The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 01, 2000
Filed:
Nov. 03, 1995
Venkatram R Shastri, Allston, MA (US);
Christine E Schmidt, Boston, MA (US);
Robert S Langer, Newton, MA (US);
Joseph P Vacanti, Winchester, MA (US);
Children's Medical Center Corporation, Boston, MA (US);
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (US);
Abstract
Methods and support systems are provided for modifying the regeneration, differentiation, or function of cells. In one embodiment, electrically conducting biocompatible polymers may be used alone or in combination with a polymeric support for in vitro nerve cell regeneration, or in vivo to aid in healing nervous tissue defects. The conductive polymers may implanted adjacent to or seeded with nerve cells. Voltage or current is applied to the polymer in a range which induces the desired effect on the cells while not damaging the cells. The methods and systems can be used in a variety of applications to enhance in vivo or in vitro growth or regeneration of nervous tissue.