Three-dimensional fabrication of biocompatible structures in anatomical shapes and dimensions for tissue engineering and organ replacement
First Claim
1. An article for use as a template for cell growth, comprising:
- a structure formed by a multi-photon lithographic process and comprising a photocurable polymer, the structure comprising at least one wall defining a cavity; and
a plurality of pores having a cross-sectional dimension of less than 40 microns formed in at least a portion of the wall and permeating the wall, thereby enabling exchange of a component between a portion interior to the cavity and a portion exterior to the cavity,wherein at least a portion of the structure comprises a cell-adhering substance and at least a portion of the structure comprises a cell-inhibiting substance, andwherein the structure is constructed and arranged for use as a template for cell growth.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses involving biocompatible structures for tissue engineering and organ replacement and, more specifically, biocompatible structures formed by three-dimensional fabrication, are described. In some embodiments, the biocompatible structures are scaffolds for cells that can be used as tissue engineering templates and/or as artificial organs. The structures may be three-dimensional and can mimic the shapes and dimensions of tissues and/or organs, including the microarchitecture and porosities of the tissues and organs. Pores in the structure may allow delivery of molecules across the structure, and may facilitate cell migration and/or generation of connective tissue between the structure and its host environment. Structures of the invention can be implanted into a mammal and/or may be used ex vivo as bioartificial assist devices.
43 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An article for use as a template for cell growth, comprising:
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a structure formed by a multi-photon lithographic process and comprising a photocurable polymer, the structure comprising at least one wall defining a cavity; and a plurality of pores having a cross-sectional dimension of less than 40 microns formed in at least a portion of the wall and permeating the wall, thereby enabling exchange of a component between a portion interior to the cavity and a portion exterior to the cavity, wherein at least a portion of the structure comprises a cell-adhering substance and at least a portion of the structure comprises a cell-inhibiting substance, and wherein the structure is constructed and arranged for use as a template for cell growth. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. An article for use as a template for cell growth, comprising:
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a structure formed by a multi-photon lithographic process and comprising a photocurable polymer, the structure comprising at least one wall defining a cavity, the cavity having an inner diameter of less than 300 microns; and a plurality of pores formed in at least a portion of the wall and permeating the wall, thereby enabling exchange of a component between a portion interior to the cavity and a portion exterior to the cavity, wherein at least a portion of the structure comprises a cell-adhering substance and at least a portion of the structure comprises a cell-inhibiting substance, and wherein the structure is constructed and arranged for use as a template for cell growth.
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Specification