Cell-seeded extracellular matrix grafts

摘要

Described are tissue graft constructs that include an extracellular matrix material in combination with added endothelial cells and at least one additional added exogenous cellular population. The additional exogenous cellular population desirably includes muscle cells, such as smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, or a combination thereof. Tubular constructs seeded with such cell combinations can be beneficially used as vascular grafts. Also described are methods for preparing and using such grafts.

主权项

1. A tubular tissue graft construct, comprising a tube having a lumenal surface and an exterior surface formed with an extracellular matrix material obtained from a porcine, bovine or ovine source tissue, added human vascular endothelial cells, and at least one of added human fibroblast cells and added human muscle cells, wherein the extracellular matrix material retains at least one bioactive component from said source tissue, wherein said at least one bioactive component is a growth factor, wherein the tube includes a flat sheet of extracellular matrix material formed into a tube shape and sutured or otherwise bonded to retain the tube shape, wherein said added human vascular endothelial cells are the only added cells present on the luminal surface of the tube and wherein said at least one of added human fibroblast cells and added human muscle cells is present on the exterior surface of the tube, and wherein the tubular graft construct has been prepared in vitro and is suitable for implantation in a human patient.