Patent ID: 8293510
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: A61L,C12N

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing a hydrogel network having living cells encapsulated therein comprising the steps of: forming a solution of a thermally gelling polysaccharide or protein at a temperature in which the living cells are viable and dispersing the cells therein; cooling the thermally gelling polysaccharide or protein solution down to or below its gelation temperature in which the living cells are also viable to cause gelation and form a polysaccharide or protein gel and to encapsulate the cells in said gel; contacting the polysaccharide or protein gel having the living cells encapsulated therein with a solution comprising one or more water-soluble vinyl monomers for a sufficient period of time to disperse the one or more water-soluble vinyl monomers within the gel; and then polymerizing and/or cross-linking the one or more water-soluble vinyl monomers within said gel.