Semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks for drug delivery and tissue engineering
First Claim
1. A method for making semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks, comprising:
- exposing a suspension of dissociated cells in a solution of two or more biocompatible polymers to free radicals generated during photopolymerization using a light source external to the suspension so that the light generates free radicals thereby forming the semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Compositions for tissue engineering and drug delivery have been developed based on solutions of two or more polymers which form semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks upon exposure to active species following injection at a site in a patient in need thereof. The polymers crosslink to themselves but not to each other; semi-interpenetrating networks are formed when only one of the polymers crosslink. The resulting viscous solutions retain the biologically active molecules or cells at the site of injection until release or tissue formation, respectfully, occurs.
As a result of studies conducted with polymer-cell suspensions forming interpenetrating polymer networks, it has been determined that polymer solutions can be formulated wherein the active species is provided by exposure of the polymer solution to an exogenous source of active species, typically electromagnetic radiation, preferably light. Studies demonstrate that light will penetrate through skin, body fluids (such as synovial fluid) and membranes and polymerize the polymer solutions. The polymer solutions can be crosslinked ionically or covalently, to form a hydrogel, semi-interpenetrating polymer network or an interpenetrating polymer network.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for making semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks, comprising:
- exposing a suspension of dissociated cells in a solution of two or more biocompatible polymers to free radicals generated during photopolymerization using a light source external to the suspension so that the light generates free radicals thereby forming the semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of forming a tissue equivalent in a subject, the tissue equivalent comprising semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating networks, comprising:
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injecting a suspension of dissociated cells in a solution of two or more biocompatible polymers into a subject, and exposing the suspension to free radicals generated during photopolymerization using a light source external to the injected suspension so that the light penetrates through tissue to generate free radicals thereby forming the tissue equivalent. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. A method of forming a tissue equivalent in a mold, the tissue equivalent comprising semi-interpenetrating or interpenetrating polymer networks, comprising:
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injecting a suspension of dissociated cells in a solution of two or more biocompatible polymers into a mold, and exposing the suspension to free radicals generated during photopolymerization using a light source external to the suspension so that the electromagnetic radiation generates free radicals thereby fong the tissue equivalent.
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Specification