US5624840A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Three-dimensional liver cell and tissue culture system
Assignee: REGENEMED Inc A CALIFORNIA Corp
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Filing: 1995-05-31
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Granted: 1997-04-29
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Expires: 2015-05-31
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system. In particular, it relates to this culture system for the long term culture of liver cells and tissues in vitro in an environment that more closely approximates that found in vivo. The culture system described herein provides for proliferation and appropriate liver cell maturation to form structures analogous to tissue counterparts in vivo. The resulting liver tissues survivo for prolonged periods, perform liver-specific functions, and maintain hepatic tissue architecture following in vivo implantation. The liver cultures have a variety of applications ranging from transplantation or implantation in vivo, to screening cytotoxic compounds and pharmaceutical compounds in vitro, to the production of biologically active molecules in "bioreactors" and to the construction of extracorporeal liver assist device.
Inventors
- 👤 Brian A. Naughton
- 👤 Gail K. Naughton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:40
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12N; C12N5/00; C12N5/06; C12N5/0602; C12N5/067; C12N5/0671; A; A61; A61B; A61B90/00; A61K; A61K35/00; A61K35/12; A61K35/28; A61L; A61L27/00; A61L27/36; A61L27/3604; A61L27/3629; A61L27/3637; A61L27/3641; A61L27/38; A61L27/3804; A61L27/3839; A61L27/3886; A61L27/3895; A61L27/50; A61L27/60; A61B10/00; A61B10/02; A61B10/0233; A61B10/025; A61B2010/0258; A61K2035/124; C12N2500/00; C12N2500/30; C12N2500/34; C12N2501/00; C12N2501/10; C12N2501/11; C12N2501/30; C12N2501/33; C12N2501/335; C12N2501/38; C12N2501/39; C12N2502/00; C12N2502/13; C12N2503/00; C12N2503/04; C12N2510/00; C12N2533/00; C12N2533/30; C12N2533/40; C12N2533/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for transplantation or implantation of liver cells which comprises implanting in vivo the liver cells cultured on a living stromal tissue prepared in vitro, comprising stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attached to and substantially enveloping a framework composed of a biocompatible, non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells so that a tissue equivalent is formed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for transplantation or implantation of liver cells which comprises implanting in vivo the liver cells cultured on a living stromal tissue prepared in vitro, comprising stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attached to and substantially enveloping a framework composed of a biocompatible, non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells so that a tissue equivalent is formed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 1 in which the stromal cells are fibroblasts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to claim 1 in which the stromal cells are a combination of fibroblasts and endothelial cells, pericytes, macrophages, monocytes, leukocytes, plasma cells, mast cells or adipocytes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 1 in which the framework is composed of a biodegradable material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 4 in which the biodegradable material is cotton, polyglycolic acid, cat gut sutures, cellulose, gelatin, or dextran.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 1 in which the framework is composed of a non-biodegradable material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 6 in which the non-biodegradable material is a polyamide, a polyester, a polystyrene, a polypropylene, a polyacrylate, a polyvinyl, a polycarbonate, a polytetrafluorethylene, or a nitrocellulose compound.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 4, 5, 6 or 7 in which the framework is pre-coated with collagen.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 in which the framework is a mesh.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 8 in which the framework is a mesh.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-04-28 | 2000-10-28 | 2001-04-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-04-28 | 2004-10-28 | 2005-04-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-04-28 | 2008-10-28 | 2009-04-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |