Cell construct formed in vitro, useful e.g. in drug testing or production of dental or ligament implants, comprising cells capable of mineralization and/or ossification enclosed in endogenous extracellular matrix

摘要

A cell construct (I), cultured in vitro, comprises: (a) animal cells, including cells capable of mineralization and/or ossification; and (b) an endogenous extracellular matrix in which the cells (a) are enclosed, is new. Independent claims are also included for: (1) production of (I), by culturing appropriate cells under conditions suitable for forming endogenous, newly synthesized extracellular matrix enclosing one or more laters of cells; and (2) producing an implant, involving wrapping (I) around the surface of the implant and culturing the assembly under conditions which maintain or stimulate cell proliferation and/or differentiation while promoting fusion and remodelling of the cell layers on the surface of the implant.