Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Eugene M Skrabut

Ioannis V Yannas

Dennis Paul Orgill

John F Burke

This invention comprises the use of centrifugal force to introduce viable cells into a fibrous lattice, as well as fibrous lattices that are seeded with cells by the use of centrifugal force. A variety of fibrous lattices may be seeded by the methods of this invention, such as a highly porous lattice comprising collagen fibers crosslinked with glycosaminoglycan. Before the centrifugation, a piece of intact tissue is harvested from a donor site. It is treated with one or more substances, such as trypsin or collagenase, to dissociate cells from the tissue. The cells are then mixed with an aqueous solution to create an aqueous suspension of cells. A piece of fibrous lattice is placed within a container, referred to herein as a 'bucket,' that is suitable for rotation by a centrifuge. The aqueous suspension of cells is placed within the bucket, in contact with the lattice. The centrifuge is then rotated. Centrifugal force causes the cells, which are denser than the aqueous solution, to be forced into the lattice in a relatively uniform distribution. By controlling various parameters, cells can be seeded into any desired location within a lattice.

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Beverly, MA, United States of America

Eugene M Skrabut