Three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system
US5443950A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S623/915
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional cell culture system which can be used to culture a variety of different cells and tissues in vitro for prolonged periods of time. In accordance with the invention, cells derived from a desired tissue are inoculated and grown on a pre-established stromal support matrix. The stromal support matrix comprises stromal cells, such as fibroblasts actively growing on a three-dimensional matrix. Stromal cells may also include other cells found in loose connective tissue such as endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, adipocytes, pericytes, reticular cells found in bone marrow stroma, etc. The stromal matrix provides the support, growth factors, and regulatory factors necessary to sustain long-term active proliferation of cells in culture. When grown in this three-dimensional system, the proliferating cells mature and segregate properly to form components of adult tissues analogous to counterparts found in vivo.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.