlet from the host for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of insulin, and for dispensing resulting tissue fluid bearing said insulin through the outlet and into the host; and

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host.

33. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 32 wherein the pump apparatus comprises a plurality of sequentially disposed, peristaltic-like activated and deactivated pump tubes for peristaltic-like moving within said tubes the initial tissue fluid and the tissue fluid bearing insulin through the housing, and further wherein each said inter-column space has disposed therein at least one said capillary-tubing bundle.

34. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing insulin as necessary for metabolism of glucose within a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with tissue fluid of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said tissue fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing insulin;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus for drawing initial tissue fluid through the inlet from the host for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of insulin, and for dispensing resulting tissue fluid bearing said insulin through the outlet and into the host; and

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host, the filter comprising at least one nano-capillary bundle constructed of glass or silica through which entering tissue fluid must pass.

35. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing insulin as necessary for metabolism of glucose within a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with tissue fluid of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said tissue fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing insulin;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus for drawing initial tissue fluid through the inlet from the host for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of insulin, and for dispensing resulting tissue fluid bearing said insulin through the outlet and into the host;

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host; and

e) an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host, the outlet filter comprising at least one nano-capillary bundle constructed of glass or silica through which exiting tissue fluid must pass.

36. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing insulin as necessary for metabolism of glucose within a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with tissue fluid of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said tissue fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing insulin;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus for drawing initial tissue fluid through the inlet from the host for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of insulin, and for dispensing resulting tissue fluid bearing said insulin through the outlet and into the host;

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host; and

e) an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host, the outlet filter comprising capillaries of nano-capillary bundles arranged in quadrangular or triangular configuration in reference to each other.

37. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing insulin necessary for carbohydrate metabolism within a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with peritoneal fluid inside a peritoneal cavity of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said peritoneal fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing insulin, the plurality of physiologically active secretory cells being divided into sub-pluralities whereby each sub-plurality of physiologically active secretory cells being disposed on a tray, a plurality of such trays being situated into a column, and a plurality of such columns being horizontally spaced from each other with respective inter-column spaces there between;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus regulated by a controller for drawing initial peritoneal fluid through the inlet from the peritoneal cavity for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of regulating insulin, and for dispensing resulting peritoneal fluid bearing said insulin through the outlet and into the peritoneal cavity; and

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host.

38. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 37 wherein the pump apparatus comprises a plurality of sequentially disposed, peristaltic-like activated and deactivated, elasticized pump tubes for peristaltic-like moving within said tubes the initial peritoneal fluid and the peritoneal fluid bearing insulin through the housing, and further wherein each said inter-column space has disposed therein at least one said capillary-tubing bundle.

39. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system as claimed in claim 37 wherein each sub-plurality of physiologically active secretory cells is encapsulated with a permeable medium through which nutrient for and metabolic waste from each cell can pass and through which said physiological secretion can pass.

40. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing insulin necessary for carbohydrate metabolism within a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with peritoneal fluid inside a peritoneal cavity of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said peritoneal fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing insulin;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus regulated by a controller for drawing initial peritoneal fluid through the inlet from the peritoneal cavity for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of regulating insulin, and for dispensing resulting peritoneal fluid bearing said insulin through the outlet and into the peritoneal cavity; and

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host, the filter comprising at least one nano-capillary bundle constructed of glass or silica through which entering tissue fluid must pass.

41. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing insulin necessary for carbohydrate metabolism within a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with peritoneal fluid inside a peritoneal cavity of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said peritoneal fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing insulin;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus regulated by a controller for drawing initial peritoneal fluid through the inlet from the peritoneal cavity for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of regulating insulin, and for dispensing resulting peritoneal fluid bearing said insulin through the outlet and into the peritoneal cavity;

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host; and

e) an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host, the outlet filter comprising t least one nano-capillary bundle constructed of glass or silica through which exiting tissue fluid must pass.

42. An implantable bioartificial active secretion system for providing insulin necessary for carbohydrate metabolism within a living-being host, the system comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet with an external opening thereto and an outlet with an external opening therefrom, said housing implantable at least partially within the host such that the inlet and outlet openings are positionable in fluidic communication with peritoneal fluid inside a peritoneal cavity of the host for receiving into and dispensing from the housing said peritoneal fluid;

b) a chamber disposed within the housing between the inlet and outlet and in communication therewith, said chamber having therein a plurality of physiologically active, autonomously functioning, live secretory cells for producing insulin;

c) a periodically operating pump apparatus regulated by a controller for drawing initial peritoneal fluid through the inlet from the peritoneal cavity for contact with the physiologically active cells within the chamber for pick up of regulating insulin, and for dispensing resulting peritoneal fluid bearing said insulin through the outlet and into the peritoneal cavity;

d) an inlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the inlet and disposed upstream of the chamber, said inlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host; and

e) an outlet filter in operational communication with the external opening of the outlet and disposed downstream of the chamber, said outlet filter having interstices therethrough sized for prohibiting passage into the chamber of immune system agents and cells, immunoglobulins, and complement system components of the host, the outlet filter comprising capillaries of nano-capillary bundles arranged in quadrangular or triangular configuration in reference to each other.