Abstract: In a process for producing an implant from cell cultures in vitro, tissue cells, particularly cartilage cells, are introduced into a three-dimensional self-supporting structure preformed preferably from nonwoven polymer material, the supporting structure having a shape corresponding to that of the desired implant. The supporting structure is then perfused with a nourishing solution for a sufficiently long period of time that an intercellular matrix which bonds the cells together is formed at least partially within the supporting structure. The supporting structure with the at least partially formed intercellular matrix may then be implanted. Upon subsequent resorption of the supporting structure, the shape of the implant is maintained and preserved by the intercellular matrix then formed.