Tissue Engineering Using Transfected Growth-Factor Genes

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.