Patent ID: 6426214
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: A61K

Abstract:
An enclosable cell encapsulating device comprising:a) an outer porous polytetrafluoroethylene permeable membrane wherein said permeable membrane allows for passage into said device of nutrients external to said device and wastes of cells and desirable cell products out of said device without permitting passage of cells therethrough; b) a cell displacing flexible polymer core having a plurality of ridges and valleys running lengthwise along said core, situated in said device so as to displace cells from a region centrally located in said device, said core being substantially cell free; c) a cell zone capable of containing cells, said cell zone having a thickness extending from said permeable membrane to an outer boundary of said cell displacing core, said thickness being sufficiently narrow to support the viability of cells; and d) a sealable opening for receiving cells, which when sealed forms a completely enclosed cell encapsulation device.