Prevascularized contructs for implantation to provide blood perfusion

• US 7,029,838 B2
• Filed: 03/29/2002
• Issued: 04/18/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents (University of Arizona)
• Original Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents (University of Arizona)
• Inventors: Hoying, James B., Williams, Stuart K., Shepherd, Benjamin R.
• Primary Examiner(s): LI, QIAN JANICE
• Application Number:
  US10/112,461
• Publication Number:
  US 20020142458A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,481 Days
• Field of Search: 435/325, 424/93.1
• US Class Current: 435/1.1
• 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: A61K 48/00 Medicinal preparations containing genetic material which is inserted into cells of the living body to treat genetic diseases; Gene therapy
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2501/20 Cytokines; Chemokines
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2502/28 Vascular endothelial cells
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2510/00 Genetically modified cells
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2533/54 Collagen; Gelatin
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2533/56 Fibrin; Thrombin
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 5/0691 Vascular smooth muscle cells; 3D culture thereof, e.g. models of blood vessels
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 5/0697 Artificial constructs associating cells of different lineages, e.g. tissue equivalents blood vessels C12N5/0691

Abstract

This application discloses methods and materials for preparing functional microvascular beds in the laboratory. These prevascularized constructs can be used to vascularize engineered tissue constructs or to revascularize damaged or diseased tissues or organs following implantation. The prevascularized constructs may also deliver genetically engineered gene products to the bloodstream.

Claims

1. A method for vascularizing an engineered tissue in a subject, comprising:

a. combining at least one prevascularized construct with said engineered tissue, wherein said construct contains freshly isolated autologous microvessel fragments in a biocompatible three-dimensional culture matrix; and

b. implanting said engineered tissue, thereby vascularizing said engineered tissue in vivo.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said combining comprises attaching at least one prevascularized construct to said engineered tissue.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said attaching comprises suturing, stapling, gluing, or combinations thereof.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one prevasctilarized construct comprises at least one microvessel fragment obtained from a vascular tissue.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said vascular tissue is skin, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, atrial appendage of the heart, lung, mesentery, or adipose tissue.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said engineered tissue is selected from the group consisting of heart tissue, lung tissue, cardiac muscle tissue, striated muscle tissue, liver tissue, pancreatic tissue, cartilage, bone, pericardium, peritoneum, kidney, smooth muscle, skin, mucosal tissue, small intestine, and large intestine.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein said at least one microvessel fragment is obtained from a human.