Patent ID: 6287340
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: A61F,A61L,C12M,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for producing an anterior cruciate ligament ex vivo, comprising the steps:a) providing pluripotent cells, a 3-dimensional matrix of cylindrical form comprised of collagen, and two cylindrically shaped anchors suitable for attachment to the matrix;b) seeding the cells in the matrix, either pre- or post-matrix formation, by means to uniformly immobilize the cells within the matrix;c) attaching a face of each respective anchor to either end of the seeded matrix so that the entire surface of each face of the seeded matrix of step b) contacts the face of the respective anchors; andd) culturing the cells in the anchored matrix of step c) under conditions appropriate for cell growth and regeneration, while subjecting the matrix to intermittent application of two or more mechanical forces via movement of one or both of the attached anchors, wherein one of the mechanical forces is tension.