Cell-independent fabrication of tissue equivalents

摘要

This invention relates to cell-independent processes which mimic cellular bioremodelling and produce organized biomaterials which have mechanical properties and viable cell densities suitable for use as functional tissue implants. The biomaterials are produced by providing a gel comprising a matrix of scaffold fibers of and an interstitial fluid; and plastically compacting the gel to produce the biomaterial. The biomaterials may comprise 3D structures such as layering, alignment and meso-scale zonal heterogeneities of cells and matrix which mimic native tissue structure. Biomaterials with biomimetic structure as described herein may be useful in a range of therapeutic applications.

主权项

1. A method of producing a biomaterial comprising viable mammalian cells, wherein the method comprises:
providing a gel comprising a matrix of fibers and a liquid, said liquid being interstitial to the matrix of fibers, and the interstitial liquid containing viable mammalian cells, wherein said gel is produced by polymerisation of monomers dissolved in liquid containing viable mammalian cells; and, applying an external compaction to the gel to expel 50% to 99.9% of the interstitial liquid from the gel, thereby causing compaction of the gel, thereby producing a biomaterial comprising viable mammalian cells.