Jason D Gee

US Patent:

61210420, Sep 19, 2000

Filed:

Dec 31, 1997

Appl. No.:

9/001609

Inventors:

Alvin Peterson - Jamul CA
Lee K. Landeen - San Diego CA
John Bennett - San Diego CA
Jason Gee - San Francisco CA
Scott Chesla - Atlanta GA
Joan Zeltinger - San Diego CA
James H. Flatt - Del Mar CA
Mark A. Applegate - San Diego CA
Noushin Dunkelman - San Diego CA
Stephen V. Kemmerrer - San Diego CA

Assignee:

Advanced Tissue Sciences, Inc. - La Jolla CA

International Classification:

C12M 300
C12N 500

US Classification:

4352841

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for sterilizing, seeding, culturing, storing, shipping, and testing three-dimensional tissue constructs is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid reservoir, a pump, at least one treatment chamber, and a means for controlling media flow characteristics around a tissue construct disposed within the treatment chamber, and for controlling movement of the construct itself, so as to simulate a variety of physiologic conditions. One exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a means for applying an axial stress to the construct. Applying an axial stress to the construct during seeding and culturing results in a tissue-engineered construct with cells and their fibers oriented in a manner which is more likely to possess long term dimensional stability and the patency of native vessels with normal physiologic function.