Patent ID: 6306169
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: A61L

Abstract:
A method for the manufacture of a biochemical implant comprising at least two matrix components, the first matrix component having a porous macrostructure with the ability to withstand tensile or shear forces, the second matrix component being hydrated gel which substantially fills the porous macrostructure of the first component and exerts a swelling pressure, the implant additionally comprising a population of animal cells having a differentiated biomechanical phenotype or having an undifferentiated phenotype with the potential to differentiate into such cells, in which the method comprises:(a) infiltrating a solution of the uncrosslinked precursors of the hydrated gel into the first matrix component;(b) crosslinking the gel in situ to form the second matrix component;(c) incorporating the cells into the matrix defined by the first and second matrix components; and(d) applying a mechanical loading.