Patent ID: 7354764
Filing Date: 2008-04-08
Classification: A61L,C12M

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an implantable tissue construct for replacement of a human body part, the method comprising the steps of: a) forming an inert material into a porous support structure having a predetermined shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of a human body part to be replaced, and which substantially maintains the shape and size of the human body part to be replaced; b) encapsulating the entire porous support structure with a boundary layer of cell-impermeable material, which substantially conforms to the predetermined shape and size of the porous support structure; c) introducing living cells into the porous support structure; d) promoting cell growth by introducing nutrients and oxygen to the living cells in said porous support structure; e) after completion of cell growth, removing the boundary layer; and f) eliminating the porous support structure; thereby producing an implantable tissue construct having a shape and size corresponding to the human body part to be replaced.