Organogenesis, Inc.

W. R. Grace Co.-conn.

Susan J Sullivan

Paul A DiMilla

Paul G Gregory

William L Chick

Edward J Doherty

Ginger A Abraham

Karen E Dunleavy

Barry A Solomon

Kermit M Borland

James Murray

Amy L Foley

Thomas E Muller

John M Harvey

Donald P King, Jr

The invention features a liver cell culture comprising hepatocytes that have increased detoxification enzyme activity when isolated from a liver of a donor that had been administered at least one induction agent prior isolation of hepatocyte cells. The induced hepatocytes are used in a bioreactor and cultured to produce hepatocyte cell products or metabolize toxins added to the culture. The bioreactor is, or is an integral part of, a liver assist device used to treat a patient in need of liver assist.

In vivo induction for enhanced function of isolated hepatocytes

The invention is directed to methods of making bioremodelable graft prostheses prepared from cleaned tissue material derived from animal sources. The bioengineered graft prostheses of the invention are prepared using methods that preserve cell compatibility, strength, and bioremodelability of the processed tissue matrix. The bioengineered graft prostheses are used for implantation, repair, or use in a mammalian host.

Method of making a bioremodelable vascular graft prosthesis

Vivo induction for enhanced function of isolated hepatocytes

A device which serves as an artificial pancreas comprises a hollow fiber which is surrounded by islets of Langerhans enclosed in a housing. The islets are suspended in a temperature sensitive matrix which is sufficiently viscous to support islets at a temperature below about 45.degree. C. and sufficiently fluid to enable removal of islet suspension at a temperature above about 45.degree. C. A warm (e.g., 48.degree. to 50.degree. C.) solution may be flushed through the device to change the physical state of the temperature sensitive matrix from a semi-solid state to a liquified semi-gel state. The temperature sensitive supporting material also enables long term maintenance of islet cells in in vitro culture.

Artificial pancreatic perfusion device with temperature sensitive matrix

A device which serves as an artificial pancreas comprises a hollow fiber having an inner diameter of about 5 mm which is surrounded by islets of Langerhans enclosed in a housing. The islets are suspended in a semi-solid matrix which ensures desired distribution of the cells about the hollow fiber. The hollow fiber and suspended islets are enclosed in a housing which further aids the desired distribution of islets about the hollow fiber. The hollow fiber has a porosity which selectively allows passage of substances having a molecular weight of less than about 100,000 Daltons. The semi-solid matrix in which the islets are embedded and suspended is formed of an appropriate supporting material such as alginate or agar.

Artificial pancreatic perfusion device

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Newton, MA, United States of America

Susan J Sullivan