Patent ID: 7462471

Claim:
A polymeric matrix formed of a biodegradable, biocompatible, synthetic, amorphous polymer or semi-crystalline polymer with a degree of crystallinity in the range of from 0 to 24.5% having a porosity of between 45 to 93% and a pore size range of greater than zero to 500 microns that is suitable for attachment and proliferation of dissociated cells, wherein said polymeric matrix further comprises cells selected from the group consisting of hepatocytes, pancreatic islet cells, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, exocrine cells, cells of intestinal origin, bile duct cells, parathyroid cells, thyroid cells, cells of the adrenal-hypothalamic-pituitary axis, heart muscle cells, kidney epithelial cells, kidney tubular cells, kidney basement membrane cells, nerve cells, blood vessel cells, cells forming bone and cartilage, smooth muscle cells, and skeletal muscle cells.