Patent ID: 6368592
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: A61K,C12M

Abstract:
A method of delivering oxygen to a cell containment space, comprising:selecting a cell container defining a cell containment space for containing cells in vitro, wherein the cell container comprises a semipermeable barrier layer bounding at least a portion of the cell containment space; selecting an oxygen generator in communication with the containment space in proximity to the semipermeable barrier layer for generating oxygen from a fluid and delivering oxygen to the cell container, wherein the oxygen generator comprises an anode and a cathode, the anode and the cathode sandwiching a proton exchange membrane, the anode electrolyzes water to oxygen and hydrogen ions; and the cathode receives the hydrogen ions generated by the anode, wherein the proton exchange membrane transports the hydrogen ions from the anode to the cathode and oxygen is generated substantially without the generation of free hydrogen; initiating a chemical reaction comprising the electrochemical conversion of water in said fluid to oxygen; and permitting said oxygen to diffuse to said cell containment space.