TRANSPLANT/IMPLANT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ITS PRODUCTION

摘要

A transplant/implant device for delivering at least one predetermined biologically active compound to a human or animal host system or for another biological function in the host system is produced by genetically engineerin g vital chondrocytes or mixing chondrocytes with another type of native or genetically engineered cells or mixing chondrocytes with artificial particle s having a size comparable to the size of cells or combining at least two of t he named steps of engineering or mixing and by subjecting the chondrocytes or t he mixture comprising the chondrocytes to three dimensional culture conditions for in vitro production of cartilaginous tissue whereby the cells and/or the artificial particles are immobilized in the cartilaginous tissue. The chondrocytes produce and maintain the cartilaginous tissue and the chondrocytes themselves or cells of another cell type immobilized in the cartilaginous tissue are able to produce and secrete the at least one predetermined compound. The artificial particles are e.g. biosensors. The chondrocytes as well as the cells of the other cell type may originate from the host or from a donor. The cartilaginous tissue proves to constitute favourable conditions for the vital cells and/or artificial particles immobilized therein and for the delivery of the predetermined compound also on a long term basis in particular by preventing or reducing unfavourable reactions by the host system such as immuno reactions or foreign-body reactions.