Patent ID: 7727441
Filing Date: 2010-06-01
Classification: B29C,C12M

Abstract:
1. A method of producing a tubular tissue scaffold, the method comprising: feeding a gel dispersion comprising a biopolymer into an extruder, wherein the extruder has counter-rotating members configured to produce a tube from the gel dispersion while providing a radial shear force across the wall of the tube, and wherein the extruder has a gas channel connecting a gas source with the luminal space of the tubular tissue scaffold as it exits the tube-forming device; forming the gel dispersion into a tube that is substantially free of distinct layers; and causing the gel dispersion to solidify, thereby forming a tubular tissue scaffold comprising a tube wall having biopolymer fibrils that are aligned in a helical pattern around the longitudinal axis of the tube and where the pitch of the helical pattern changes with the radial position in the tube wall.