Hydrogel capable of containing and conveying cells

Abstract

An interpenetrating biodegradable polymeric matrix hydrogel and the use thereof to support, encapsulate, convey and release several types of cells under conditions which allow the cells to be kept alive, grow and interconnect. The hydrogel may be used to prepare implants for integrally or partially regenerating, reconstructing and/or replacing damaged, dead or no longer functional tissues, in particular at the central nervous system or spinal marrow level. In such use, the biodegradability of the hydrogel allows a progressive release of the conveyed cells in order to promote their integration, even functional, with the surrounding tissue. The hydrogel may also be employed to support cells, for example, neural cells such as neuronal cells, on measuring devices, specifically realized for monitoring several parameters of cell activity, also during pharmacological and bio-mechanical tests.