A method of growing bioengineered tissues includes, as a major component, the use of mammalian cells that have been transfected with genes for secretion of regulator and growth-factor substances. In a typical application, one either seeds the cells onto an artificial matrix made of a synthetic or natural biocompatible material, or else one cultures the cells until they secrete a desired amount of an extracellular matrix. If such a bioengineered tissue construct is to be used for surgical replacement of injured tissue, then the cells should preferably be the patient’s own cells or, if not, at least cells matched to the patient’s cells according to a human-leucocyte-antigen (HLA) test. The bioengineered tissue construct is typically implanted in the patient’s injured natural tissue, wherein the growth-factor genes enhance metabolic functions that promote the in vitro development of functional tissue constructs and their integration with native tissues. If the matrix is biodegradable, then one of the results of metabolism could be absorption of the matrix and replacement of the matrix with tissue formed at least partly by the transfected cells.

The method was developed for articular chondrocytes but can (at least in principle) be extended to a variety of cell types and biocompatible matrix materials, including ones that have been exploited in prior tissue-engineering methods. Examples of cell types include chondrocytes, hepatocytes, islet cells, nerve cells, muscle cells, other organ cells, bone- and cartilage-forming cells, epithelial and endothelial cells, connective-tissue stem cells, mesodermal stem cells, and cells of the liver and the pancreas. Cells can be obtained from cell-line cultures, biopsies, and tissue banks. Genes, molecules, or nucleic acids that secrete factors that influence the growth of cells, the production of extracellular matrix material, and other cell functions can be inserted in cells by any of a variety of standard transfection techniques.

The method was developed for polyglycolic acid scaffolds, but can (at least in principle) be extended to other biodegradable matrix materials, which include collagen, fibrin, and poly(lactic acid) [PLA], poly(glycolic acid) [PGA], and PLA/PGA copolymers. Nonbiodegradable matrix materials include polystyrene, polyesters, polypropylene, and numerous other polymers. Preferably, the matrix for a given therapeutic application should be fabricated so as to have a microstructure similar to that of the extracellular matrix to be replaced. Mechanical loads imposed on the matrix by the surrounding tissue influence the cells on and in the matrix in such a manner as to promote the regeneration of an extracellular matrix that has the proper microstructure. The cross-link density of the matrix can be tailored in fabrication in order to tailor the mechanical properties of the matrix and, in the case of a biodegradable matrix, to tailor the rate of its biodegradation. The shape and size of the matrix and the implant made from it should, of course, be chosen to suit the implant site and tissue type. The matrix material can be coated with materials that promote specific adhesion and metabolic behavior of both transfected cells and native cells.

Another important consideration in the design of a matrix is porosity. Pores must be large enough that cells can reside within them and that nutrients can migrate to the cells and waste products can diffuse away from the cells. Typical pore sizes range from 50 to 300 µm; the size or range of sizes can be chosen to obtain the cell behavior and matrix properties desired for a given application. Moreover, the range of pore sizes for a given application can be chosen to promote a specific timetable and amount of vascular ingrowth from the surrounding tissue as well as migration of native cells.

This work was done by Henning Madry, Robert S. Langer, Lisa E. Freed, Stephen Trippel, and Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic of Massachusetts Institute of Technology for Johnson Space Center. In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:

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Refer to MSC-23352, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.