Abstract: This invention is a method for the implantation of a combination of cells or cell-microcarrier aggregates wherein one component comprises a solid implantable construct and a second component comprises an injectable formulation. For example, in one embodiment, the solid implant may be first implanted to fill the majority of the cavity receiving the implant, and then cells or cell-microcarrier aggregates in an injectable format, with or without the addition of gelling materials to promote rapid gelling in situ, may be injected into spaces surrounding the solid implant in order to secure the solid implant in the site and/or to promote rapid adherence and/or integration of the solid implant to surrounding tissues. Also contemplated in this embodiment is that the cellular composition of the injectable component may differ from that of the solid component.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the culture of cells, and particularly chondrocytes for purpose of tissue replacement. The cells are cultured on polymer constructs. Integren expression is used as a measure of chondrocyte viability. Chondrocytes are obtained from the knee, nose and ankle cartilage. Mechanical strain is used to propagate chondrocytes, chitosan and arabinogalactanchitosan are used as scaffolds. Progenitor, pluripotential, stem and mesenchymal cells are operative in this invention.

Abstract: Polysaccaride polymers are employed in various medical applications. For example, chitosan—arabinogalactan and polysaccharide amine polymers are disclosed. The polymers can be used to prevent wound adhesion, to provide scaffolds for tissue transplantation and carriers for cell culture.

Abstract: Cells grown on a microcarrier are separated from the microcarrier by enzymatically digesting the microcarrier. More specifically, chondrocytes may be grown on dextran microcarrier beadlets and then the beadlets digested using dextranase to separate the chondrocytes from the carrier. Cells can also be grown on chitosan microcarriers to be used for implantation. In addition, cells can be grown on polysaccharide polymers to be used as implant devices. Various polymers serve as scaffolds for cells to be used for implantation. The polymers can be used for cell culture as well as for preparing scaffolds useful for tissue replacement such as cartilage tissue.

Abstract: Polysaccaride polymers are employed in various medical applications. For example, chitosan-arabinogalactan and polysaccharide amine polymers are disclosed. The polymers can be used to prevent wound adhesion, to provide scaffolds for tissue transplantation and carriers for cell culture.

Abstract: This invention is a method for the implantation of a combination of cells or cell-microcarrier aggregates wherein one component comprises a solid implantable construct and a second component comprises an injectable formulation. For example, in one embodiment, the solid implant may be first implanted to fill the majority of the cavity receiving the implant, and then cells or cell-microcarrier aggregates in an injectable format, with or without the addition of gelling materials to promote rapid gelling in situ, may be injected into spaces surrounding the solid implant in order to secure the solid implant in the site and/or to promote rapid adherence and/or integration of the solid implant to surrounding tissues. Also contemplated in this embodiment is that the cellular composition of the injectable component may differ from that of the solid component.