Patent ID: 8728463
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: A61F,A61K,A61L

Abstract:
1. A method of producing an artificial composite flexible digit construct permitting coordinated motion, comprising: providing a first biocompatible, biodegradable matrix, wherein the first matrix comprises a composite synthetic polymer and collagen matrix having a substantially uniform porous structure and a porosity greater than about 50% for cell accommodation, the composite further comprising about 25% to about 75% synthetic polymer to provide sufficient rigidity to provide structural support for bone tissue regeneration; seeding the first matrix with an isolated population of cells selected from the group consisting of cartilage-forming cells, bone-forming cells and combinations thereof; providing a second biocompatible matrix, wherein the second matrix comprises a flexible, collagen-containing matrix; seeding the second matrix with an isolated population of muscle progenitor cells (MPCs); preconditioning the seeded second matrix in a bioreactor that provides intermittent stretching of the MPC-seeded second matrix to promote unidirectional muscle fiber growth and orientation; joining the first matrix to the second matrix; and joining the second matrix to an additional matrix or a bone structure such that the second matrix produces a flexible linkage therebetween to produce the artificial composite flexible digit construct capable of coordinated motion.