SCAFFOLD COATED AND/OR IMPREGNATED WITH AT LEAST ONE BIOACTIVE AGENT FOR TISSUE REPAIR AND OTHER MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

摘要

A system and method for producing a scaffold coated and/or impregnated with at least one bioactive agent. This is accomplished by culturing at least one cell in the same medium as a scaffold, but without physical contact between the at least one cell and the scaffold. The system includes a container having a surface defining an interior compartment. A medium is disposed within the interior compartment. At least one cell is disposed within the medium, the at least one cell being capable of producing at least one bioactive agent. Further, a scaffold is disposed within the medium. The scaffold is physically separated from the at least one cell such that there is no contact between the scaffold and the at least one cell. Thus, as the at least one cell produces at least one bioactive agent, such as a growth factor, the at least one bioactive agent enters the medium, and contacts and coats and/or impregnates the scaffold. However, due to the physical separation of the scaffold and at least one cell, the at least one cell is prevented from contacting and coating and/or impregnating the scaffold. Thus, only the desired bioactive agent or agents coat and/or impregnate the scaffold.